Nvidia's DLSS 5: Why 'Photorealistic' Isn't Always Better

Nvidia says DLSS 5 is for photorealistic games only, but is that really a good thing? We explore why stylized visuals might be the future.

Ever boot up a game that's so realistic you can count the pores on a character's face, but you're just not feeling it? You're not alone. Nvidia recently said its upcoming DLSS 5 technology is only targeting 'photorealistic' games. But hold on—didn't we all agree that hyper-realism isn't the be-all and end-all of gaming visuals?

Let's rewind. DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, has been a game-changer for PC gamers. It uses AI to boost frame rates without sacrificing visual quality. Now, DLSS 5 is on the horizon, and Nvidia is positioning it as a tool for games that aim for photorealism. That means titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or The Witcher 3 (if they get updated) could benefit, but what about games with stylized art styles?

Think about the games that have truly captured our hearts. 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' with its cel-shaded beauty, 'Hades' with its hand-painted underworld, or 'Fortnite' with its cartoonish charm. These games aren't photorealistic, but they're visually stunning in their own right. They have a distinct aesthetic that sets them apart from the sea of gray-brown shooters that once dominated the market.

There's a reason why stylized games often age better, too. Just look at 'Wind Waker'—it's still gorgeous today, while many 'realistic' games from the same era look dated. Photorealism can be impressive, but it's also restrictive. It's hard to push boundaries when you're trying to mimic reality, and sometimes the uncanny valley just creeps in, making everything feel off.

Nvidia's stance might be practical, though. DLSS is about performance, and photorealistic games are the ones that typically need that extra boost. Stylized games often run fine without it, so focusing on photorealistic titles makes sense from a marketing perspective. But as a player, I can't help but wonder: are we missing out on potential enhancements for games that don't aim for realism?

Imagine DLSS 5 being used to make 'Borderlands' look even more comic-book-like, or to enhance the hand-drawn animations of 'Cuphead'. The possibilities are exciting, but if Nvidia ignores these games, we might never see that potential. It's a bit disheartening to think that the tech that could make our favorite games look even better might be reserved for the gritty, realistic ones.

So, what's your take? Are you all about photorealistic graphics, or do you prefer a more stylized approach? And would you like to see DLSS 5 used in games like 'Genshin Impact' or 'Overwatch'? Let us know in the comments below!