Sony Unveils Enhanced PSSR Upscaling for PlayStation 5 Pro, Debuting in March
Sony has announced an enhanced version of its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling technology for the PlayStation 5 Pro. This update is scheduled for release in March and will be initially implemented in Capcom's "Resident Evil Requiem." The new technology aims to improve image quality and game performance.
Technology Development and Features
The updated PSSR is described as an AI-driven upscaling system designed to allow games to render at lower internal resolutions while achieving higher perceived detail on screen.
Origin and Collaboration
Mark Cerny, PS5 Pro Lead System Architect, stated that the algorithm and neural network employed in the new PSSR originated from Project Amethyst, an ongoing collaboration with AMD focused on advancing machine-learning techniques for graphics. Cerny indicated that the technology is derived from AMD's FSR 4 upscaling technology, benefiting from an additional six months of refinement specifically for PS5 Pro players. Jack Huynh, AMD's Senior VP and GM of Computing and Graphics, confirmed that these advancements are expected to be incorporated into AMD FSR 4 for PC in the coming months.
Core Functionality
This enhanced PSSR is intended to analyze each frame pixel-by-pixel before reconstructing it at a higher resolution, with the objective of preserving clarity and stability without sacrificing frame rate.
Performance and Quality Evaluation
Developer Insights
Capcom's Masaru Ijuin, Senior Manager of Engine Development Support Section, stated that the upgraded PSSR has improved the processing of intricate details and textures, such as individual hair strands, which are typically challenging to upscale. He noted that this enhances visual expression and atmosphere.
Digital Foundry Analysis
Digital Foundry conducted tests on the new PSSR in "Resident Evil Requiem," reporting significant improvements over the previous generation. In comparisons to AMD FSR 4 and NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 on PC, the PSSR, sometimes referred to as "2.0" in this context, exhibited more aliasing but less ghosting and improved sharpness compared to AMD FSR 4 in specific scenarios. Digital Foundry also noted that "Resident Evil Requiem's" dark atmosphere, use of depth of field, and film grain might influence comparative analysis.
Availability and Future Outlook
Initial Rollout
The enhanced PSSR feature will be delivered via a system update in March and will be accessible as a system-wide toggle labeled "Enhance PSSR Image Quality" within the console's settings menu. Several existing PlayStation 5 titles are also expected to receive patches to support the new upscaling functionality.
Insider Predictions: "PSSR 2.0"
Prior to Sony's announcement, PlayStation insider GUST_fan had anticipated a "PSSR 2.0" update this year.
This update was claimed to offer improved image quality and performance, potentially enabling games previously limited to 70-80 frames per second to reach higher frame rates, possibly up to 120 frames per second.
GUST_fan also suggested the update could allow low-resolution classic games from PS1, PS2, and PSP on PlayStation Plus Premium to be upscaled to higher resolutions, describing a feature "very similar to FSR4."
Future Iteration: "PSSR 2" (2026)
Separately, a developer cited by Moore’s Law is Dead indicated that Sony is reportedly developing "PSSR 2" with a projected release in 2026. This future iteration aims for image quality comparable to FSR 4 and is expected to include a new algorithm designed to reduce memory usage and shorten GPU processing time.
Broader Upscaling Support
The PlayStation 5 Pro is also anticipated to receive separate support for FSR 4 and currently supports frame generation through FSR 3 in some titles.
PlayStation 5 Pro Overview
According to one report, the PlayStation 5 Pro launched in September 2024 with specifications including improved ray-tracing capabilities, a GPU 45% faster than the standard PS5's, and 2TB of internal storage. Its reported launch price was $699 / £699.