The Fallout 4 upgrade on the Switch 2 introduces Nvidia DLSS, resulting in modest performance and image quality improvements, particularly noticeable in 60 FPS mode but limited by CPU bottlenecks and a lighter DLSS model. While the enhancement reduces flickering and sharpens visuals subtly, it is not a transformative update, though it underscores the growing importance of upscaling technologies like DLSS in next-gen console gaming.
The recent upgrade of Fallout 4 on the Switch 2 includes the addition of Nvidia DLSS, aiming to improve both image quality and performance. However, initial impressions suggest that the upgrade is more modest than revolutionary. After spending several hours testing, the reviewers found that while there is a noticeable difference, especially in the 60 FPS mode, it is not as dramatic as expected. The 40 FPS mode showed almost no visible improvement, and performance gains were slight, typically around two to three frames per second in demanding areas like downtown Boston.
Performance-wise, the DLSS upgrade provides a consistent but mild improvement, particularly in the 60 FPS mode. The game still suffers from classic Fallout performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, largely attributed to CPU limitations rather than GPU constraints. Therefore, while DLSS helps somewhat, it does not resolve the fundamental performance bottlenecks. The reviewers also noted that DLSS likely has a slightly higher computational cost compared to traditional temporal anti-aliasing (TAA), meaning it was never expected to drastically boost frame rates.
In terms of image quality, DLSS improves sharpness and temporal stability, reducing flickering around foliage and hard edges when moving through the game world. However, the improvements are subtle and require close inspection, such as zooming in multiple times, to fully appreciate. The version of DLSS used appears to be a lighter, less computationally intensive model rather than the full CNN-based DLSS, which limits the extent of visual enhancements. The pip-boy interface disables DLSS to maintain text clarity, but this transition is smooth and unnoticeable during gameplay.
Portable mode on the Switch 2 still shows murky image quality despite the DLSS upgrade, and the 30 FPS mode remains clearer but with noticeable judder. Overall, the upgrade is seen as a welcome but modest improvement rather than a transformative leap. The reviewers expressed curiosity about whether future patches might include more advanced DLSS models or offer developers options to balance resolution and performance more flexibly.
Finally, DLSS remains a significant feature for the Switch 2 platform, with previous titles like Resident Evil Requiem demonstrating its potential to substantially enhance visuals even compared to more powerful consoles. While Fallout 4’s DLSS upgrade is relatively mild, it highlights the ongoing importance and promise of DLSS technology on the Switch 2. The discussion also touched on other upscaling technologies like PlayStation 5 Pro’s PSSR, emphasizing that high-quality upscaling is becoming a key factor in next-gen console performance and image quality.