PlayStation 5 Pro owners are set to experience a significant visual upgrade as Sony rolls out an enhanced version of its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. The update, arriving via a system software update, promises improved image stability, clarity, and consistent performance across a growing list of supported titles, including highly anticipated games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
This marks the first major evolution of PSSR, a technology developed through a collaboration between AMD and Sony known as Project Amethyst. PSSR utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze and upscale game visuals on a pixel-by-pixel basis, effectively enhancing image quality without sacrificing framerate. The upgraded version refines this process, offering more precise image reconstruction and greater flexibility for developers to balance visual fidelity and performance on the PS5 Pro.
Early testing by Digital Foundry indicates the upgrade delivers substantial improvements. They found the novel upscaler addresses previous issues with shimmering and flickering, resulting in “crisper and more consistent in-game graphics” and delivering “the kind of upgrade we were looking for from PS5 Pro.”
What is PSSR and How Does it Perform?
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) is an AI-powered image upscaling technology designed to improve the visual quality of games on the PS5 Pro. Rather than rendering games at a higher native resolution – a process that can strain hardware – PSSR renders at a lower resolution and then uses AI algorithms trained on graphics data to intelligently upscale the image. This allows for improved visual fidelity with minimal performance impact. According to Sony, the latest iteration of PSSR provides developers with greater control over balancing performance and image quality.
The upgraded PSSR is rolling out in phases, beginning on March 16th at 10:00 p.m. PT / March 17th at 1:00 a.m. ET, as reported by Gematsu. The system software update includes broad support for the technology, and several game studios have already integrated it into their titles.
Which Games Will Benefit From the Upgrade?
A wide range of titles are set to receive the PSSR upgrade, both immediately and in the coming weeks. Initial support includes:
- Silent Hill 2
- Silent Hill f
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Control
- Alan Wake 2
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
- Nioh 3
- Rise of the Ronin
- Dragon’s Dogma II
- Crimson Desert
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Crimson Desert will support PSSR at launch on March 19th, while patches for Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077 are expected “in the coming weeks,” according to Sony. Konami noted that the updated PSSR technology delivers a smoother gameplay experience in Silent Hill f, rendering details like grass and shadows with greater clarity, enhancing immersion in the game’s environment. Sony’s blog post highlights this improvement.
Optional PSSR Enhancement for Existing Games
For PS5 Pro games that already support PSSR but haven’t received a dedicated update, users can manually enable the enhanced image quality through a toggle in the system settings. Sony cautions that results may vary depending on the title, and the feature can be disabled if unexpected visual effects occur. This allows players to experiment with the technology and potentially improve the visual experience in their favorite games even before official support is implemented.
The improvements made to PSSR are likewise expected to benefit AMD’s upcoming FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) update, suggesting a broader impact on PC gaming as well. This collaboration between Sony and AMD demonstrates a commitment to advancing graphics technology and delivering a more immersive gaming experience for players.
As the rollout continues and more developers integrate the upgraded PSSR, players can anticipate further visual enhancements across the PS5 Pro’s growing library of games. The ongoing refinement of AI-powered upscaling technologies like PSSR represents a significant step forward in gaming graphics, offering a pathway to higher fidelity without requiring substantial hardware upgrades.
What are your thoughts on the upgraded PSSR? Share your experiences and expectations in the comments below.
