Nintendo Switch 2 vs. PC: How Cyberpunk 2077’s DLSS Delivers Sharper Visuals

cyberpunk-2077-switch2-pc-dlss-visuals

Hardware by Masaru Hoshino on Oct 08, 2025

Cyberpunk 2077 stands out as one of the most visually impressive titles available on modern systems, and its implementation of DLSS on the upcoming Switch 2 might just be one of the best examples yet. When compared to the PC version, which is running at largely matching settings targeting 1080p, we can notice some immediate visual differences.

Both versions have been captured at 4K for analysis, but it quickly becomes clear how much softer the PC version appears. The Switch 2 utilizes dynamic resolution scaling, maintaining a resolution of up to 1080p. At the same time, the PC version is rendered at a static 1080p resolution. Despite this, DLSS or DAA on PC appears noticeably blurrier than what we see on Switch 2.

Nintendo. Switch 2, PC, How Cyberpunk 2077, DLSS Delivers Sharper Visuals, NoobFeed

Post-Processing and Sharpening Differences

This difference isn't because DLSS works differently on the two systems. Instead, it happens because of different post-processing methods used after DLSS runs, especially when it comes to sharpening in post-processing.

When we apply sharpening filters to the PC version—such as Nvidia's driver-level NIS filter or AMD's Contrast Adaptive Sharpening (CAS)—we can achieve an image far more comparable to the visual output observed on Switch 2.

The Switch 2's sharpening technique after DLSS seems similar in output to CAS. We can see that NIS and CAS act differently on angled, geometric edges, such those on automobile bodies, by looking at halted frames. NIS, like AMD's FSR1, creates the illusion of 4K sharpness by building gradients along edges into a 4K pixel grid. However, the image is still unstable over time and doesn't have true 4K fidelity.

CAS, on the other hand, works at the internal 1080p resolution, which improves contrast in a specific area while keeping the pixel structure of that resolution. Because of this, 1080p aliasing is still obvious, which is not the case with the NIS technique.

This suggests that Switch 2 employs a form of adaptive sharpening at its 1080p output after DLSS has completed its upscaling, with a different sharpening strength compared to what can be manually achieved on PC.

Once the sharpening levels are balanced, both versions begin to look remarkably similar. Interestingly, enabling CAS on the PC version can even reproduce the slight posterization issues seen on the Switch 2's screen space reflections, where the sharpening exaggerates stippling patterns.

CD Projekt Red included this sharpening step to enhance perceived detail and contrast, albeit at the cost of increased aliasing.

Nintendo. Switch 2, PC, How Cyberpunk 2077, DLSS Delivers Sharper Visuals, NoobFeed

Identifying the DLSS Model Used on Switch 2

Once we matched the sharpening characteristics, we proceeded to determine which DLSS model Switch 2 employs: Transformer or CNN. The Transformer model represents Nvidia's newer, more advanced version of DLSS, while CNN is the previous generation.

Observing both side by side, the areas where the Transformer excels do not align with what we see on Switch 2. Instead, Switch 2's image quality closely resembles the CNN-based implementation seen on PC.

When comparing preset E for the CNN model and preset K for the Transformer model, the differences become clear. In terms of distant highway geometry, the Transformer model produces smoother gradients, while both the CNN model and Switch 2 exhibit similar levels of aliasing.

The visual match between the CNN preset E and the Switch 2 output is nearly perfect, aside from minor variations in sharpening strength.

Examining the rear of the car offers another clue. The Transformer model resolves moving text—such as the "Turbo" label—more sharply, while the CNN model and Switch 2 render it noticeably softer. Furthermore, Switch 2 avoids certain visual regressions found in the Transformer model.

For example, the road beside the vehicle on the left appears clean and stable on both Switch 2 and the CNN model. In contrast, the Transformer model introduces undesirable motion-related blurring.

Final Thoughts

Based on these facts, we can claim with confidence that Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 has a DLSS implementation based on the CNN model, which is similar to what is accessible on PC. It works at a 1080p output, which is in line with what was expected and what was found in earlier tests.

The result is an image that is quite clear and solid, especially given the hardware limitations. This shows that Switch 2's DLSS integration is one of the most effective and visually appealing we've seen in a console setting.

Check our Other Handheld Articles :