Sony is expected to enhance its PlayStation 5 Pro model with an upgraded version of its PSSR technology, anticipated to be rolled out in 2026. The lead architect of the PS5, Mark Cerny, indicated that the new system will incorporate features reminiscent of AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling technology, thanks to a partnership with AMD. This collaboration not only focuses on current upgrades for the PS5 Pro but also explores advancements for the future PS6, codenamed Project Amethyst.
Cerny made these announcements during a showcase by Digital Foundry, emphasizing that the objective for 2025 is to amend the existing PSSR. Additionally, external developers will be engaged in implementing these updates. Cerny pointed out, “Our target is to have something very similar to FSR 4’s upscaler available on PS5 Pro for 2026 titles. The goal is for it to take the same inputs and yield similar outputs.” Achieving this, however, is seen as a daunting task that requires considerable time and resources, which accounts for the absence of this new upscaler in the current PS5 Pro lineup.
The new PSSR upscaling technology stands as the first tangible outcome of Sony’s ongoing partnership with AMD. Cerny described the initial results as “excellent” and noted the advanced nature of this technology, specifying that it can surpass the sharpness seen in the current PSSR system. “I’m very proud of the collaborative efforts of the joint team,” he remarked.
Cerny is confident that the architecture of the PS5 Pro can support this sophisticated FSR 4-like technology, despite its high computing demands. He explained, “We are targeting this capability and believe we can reach it. The peak performance of the PS5 Pro measures up to 300 8-bit TOPS without sparsity, which is quite competitive in comparison to the latest AMD GPUs.” However, Cerny believes that utilizing sparsity is not particularly beneficial for the upscaling algorithm they plan to implement.
To sum it up, the advancements in PSSR technology signal a substantial leap forward for the PS5 Pro. This initiative could enhance the gaming experience by delivering improved visual quality for upcoming titles, especially as developers adopt the more advanced upscaling methods. The collaboration with AMD plays a critical role in ensuring that this transition not only meets but potentially exceeds the current standards of graphics performance in gaming consoles.
For those eager for further details, the full report by Digital Foundry can provide an in-depth look into the technical aspects and projected outcomes of these developments. The excitement surrounding these improvements reflects a growing anticipation for the PS5 Pro and its capabilities in the upcoming gaming landscape.