Nvidia Unveils G-Sync Hardware Shift, Half-Life 2 RTX Update & More
While Nvidia didn't make any major announcements at Gamescom this year, the tech giant still had a handful of noteworthy updates to share. Alongside the already revealed Portal RTX mod, which showcases Nvidia's RTX Remix platform built on its 3D cloud Omniverse, the company offered a glimpse into the highly anticipated Half-Life 2 RTX. This mod, first previewed at CES in January, promises to deliver a visually enhanced experience for the beloved Half-Life 2.
Nvidia also showcased advancements in its AI technology. The company has scaled down its Nemotron LLM NIM â the AI microservice responsible for generating responses from AI characters â into a smaller language model (SLM) capable of running on device. This was demonstrated through an interactive NPC in the upcoming game, Mecha Break. Unlike previous AI demos, this NPC not only engages in small talk but also provides useful advice on mech selection.
Other notable announcements include:
GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass Integration: Gamers can now link their GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass accounts, eliminating the need for repeated sign-ins and enabling library synchronisation. This feature mirrors the existing integration with Ubisoft and Steam.
DLSS 3.x Support: A significant number of games (at least 16) are gaining support for DLSS 3.x, demonstrating the growing traction of this latest version of the technology, which outperforms its predecessor DLSS 2.x.
CurseForge World of Warcraft Add-ons Access: GeForce Now subscribers can now access 25 selected World of Warcraft add-ons directly through the platform, eliminating the need for a CurseForge account.
A Shift in G-Sync Hardware
Nvidia is finally stepping away from the G-Sync module hardware business, a move that has been long overdue. The company has partnered with MediaTek, a prominent player in silicon technology, to handle the hardware that differentiates G-Sync from G-Sync Compatible monitors. This hardware encompasses technologies beyond basic variable rate refresh support, including those that reduce latency, enhance colour, mitigate motion blur, improve sharpness, and more.
MediaTek, known for its processors for Chromebooks, networking chips for laptops, media encode/decode chips, and video scalers, is well-positioned to handle this transition. Their video scalers, responsible for upscaling and downscaling the resolution of displayed content, have become increasingly sophisticated. This evolution has seen them become a key component in optimising synchronisation between graphics cards, mouse and keyboard input, and displays, catering to a variety of user needs.
Previously, Nvidia incorporated all these optimisation technologies into modules that monitor manufacturers integrated into their gaming displays under the G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate branding. These modules, while delivering enhanced performance, added cost and size to monitors, making them more expensive than their counterparts. While some monitor buyers are less price-sensitive, most are, and investing in a better graphics card often proves more beneficial than purchasing a monitor with G-Sync.
Licensing the rest of the silicon design to MediaTek, which already provides scalers for all monitors, represents a logical step. This doesn't mean that G-Sync will be included in every MediaTek scaler. Instead, the companies aim to integrate it into several scalers, ensuring its presence in monitors across a wider price range. The exact price range remains unclear, but MediaTek's established presence in the mainstream market suggests that lower-cost displays may benefit from the integration.
Despite not disclosing a timeframe or price range for monitors with the MediaTek G-Sync chip, Nvidia unveiled three G-Sync monitors equipped with Pulsar technology, a combination of VRR and ultralow motion blur aimed at enhancing motion clarity. These include the AOC Agon Pro AG276QSG2, Acer Predator XB273UF5, and Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQNR. All three are 27-inch, 360Hz 1440p monitors with HDR support.
These developments signify Nvidia's strategic approach to adapting to the evolving market landscape. By partnering with MediaTek, the company aims to make G-Sync technology more accessible, potentially broadening its adoption and ultimately benefiting gamers across various price points.
