# NVIDIA DLSS 5 launch and RTX 40-series support expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nvidia-graphics-technology-developments > Updated: 2026-09-05T09:30:00.000Z. Sources: 182. Developments: 5. NVIDIA has officially launched DLSS 5, debuting the technology alongside NBA 2K27. The system introduces 3D-Guided Neural Rendering, which utilizes AI to reconstruct real-time lighting, materials, skin, and hair details to achieve photorealism beyond standard upscaling or frame generation. While originally intended as an exclusive feature for GeForce RTX 50-series (Blackwell architecture) and GeForce NOW Ultimate users, NVIDIA reversed its stance following community pressure and modding efforts. An NVIDIA employee confirmed on company forums that official support will expand to GeForce RTX 40-series (Ada Lovelace) GPUs later this fall, once performance optimizations for the 50-series are finalized. Technical testing indicates that the technology significantly increases power consumption, particularly on high-end hardware. The RTX 5090 shows a substantial rise in power usage, increasing by 66% at WQHD resolutions and 34% at 4K. Experts suggest this high energy demand stems from the heavy reliance on Tensor cores for AI-driven neural rendering rather than traditional FP32 cores. While NVIDIA claims the RTX 5090 can achieve up to 370 FPS at 4K in NBA 2K27, testing shows significant performance and power trade-offs. Parallel to official developments, the modding community has achieved breakthroughs. Tools such as OptiScaler and projects by modder Daniel Blanco, specifically the DLSS-NR tool, have enabled DLSS 5 to function on AMD Radeon RX 9000 and RX 7000 series architectures. However, these implementations face heavy performance penalties, with some tests showing significant frame rate drops. This has sparked industry debate regarding artistic integrity; while some, like Kingdom Come: Deliverance director Daniel Vávra, defend the technology, others worry AI-driven changes may compromise a game’s original aesthetic, with some critics labeling the output as ‘AI slop.’ ## Claims - Enabling DLSS 5 can lead to significant increases in GPU power consumption, such as an RTX 5090 jumping from 417W to 547W in Hogwarts Legacy. (disputed by 3 sources) - Testing shows that enabling DLSS 5 significantly increases power consumption, with the RTX 5090 increasing from 417W to 561W at 4K resolution. (disputed by 3 sources) - DLSS 5 utilizes 3D-Guided Neural Rendering to reconstruct lighting and material details using AI. (corroborated by 9 sources) - NBA 2K27 is the debut title for DLSS 5 and its 3D-Guided Neural Rendering technology. (corroborated by 8 sources) - NVIDIA will officially support DLSS 5 on GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs following optimization of the RTX 50-series. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Activating DLSS 5 can cause performance drops of 50% to 60% in some titles. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Modder Daniel Blanco released a tool called DLSS-NR on AMD that allows DLSS 5 to run on AMD Radeon RX 9000 and RX 7000 series cards. (corroborated by 4 sources) - DLSS 5 will function as a simple on/off toggle for gamers, while developers retain granular artistic controls. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: NVIDIA DLSS 5 debuts in NBA 2K27 with RTX 50 series support NVIDIA's DLSS 5 debuts in NBA 2K27, offering 3D-Guided Neural Rendering for RTX 50 series users. Modders have enabled it on AMD hardware, though performance remains a significant challenge. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nvidia-to-bring-dlss-5-to-rtx-40-series-despite-high-power-demands ### 2026-09-02: NVIDIA launches DLSS 5 with 3D-Guided Neural Rendering NVIDIA has launched DLSS 5 with 3D-Guided Neural Rendering in NBA 2K27. Originally exclusive to RTX 50 Series, support will now expand to RTX 40 Series following community pressure. 78 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nvidia-announces-dlss-5-launch-date-and-technical-details ### 2026-08-31: NVIDIA to launch DLSS 5 on September 3 with NBA 2K27 NVIDIA will launch DLSS 5 on September 3, debuting in NBA 2K27. The new 3D-Guided Neural Rendering uses AI to enhance photorealistic lighting and textures for RTX 50 Series users. 77 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nvidia-dlss-5-technology-surfaces-via-modding-and-game-files ### 2026-08-29: NVIDIA DLSS 5 leaked and tested by modders in multiple games Modders have leaked and tested NVIDIA’s unreleased DLSS 5 Neural Rendering in various games, showing massive visual leaps alongside severe performance drops and community debate over “AI slop” aesthetics. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nvidia-dlss-5-technology-leaked-and-implemented-by-modders ### 2026-08-24: NVIDIA announces DLSS 4.5 and RTX Mega Geometry technology NVIDIA introduces DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction for all GeForce RTX GPUs and debuts RTX Mega Geometry technology, set to first appear in Gears of War: E-Day to enhance Unreal Engine 5 ray tracing. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/game-freak-updates-beast-of-reincarnation-with-new-features --- Cite as: NVIDIA DLSS 5 launch and RTX 40-series support expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nvidia-graphics-technology-developments