The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of the action game Stellar Blade is targeting a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS) in both its docked and handheld modes, according to developer Shift Up. This ambitious performance goal is being achieved through a sophisticated combination of upscaling and frame generation technologies.
Performance Goals and Visual Fidelity
Shift Up has confirmed that the Switch 2 port will aim for 60 FPS regardless of whether the console is docked or in handheld mode. For docked play, players can expect an enhanced 1080p resolution, while the handheld experience will be rendered at 720p. The focus for the development team has been on finding an optimal balance between visual presentation and performance across both modes, recognizing the critical role of frame rate, input response, and image stability in action games.
Advanced Upscaling and Frame Generation
To achieve the high frame rate targets on the Switch 2 hardware, Shift Up is leveraging NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology. DLSS will be employed to upscale lower-resolution rendered frames to the target output resolution, enhancing visual clarity.
Furthermore, the game will integrate AMD’s FSR 3.1 (FidelityFX Super Resolution) technology, specifically utilizing its frame interpolation capabilities. The technical pipeline involves rendering the game using DLSS for super-resolution, and then applying FSR 3.1’s frame interpolation to the DLSS output. This process inserts intermediate frames between traditionally rendered frames, effectively boosting the perceived frame rate towards the 60 FPS goal.
“For action games, frame rate, input response, and image stability all impact the actual experience,” Shift Up stated, highlighting their development priorities. “The team’s porting focus is on finding a balance between graphical expression and performance in both handheld and docked modes.”
This dual implementation of DLSS for upscaling and FSR 3.1 for frame generation represents a cutting-edge approach to maximizing performance on console hardware. It suggests that Shift Up is pushing the capabilities of the Switch 2 to deliver a visually impressive and fluid gameplay experience for Stellar Blade.
The integration of these advanced technologies aims to ensure that Stellar Blade offers a compelling visual experience without compromising the fast-paced action that defines the genre. Fans can anticipate a highly responsive and stable gameplay performance when the title eventually launches on the Nintendo Switch 2.
