PlayStation 5 Pro: PSSR Tech Deep Dive – Cerny Interview Reveals AI Upscaling Power

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is poised to receive a significant performance boost thanks to an upgraded version of its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, according to recent statements from the console’s lead system architect, Mark Cerny. The advancement, detailed in interviews with Digital Foundry and reported by multiple tech publications, centers on a refined AI upscaling algorithm that promises to deliver improved image quality and framerates.

Cerny revealed that the updated PSSR is approximately 100 microseconds faster than the original iteration. This speed increase, while seemingly minuscule, was a critical target for Sony’s engineering team, enabling the implementation of a system-wide toggle that allows users to force older, PSSR-supported games to utilize the enhanced upscaling. “We made that our target, and ultimately managed to achieve it – the new PSSR is something like 100 microseconds faster than the original,” Cerny stated in his interview with Digital Foundry.

The new PSSR technology shares a close relationship with AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) for PC, though certain hardware constraints necessitated differences in implementation. Specifically, PSSR utilizes eight-bit integer operations rather than floating-point calculations. Despite these distinctions, Cerny indicated that the visual results on screen are “almost identical” between the two technologies.

The impact of the upgraded PSSR is already being felt in select titles. Experts at Digital Foundry noted that the technology effectively addresses previous issues with image sharpness and shimmering edges in demanding games like “Crimson Desert.” The upgrade, they argue, justifies the cost of the PS5 Pro console for many players.

According to PCGuide, Cerny personally prefers to utilize PSSR 2, as the upgraded version is known, whenever possible, stating that it improves “over 99%” of games. Sony advises users to disable the feature only if they encounter unexpected behavior.

The development of the upgraded PSSR is also linked to Project Amethyst, an initiative aimed at enhancing the PS5 Pro’s graphical capabilities, as reported by Tom’s Guide. The new upscaling algorithm is designed as a “drop-in replacement” for the current PSSR, simplifying integration for developers.

Cerny affirmed that this technological leap demonstrates the transformative power of artificial intelligence within the video game industry, signaling a broader shift towards AI-driven enhancements in gaming visuals and performance. The PS5 Pro is slated to receive the upgrade in 2026, with further support for PSSR 2 expected to expand to more games in the coming weeks.