Machine learning-based upscaling is shaping the future of video game graphics, and the advancements we’re seeing are truly exciting. Technologies like the PS5 Pro’s PSSR are making it possible for games to reach stunning 4K resolution and maintain a seamless 60 frames per second—all without compromising performance. There are occasional exceptions, but overall, the strides being made are noteworthy, particularly with AMD’s latest upgrade, the FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4). PS5 architect Mark Cerny has announced that there’s an upcoming PSSR update set for 2026 that will incorporate similar enhancements to those seen in FSR 4.
In an insightful statement, Mark Cerny described FSR 4 and the subsequent evolution of PSSR as pivotal to what lies ahead. FSR 4, which was just released, is an ML upscaling technology designed exclusively for AMD Radeon RX 9070 graphics cards. It’s received accolades for the substantial improvements it offers over FSR 3, rivaling NVIDIA’s DLSS technology but at a more affordable price point. If you’re curious about the progress and how it competes with DLSS, Digital Foundry has an in-depth video analysis worth checking out. They provide a comprehensive breakdown that’s quite illuminating.
Sony seems to be following a similar path by planning an update to its own ML technology, PSSR, to reach the caliber of FSR 4. During a discussion with Digital Foundry, Cerny divulged that they aim to release this update in 2026.
“Our primary focus in 2025 will be on collaborating with developers to weave PSSR into their games. Meanwhile, we’ve already embarked on implementing the new neural network for the PS5 Pro,” Cerny explained. “The goal is to develop an upscaler for the PS5 Pro by 2026 that mirrors FSR 4’s capabilities. It should accept the same input and deliver outputs of the same quality. This is a very ambitious project, and it demands a lot of time and resources, which is why you haven’t seen this new upscaler on PS5 Pro just yet.”
This development is bound to excite PS5 Pro users. While PSSR has mostly performed well, some titles have encountered minor issues, like shimmering effects. With these upcoming improvements, the future certainly looks promising for enhanced gaming experiences on the PS5 Pro.
