# NVIDIA's DLSS 5 Leak Faces 'Uncanny Valley' Problem

Early version produces unrealistic results in games.

- **Source:** [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews](https://brifing.si/source/16dd2da6-3eea-4d1e-b34f-45e846cdf037)
- **Published:** 2026-08-28
- **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai)
- **Original article:** <https://www.engadget.com/2246658/early-leak-of-nvidia-dlss5-has-an-uncanny-valley-problem/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b8dbda49-6554-4327-ae09-2431eafea294

## Early Version of DLSS 5 Integrated into Games

An early version of NVIDIA's DLSS 5 technology was extracted from the PC version of NBA 2K27 and integrated into various games. However, the results created an 'uncanny valley' effect rather than achieving the expected photorealism, indicating the technology is still incomplete.

## A New Approach with Neural Rendering

DLSS 5 uses neural rendering technology to add photorealistic lighting and materials at the pixel level, instead of traditional image enhancement. However, this method creates a realistic appearance while also generating an artificial feel.

## Jesse Faden's Transformation in Control

The character Jesse Faden from Control appeared middle-aged after DLSS 5 was applied, deviating from her original 28-year-old look. This change highlights how AI can introduce deviations in character design.

## Skyrim Characters' Strange Transformation

Skyrim's low-polygon characters began to look like 3D scans of real people with DLSS 5. However, this appearance created a mismatch with the 15-year-old game's characters, resulting in a bizarre effect.

## Animations and Character Models Mismatched

DLSS 5 enhances only the faces without altering character models and animations. This creates a dissonance between realistic faces and stiff animations, amplifying the 'uncanny valley' effect.

## Performance Issues Also Present

The early version of DLSS 5 reduced fps in Control from 71 to 35 at 4K resolution on an RTX 5070 Ti. This performance drop indicates the technology is not yet optimized.

## Is NVIDIA Losing Touch with Gamers?

DLSS 5's strange appearance and performance issues could weaken NVIDIA's connection with gamers as an AI company. The company needs to develop this technology to enhance the gaming experience.

## Official Version Awaited

The official version of DLSS 5 is set to launch in fall 2024. It remains to be seen whether the final technology, integrated by developers, will offer a more natural appearance and performance.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.engadget.com/2246658/early-leak-of-nvidia-dlss5-has-an-uncanny-valley-problem/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
