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Engadget
NVIDIA's DLSS 5 adds subtle details to NBA 2K27, but demands a lot more power
NVIDIA's latest DLSS 5 technology introduces improved graphics to NBA 2K27 through neural rendering techniques, enhancing the realism of player and crowd models. Notable upgrades include better textures for skin and more realistic shadows. However, the technological advancements demand greater GPU power, lowering frame rates significantly during gameplay. This performance trade-off raises questions about the necessity of such enhancements, especially in wider gameplay views where the visual improvements are less discernible.
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Published 8 Sept 2026, 19:25 UTC2 min read
Lead image — Engadget
Brief
NewsBite reading:NVIDIA's DLSS 5 boosts NBA 2K27 visuals but impacts performance
TL;DR
- DLSS 5 enhances details in NBA 2K27 using neural rendering AI.
- New features improve textures and shadows of players and crowd.
- Performance drop experienced from 240fps to 150fps on RTX 5090.
- Graphics improvements noticeable mostly in close-up shots.
- Initial implementation raises concerns about necessity versus performance.
Interesting facts
- DLSS 5 aims for lifelike graphics without relying solely on raw power.
- Earlier DLSS versions also focused on generating higher-resolution textures.
- 2K Games might have intentionally limited models to highlight DLSS.
- Performance impacts could affect player experience and satisfaction.