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What is PSSR? The PlayStation 5 Pro feature explained

Sony has officially updated its PlayStation 5 line with the brand new, high-end PS5 Pro

One exciting feature announced alongside the console is the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution – or PSSR – upscaling. Stay on this page to learn everything you need to know about this new AI technology. 

We’d also recommend checking out our versus guides if you’re interested in how the PlayStation 5 Pro compares to the PS5, the PS4 Pro and the Xbox Series X

What is PSSR? 

PSSR is an AI-powered upscaling feature available on the PS5 Pro. The acronym PSSR stands for PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. 

“We added custom hardware for machine learning and an AI library called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, or PSSR for short”, explained PS5 Lead Architect Mark Cerny in a technical presentation on the PS5 Pro. 

“PSSR analyses the game images pixel-by-pixel and can add an extraordinary amount of detail which boosts the effective resolution of the games”. 

In Sony’s press release, Sony Interactive Entertainment Platform Business Group CEO Hideaki Nishino described PSSR as “an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail”. 

PSSR uses AI to boost image quality and generate additional frames without sacrificing fidelity. Essentially, it’s Sony’s answer to Nvidia’s DLSS technology and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaling on the PC. Like these technologies, PSSR should provide a better balance between image resolution and performance. 

Along with an upgraded GPU and advanced ray tracing, PSSR is one of the main features that separates the PlayStation 5 Pro from the original PS5 and PS5 Slim.  

Which consoles support PSSR? 

PSSR is currently only available on the PS5 Pro, meaning you’ll need to spend $699.99/£699.99/€799.99 to experience the technology in your home.

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