Nvidia debuts DLSS 5 for increased visual fidelity in games — AI-infused tech transforms pixels with photorealistic lighting and materials

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DLSS 5 is on track for a Fall 2026 debut

Nvidia DLSS 5
(Image credit: Nvidia)

Nvidia has used its DLSS technology across several GPU generations to upscale lower-resolution images in our favorite games. At CES 2026, Nvidia introduced DLSS 4.5, along with Multi Frame Generation 6X, to reduce unwanted artifacts, improve overall image quality, and smooth frame pacing.

But just as soon as DLSS 4.5 was introduced, Nvidia has now given us a brief preview of the next-generation: DLSS 5.

According to Nvidia, this is the single most significant advancement in computer graphics since the introduction of ray tracing eight years ago.

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GTC 2026
(Image credit: 3DTested)

DLSS 5 fundamentals are based on a new real-time neural rendering model that greatly ramps up photorealism in games by combining "photoreal lighting" and lifelike materials. Gone are the somewhat flat, uncanny-valley facial details on character models, and in their place are vastly superior hyper-realistic replacements. Nvidia promises that these improved visuals will enable ultra-smooth gameplay at up to 4K resolution.

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According to Nvidia, unlike Video AI models, which must run offline and can produce unpredictable output, DLSS 5 operates in real time, using a game engine's motion vectors and source color as inputs for its AI model. Those inputs are then used to combine the aforementioned photoreal lighting and materials, delivering consistent performance frame-to-frame. DLSS 5 has been trained to apply its visual enhancements across various model details, including hair, skin, and even fabric.

Given that DLSS 4.5 was just introduced earlier this year, we still have quite a long runway before we reach DLSS 5. Nvidia is targeting a "Fall 2026" launch for DLSS 5, and it currently has some heavy hitters in the industry on board, including Ubisoft, Bethesda, Capcom, Tencent, and Warner Bros. Games (among others). Games currently on deck to receive DLSS 5 enhancements include:

  • AION 2
  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows
  • Black State
  • CINDER CITY
  • Delta Force
  • Hogwarts Legacy
  • Justice
  • NARAKA: BLADEPOINT
  • NTE: Neverness to Everness
  • Phantom Blade Zero
  • Resident Evil Requiem
  • Sea of Remnants
  • Starfield
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
  • Where Winds Meet
Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill
11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • bit_user
    Wow, the sample images are simply stunning!

    I'm partly amazed and partly dreading just what kind of slop we're going to get, as game companies will inevitably use it as an excuse to cut more corners than the AI can fully make up for.

    Also, a bit worried what the quality in the highlighted examples would mean for frame rates.
    Reply
  • Ogotai
    bit_user said:
    Also, a bit worried what the quality in the highlighted examples would mean for frame rates.
    If the card isnt a xx90 or top end/overclocked xx80/ti card more then likely abysmal.. Just like it is now...

    Oh and using a crutch to get performance up, continues with DLSS 5....
    Reply
  • ripbeefbone
    That looks like absolute garbage. This is DLSS 5? An instant make any game look like AI Slop button that tasteless dorks will eat up? Videogames are absolutely hosed.

    Everything is going to look like it's made by and for twitter gooners from here on out
    Reply
  • mwhannan74
    What I see is an AI approach that uses "face detection" to automatically apply "filters" to try and make them look more realistic --> AKA Facetune. I guess it looks better, but some of those look a bit over exaggerated.

    Also, it is just me or are all of the "without" images really dark and dull and simply brightening the image makes a difference.
    Reply
  • coolitic
    Peak slop
    Reply
  • Neilbob
    Don't need DLSS 5 at Nvidia's trademark consumer-friendly pricing to see these sorts of images. All you need to do is look on Pinterest for free.
    Reply
  • Gururu
    No one is going to say that FSR or XeSS are doing anything as good as what DLSS is doing right now. This is the nail in the coffin. NVidia is crushing it.
    Reply
  • thestryker
    Every one of those examples ratchets up the uncanny valley to 11. Then there's also the sharpness added to the image which seems to be a staple of DLSS now which is exaggerated by the ML lighting. I really hope everyone just nopes out of this because it's godawful and destroys the artistic design.
    Reply
  • kealii123
    It just gives all the characters ozempic face
    Reply
  • Jagar123
    Not only do these look gross, in my opinion, but apparently it took two 5090s to render, according to the PC Gamer article.

    There are live demos over at GTC, which Digital Foundry has had access to ahead of the keynote today, and notes that in the demo, where the RTX 5090 is being used to render the path tracing version of Resident Evil Requiem and the standard Oblivion Remastered, a whole other RTX 5090 is being used to power the DLSS 5 component.
    We all just have that much GPU compute in our systems, right?
    Reply