Switch 2 Handheld Mode: Will DLSS Upscale To 1080p... Or Lower?

Summary

The discussion centers around the upcoming Switch 2 and its handling of performance through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), especially in handheld mode. It explores the challenges and potential solutions for balancing resolution and performance, with a focus on using DLSS to upscale from lower resolutions like 720p or 900p. The conversation highlights the device’s mobile chipset, its expected 1080p screen, and the potential for higher output in docked mode, while also acknowledging the limitations posed by the hardware. Developers will need to consider these factors carefully to optimize gaming experiences, especially for demanding titles.

Takeaways

• 😀 DLSS will be commonly used in Switch 2 to improve performance, especially in handheld mode.
• 😀 Handheld mode on Switch 2 will likely target resolutions between 540p and 900p, upscaled to 1080p using DLSS.
• 😀 The Switch 2's display is likely a 1080p panel, making DLSS crucial for maintaining performance at higher graphical demands.
• 😀 Docked mode will support higher resolutions, possibly up to 1440p or even 4K, with DLSS helping to achieve these targets.
• 😀 The effectiveness of DLSS depends on the resolution being targeted, with lower resolutions providing better performance at a lower cost to the GPU.
• 😀 The Switch 2 is expected to prioritize portable play optimization first, followed by better performance in docked mode.
• 😀 The switch to more advanced games and ports may lead to lower resolutions (such as 720p or below) in handheld mode, with upscale to 1080p.
• 😀 The Switch 2 may benefit from improved bandwidth compared to the current model, but this does not entirely eliminate limitations in performance.
• 😀 DLSS, though useful, might come with a cost in terms of milliseconds used by the GPU, particularly when targeting high output resolutions.
• 😀 Developers will need to balance graphical settings, resolution targets, and performance for each game, adapting to the limitations of Switch 2's hardware.

Q & A

Why is DLSS expected to be heavily used on the Switch 2?

DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is expected to be heavily used on the Switch 2 primarily due to its mobile chipset. The technology helps optimize performance by upscaling lower resolutions to higher ones, reducing the strain on the device's bandwidth and battery life, especially in handheld mode.

What resolutions are most likely to be targeted for handheld games on the Switch 2 using DLSS?

Handheld games on the Switch 2 are most likely to target resolutions such as 720p or 900p when using DLSS. These resolutions strike a balance between visual quality and performance, helping to reduce power consumption and ensure smooth gameplay.

How does DLSS impact performance when targeting higher resolutions?

DLSS becomes more expensive in terms of performance as it targets higher output resolutions. The cost increases in terms of the milliseconds needed to run on the GPU, which can lead to performance compromises if pushing for very high resolutions.

How might Nintendo's first-party games approach resolution with DLSS on the Switch 2?

Nintendo’s first-party games might lean toward targeting higher internal resolutions with DLSS, while possibly simplifying game content to ensure smoother performance. This approach would help balance visual fidelity with the device's hardware limitations.

What are the challenges of using DLSS with Unreal Engine 5 games on the Switch 2?

Unreal Engine 5 games are highly demanding and may be difficult to run on the Switch 2 due to its hardware limitations. These games may require aggressive resolution scaling with DLSS, possibly leading to lower than expected resolutions (e.g., 720p or below) to maintain performance.

Why might very low resolutions (e.g., 540p) cause problems when using DLSS on the Switch 2?

At very low resolutions, issues like noise and image incoherency can arise, especially with post-processing techniques like Lumen. This can make the visual quality of games suffer, and it may not work well with lower internal resolutions, requiring a careful balance between resolution and graphical settings.

How might the Switch 2’s screen size affect the use of DLSS in handheld mode?

The Switch 2 is expected to have an 8-inch screen, which is relatively small. This smaller screen size can help hide visual imperfections caused by lower resolution content, allowing games to use DLSS at resolutions like 540p or 900p while still maintaining a decent visual experience.

What role will DLSS play in docked mode on the Switch 2?

In docked mode, DLSS will likely be used to upscale games to higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. However, there may be limitations due to the Switch 2's hardware, meaning not all games will reach these higher resolutions with consistent performance.

What concerns arise from using DLSS in docked mode for demanding titles?

For demanding titles, such as those using advanced graphical technologies like Unreal Engine 5, DLSS may struggle in docked mode to achieve high resolutions like 4K. The device's hardware limitations could force developers to target lower resolutions to ensure smooth gameplay.

Could there be a lighter version of DLSS for the Switch 2?

Yes, there is a possibility that Nvidia could develop a lightweight version of DLSS for the Switch 2, similar to how Hello Games implemented a lightweight FSR 2 version for the Switch. This would allow the Switch 2 to run demanding games more effectively while balancing visual quality and performance.