Tag: DLSS

  • Intel XeSS Hits 160 Games Supported, XeSS 2 Adoption Slow

    Intel XeSS Hits 160 Games Supported, XeSS 2 Adoption Slow

    In a recent post from Intel, it was shared that their Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) technology now works with over 150 games. You can check out the full list of these XeSS-supported games on Intel’s official site. At the time of this writing, popular titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ghostrunner 2, and Death Stranding are included.

    Good News for Gamers

    This update is fantastic for gamers, even for those not using Intel’s graphics cards like the new Arc B580, which costs about $300 on Amazon. Unlike Nvidia DLSS, Intel XeSS can be used on graphics cards from other brands, though it may come with a minor dip in performance. The essence of XeSS is akin to DLSS and FSR; games are first rendered at a lower resolution and then upscaled to match the display’s native resolution using AI technology, aiming to boost frame rates while keeping image quality in check.

    The Launch of XeSS 2

    In December 2024, Intel introduced XeSS 2. This upgraded version of the upscaling tech brings two significant improvements: Frame Generation and XeSS Low Latency. With Frame Generation, the frame rate can be effectively doubled by having AI create every alternate frame instead of rendering it. Meanwhile, the Low Latency feature can cut latency by as much as 45%.

    Slow Adoption Rate

    Despite these advancements, the uptake of XeSS 2 has been slow. Even after two months since its launch, only two games currently support the upscaling technology: Marvel Rivals and F1 2024. However, Intel is optimistic about the future, having already announced that eleven more titles will soon be compatible with XeSS 2, including Civilization VII and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

    Intel’s updates indicate that they are committed to enhancing the gaming experience for users across various platforms.

    Source:
    Link


  • Nintendo’s New Patent Reveals AI Image Upscaling for Switch 2

    Nintendo’s New Patent Reveals AI Image Upscaling for Switch 2

    Yesterday, we had a closer view at the motherboard of the Nintendo Switch 2. It revealed some important parts, including an Nvidia SoC and 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. The markings on the SoC suggested it might be an Nvidia Ampere-based chip. Prior to this, another source claimed that the Switch 2 could run games at 4K 30 FPS when it is docked. Additionally, a recently discovered patent (big shoutout to Laura Kate Dale for finding it) indicates that Nintendo is planning to integrate a DLSS-like feature in its upcoming handheld console.

    Upscaling Technology

    The patent, which you can check out in full, discusses how images can be upscaled using a trained neural network. It uses an example of a 540p image being enhanced to 1080p. Interestingly, 540p is also the resolution used in DLSS 2.0’s ‘Performance’ mode. The document also mentions converting 720p to 4K, which again hints at DLSS 2.0’s ‘Ultra Performance’ mode. These transformations will utilize specialized hardware, such as Nvidia’s Tensor cores, to improve graphics.

    User Control and Battery Life

    Typically, the upscaling features will be turned off when the console is using battery power and will activate when plugged into a dock or other power source. However, users can choose to turn it on manually. This, of course, could impact battery life due to the extra computational power needed. There is also a chance that this feature could be activated via a special button on the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Future Considerations

    It’s worth mentioning that companies frequently file patents for products that may not be released for many years. Yet, this may not be the situation here since the Nintendo Switch 2 will require every bit of performance enhancement possible from the aging Nvidia SoC. Moreover, technologies like DLSS, FSR, PSSR, XeSS, and others were specifically created for this purpose.

    Source: Link

  • Nintendo Switch 2’s Resolution Limited to 1080p Without DLSS Hardware

    Nintendo Switch 2’s Resolution Limited to 1080p Without DLSS Hardware

    The Forthcoming Nintendo Switch Successor

    The upcoming Nintendo Switch successor is sparking significant excitement and conjecture within the gaming community. Nintendo finds itself in a competitive landscape with formidable rivals such as PlayStation, Xbox, and the newcomer Steam Deck. The pressure is on for Nintendo to not only deliver a robust handheld console but also to meet the lofty performance standards demanded by gamers. However, recent leaks indicate that the forthcoming Switch iteration may lack the essential hardware required for running DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), potentially impacting its resolution capabilities.

    Nintendo’s Next Generation Console and the Omission of DLSS

    Although details about the next Nintendo Switch are scant, it has been disclosed that the console will incorporate the T239 chipset, a substantial upgrade from the Nvidia Tegra X1 and X1+ chips present in the current Switch models. Nintendo’s reliance on Nvidia technologies is pivotal as they intend to prolong the console’s longevity by integrating artificial intelligence features like DLSS.

    DLSS is a technology that renders game visuals at a lower resolution and then utilizes deep learning algorithms to enhance them to a higher resolution, enabling games to be depicted at elevated resolutions with enhanced frame rates. Nonetheless, emerging reports suggest that Nintendo could be opting to exclude a Deep Learning Accelerator (DLA), a specialized processor that bolsters the performance of DLSS, possibly due to cost-cutting measures.

    Ramifications on Display Quality

    The purported absence of DLA in the speculated T234 chip that Nintendo is purportedly adopting may entail that the Switch successor could fall short in providing a 4K gaming experience at 60 frames per second. Instead, it might be constrained to running games at 1080p resolution or, optimally, 1440p resolution. This potential limitation could disappoint gamers who had anticipated a more immersive and visually striking gaming experience on the forthcoming console.

    Awaiting Further Insights

    Regrettably, concrete details on this issue remain elusive. As enthusiasts eagerly anticipate fresh leaks and speculations, Nintendo is slated to unveil the Switch successor in the initial quarter of 2024. Until then, one can only ponder on the console’s capabilities and whether the absence of DLSS will exert a substantial impact on its performance.

    Final Thoughts

    In the grand scheme of things, the Nintendo Switch successor is navigating a challenging environment characterized by intense competition and elevated expectations. While the absence of DLSS might curtail its resolution potential, Nintendo has unquestionably devoted considerable time and effort to fabricate a handheld console that promises an engaging gaming venture. As the world of gaming anticipates more revelations, enthusiasts worldwide fervently await the introduction of the Nintendo Switch successor.