The PlayStation 5 Pro, priced at $700, is set to offer significantly improved graphics compared to its predecessor, the PS5. With features designed to enhance image quality and performance, gamers can expect sharper, smoother, and more stable visuals, especially if they are sitting close enough to fully appreciate the advancements.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sony plans to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling technology into games that will take graphics quality even further. This new system is based on the AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) method, which is already included in AMD’s latest RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards. As of now, this technology is proving to be competitive with NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which is well-regarded in the gaming community.
Mark Cerny, the lead architect for PlayStation, shared that the goal is to provide a similar upscaling capability to the PS5 Pro for games released in 2026. He referred to this as the next step in PlayStation Super Resolution (PSSR), indicating a commitment to enhancing gaming visuals.
Presently, many games for the PS5 Pro utilize a form of AI upscaling called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This technology can transform lower-resolution images, like 720p, into high-quality 4K resolutions in real-time while also adding visual effects such as enhanced particle effects. Many users have expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that it stands out positively when compared to earlier versions like FSR 3.
Moreover, the partnership between Sony and AMD has been fruitful. It has recently been revealed that the cutting-edge neural network behind AMD’s FSR 4 was developed in collaboration with Sony. As a result, Sony is looking to incorporate some of these advancements into its existing PlayStation models, enhancing their functionality.
In December, a long-term project called Project Amethyst was announced by both companies. However, it appears that the groundwork for this initiative began as early as 2023. Cerny explains that the FSR 4 technology is a direct outcome of this collaboration. He describes it as a more sophisticated method that can surpass the clarity of the existing PSSR.
For now, Cerny encourages developers to continue utilizing PSSR as the integration of FSR 4’s advanced upscaling technology into the PS5 Pro and its games will take time. He wants to ensure that the transition is seamless and that developers can maintain high quality across their products.
Cerny also indicated that Sony would develop its unique versions of the technologies it collaborates on with AMD going forward. He hinted that Project Amethyst is intended to reach beyond just PlayStation consoles. He mentioned, “This technology has uses beyond PlayStation,” emphasizing the broader potential of machine learning across various devices. The ultimate goal is to enable developers to easily transition their software across multiple platforms, enhancing interoperability and improving user experiences.
For those interested in seeing a comparison between FSR 4 and PSSR, Digital Foundry has created detailed content diving deeper into these technologies, showcasing their performance and how they can affect the overall gaming experience.