
Sony’s PSSR Tech Signals A New Era in Game Graphics | Image Source: www.ign.com
LOS ANGELES, December 18, 2024 – Sony presented PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an innovative AI scale technology integrated into its PS5 Pro console. This innovation improves the performance of the game by taking advantage of machine learning on a dynamic scale, setting a new standard for the game consoles. According to IGN, PSSR works without dedicated IA accelerator, using custom GPU RDNA 2 cores. This release of AI’s traditional hardware could revolutionize the gaming industry by democratizing access to similar technologies.
Undedicated AI hardware: Sony’s unique approach
The PS5 Pro retains the GPU RDNA 2 architecture located at the PS5 base, but with critical modifications to allow the PSSR. Mark Cerny, architect of Sony’s leading system, explained that the 300 TOPs of processing power required for PSSR were directly integrated into the GPU Working Group (WGP) processor. This design choice eliminates the need for separate Tensor kernels, a distinctive seal of accelerated AI features on Nvidia graphics cards. Cerny emphasized the effectiveness of this approach, saying that a separate unit for machine learning could stop the rendering pipeline pending results
This simplified integration allows the PS5 Pro to use its existing hardware to render and increase. However, as IGN points out, this method is accompanied by compensation. Unlike Nvidia’s DLSS, which has discrete Tensor cores, the PSSR sacrifices a certain increase in performance for compatibility and accessibility. However, this decision simplifies the development of the game by maintaining a GPU architecture composed of PS5 and PS5 Pro, avoiding challenges like those found by developers of multi-platform titles such as “Baldur’s Gate 3”
Collaborative innovation with open access
One of the most notable aspects of Sony’s PSSR technology is its open access ethic. According to IGN, Sony and AMD have partnered with the Amethyst project to advance game graphics universally. This initiative is part of AMD’s tradition of open software solutions, such as FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), which is compatible with various hardware. Cerny emphasized this philosophy by saying: “It is not about creating a patented PlayStation technology or hardware; It can be used by anyone who wants to use it. »
This open approach could catalyse wider adoption of games by AI. Although PSSR is unique to PS5 Pro, its underlying principles are accessible, allowing developers and hardware manufacturers to compete to adapt similar techniques. This technological democratisation promotes innovation across the industry, allowing Microsoft and other competitors to integrate comparable features into their platforms.
Consequences for PC and manual game
The development of the PSSR has important implications beyond consoles, especially for PC and portable games. In PCs, increased machine learning capacity is already common, with the Nvidia DLSS and Intel XeSS leading the load. However, these technologies are limited to their respective physical ecosystems. On the other hand, the AMD FSR and the fundamental concepts of PSSR are hardware-agnostic, paving the way for more universal solutions.
IGN suggests that PSSR-inspired advances could turn the game into portable devices like Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. These devices face limitations in the treatment of energy and battery life, making efficient growth technologies essential to provide high quality vision. In addition, rumors about a potential Xbox portable device underscore the importance of increasing reliably to meet the requirements of the current generation of games in compact formats.
The future of AI at stake
As AI technologies like PSSR gain traction, the gaming industry is ready for transformative change. Although the Sony solution focuses on hardware accessibility and efficiency, its performance may not compete with dedicated AI accelerators like Nvidia GPus. However, the change is aligned with Sony’s vision of offering superior image quality without complicating development or increasing costs.
In the future, IGN anticipates that next generation consoles will universally adopt the increase based on machine learning. The collaborative spirit of projects like Project Amethyst ensures that progress will benefit not only PlayStation users, but also the entire gaming community. Developers and players alike are distinguished by the acquisition of more accessible tools to achieve superior and better visual resolutions on various hardware platforms.
With the introduction of the PSSR, Sony demonstrated its commitment to promoting innovation while maintaining compatibility and ease of use. As other manufacturers are based on these advances, the future of games promises greater inclusiveness and quality, regardless of material limitations.