Nvidia DLSS 5 first look: generative AI lighting radically transforms game visuals

First look: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang used his GTC 2026 keynote to unveil the next stage of machine learning-driven video game graphics, which substantially transforms lighting and the overall visuals of a game using generative AI. Although the company's demonstration showcased dramatic increases in detail in titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Starfield, it immediately drew sharp reactions from users, many of whom compared the results to AI-generated video footage.

Instead of upscaling games from lower resolutions or interpolating frames using AI, DLSS 5 applies machine learning to a game's lighting model. Nvidia calls it the next stage of rendering after upscaling and ray tracing. Digital Foundry got an early hands-on look at the technology (video below), which sparked controversy within hours of its debut.

The changes DLSS 5 introduces to environments and characters are so drastic that some social media reactions accuse Nvidia of effectively layering ...