Sony Confirms Resident Evil Requiem as the First PS5 Pro Game Using Updated PSSR
There’s something exciting about being first. Not just first out the door—but first to show what new hardware can really do.
Sony has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem is the first title to use the upgraded version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) on the PS5 Pro. And this isn’t a small tweak. It’s a major update to the AI-driven upscaling technology designed to improve both frame rate stability and image quality.
The new version of PSSR takes a fundamentally different approach, not just refining the neural network but reworking the overall algorithm behind the scenes. The result? Higher performance without sacrificing visual fidelity—a balance that matters more than ever in modern AAA games.
The updated PSSR is rolling out globally to PS5 Pro players, marking the beginning of a broader enhancement wave for the platform.
What Is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)?
AI Upscaling Designed for PS5 Pro Performance
PSSR is Sony’s proprietary AI-powered upscaling library. At its core, it analyzes game imagery pixel by pixel, intelligently reconstructing and enhancing resolution while maintaining smooth performance.
Upscaling technology matters because rendering games at native ultra-high resolutions is computationally demanding. Instead of pushing hardware to brute-force every pixel, PSSR uses machine learning to reconstruct sharper visuals from lower base resolutions—preserving performance headroom.
With the upgraded PSSR, Sony has implemented:
- A redesigned neural network
- A new algorithmic approach
- Enhanced processing of fine visual detail
- Improved frame rate and image stability
This means PS5 Pro players can expect sharper visuals without performance dips, especially in graphically demanding scenes.
The AMD Project Amethyst Collaboration Behind the Upgrade
How AMD’s FSR 4 Influenced PSSR Improvements
The updated PSSR stems from Sony’s Project Amethyst partnership with AMD, first announced in 2024. The collaboration focuses on advancing machine learning technologies for gaming graphics.
PC gamers have already seen the impact of this partnership through AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling technology. Now, that co-developed machine learning expertise has been integrated into PS5 Pro’s updated PSSR—refined further for console performance optimization.
Sony states that the PS5 Pro version includes an additional six months of refinement beyond what has already been demonstrated in PC environments. The goal is not just parity with PC upscaling tech, but platform-specific optimization.
How Resident Evil Requiem Uses Upgraded PSSR to Enhance Visual Fidelity
Advanced Texture Processing and Hair Rendering in RE Engine
Capcom leveraged the upgraded PSSR within a new iteration of its RE Engine to elevate the presentation quality of Resident Evil Requiem’s protagonist.
One of the standout improvements lies in character detail:
- Individual strands of hair and beard are rendered as polygons
- Hair reacts dynamically to body movement and wind
- Lighting changes based on how hair strands overlap
- Fine textures are preserved with high precision
These are exactly the kinds of intricate visual details that traditionally challenge upscaling systems. Thin geometry, overlapping transparency, and subtle lighting shifts can easily break image reconstruction algorithms.
According to Capcom’s engine development leadership, the upgraded PSSR successfully processes these complex textures and micro-details—allowing for enhanced expressiveness without degrading clarity.
The result is a deeper level of immersion in horror environments, where lighting, shadow, and texture fidelity significantly affect atmosphere.
Frame Rate and Image Quality Optimization on PS5 Pro
Balancing Performance and High-Fidelity Graphics
The new PSSR is designed to maintain high frame rates while delivering elevated image sharpness. This is critical for action-horror titles like Resident Evil Requiem, where smooth performance directly impacts gameplay responsiveness.
Sony confirms that the upgraded PSSR helps:
- Maintain consistent frame rates
- Improve visual sharpness
- Preserve detailed textures
- Enhance overall gameplay feel
Instead of forcing players to choose between performance and fidelity modes, improved upscaling narrows the gap between the two—offering a more unified experience.
PS5 Pro System Update and Enhanced PSSR Image Quality Setting
Upcoming Global Rollout and Settings Option
The enhanced PSSR technology is part of a broader PS5 Pro system update. Sony has confirmed that multiple existing PS5 Pro games will receive upgrades in March, although specific titles have not yet been disclosed.
A new system option called “Enhance PSSR Image Quality” will be added to settings, allowing players to activate the improved upscaling experience.
This signals Sony’s long-term commitment to iterative platform improvements rather than one-time hardware advantages.
Expanding PS5 Pro’s Competitive Edge in Console Graphics
The introduction of upgraded PSSR positions the PS5 Pro as a console that leverages machine learning for visual advancement. By integrating AI-based upscaling refined through AMD collaboration, Sony is pushing console graphics closer to high-end PC techniques while retaining optimized console efficiency.
Resident Evil Requiem serves as the first proof point—demonstrating how advanced upscaling can elevate horror immersion through subtle texture processing, hair simulation, and lighting detail preservation.
As more PS5 Pro titles adopt the updated PSSR, the visual baseline for the platform is expected to rise significantly.
