One of the biggest selling points of modern graphics cards, outside enhanced performance in newer games, is frame generation. This technology uses AI-powered tech to create extra frames to enhance frame rates in demanding games, while retaining nearly identical visuals and resolution. However, DLSS and FSR may require users with lower to mid-tier graphics cards to upgrade to one of the latest generation cards, and that’s not cheap.
Now, what if I told you that, rather than spending $300+ on a new graphics card, there’s a small app on Steam that does roughly the same thing? Not only can you use this particular app in newer games and on handheld devices, but it’s also great for revitalizing older games, and it costs less than $10. The future is now, and Lossless Scaling has become my new obsession.
What exactly is Lossless Scaling?
I wasn’t sure if I really needed something like this, but it’s been impressive
My journey into the world of Lossless Scaling wasn’t because my primary PC needed a boost. I don’t have the most powerful computer in the world, but I’m running an ASUS 4060Ti and Ryzen 5600X, enough to make most modern games look great at 1440p and run at an exceptionally nice frame rate. Rather, I was looking for ways to boost my ROG Ally X to the next level, and I decided it was time to start researching what Lossless Scaling could do for me.
This program uses AI Frame Generation, commonly referred to as LSFG, to create interpolation frames to effectively enhance frame rates. It lowers the internal resolution of the game and upscales it while creating these “fake frames” to make games run and look great on aging hardware and portable hardware. Remember when you could “download RAM” on the internet, and it would make your PC “faster”? It’s basically that, but actually legit.
There’s a reason it has a 93% positive rating
It works wonders on nearly every type of rig
If you’ve got a hefty Steam friends list, there’s a good chance that a little yellow duck may look familiar to you. If not, allow me to introduce you to what may become your new best friend. Lossless Scaling is a program that allows users across any generation of graphics card to utilize frame generation, which can help a game look sharp and run smoother than you could imagine. For example, I’ve been playing Fallout 76 on my SteamOS-enabled ROG Ally X recently while using the Lossless Scaling Decky plugin, and I’ve been sitting at a silky smooth 60FPS while playing on the High preset.
Outside of a few small visual artifacts on my ROG, it looks incredible and performs just as well. Exploring the wasteland with friends has never been better, and now I can do it from the comfort of my couch without needing to lower my graphical settings. Imagine getting to play something like DOOM: The Dark Ages on a 3080 with 120FPS — it’s possible with LSFG.
- OS
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Windows 10/11, Partial Linux support
- Developer
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THS
- Mobile App
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No
Older games with capped framerates aren’t an issue
Want to play your old favorite with a higher framerate? Lossless Scaling can help
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to play games from the Seventh generation, like Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag or even RAGE, you may be disappointed to find that they’ve got a hard cap at roughly 60FPS. With Lossless Scaling, you can bypass these hard caps and boost the frame rate to breathe a bit of life into these older titles, making them feel brand new again. Some games like AC: BF may require a mod or two to add Borderless Windowed or Windowed to work even better, but it’s worth the extra clicks.
The first version of DLSS came out in 2019, with FSR following in its footsteps in 2021. Newer games like Cyberpunk 2077 can take advantage of frame generation from the newest generation of graphics cards, while Lossless Scaling can help aging graphics cards or less-powerful GPUs handle these bigger games without breaking a sweat.
Input lag and artifacting can absolutely happen
One of the trade-offs of higher FPS via interpolation
While Lossless Scaling may seem like a miracle program, it does introduce a few small issues. The biggest of the two would be input lag, depending on the number of frames that you’re hoping to generate. I would strongly recommend against using LS in highly competitive games, as the input lag can be noticeable at times. Trying to play something like Rainbow Six Siege, for example, could prove to be a problem.
There is also a small problem of visual artifacting, which can make some parts of the world look warped and wobbly. For example, I’ve noticed that my map starts to warble a bit in Fallout 76, which isn’t a major issue. But if I rotate the camera too quickly, there will be smearing and other artifacts left behind. In exchange for a better framerate in a game like this, though? It’s not that major a loss in my eyes, and I can play on my regular PC if I want the highest visual fidelity possible. While gaming on Linux, especially SteamOS, is getting better, LS also requires a bit of extra setup on SteamOS or other distros to ensure it’s running properly.
These 5 changes instantly made my Windows PC faster
Everyone needs a performance boost sometimes
For both old and new GPUs alike
While I was initially skeptical of what Lossless Scaling could potentially do, I’m more than happy to say that it’s made my gaming sessions all the better. From more FPS on the go with portable PCs to checking out older games with higher frame rate caps, it’s been an incredibly neat tool to mess around with.
Give it a try and see if this makes your next game night better. If you use it for less than 2 hours, you can always ask Steam for a refund and get your money back. But if you’re anything like me, you may find that this is a secret weapon for your portables, aging PCs, or even your own custom-built Mini PC or Steam Machine.
