Sony has confirmed that PlayStation 5 Pro will receive AMD’s full FSR 4 upscaling technology in 2026, replacing the current PSSR system with what Mark Cerny calls “the full-fat version” of co-developed super resolution technology.
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PlayStation 5 Pro FSR 4: Project Amethyst Partnership
The upgrade stems from Project Amethyst, Sony and AMD’s multi-year collaboration that began in 2023 to advance machine learning algorithms and CNNs for game graphics improvement.
Update Timeline and Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Window | Q1 2026 (rumored) |
| Technology | Full AMD FSR 4 implementation |
| Replaces | PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) |
| Development | Project Amethyst collaboration |
| Compatibility | Drop-in replacement for current PSSR |
| Availability | PS5 Pro exclusive (base PS5 lacks hardware) |
Mark Cerny Confirms Full Implementation
Sony’s Lead System Architect Mark Cerny emphasized this isn’t a stripped-down version: “It’s not a cut-down [version] of the algorithm. It’s the full-fat version of the co-developed super resolution that we’ll be releasing on PS5 Pro.”
Project Amethyst Breakthrough
The collaboration exceeded expectations, with Cerny noting: “I expected Project Amethyst to take years to generate a significantly better upscaling algorithm, and was surprised when the team did it in roughly nine months.”
Technical Benefits
Performance Improvements:
- Significant framerate and image quality enhancements
- Real-time graphics improvement algorithms
- Competitive with NVIDIA DLSS 4 technology
- Optimized for current-generation hardware
Industry Impact: AMD’s FSR 4, released in March 2025, received positive reception on PC platforms. The same technology will provide PS5 Pro users with enhanced visual fidelity and performance.
Broader Implications
The partnership extends beyond console gaming. Cerny revealed: “Big chunks of RDNA 5, or whatever AMD ends up calling it, are coming out of engineering I am doing on the project.” This means future AMD graphics cards will incorporate learnings from PlayStation development.
Implementation Strategy
Sony is working with developers to determine the best rollout method for existing PS5 Pro owners. The update will be a drop-in replacement requiring minimal developer accommodation.
Future Console Preparation
While AMD moves quickly with hardware development, Cerny’s focus remains on preparing for next-generation consoles over a multi-year timeframe, ensuring Sony stays competitive in the evolving gaming landscape.
The FSR 4 upgrade represents a significant mid-generation enhancement for PS5 Pro owners, delivering cutting-edge upscaling technology through strategic industry collaboration.
FAQs
Will the PS5 Pro FSR 4 update be free for existing owners?
Sony hasn’t detailed pricing, but it’s expected to be a system software update for all PS5 Pro consoles.
How does FSR 4 compare to the current PSSR technology?
FSR 4 offers improved performance and image quality, developed through Sony-AMD collaboration over nine months of intensive research.
