“On Switch 2, the Nvidia DLSS option appears to be interpreting the same pixel data — the same resolution — as the Filmic SMAA option,” Tom told us, “but it has two advantages. First, Nvidia’s approach has better edge treatment that smooths out stair-stepping by more intelligently reconstructing that detail from accumulated frame data. Expect cleaner lines, essentially, once the frame settles.”
Here’s an example from our pre-release capture with 3x zoom enabled:
“Secondly,” he continues, “there’s the handling of busier, less uniform detail like textures, where that technique is able to sharpen their definition. Door decals and foliage both benefit as a result.”
Tom notes that analysis of the final build in motion is needed to really dig into how the two options affect the visual experience on Switch 2. If DLSS looks smoother in static screens, you would assume that SMAA has advantages in other areas.
“Perhaps there’s a frame-rate hit incurred by using DLSS,” Tom suggested, “or perhaps certain artefacts appear when combining Switch 2’s variant of DLSS with the IW Engine.” More to be revealed soon, then.
The Quality menu also has an option for “FIDELITYFX CAS”, AMD’s Contrast Adaptive Sharpening, which adds to the pool of post-processing options on the handheld. Regardless of the precise results, it’s good to see Digital Legends — the team behind the impressive Switch 2 version — giving players access to these granular options if they want them.
Check out our impressions on the Campaign for more details about how Switch 2 handles this multiplatform release, and let us know below if you’ve tinkered with the visual options yourself in early access.
Which upscaling option do you prefer? Any drastic differences in performance? Can you even notice any difference when you’re in the midst of a firefight or sprinting to the next objective? Head to the comments to share your experience. You know, if you like.
