Sony Brings AI Graphics Upscaling to Standard PS5 With QSSR

Sony has introduced a new AI-driven graphics upscaling technology called Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR) to the standard PS5. This innovation, announced on October 1, enables improved image clarity and stability without the need for the more expensive PS5 Pro. Leveraging Project Amethyst, Sony's collaboration with AMD, QSSR is designed specifically for the standard PS5 and will be accessible to developers for broader implementation.

The technology works by analyzing game images pixel by pixel and utilizing AI to reconstruct them with enhanced detail and stability. QSSR is expected to be available as an optional graphics setting in games such as Marvel's Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei. Early testing by Digital Foundry indicates that while QSSR may not provide the same performance as PSSR on the PS5 Pro, it could be used with presentation targets closer to 1440p in some modes.

Sony principal graphics R&D engineer Daniel Craig emphasized that developers can adjust rendering resolution and final presentation targets based on the game and graphics mode. The QSSR technology is described as a "drop-in replacement" for games that already support PSSR, potentially requiring only a few days of tuning. If successful across a wide range of games, this could significantly enhance image quality and processing efficiency for the standard PS5, marking a shift towards software optimization and AI-based upscaling as crucial factors in console performance.