Nvidia's U-turn: Reviving PhysX for RTX 50 GPUs, But Not for All Games
Nvidia is reversing its initial decision to exclude PhysX support on its RTX 50-series graphics cards. This move has sparked excitement among gamers, especially those who love the immersive realism of PhysX-powered games. But here's where it gets controversial: the support is not universal.
PhysX is a technology that brings games to life by simulating complex physics effects like shattering glass, flowing liquids, and swirling smoke. It was a key feature in many popular titles, including Borderlands 2, Mirror's Edge, and Batman: Arkham City. However, when Nvidia introduced the RTX 50 series, it dropped PhysX support due to the removal of 32-bit CUDA support, leaving gamers disappointed.
Responding to community feedback, Nvidia has now released a new driver that restores PhysX functionality for some of the most-played games. This means gamers can once again enjoy the full performance of PhysX-accelerated effects on their RTX 50 GPUs. But there's a catch: only a select few games are currently supported.
The list includes classics like Borderlands 2, Mirror's Edge, and Batman: Arkham City, but many other titles are left out. Nvidia has promised support for Batman: Arkham Asylum in early 2026, but the future of other PhysX-reliant games remains uncertain. The Resetera forum community has identified over 40 games impacted by the lack of PhysX support on RTX 50 GPUs, and it's unclear if Nvidia will address them all.
So, while Nvidia's move is a welcome one, it leaves gamers divided. Some celebrate the return of PhysX in their favorite games, while others are left waiting for their titles to be supported. And this is the part most people miss: the debate around the selective support of older games and the future of PhysX in gaming.
What do you think about Nvidia's decision? Is it a step in the right direction, or should they strive to support all PhysX games? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the future of gaming realism!