Sony has announced the rollout of AI image upscaling technology to the standard PlayStation 5 console, a feature previously expected to be exclusive to the PS5 Pro. This new technology, named Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR), is already available in Insomniac Games' 'Marvel's Wolverine' and Sucker Punch's 'Ghost of Yotei'.
QSSR is described as a version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), the "AI-guided upscaling" technology featured on the PS5 Pro. While PSSR is considered the premium implementation, QSSR aims to provide noticeable improvements in image detail and stability on the base PS5 by utilizing a "hand-tuned implementation that maximizes performance." Developers have noted the technology's ability to enhance visual fidelity.
In 'Marvel's Wolverine,' QSSR reportedly brings "extra detail amidst the busy streets of Madripoor, the dense alleyways of Shinjuku, and many other areas." Similarly, 'Ghost of Yotei' benefits from "fine details in our characters and environments" with improved temporal stability. Digital Foundry's initial testing suggests that the quality boost can be significant, particularly in 'Marvel's Wolverine,' with increased detail, superior sub-pixel integrity, and reduced artifacts in elements like moving foliage. However, the improvements are noted to be less dramatic in games that already feature strong image quality, such as 'Ghost of Yotei.'
The implementation of QSSR on the standard PS5 is noteworthy given the console lacks dedicated AI upscaling hardware like the PS5 Pro. This suggests Sony has found a way to bring advanced upscaling capabilities to the existing hardware, potentially offering a competitive alternative to existing temporal upscaling solutions. Despite these advancements, a notable difference remains between games running QSSR on the standard PS5 and PSSR on the PS5 Pro.
Following its initial deployment in these two titles, Sony plans to make QSSR available to all PlayStation developers. It remains unclear if this rollout is connected to a recent PS5 firmware update that focuses on security enhancements and general system performance improvements. The availability of QSSR on the base PS5 hardware marks a significant step in enhancing visual fidelity for a wider range of players on the platform.