Early NVIDIA DLSS 5 Mod Draws Backlash

Early NVIDIA DLSS 5 comparisons have drawn criticism over image quality, HDR issues, and performance costs as modders test the tech in Control.

NVIDIA DLSS 5, announced earlier this year, uses an AI model with a game’s color and motion vectors to enhance scenes with photorealistic lighting and materials. According to NVIDIA’s original blog, DLSS 5 stays consistent across frames and runs in real time at up to 4K resolution, delivering smooth, interactive gameplay.

The technology drew immediate criticism for resembling a cheap AI filter. Some test examples altered characters so much that they distorted the game’s artistic intent and original vision. Recently, modders have gotten their hands on and begun using this technology in new games, but it continues to receive negative feedback.

Experimental DLSS 5 Faces Backlash Over Its Visual Results

Along with the Early Access release of NBA 2K27 came a previously unseen nvngx_dlssnr.dll library, which appears to be NVIDIA DLSSNR version 310.8.0.0 and contains the runtime for DLSS 5 Neural Rendering (per Video Cardz).

Then, in the RenoDX modding community, they have already been able to mod the new library into several games, including Control, Cyberpunk 2077, and even Final Fantasy 7.

Feedback on the ResetEra forums was less than positive, with one comment even calling it a great case of anti-FOMO. Other comments noted performance issues even on top-tier graphics cards. Of course, this is early technology, and the games it is being applied to are not built for DLSS 5. Still, NVIDIA has a long way to go to change public sentiment, if they ever can.

🚨DLSS 5 Running On Control with renodx

so one of the renodx guys has dlss 5 neural rendering (ai filter) running on control. This was using the dlss nr dll found in nba 2k27. They have it working on character models only so far.

Theres 7 different styles, the video clip

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang previously slammed detractors of the new technology, saying it’s completely under the developer’s direct control and different from generative AI.

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For more coverage on Insider Gaming, check out Sony saying that they’re working with Bandai Namco on generative AI technology. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.