Early DLSS 5 experiments are already running into trouble. RenoDX modders have brought NVIDIA’s neural-rendering technology into Control, and the first comparisons are drawing complaints about image quality, HDR behavior, and performance costs.
DLSS 5 was announced earlier in 2026 as an AI system that uses a game’s color and motion vectors to create more photorealistic lighting and materials. NVIDIA has said the technology can keep its results consistent between frames and run in real time at up to 4K resolution, but these unofficial tests are giving players a much rougher first impression.
RenoDX brings DLSS 5 into Control
The modding work became possible after the Early Access release of NBA 2K27 included a previously unseen nvngx_dlssnr.dll library. The file is believed to be NVIDIA DLSSNR version 310.8.0.0, and it contains the runtime for DLSS 5 Neural Rendering.
The RenoDX modding community has since brought that library into several games, including Control, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy 7. In Control, the current test works on character models and includes seven different visual styles, according to the footage shared by SwurvGaming.
🚨DLSS 5 Running On Control with renodx
so one of the renodx guys has dlss 5 neural rendering (ai filter) running on control. This was using the dlss nr dll found in nba 2k27. They have it working on character models only so far.
Theres 7 different styles, the video clip… pic.twitter.com/YlEFVCIPJC
— SwurvGaming (@SwurvGaming) August 27, 2026
Additional demonstrations cover the mod’s use in Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7.
Why the early results are drawing criticism
The visual changes are the main sticking point. Some comparisons alter character models enough to clash with the games’ original art direction, giving the effect a filter-like appearance instead of a natural extension of the existing visuals.
Players have also flagged HDR problems, while performance can suffer even on high-end graphics cards. Since these games were not built specifically for DLSS 5, the experiments do not establish how the technology would perform in a fully supported release. They do show why image quality remains a concern during this early testing phase.
Feedback in the ResetEra discussion included one commenter describing the situation as a case of “anti-FOMO.” Other comments focused on the performance hit, even with top-tier graphics cards.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has previously pushed back against criticism of DLSS 5. He argued that the technology remains under a developer’s direct control and is different from generative AI. For now, those assurances have not stopped the early mod comparisons from drawing negative reactions.
What do you make of these early DLSS 5 results, especially the changes to character models and the performance hit? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
Control
Developed by Remedy Entertainment
Control is a third-person action-adventure game set in the Federal Bureau of Control, a secretive U.S. government agency that studies paranormal phenomena. Players control Jesse Faden, who arrives at the Bureau's headquarters, the Oldest House, to find it invaded by a hostile force called the Hiss. Gameplay combines supernatural abilities with a shape-shifting firearm, and the environment is reactive and destructible.
- Genre Shooter, Adventure
- Platforms Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Perspective Third person
- Modes Single player
- Release August 27, 2019
- Publisher 505 Games
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Age Rating
-
Time to Beat
- Main
- 13.5h
- Main + Extras
- 22.6h
- Completionist
- 31.1h
