In an exciting development for gaming enthusiasts, Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most ambitious titles from CD Projekt RED, is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game was recently showcased during a launch tour event, where attendees had the opportunity to experience a work-in-progress version of the game. Digital Foundry provided insights into this highly anticipated title, yet many questions linger regarding its performance and features.
One of the most significant announcements made by CD Projekt RED is the confirmation that Cyberpunk 2077 will utilize Nvidia DLSS technology. This makes it the first known title to incorporate this advanced machine learning-based upscaling technology on the Nintendo Switch 2. According to CDPR, they are using a version of DLSS specifically designed for the Switch 2 hardware, which is powered by Nvidia's Tensor cores.
The game will leverage DLSS across all four modes available: both handheld and docked versions, along with their respective performance and quality options. DLSS has been regarded as a potential game-changer for the Switch 2, especially as developers strive to elevate visual technology standards. In an era where achieving full native resolution at consistent performance is often not feasible, developers frequently resort to rendering at lower resolutions and employing upscalers to enhance final output quality.
DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is a sophisticated form of TAA upscaling that enhances image quality. By integrating lower resolution frames with historical data from prior frames, alongside motion vectors, a neural network reconstructs the image. This advanced technique allows the Nintendo Switch 2 to deliver visually impressive graphics without overburdening its processing capabilities.
CD Projekt RED has outlined that the Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077 will feature various graphics modes. This includes a quality and performance toggle for both handheld and docked configurations. When players connect their device to a TV, they can choose between a 30fps quality mode and a 40fps performance mode. The latter is expected to function only when the TV operates in 120Hz mode, delivering a new frame for every three display refreshes. In contrast, the 30fps quality mode presents a new frame for every other refresh, ensuring smooth visual performance in both configurations.
Both modes will operate at a 1080p output resolution, utilizing dynamic resolution scaling combined with DLSS technology. However, the handheld mode exhibits some differences due to the system's lower performance capabilities. In handheld mode, the quality setting will also output a 1080p image with DLSS and dynamic resolution scaling, targeting 30fps. Conversely, the performance mode will reduce the output resolution to 720p, aiming for 40fps on the handheld screen operating at 120Hz.
Initial pixel counts from the brief footage showcased in the Nintendo Direct revealed varying input resolutions ranging from 540p to 1080p. This uncertainty led to skepticism regarding whether DLSS was indeed in play. CD Projekt RED clarified that scaling can range from 2x and upwards per axis. Consequently, the DLSS upscaler will adjust based on GPU load, providing anything from 540p to 1080p in the 30fps quality modes and the docked 40fps performance mode. For handheld performance mode, the scaling could vary between 360p and 720p, depending on GPU demands.
While there had been prior mentions of DLSS compatibility by Nintendo and Nvidia, the confirmation of its application in Cyberpunk 2077, across both handheld and docked modes, marks a significant milestone for the launch title. However, it appears that the implementation of DLSS on the Switch 2 may differ from its application on PC platforms. Typically, on PCs, post-processing elements are rendered at the same output resolution. In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077 may be rendering these components at the input resolution, which could explain any visible pixelation and stair-stepping edges observed during gameplay.
As highlighted in the recent DF Direct, it seems that the version of DLSS being utilized is the older convolutional neural network model, rather than Nvidia's latest DLSS 4.0 transformer model. This distinction is crucial for understanding the graphical capabilities of Cyberpunk 2077 on the Nintendo Switch 2.
As fans eagerly anticipate the official release, the integration of DLSS in Cyberpunk 2077 promises to enhance the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, offering improved visuals and performance that could redefine portable gaming.
