The upcoming Ocarina of Time remake is already attracting attention from Zelda fans, but a new discovery has started a discussion about its graphics technology. According to reports, the game may use AMD’s FSR 1.0 upscaling technology instead of Nvidia’s DLSS, despite the Nintendo Switch 2 featuring a custom Nvidia chip.
The discovery comes from a clip shared by X user SuperMetalDave64 and later discussed by Notebookcheck. It has raised questions about Nintendo’s approach to image quality in its latest console games.
What Does the Ocarina of Time Remake Reportedly Use?
The game’s version 1.0.0 software licence menu reportedly lists AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 1.0 and SMAA anti-aliasing. It also includes an entry for an optimised FSR EASU implementation designed for mobile devices.
Interestingly, the licence notices shown do not mention Nvidia DLSS.
However, this does not confirm that DLSS is completely absent from the game. Licence notices only show which third-party code is included. They do not explain exactly when a technology is used or what resolution the game runs at. Nintendo has also not officially commented on the matter.
FSR 1.0 vs DLSS: What’s the Difference?
Both technologies help games produce cleaner images and improve performance, but they work differently.
| Feature | AMD FSR 1.0 | Nvidia DLSS |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Spatial upscaling | AI-based upscaling |
| Image processing | Uses the current frame | Can use previous frames |
| Hardware | Works across different GPUs | Uses supported Nvidia hardware |
| Fine details | Can lose some small details | Designed to reconstruct more detail |
| Performance cost | Generally lightweight | Depends on the DLSS version and mode |
FSR 1.0 is relatively simple and affordable to run. However, it can struggle with fine details such as grass, leaves and thin objects.
DLSS uses machine learning and information from previous frames to rebuild images. The Switch 2’s Nvidia hardware includes Tensor cores that can support this technology.
Nintendo Has Used FSR 1.0 Before
This would not be the first Nintendo game to use AMD’s older upscaling technology. Donkey Kong Bananza reportedly used FSR 1.0 alongside SMAA, while Mario Kart World also launched without DLSS.
Some analysts have suggested that engine limitations and development decisions could explain why certain Nintendo titles do not use DLSS.
Other developers have taken a different approach. Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy use DLSS on Switch 2, showing that the console can support Nvidia’s upscaling technology.
What This Means for Zelda Fans
The Ocarina of Time remake is a full rebuild of the classic 1998 Nintendo 64 game. It features improved visuals, voice acting, orchestral music and an ocarina that players can use through the console’s microphone.
The game is scheduled to launch on November 5, 2026. Its reported use of FSR 1.0 has led some players to question whether image quality could suffer, especially on larger screens.
However, trailer observations are not enough to judge the final result. Real performance and image-quality tests will provide a clearer answer.
For now, the reported licence information is interesting, but it does not tell the complete story. Players will have to wait for the release and detailed technical analysis to see how the remake performs on Nintendo Switch 2.
