Sony has rolled out a firmware update for the PlayStation 5 Pro today, delivering on a key promise of the upgraded console: a significant enhancement to its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. The update, which began a phased rollout at 10am PT / 5pm GMT, aims to improve image clarity and stability across a growing number of titles, building on initial improvements seen in Resident Evil Requiem.
The upgraded PSSR, often dubbed PSSR 2, utilizes AI-driven upscaling to analyze game images pixel by pixel, effectively boosting resolution even as maintaining performance. This technology is particularly important for the PS5 Pro’s ability to deliver high-fidelity graphics at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. As TechRadar explains, PSSR is the first of its kind, bringing AI-driven upscaling to a home console.
While Resident Evil Requiem was the first game to showcase the advanced PSSR, the firmware update extends the benefits to a range of other titles. According to Sony, the following games will receive enhancements with the update:
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Silent Hill f
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Alan Wake 2 (detailed report coming soon)
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows (future update)
- Cyberpunk 2077 (future update)
Sony clarifies that the improvements aren’t limited to this list. “While results may vary by title, many games may witness improvements in clarity and image stability,” the company stated in a PlayStation Blog post. Users can disable the feature if they experience any unexpected visual effects.
How PSSR Works: A Collaboration Between Sony and AMD
The upgraded PSSR isn’t simply a port of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR4) to the PlayStation 5 Pro. Instead, it represents a collaborative effort under the “Project Amethyst” umbrella. Digital Foundry’s testing reveals that AMD contributes its FSR4 technology, while Sony’s PSSR improvements are fed back into future iterations of FSR4, creating a mutually beneficial cycle.
Early tests of the upgraded PSSR have shown significant improvements, particularly in titles with demanding graphical features. Digital Foundry’s analysis of Silent Hill f, for example, demonstrated a dramatic improvement over the original PSSR implementation, resolving issues with shimmering vegetation and flickering details. The original PSSR implementation was described as one of the worst examples seen, but the novel version resolves all previous gripes.
Future of PSSR and New Game Support
Looking ahead, Sony intends for most new titles supporting PS5 Pro features to incorporate the enhanced PSSR capabilities. Crimson Desert, launching this week, will be among the first to benefit. The company also confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077 are slated to receive PSSR upgrades in the near future.
The rollout of the PSSR 2 upgrade marks a significant step forward for the PS5 Pro, addressing initial concerns about the performance of the upscaling technology. With ongoing improvements and wider game support, Sony aims to deliver a more compelling visual experience for PS5 Pro owners.
What are your thoughts on the upgraded PSSR feature? Share your experiences and expectations in the comments below.
