Sony introduces QSSR upscaling for base PS5

Sony has introduced Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR), an AI upscaling technology designed for the base PS5. Sony describes it as a “quick new evolution” of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which remains the “gold standard” on PS5 Pro. QSSR uses a streamlined neural network architecture and a hand-tuned implementation intended to maximize performance on PS5.

The first games using QSSR are Marvel’s Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei. Digital Foundry tested both titles and reported that QSSR improved image detail and stability. Its analysts called the results in Marvel’s Wolverine “exceptional,” while describing the improvements in Ghost of Yōtei as less dramatic because the game already has strong image quality.

In a Marvel’s Wolverine cutscene tested in uncapped Performance Mode, Digital Foundry founder Richard Leadbetter observed a frame-rate decrease of about 8 to 10 frames per second with QSSR enabled. He estimated the technology’s frame-time cost at 1.5 to 1.8 milliseconds, which he considered reasonable for the image-quality gains. In 60fps graphics modes using dynamic resolution scaling, he said performance was practically identical with QSSR on or off. One comparison showed a 1fps drop.

Digital Foundry also saw slight frame dips when Ghost of Yōtei ran in uncapped Performance Mode with VRR at 120 Hz, but said they were mostly imperceptible. Sony may bring QSSR to more games and future PS5 titles. It remains unclear whether Rockstar Games plans to use it in Grand Theft Auto 6.