Cyberpunk 2077 Makes History As DLSS Powers Up Nintendo Switch 2

26 April 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
6 min.
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Cyberpunk 2077 Makes History As DLSS Powers Up Nintendo Switch 2

Summary:

Cyberpunk 2077 is set to break new ground by introducing DLSS support on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Confirmed by CD Projekt Red and highlighted in the latest Digital Foundry Direct episode, the game will utilize NVIDIA’s DLSS technology across all four gameplay modes—both handheld and docked. This marks a significant evolution in handheld console performance, showcasing how DLSS, powered by NVIDIA’s Tensor cores, can enhance visuals and maintain smooth frame rates even on a portable device. As the first title to take advantage of DLSS on Nintendo’s next-gen console, Cyberpunk 2077 paves the way for future AAA experiences that don’t compromise on graphics or speed. The revelation also sheds light on the potential of Switch 2 as a truly next-gen portable device. With DLSS improving both resolution and efficiency, CD Projekt Red is once again demonstrating a commitment to pushing technical boundaries, ensuring that players get the most immersive experience possible, no matter how they choose to play.

DLSS Makes the Leap to Nintendo Switch 2

For years, DLSS has been a feature reserved for high-end gaming PCs and next-gen consoles. Now, it’s finally arriving on a portable console—and not just any console, but the Nintendo Switch 2. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) works by using AI and machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, effectively boosting performance without sacrificing visual quality. Bringing this tech to the Switch 2 isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a seismic shift in portable gaming capabilities. This means smoother gameplay, sharper visuals, and more demanding games running better than ever before, all in the palm of your hand.

CD Projekt Red Leads the Charge

When it comes to embracing cutting-edge technology, CD Projekt Red is no stranger. From ray tracing to photorealistic textures, they’ve always been about pushing the envelope. So it’s no surprise that they’re the first major developer to confirm full DLSS support on the Nintendo Switch 2. According to CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 will use DLSS in all four modes—handheld performance, handheld quality, docked performance, and docked quality. Their decision puts them at the forefront of Switch 2 development, setting the standard for others to follow. It’s a bold move, and one that aligns perfectly with the game’s high-octane, tech-driven universe.

What Is DLSS and Why It Matters

DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is a rendering technology developed by NVIDIA. It uses AI algorithms powered by Tensor cores to upscale game visuals, allowing for higher frame rates and better graphical fidelity without overloading the hardware. This matters a lot for a console like the Switch 2, where power is limited by its portable form. DLSS acts like a digital magic wand—taking a lower-res image and turning it into something that looks like native 4K. The best part? It does this while keeping your frame rates buttery smooth. It’s a total game-changer, especially for titles as demanding as Cyberpunk 2077.

Switch 2 Hardware: Powered by NVIDIA Tensor Cores

The brains behind DLSS lie in NVIDIA’s Tensor cores, and the Switch 2 is packing them. These specialized processors handle AI computations that drive DLSS, allowing the console to perform image upscaling with impressive speed and precision. Think of Tensor cores as the behind-the-scenes tech wizards, crunching data at lightning speed to make your game look better than ever. By including these in the Switch 2, Nintendo is equipping developers with tools typically reserved for much beefier systems. It opens the door to high-performance gaming on a handheld device—something we’ve never really seen at this level before.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Four DLSS Modes Explained

Cyberpunk 2077 won’t just have DLSS—it will have it in four distinct flavors. Whether you’re gaming on the go or docked at home, you’ll get options tailored to your situation. In handheld mode, players can choose between a performance mode for faster gameplay or a quality mode for richer visuals. The same applies in docked mode, where you’ll be able to push your TV to the limit or focus on silky smooth action. Each mode is optimized to make the most of the Switch 2’s capabilities, meaning that you’ll always have a balance of beauty and performance right at your fingertips.

DLSS in Handheld Mode: Performance on the Go

Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on a train or at the park? The handheld performance mode is built for mobility. DLSS kicks in to maintain higher frame rates while conserving power, so your session doesn’t feel choppy—or drain the battery too fast. This mode scales resolution intelligently, so even though the game is being rendered at a lower resolution, it still looks stunning thanks to AI upscaling. It’s like giving your handheld screen a makeover without needing more horsepower. This is what makes DLSS so ideal for portable devices: performance without compromise.

DLSS in Docked Mode: Home Console Power

Back at home, docked mode takes full advantage of your big screen. Here, Cyberpunk 2077 can crank up the visuals thanks to DLSS quality mode, delivering a near-native resolution image that looks crisp and clean. Docked performance mode, on the other hand, ensures that high-speed scenes and action-heavy moments never dip in smoothness. Whether you care more about resolution or frame rate, you’ll have a choice—something that’s rare in console gaming, let alone portable gaming. It brings a level of customization usually found on PCs, and it’s all thanks to DLSS technology working in tandem with Switch 2’s upgraded specs.

What This Means for Future Switch 2 Games

CD Projekt Red setting the bar with DLSS support means we can expect other developers to follow suit. DLSS on the Switch 2 isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the beginning of a new standard in portable gaming performance. More immersive worlds, better frame rates, and fewer compromises are now within reach. It gives developers more breathing room to create without being shackled by hardware constraints. This move might even encourage ports of more graphically intense games that were previously out of reach for the Switch ecosystem. With DLSS, those limitations start to vanish.

Digital Foundry’s Role in the Revelation

The confirmation of DLSS support in Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 came during an episode of Digital Foundry Direct—a trusted source for technical game breakdowns. Known for their deep dives into graphical performance, they were the first to receive confirmation from CD Projekt Red. Their platform added credibility to the news and helped clarify exactly what kind of DLSS implementation we’re talking about. It’s not just some basic version—it’s full DLSS integration, backed by hardware-level support. Their involvement helped spread the word quickly and precisely, stirring up excitement among tech-savvy gamers.

A Turning Point for Portable Gaming Technology

DLSS arriving on a portable console marks a massive milestone. We’re no longer talking about handheld games that look “good enough”—we’re talking about handheld games that rival what’s on a PlayStation or Xbox. The Switch 2, with its NVIDIA-powered backbone and support from industry leaders like CD Projekt Red, is turning heads. DLSS is the catalyst, transforming how we think about graphics and performance on the go. It’s like having a sports car engine in a hatchback—small package, big power. And for players who want quality without compromise, this is exactly the revolution we’ve been waiting for.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 embracing DLSS on the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just about one game—it’s about rewriting the rules of handheld gaming. With NVIDIA’s Tensor cores doing the heavy lifting and CD Projekt Red blazing the trail, we’re entering a new era where portable consoles can handle the kind of tech we once thought was exclusive to desktops and high-end rigs. The Switch 2 isn’t just a hardware upgrade—it’s a philosophy shift. And if Cyberpunk 2077 is any indication, we’re in for some jaw-dropping gaming experiences ahead.

FAQs
  • Is DLSS available in all versions of Cyberpunk 2077?
    • DLSS support is confirmed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
  • How many DLSS modes are available in Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2?
    • There are four DLSS modes: performance and quality for both handheld and docked play.
  • What do NVIDIA Tensor cores do in the Switch 2?
    • They enable DLSS by running AI-based upscaling to enhance visuals without impacting frame rates.
  • Can DLSS improve battery life on the Switch 2?
    • In performance mode, DLSS can reduce the system load, potentially improving battery life during handheld play.
  • Will other games use DLSS on Switch 2?
    • With Cyberpunk 2077 leading the way, it’s likely more developers will adopt DLSS on Switch 2 in the future.
Sources
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