AI to Rescue Crimson Desert on Switch 2: Digital Foundry Explains How

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

Crimson Desert for Nintendo Switch 2 is being explored, but significant graphical adjustments will likely be required to achieve playable frame rates.
NVIDIAs DLSS technology could play a key role in maintaining acceptable visual quality during these adjustments.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version may feature reduced detail in models, textures, shadows, reflections, and water effects compared to other platforms due to its comparatively weaker hardware.
Pearl Abyss is conducting PSSR research to optimize Crimson Desert for the Switch 2, with the Xbox Series S serving as a benchmark for performance assessment.

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Pearl Abyss has confirmed that they are exploring a version of Crimson Desert for the Nintendo Switch 2. Digital Foundry believes the console could potentially run the game at 30 frames per second, though achieving this would necessitate significant graphical adjustments, similar to those made when porting The Witcher 3 to the original Switch. According to Digital Foundry, the key to achieving a playable frame rate lies in NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology. By drastically lowering the game’s native resolution, developers can leverage DLSS to reconstruct the image using AI, thereby maintaining acceptable visual quality. Pearl Abyss is prioritizing PSSR (Performance, Scalability, and Stability Research) to optimize Crimson Desert for the Switch 2. This research informs their use of the Xbox Series S as a benchmark for assessing the game’s potential performance, given the consoles’ similar specifications. If settings are comparable, Switch 2 players can anticipate reduced detail in models, textures, shadows, reflections, and water effects.

Crimson Desert on Switch 2 Optimization Challenges and Potential Strategies Revealed

The primary obstacle to porting Crimson Desert to the Switch 2 is the console’s CPU. The system may struggle in densely populated areas or locations like Bug Hill. To address this, a similar approach to The Witcher 3 may be necessary: reducing the number of NPCs and their onscreen draw distance. Pearl Abyss CEO Heo Jinyoung acknowledged that certain aspects of the game may need to be scaled back, given the Nintendo Switch 2’s comparatively weaker hardware. Digital Foundry revealed this information in their YouTube video “DF Direct Weekly #258: Crimson Desert Switch 2, New PS6 Leaks, DLSS Dynamic Multi FrameGen.” While some initially believed the announcement came directly from the broadcast, the information was actually sourced from Steam. Although Pearl Abyss is in the early stages of development for the planned Switch 2 version of Crimson Desert, the company has demonstrated its ability to optimize games across different platforms, as evidenced by post-launch enhancements to the PS5 version, DLSS ray reconstruction on PC, and framerate optimizations on Steam Deck. As of now, no further details regarding the project’s progress or release timeline have been disclosed.

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