# What is NVIDIA DLSS and how it works

> NVIDIA's AI upscaling tech boosts gaming performance without sacrificing quality.
- Title: What is NVIDIA DLSS and how it works · Engadget | Shortify
- Summary: NVIDIA's AI upscaling tech boosts gaming performance without sacrificing quality. NVIDIA DLSS uses machine learning to render games at lower resolutions then…
- Keywords: nvidia, dlss, gaming, machine learning, upsampling, graphics, frame rate, 1440p, rtx, performance mode, quality mode, works
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2281734/what-is-nvidia-dlss-how-works
- Author: Igor Bonifacic
- Published: 2026-10-13T18:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nvidia, dlss, gaming, machine learning, upsampling, graphics, frame rate, 4k, 1440p, rtx, performance mode, quality mode
## What is DLSS
NVIDIA's upscaling software increases game performance using machine learning algorithms.
## How DLSS works
DLSS renders games at lower resolutions then upscaling to your monitor's native resolution using machine learning.
## DLSS modes
Quality mode starts at 66.7 percent of target resolution for best image quality.
## Balanced mode
Balanced mode starts at 58 percent of target resolution for middle ground quality and frame rate.
## Performance mode
Performance mode starts at 50 percent of target resolution for higher frame rates.
## Ultra performance mode
Ultra performance mode starts at 33.3 percent of target resolution for 8k monitors.
## DLSS 2 and 4
DLSS 2 launched in 2020 with over 1000 games supporting it by early 2025.
## DLSS 4 features
DLSS 4 offers better image quality and reduced ghosting with transformer-based machine learning.
## DLAA
Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing reduces shimmer and flickering in games.
## Frame generation
Frame generation creates interpolated frames to boost frame rates for high refresh rate monitors.
## DLSS 5
DLSS 5 adds ai filters for photoreal lighting without improving frame rates.
## DLSS 5 availability
DLSS 5 is available in only NBA 2K27 as of October 2026.
## Key takeaway

NVIDIA DLSS uses machine learning to render games at lower resolutions then upscale for smoother gameplay while maintaining visual quality.