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| Sony PS5 Pro launched in November 2024. |
A new leak suggests Sony is preparing a transformative upgrade to its proprietary upscaling technology, a move that could significantly extend the graphical life of the PlayStation 5 Pro for years to come.
According to renowned hardware leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID), who was first to detail the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) before the PS5 Pro's unveiling, Sony is deep in development on PSSR2. This isn't just a minor tweak, but what the source describes as a "huge" overhaul internally referred to as Mult-Frame Super Resolution 2 (MFSR2).
What is PSSR2? Inside the Alleged Upgrade
The leaked details paint a picture of a substantial engineering effort. MLID reports that PSSR2 employs a new algorithm and brand-new APIs, with the dual goals of delivering "huge image quality improvements" over the current PSSR while simultaneously reducing GPU processing time and memory usage.
This efficiency gain is critical. It means the system could dedicate more of the PS5 Pro's power to other graphical effects or higher frame rates, rather than spending it all on upscaling.
How significant could the jump be? MLID offers a compelling comparison. He suggests the leap from PSSR to PSSR2 could mirror the monumental upgrade from AMD's FSR 3 to FSR 4. FSR 4 is widely acknowledged as finally bringing AMD's upscaling quality on par with NVIDIA's industry-leading DLSS, fixing nearly all major issues of its predecessor.
If PSSR2 achieves a similar generational bound, it would represent a major win for Sony's in-house tech.
https://unsplash.com/photos/purple-and-green-light-gradient-iFu2HILEng8
A glimpse at the potential of advanced upscaling and ray tracing technologies. (Image via Unsplash)
Sony's Serious Commitment: More Tools Than AMD?
Perhaps the most striking claim is the scale of Sony's investment. MLID's source alleges that "Sony has developed more tools for PSSR than AMD has for FSR 3 or FSR 4."
This suggests an intense, company-wide focus on perfecting their upscaling solution, potentially to create a lasting competitive advantage that is tightly optimized for PlayStation hardware. It underscores a strategy of vertical integration, controlling both the hardware and key software technologies.
For a visual breakdown of what this tech means for gaming, check out this analysis.
The Big Picture: A "Free Performance Upgrade" for PS5 Pro Owners
The planned launch window for PSSR2 is 2026. For PS5 Pro owners, this is being viewed as a "free performance upgrade" that arrives well before any potential PS6. It could breathe new life into games, enabling higher fidelity modes or more stable performance in demanding titles for years.
MLID also confirmed that PSSR remains a separate technology from FSR. This means the PS5 Pro is on track to be a supercharged upscaling hub, reportedly still slated to receive support for AMD's FSR 4 in 2026 as well. Game developers could then choose the best tool for their specific title and needs.
This news comes at a pertinent time for gamers. With the incessant rise in RAM and component costs, building a gaming PC that surpasses the PS5 Pro's power often requires a budget well above $1,000. Enhancements like PSSR2 solidify the console's value proposition, offering cutting-edge image reconstruction that keeps it competitive far into its lifecycle.
While these details remain leaks until officially confirmed by Sony, they indicate an exciting roadmap for PlayStation technology. If even half of the claims hold true, PS5 Pro owners have a powerful graphical enhancement to look forward to.
Ready to experience the current power of PSSR and future-proof your setup for PSSR2? Check out the PlayStation 5 Pro.
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| Sony is reportedly readying PSSR2 for the PS5 Pro next year. |