Gamers anticipating a visual leap with the PlayStation 5 Pro are getting an early taste of its potential. Sony has begun rolling out an upgraded version of its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, a key component of the console’s enhanced graphics capabilities, to players of Resident Evil Requiem. The update, which promises sharper images and improved clarity on 4K televisions, arrives ahead of a planned system-wide firmware release in March.
The timing is notable, as Sony and AMD initially outlined plans for an improved PSSR upscaling solution for the PS5 Pro in early 2026. This new iteration, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, closely mirrors AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) technology. The connection isn’t coincidental; both technologies stem from “Project Amethyst,” a collaborative effort between Sony, and AMD. What’s surprising is the immediate availability in Resident Evil Requiem, seemingly without requiring a prior system software update, according to a post on the PlayStation Blog.
Sony showcased screenshots demonstrating a significant difference in image quality, particularly in the rendering of hair, between the original PSSR and the updated version. The improvements suggest a substantial refinement in the upscaling process, aiming to deliver a more detailed and visually appealing experience.
A Collaborative Effort: Project Amethyst and FSR 4
The underlying technology powering the upgraded PSSR is rooted in the partnership between Sony and AMD, known as Project Amethyst. According to Sony, the algorithm and neural network used in the new PSSR are a direct result of this collaboration. “Through the FSR 4 upscaling technology from AMD, PC gamers have already seen the benefits of our collaboration,” Sony stated. “With the updated PSSR, we are delivering the latest version of this jointly developed technology, with an additional six months of refinement, to PS5 Pro players.”
Der Algorithmus und das neurale Netzwerk, die in der neuen PSSR zum Einsatz kommen, stammen aus unserer „Project Amethyst“-Partnerschaft mit AMD. Durch die FSR 4 Upscaling-Technologie von AMD haben PC-Spieler bereits die Vorteile unserer Zusammenarbeit gesehen. Mit der aktualisierten PSSR stellen wir die aktuellste Version dieser gemeinsam entwickelten Technologie mit weiteren sechs Monaten Feinschliff für PS5 Pro-Spieler bereit.
Sony
Navigating the Technical Nuances: FSR 4 and RDNA Architecture
A lingering question surrounds the implementation of FSR 4 on the PS5 Pro, given the console’s hardware limitations. Full FSR 4 functionality typically requires the FP8 data format, but the PlayStation 5 Pro (based on the RDNA 3+ architecture) supports INT8, despite improvements in AI capabilities compared to the original PS5 (RDNA 2). This mirrors the situation on desktop graphics cards, where RDNA 2 lacks support for “AI formats” and RDNA 3 supports INT8. How Sony and AMD have bridged this gap remains to be fully explained, and is expected to be clarified with the broader firmware release in March.
Jack Huynh, a key figure at PlayStation Studios, acknowledged the collaborative spirit behind the technology on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the shared vision with Mark Cerny and AMD.
Grateful for the shared vision with @cerny on Project Amethyst.
🎮 Through deep co-engineering between @PlayStation and @AMD, we’re seeing that vision power the PlayStation 5 Pro, delivering higher resolution, higher frame rates, and beautiful visual fidelity for gamers.
— Jack Huynh (@jackhuynh) February 27, 2026
The rollout of the updated PSSR marks a significant step towards realizing the PS5 Pro’s promise of enhanced visual fidelity. With the full firmware update scheduled for March, Sony is poised to provide a more comprehensive picture of the technology’s capabilities and its impact on a wider range of games. Gamers can expect further details and broader compatibility as the month progresses.
What are your thoughts on the new PSSR technology? Share your comments below.
