The PS5 Pro Shows AI Upscaling Is the Future

With the reveal of the PS5 Pro, we now have some insight into its hardware capabilities. While Sony hasn’t confirmed the exact generation of graphics architecture, it’s possible that the console is still using RDNA 2, as seen in the original PS5. If it were using a newer architecture like RDNA 4, the 47% increase in compute units would result in a massive leap in performance, but that has yet to be revealed.

One standout feature of the PS5 Pro is its dedicated hardware for AI upscaling, known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which resembles Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). While AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) has yet to incorporate machine learning capabilities found in RDNA 3 graphics cards, the technology powering PSSR could pave the way for AI-driven upscaling in future AMD GPUs.

What Is PSSR?

PSSR is Sony and AMD’s AI upscaling solution for the PS5 Pro, and potentially the PS6. Though details are sparse, it likely improves upon the checkerboard rendering technique introduced with the PS4 Pro. Based on the principles of Nvidia’s DLSS, PSSR could use machine learning to upscale game visuals more effectively.

DLSS works by analyzing data from current and previous frames, using a neural network to predict the final image, which produces a higher resolution output with fewer inaccuracies caused by rapid movement. Nvidia’s Tensor Cores process this data through a neural network trained by its supercomputer. Initially, each game required individual training for DLSS, but later versions allowed it to be universally applied across games, a step Sony may skip given its control over the PS5 ecosystem and data gathering.

While PSSR may not operate exactly like DLSS, it is likely based on a similar AI upscaling approach. Sony has likely accumulated training data throughout the PS5’s lifecycle, giving it a significant edge in making PSSR widely available to developers.

Why AI Upscaling Matters?

AAA game graphics are becoming increasingly complex, demanding more power to run smoothly. Traditionally, the solution has been to create larger, more powerful GPUs. However, as graphics card prices have soared, this approach is becoming less feasible. The same cost pressures affect companies like Sony, which would need to pay more to include top-tier GPUs in their consoles.

To avoid making the PS5 Pro prohibitively expensive, Sony has opted for AI-driven upscaling rather than relying on raw GPU power. PSSR allows the console to produce visuals comparable to native 4K resolution without requiring as much processing power, which results in higher frame rates. This approach also gives developers more flexibility, as they can apply ray tracing and other intensive effects, then upscale the game to 4K from a lower resolution using AI.

While rendering at extremely low resolutions like 720p and upscaling it to 4K may produce subpar results, PSSR allows for a significant boost in visual fidelity without the need for ultra-high native resolution rendering.

The Importance of AI Upscaling for AMD

AI upscaling is already a standard feature in many modern GPUs. AMD has relied on its FSR technology since 2021, which, like DLSS and PSSR, uses previous frame data to calculate higher resolution images. However, FSR doesn’t use dedicated AI hardware, which makes it less efficient and accurate than DLSS.

While FSR can be used on any hardware, the increasing complexity of modern games makes the need for AI-driven upscaling more urgent. Fortunately, AMD’s latest Radeon RX 7000 series GPUs include AI accelerators, which are currently used for non-gaming applications. These accelerators could soon be leveraged for gaming upscaling, as it’s only a matter of time before AMD updates FSR to utilize this hardware.

As AMD prepares for the release of RDNA 4, expected in late 2024 or 2025, it’s likely that AI-driven upscaling will be a key feature. Co-engineered with AMD, the PS5 Pro’s PSSR is likely to influence the direction of AI hardware in future Radeon GPUs. While we don’t yet know what the Radeon RX 8000 series will offer, it’s clear that AMD needs to incorporate AI accelerators that will enhance gaming performance through upscaling.

In conclusion, AI upscaling is the way forward for both consoles and GPUs, and the PS5 Pro is a clear step in that direction.