Project Amethyst: FSR 4 Becomes the Next Evolution of PSSR on PS5 Pro

AMD's recent announcement of the Radeon RX 9070 series, powered by the cutting-edge RDNA-4 architecture, has sparked excitement across the gaming community. One of the most intriguing revelations from this launch is the introduction of FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4), developed in close collaboration with Sony under the codename "Project Amethyst." Now, Sony has officially confirmed that this advanced upscaling technology will be integrated into the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro, marking a significant evolution of the console's existing PlayStation Super Sampling Resolution (PSSR).

AMD and Sony's Strategic Collaboration: Project Amethyst

The partnership between AMD and Sony, known as Project Amethyst, aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to deliver unprecedented graphical fidelity and performance on console gaming platforms. Mark Cerny, PlayStation's Lead System Architect, recently confirmed in an interview with Eurogamer that the PS5 Pro will indeed utilize FSR 4 technology, enhancing the console's graphical capabilities significantly.

FSR 4, currently exclusive to AMD's Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards, represents a major leap forward in image upscaling technology. Utilizing advanced neural network algorithms, FSR 4 delivers sharper, clearer visuals while maintaining high frame rates, a critical factor for immersive gaming experiences.

Technical Innovations Behind FSR 4

FSR 4 introduces a sophisticated neural network-based upscaling method, which significantly surpasses previous iterations in terms of image clarity and performance efficiency. According to AMD, this new approach can achieve visual crispness superior to traditional upscaling methods, including Sony's current PSSR technology.

Mark Cerny highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, The neural network and training recipe in FSR 4's upscaler are the first results of the Amethyst collaboration. The results are excellent, offering a more advanced approach that can exceed the crispness of PSSR. I'm very proud of the work of the joint team!

PS5 Pro's Hybrid Architecture: Zen 2 Meets RDNA-4

The PlayStation 5 Pro will feature a unique hybrid chip architecture, combining Zen 2 CPU cores with integrated graphics elements derived from AMD's RDNA-4 architecture. This innovative design allows the console to support FSR 4, despite the technology initially being exclusive to high-end PC graphics cards.

This hybrid approach ensures that the PS5 Pro can deliver next-generation graphics performance, enabling developers to create visually stunning games without compromising on frame rates or gameplay fluidity. The integration of RDNA-4 elements into the console's GPU architecture is a strategic move by Sony to future-proof the PS5 Pro and maintain its competitive edge in the gaming market.

FSR 4 vs. PSSR: What Gamers Can Expect

While both FSR 4 and PSSR aim to enhance visual quality through upscaling, there are key differences between the two technologies. FSR 4's neural network-driven approach allows for more precise and detailed image reconstruction, resulting in sharper textures, reduced artifacts, and improved overall visual fidelity.

In contrast, PSSR, Sony's current proprietary upscaling solution, has been effective but lacks the advanced neural network capabilities introduced with FSR 4. By adopting FSR 4, Sony aims to bridge this gap, providing PS5 Pro users with visuals that rival high-end gaming PCs.

Implementation Timeline and Developer Integration

Sony has outlined a clear roadmap for integrating FSR 4 into the PS5 Pro ecosystem. Throughout 2025, the company will collaborate closely with game developers to incorporate the new upscaling technology into upcoming titles. The goal is to have games utilizing FSR 4-based PSSR available by 2026, offering gamers a significant leap in graphical quality and performance.

Mark Cerny emphasized the ambitious nature of this integration, noting, Our focus for 2025 is working with developers to integrate PSSR into their titles; in parallel, though, we have already started to implement the new neural network on PS5 Pro. Our target is to have something very similar to FSR 4's upscaler available on PS5 Pro for 2026 titles as the next evolution of PSSR; it should take the same inputs and produce essentially the same outputs. Doing that implementation is rather ambitious and time-consuming, which is why you haven't already seen this new upscaler on PS5 Pro.

System-Specific Optimizations for Console Gaming

Despite the similarities between FSR 4 on PC and its console counterpart, Sony acknowledges that there will always be system-specific differences. These variations primarily stem from the distinct performance targets and hardware constraints inherent to console gaming. Consoles typically aim for stable frame rates and consistent performance, necessitating tailored optimizations to ensure the best possible gaming experience.

As a result, while the core technology behind FSR 4 remains consistent across platforms, the implementation on PS5 Pro will be specifically optimized to meet the unique demands of console gaming. This ensures that gamers receive the best possible visual quality without sacrificing performance or gameplay responsiveness.

Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry

The integration of FSR 4 into the PS5 Pro represents a significant milestone for both AMD and Sony, highlighting the growing importance of advanced upscaling technologies in the gaming industry. As games continue to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity, technologies like FSR 4 become increasingly essential for delivering high-quality visuals without compromising performance.

Moreover, this collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between hardware manufacturers and console developers, paving the way for further innovations in gaming technology. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, Project Amethyst demonstrates the potential for collaborative efforts to drive significant advancements in gaming graphics and performance.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for PS5 Pro Gamers

The confirmation of FSR 4 integration into the PlayStation 5 Pro marks an exciting development for console gamers, promising unprecedented graphical fidelity and performance enhancements. Through Project Amethyst, AMD and Sony have demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology, ensuring that the PS5 Pro remains at the forefront of console gaming innovation.

As we look forward to 2026 and beyond, gamers can anticipate a new generation of visually stunning, high-performance titles made possible by the advanced capabilities of FSR 4. With continued collaboration and innovation, the future of console gaming looks brighter than ever.