Sony has recently introduced the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), joining the competition for image reconstruction based on machine learning that was initiated by Nvidia nearly six years ago. At Digital Foundry, we are thrilled to witness this technological advancement in the console space. During our recent exclusive capture session of the PS5 Pro, we had the opportunity to extensively test the capabilities of PSSR while using Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. This allowed us to evaluate how PSSR compares to the FSR technology commonly used by consoles, as well as how it measures up against the industry-leading Nvidia DLSS.
Limitations and Comparison
Before delving into the specifics of our comparison, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations and considerations that must be taken into account. Our comparison involved assessing the PS5 Pro against a PC with similar quality settings, although achieving a perfect match between the two systems is unattainable due to inherent differences. Additionally, Rift Apart incorporates dynamic resolution scaling, and the implementation on PC differs significantly. To facilitate our comparison, we meticulously counted the pixels of each test image on the PS5 Pro and accurately matched the resolution using DLSS on PC. Despite our efforts to disable motion blur on the PS5 Pro to enhance sharpness, we found that it only diminished the intensity of the effect, necessitating adjustments in our PC captures to maintain consistency.
Video Analysis and Performance
The video analysis above is highly recommended, as it effectively illustrates the differences between PSSR and FSR 3.1. Focused primarily on comparisons with FSR 3.1, our evaluation highlighted the performance of AMD’s compute-based upscaler, which is widely utilized in the console sphere. Through our examination of “disocclusion fizzle” in the context of a third-person game like Rift Apart, we were able to assess the rendering quality of newly revealed details with minimal historical context from preceding frames.
Future Implications and Considerations
While the initial iteration of PSSR demonstrates promising improvements in upscaling quality, further testing at lower base resolutions is imperative to fully ascertain its capabilities. Comparisons with Nvidia DLSS offer valuable insights into the progress of Sony’s iteration, despite the inherent practicalities of implementing specific upscaling technologies on a Sony console. The pursuit of enhanced image quality through machine learning-based upscaling continues to evolve, with each iteration striving to push boundaries and deliver superior visual experiences.
Moving forward, it will be essential to conduct more extensive testing of PSSR across various titles to provide a definitive evaluation of its performance. Notably, upcoming releases such as Alan Wake 2, with its demanding 864p resolution in 60 fps mode upscaled to 4K, will present a significant challenge for this technology. As the release date of the PS5 Pro approaches on November 7, we anticipate further insights into the capabilities and limitations of PSSR, particularly in comparison to FSR technology on PS5 and Xbox consoles.
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