Cyberpunk 2077 Brings NVIDIA DLSS to Nintendo Switch 2, Revolutionizing Handheld Gaming

In a recent confirmation, CD Projekt Red has announced that the highly-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will leverage NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This significant development was revealed during a discussion with Digital Foundry, serving as an exciting breakthrough for the hybrid console that aims to compete with more powerful gaming platforms. Cyberpunk 2077 is poised to be the first game to utilize DLSS on the Switch 2, allowing players to enjoy enhanced graphics and performance across four distinct play modes—Quality and Performance settings for both docked and handheld modes. In docked mode, players can choose a 30 frames per second (FPS) quality mode or a 40 FPS performance mode, which will require a compatible 120Hz display. Handheld mode mirrors this capability, targeting a 30 FPS output at 1080p during quality mode while performance mode drops the resolution to 720p but aims for 40 FPS. The integration of DLSS is critical as it aids in achieving performance improvements without overly taxing the Switch 2's hardware, which may struggle to deliver high-end graphics at native resolutions. While DLSS on PC can reach more advanced levels like DLSS 4, the Switch 2's version will likely be limited to an earlier implementation, which raises questions about potential limitations. Commentary on this announcement highlights a crucial moment not only for CD Projekt Red but also for Nintendo, marking a significant advancement in handheld gaming technology. The inclusion of DLSS offers Nintendo an edge over its competitors, particularly in the handheld market, where graphical fidelity has typically been compromised. Cyberpunk 2077’s shiny reputation, marred initially by its rough launch on other platforms, is receiving a second chance on the Switch 2, as it seeks to rebuild trust with gamers. Furthermore, as a launch title, Cyberpunk 2077's performance will be pivotal in shaping the perception of the Switch 2's capabilities among gamers. Anticipation centers on how well the title runs compared to other platforms before and after its launch. Despite some skepticism regarding Digital Foundry’s initial assessments—where they claimed there was no evidence of DLSS functionality during the early reveals—this confirmation makes it clear that the developer is confident about performance naavailability. However, the debate continues as to whether DLSS will deliver the promised enhancements without impacting visual quality negatively. Lastly, while the excitement builds for the collaboration between CD Projekt Red and NVIDIA on this venture, a cautious optimism remains among gamers, highlighting the necessity for real-world testing rather than mere theoretical specifications to determine performance under actual gameplay conditions. Overall, this move could reshape the expectations of graphics in portable gaming for the coming generation, and many are eagerly awaiting launch day to experience it for themselves.