PlayStation 5 Pro owners are poised to witness a significant boost in visual fidelity this March, thanks to an upgraded version of Sony’s PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling technology. The update, powered by insights gained from collaboration with AMD on its new FSR 4 technology, aims to deliver sharper images and smoother performance in supported games, with Resident Evil Requiem among the first titles to take advantage of the improvements. This enhancement represents a key step in Sony’s ongoing efforts to refine the gaming experience on its latest console.
The news comes from a recent blog post by Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 5 Pro. Cerny explained that the updated PSSR utilizes a fundamentally different approach to both the neural network and the overall algorithm, allowing it to maintain high framerates while simultaneously improving image quality. The core of this advancement lies in a collaborative effort with AMD, formalized under “Project Amethyst,” which began in 2024. This partnership has not only contributed to the development of AMD’s FSR 4 but is now directly benefiting the PS5 Pro through the enhanced PSSR.
Understanding PSSR and FSR 4
PSSR, at its core, is an AI-driven upscaling technology. As Cerny describes, it functions as “an AI library that analyzes game images pixel by pixel as it upscales them.” This process allows games to run at a lower native resolution, reducing the strain on the console’s hardware, while still delivering a visually impressive output that approaches the quality of higher resolutions. The upgraded version builds on this foundation, aiming for even greater clarity, and detail.
AMD’s FSR 4, the technology informing this upgrade, represents a significant leap forward in image upscaling. According to Digital Foundry, FSR 4 delivers quality comparable to Nvidia’s DLSS, utilizing machine learning to reconstruct images with impressive fidelity. The collaboration with Sony, as part of Project Amethyst, allowed for a reciprocal exchange of knowledge, with Sony contributing to the development of FSR 4 and now integrating similar improvements into PSSR. Cerny noted that the neural network and training recipe in FSR 4’s upscaler are the first results of this collaboration, and the results are “excellent, a more advanced approach that can exceed the crispness of PSSR.”
What to Expect from the Update
The March update will roll out as a software update for PS5 Pro owners and will be user-configurable, allowing players to enable or disable the new PSSR in the console settings. Several PS5 games are expected to receive updates around the same time to support the new upscaling technology, though specific titles beyond Resident Evil Requiem haven’t been publicly announced. Cerny’s blog post includes downloadable comparison images showcasing the visual improvements offered by the updated PSSR, allowing players to assess the difference firsthand. You can view those comparisons on the PlayStation Blog.
The benefits extend beyond simply making games look sharper. The improved PSSR is designed to maintain both framerate and image quality, addressing a common trade-off in upscaling technologies. This means players can potentially enjoy higher resolutions and smoother gameplay without sacrificing visual fidelity. The collaboration between Sony and AMD also extends to improving energy efficiency, suggesting that these advancements could have broader implications for future console and GPU development.
Resident Evil Requiem: A Showcase for the New Technology
Resident Evil Requiem is positioned as a prime example of what the upgraded PSSR can achieve. Capcom’s Engine Development Support Section R&D Foundational Technology Department highlighted how the new technology allows for the rendering of intricate details, such as individual strands of hair and beard, with greater realism. This level of detail, traditionally demanding to upscale due to its complexity, is now rendered more effectively thanks to the enhanced PSSR. The game developers emphasized the importance of this technology in deepening player immersion.
The impact of Project Amethyst isn’t limited to this single update. The long-term vision, according to Cerny, is to continue refining upscaling technology and exploring other areas of improvement, including energy efficiency. This collaborative approach suggests a sustained commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming graphics and performance on the PlayStation platform. The focus for 2025 remains on integrating PSSR into existing titles, while the groundwork for further advancements, like the FSR 4-inspired PSSR, is already underway.
PlayStation owners can expect the updated PSSR to be available in March as part of a system software update. The integration of AMD’s FSR 4 technology promises a noticeable improvement in visual quality and performance for supported games, with Resident Evil Requiem leading the charge. Further updates and game integrations are expected throughout the year, continuing Sony’s commitment to enhancing the PS5 Pro gaming experience.
Looking ahead, Sony and AMD will continue to evaluate the performance of the upgraded PSSR and gather feedback from developers and players. The success of this collaboration could pave the way for even more advanced graphical technologies in future PlayStation consoles and AMD GPUs. Stay tuned to the official PlayStation blog for further updates and a list of supported games.
What are your thoughts on the upgraded PSSR? Share your excitement and expectations in the comments below!
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