NVIDIA has just announced a significant upgrade to its Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, introducing DLSS 4 at CES 2025. This latest iteration promises to revolutionize gaming performance and visual quality, especially when paired with the newly unveiled RTX 50 Series GPUs.

DLSS 4 introduces “Multi Frame Generation,” a feature where the GPU generates “up to three additional frames per traditionally rendered frame.” This capability works in harmony with the entire suite of DLSS technologies to potentially multiply frame rates by up to 8X compared to traditional rendering methods. NVIDIA claims this advancement makes 4K gaming at 240fps with full ray tracing not just a dream but a reality for gamers with the new RTX 50 Series hardware.

A universal upgrade with transformers

A key aspect of DLSS 4 is its adoption of transformer AI models, akin to those used in AI powerhouses like ChatGPT, marking what NVIDIA describes as the “graphics industry’s first real-time application” of this technology. This upgrade isn’t exclusive to new hardware; all GeForce RTX GPUs can benefit from enhanced Ray Reconstruction, Super Resolution, and DLAA (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing). The transformer models aim to reduce ghosting, enhance temporal stability, and increase detail, particularly in scenes with motion, leading to crisper, more vibrant visuals.

Efficiency gains

NVIDIA boasts that the new frame generation model in DLSS 4 is 40% faster and uses 30% less VRAM than its predecessor. This efficiency is due in part to the transition from Convolutional Neural Networks to the more advanced transformer model architecture, which promises better pixel generation and overall scene clarity.

Immediate impact on gaming

With the launch of DLSS 4, NVIDIA is setting an aggressive pace by ensuring 75 games and applications will support Multi Frame Generation right from the get-go. Titles like “Alan Wake 2,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” and “Star Wars Outlaws” will be among those ready to leverage this technology at the RTX 50 Series launch. Additionally, over 50 games will benefit from the new transformer-based features across all RTX hardware, promising widespread adoption.

Latency and Reflex 2

A critical question for such technology is the impact on game latency. NVIDIA addresses this with the introduction of Reflex 2, featuring Frame Warp technology. This system reduces latency by up to 75%, with NVIDIA’s own testing showing a drop from 27ms to 14ms in “The Finals.” Reflex 2 is slated to roll out first to RTX 50 Series GPUs in games like “The Finals” and “Valorant,” with broader support to follow.

For the un-updated games

For titles that haven’t yet adopted the latest DLSS enhancements, NVIDIA provides “DLSS Override” options through updated drivers and the NVIDIA app. This feature allows users to enable Multi Frame Generation and other new functionalities even if the game isn’t natively updated, giving players a taste of the new tech across their library.

Contextualizing the release

DLSS 4 comes after DLSS 3, which introduced frame generation for significant performance boosts, and DLSS 3.5, which further refined ray tracing with AI-driven Ray Reconstruction. With DLSS now integrated into over 600 RTX-supported games and applications, this upgrade not only continues NVIDIA’s tradition of pushing the envelope in graphics performance but also solidifies its position in AI-enhanced gaming.