During the PS5 Pro reveal, console architect Mark Cerny discussed three key features that makes the enhanced console stand out. One of these is AI upscaling, which brings more image clarity to PlayStation’s library of games. Even backwards compatible PS4 games will see enhancements thanks to the console’s Game Boost feature.
What is PS5 Pro AI driven upscaling and game boost?
PS5 Pro AI driven upscaling essentially allows players to experience fidelity graphics mode without the frame rate drawbacks. Yes, this means players will get 4K resolution with all the visual bells and whistles at 60 frames per second on some games.
“We added custom hardware for machine learning and an AI library called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, or PSSR for short,” says Cerny. PSSR analyzes the game images pixel by pixel, and can add an extraordinary amount of detail which boosts the effect of resolution of the game.”
During the Technical Presentation, this is shown with The Last of Us Part 2, Spider-Man 2, and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Comparisons between base PS5 and PS5 Pro enhanced versions are presented showcasing PSSR in action. Overall, a sharper image is the result with higher quality images even for objects at a distance.
PC players may be familiar with a similar NVIDIA technology called Deep Learning Super Sampling or DLSS for short. Similarly, DLSS helps improve performance by using AI to reconstruct a lower resolution image into a higher resolution one. This can allow players to play games at native resolution or higher without missing out on performance.
Some of these enhancements extend to over 8,500 backward compatible PS4 games with PS5 Pro Game Boost. This feature helps improve performance of supported PS4 and PS5 games. Specifically for PS4 games, Enhanced Image Quality will increase resolution of select last gen titles.
PS4 games benefiting from the new hardware have not yet been revealed. However, a list of PS5 Pro enhanced games include Alan Wake 2, Horizon: Forbidden West, and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. Check out the full list here.
PS5 Pro launches on November 7, 2024, for $699.99. It includes a 2TB SSD, DualSense wireless controller, and Astro’s Playroom preinstalled. It does not include a disc drive, which many gamers have voiced their displeasure about on social media.
(Source: PlayStation Blog)