Dynamic resolution scaling (DRS) is a technique used in both PC and console games where the output resolution is changed on the fly to improve performance. When the graphical processor (GPU) encounters an area that puts a lot of strain on it, DRS can be used to lower the output resolution. This process is taken care of by the game engine, which can scale the resolution up and down to smooth-out performance. Developers will decide on a minimum (and maximum) resolution that a game can hit, which can be tweaked depending on the hardware used.

Key features of dynamic resolution scaling include:

• Automatic resolution adjustment: DRS automatically adjusts the resolution of the game on the fly to maintain a consistent frame rate.
• Gradual scaling: DRS can gradually scale down the resolution to maintain a consistent frame rate instead of doing it abruptly, which can be almost unnoticeable.
• GPU workload reduction: DRS is a useful tool since it reduces render times on the GPU. When a scene is too demanding for the GPU, DRS can be used to lower the output resolution, reducing some of that GPU demand.

Dynamic resolution scaling is not good for PC gaming, according to some gamers, as it is poor at best and is for console gaming. However, it is a useful tool for console gamers who have fixed hardware. Unity, a popular game engine, has a dynamic resolution feature that allows you to dynamically scale individual render targets to reduce workload on the GPU.