At CES 2026, Nvidia has once again pushed the boundaries of AI-assisted gaming with the announcement of DLSS 4.5. This latest iteration of its Deep Learning Super Sampling technology promises not only a significant leap in image quality for all RTX GPU owners but also introduces extreme frame generation capabilities designed to unlock ultra-high refresh rate gaming, specifically targeting the elusive 4K 240Hz experience with path-traced visuals.
The Core of DLSS 4.5: A Second-Generation Transformer Model
The foundation of DLSS 4.5's improvements lies in its new AI model. Building upon the transformer architecture introduced with DLSS 4, Nvidia has developed a second-generation model that utilizes five times the computational power of its predecessor. Trained on a vastly expanded, high-fidelity dataset, this model has gained a deeper contextual understanding of game scenes. It can now more intelligently analyze motion, geometry, lighting, and disocclusion—areas where previous upscalers often struggled. The result is a tangible improvement in temporal stability, meaning frames are more consistent and flicker is reduced. Ghosting artifacts, a common complaint with aggressive frame generation, are significantly minimized, and edge detail is enhanced with superior anti-aliasing. Crucially, this upgraded Super Resolution technology is available immediately for all RTX GPUs, from the older RTX 20-series to the latest cards, through a driver update and the Nvidia App.
DLSS 4.5 Key Features & Availability
| Feature | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Gen Transformer Model | 5x more compute than previous model. Improves temporal stability, reduces ghosting, enhances anti-aliasing. | Available now for all RTX GPUs (RTX 20-series and newer). |
| 6x Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) | Generates up to 5 AI frames per rendered frame. Targets 240Hz+ 4K gaming. | Spring 2026 for RTX 50-series GPUs only. |
| Dynamic MFG | Automatically adjusts MFG level (1x to 6x) to maintain a user-set target FPS/refresh rate. | Spring 2026 for RTX 50-series GPUs only. |
| Game Support | Over 400 games and apps support DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution at launch via Nvidia App override. | Available now. |
| Native Support | Upcoming titles like 007 First Light (May 2026) and Resident Evil Requiem (Feb 2026) will launch with DLSS 4. | Throughout 2026. |
Pushing Frame Generation to New Extremes with 6x MFG
For owners of the latest RTX 50-series "Blackwell" GPUs, DLSS 4.5 introduces a more radical feature: 6x Multi-Frame Generation (MFG). This mode allows the AI to generate up to five additional frames for every single frame rendered by the game engine, a step up from the maximum of three in DLSS 4. Targeted explicitly at high-refresh-rate 4K displays, this technology aims to deliver the "buttery smooth" experience of 240Hz or even 360Hz gaming in graphically intensive titles. Nvidia demonstrated this with Black Myth: Wukong running at 4K with full path tracing, achieving over 240 frames per second. The company claims that the improved frame pacing of the new model keeps latency increases relatively modest, reporting figures around 53-55ms in their demonstrations, which is within a playable range for many users.
Reported Performance Example (Nvidia Demo)
- Game: Black Myth: Wukong
- Settings: 4K resolution, max settings, path tracing enabled.
- Technology: DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution + 6x MFG.
- Result: ~246 FPS with a PC latency of approximately 53ms.
- Hardware: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090.
Note: This is data from Nvidia's controlled demonstration. Independent reviews will be needed to verify real-world performance and latency.
Introducing Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation for Adaptive Performance
Recognizing that a static 6x multiplier is overkill for many scenarios, Nvidia is also introducing Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation. This intelligent mode, slated for a Spring 2026 release for RTX 50-series GPUs, allows the system to automatically adjust the level of frame generation on the fly. Users can set a target frame rate, such as their monitor's maximum refresh rate, and the technology will dynamically switch between 1x and 6x MFG to maintain that target. During graphically intense scenes, it can upshift to generate more frames to bridge performance dips, while in simpler scenes, it downshifts to conserve resources and minimize potential artifacts. This adaptive approach aims to provide a consistently smooth experience without unnecessarily maxing out the AI workload.
Immediate Availability and Broad Game Support
A key advantage of DLSS 4.5's rollout is its immediate and wide-reaching availability. The enhanced Super Resolution model is available now for over 400 games and applications via the Nvidia App, even for titles that haven't been officially updated by their developers. This "override" functionality greatly expands its utility from day one. Nvidia also confirmed that several major upcoming 2026 titles, including 007 First Light, Phantom Blade Zero, Pragmata, and Resident Evil Requiem, will launch with native DLSS 4 support, ensuring the technology is at the forefront of the new gaming year.
Analysis: Balancing Innovation with Practicality
Nvidia's DLSS 4.5 announcement continues the company's strategy of using AI as a fundamental performance multiplier. The universal image quality improvements are a welcome upgrade for the entire RTX ecosystem, effectively making older hardware more capable. The 6x MFG mode, however, is a more contentious leap. It represents a doubling down on a technology that, while impressive, still faces skepticism from purists concerned about latency and visual authenticity. Nvidia's bet is that the second-gen transformer model is now sophisticated enough to mitigate these concerns and make such extreme interpolation viable. The success of this bet will ultimately be determined by hands-on testing and user adoption in the coming months. For now, DLSS 4.5 solidifies Nvidia's lead in AI-powered gaming tech, offering tangible benefits for all users while teasing a future of incredibly fluid, high-fidelity gameplay for those with the latest hardware.