Sony has pushed a new PS5 system software update that delivers a significantly upgraded version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to PS5 Pro owners, with a wide range of high-profile titles already adopting the technology at launch.
The update began rolling out in phases on March 16 at 10:00 PM Pacific Time, with all users able to manually trigger the install through the PS5 system settings if they don't want to wait.
What the Upgraded PSSR Actually Does
PSSR is an AI-driven upscaling library that processes each frame pixel by pixel as it reconstructs game visuals. The upgraded version brings three core improvements over the original:
- Enhanced image stability, reducing flickering and afterimage artifacts during motion
- Improved fine detail clarity, including hair, foliage edges, and particle effects
- Greater developer flexibility to balance performance and fidelity targets on PS5 Pro
The algorithm and neural network powering the new PSSR stem from Sony's Project Amethyst co-development partnership with AMD. Sony notes this same technology will eventually feed into AMD's next FSR update, extending the benefits beyond PlayStation hardware.
PS5 Pro owners can also apply the upgraded PSSR to any existing game that already supports the original PSSR via an optional system setting. Results will vary by title, and the feature can be toggled off if unexpected visual effects appear.
Games Supporting the Upgrade at Launch
Several major studios have already integrated the upgraded PSSR, with developer comments confirming the tangible differences they observed:
FF7 Rebirth with upgraded PSSR
Naoki Hamaguchi, Director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth at Square Enix, specifically called out hair rendering as a standout improvement, noting that fine details are now "naturally restored" with less flickering compared to the original PSSR.
Remedy Entertainment's Graphics Technical Director Tatu Aalto highlighted that the new PSSR responds more quickly to visibility changes in scenes, keeping motion sharp while improving temporal stability, with Alan Wake 2 benefiting the most of the two Remedy titles.
What's Coming Next
The rollout doesn't stop with the current list. Sony confirmed several additional titles are on the way:
- Crimson Desert launches on March 19 with upgraded PSSR support built in from day one
- Assassin's Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077 will receive patches adding support in the coming weeks
Sony also stated that going forward, most new PS5 Pro titles will launch with the upgraded PSSR as standard, meaning players should expect this level of image quality to become the baseline rather than the exception.
You don't need to wait for individual game patches to try the new PSSR. Head into PS5 Pro system settings and enable the upgraded PSSR globally for any title that already supports the original version.
The Project Amethyst Connection
Here's the thing worth noting for the broader picture: the upgraded PSSR isn't just a PlayStation-exclusive advancement. Because it's built on the co-developed Project Amethyst technology with AMD, Sony confirmed that AMD's next FSR update will bring these same upscaling improvements to PC and other platforms. PS5 Pro owners are simply getting first access to what is shaping up to be a wider industry advancement in AI-driven upscaling.
Source: Blog Playstation
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