Nvidia is betting that DLSS 4 multi frame generation will entice buyers to upgrade to the RTX 50 series. The technology is exclusive to the new graphics cards, with the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 release date set for January 30th. In a recent Digital Foundry interview, Nvidia's Bryan Catanzaro gave gamers some hope that the DLSS 4 killer feature may eventually reach the RTX 30 or RTX 40 series.
While multi frame generation is drawing the most headlines, it's not the only advantage of Nvidia DLSS 4. Features like Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction will also be enhanced for the RTX 30 and 40 series. Still, the improved frame generation promises major boosts in the upcoming GPUs. The advancements largely stem from smarter AI, increasing speed and efficiency. Since multi frame generation is less dependent on hardware, there are fewer roadblocks to backward compatibility.
When talking with Digital Foundry, Bryan Catanzaro confirmed the possibility of multi frame generation coming to older Nvidia cards. The company is focused on the RTX 50 series, but that could change with sufficient optimization. Even so, gamers shouldn't raise their expectations too high. Early benchmarks have shown that the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 depend heavily on the latest Nvidia DLSS 4 feature to realize advertised performance gains. With multi frame generation available on earlier-generation GPUs, upgrading would lose its appeal.
For now, RTX 30 series owners must rely on limited support for FSR 3, AMD's approach to frame generation. How well DLSS 4 multi frame generation translates to real-world performance will soon become clearer. Review embargoes end on January 24th for the RTX 5090 and January 30th for the RTX 5080.