PS5 Pro to get stunning graphics with FSR 4 in 2026, says Mark Cerny

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to receive a major graphics upgrade with a tailored version of AMD’s latest upscaling technology, FSR 4, slated for release on the console in 2026. Mark Cerny, the lead architect behind the PS5, recently shared that this new upscaler will serve as the “next evolution” of the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), the AI-driven solution currently enhancing game visuals on the PS5 Pro. Announced in a detailed interview, this development aims to bring the console’s visual performance closer to NVIDIA’s DLSS, a benchmark that FSR 4 has already approached on PC, supporting over 30 titles with remarkable results. By 2026, PS5 Pro players can look forward to sharper, smoother visuals that fully leverage the hardware launched in November 2024, marking a significant leap for Sony’s premium console.

This advancement stems from a close collaboration between Sony and AMD, internally dubbed Project Amethyst, which kicked off in late 2023. FSR 4, powered by advanced neural networks for real-time resolution enhancement, was co-developed by the two companies and represents a pinnacle in upscaling innovation. Cerny emphasized that the goal is to implement a version “very similar” to FSR 4 on the PS5 Pro, maintaining the same inputs and outputs as the original tech but customized for the console’s architecture. In the meantime, 2025 will see Sony focusing on integrating the current PSSR into games, laying the groundwork for the transition to this next phase.

Addressing concerns about hardware capability, Cerny reassured fans that the PS5 Pro’s 300 8-bit TOPS of peak performance positions it well to handle FSR 4, despite being built on the RDNA 3 architecture rather than the newer RDNA 4 used in PCs. This confidence underscores Sony’s long-term vision for the PS5 Pro, which hit shelves at $700 late last year, as it aims to solidify its standing in a competitive gaming market with cutting-edge visual enhancements.

Sony and AMD partnership: paving the way for FSR 4 on PS5 Pro

The alliance between Sony and AMD has been a cornerstone of PlayStation’s technological strides, and FSR 4 is the latest fruit of this synergy. Launched under the Project Amethyst initiative in late 2023, this collaboration targeted AI-driven solutions adaptable to both PCs and consoles. FSR 4, recently rolled out for Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs, delivers a noticeable leap over its predecessor, FSR 3.1, excelling in efficiency and quality while challenging NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 in specific scenarios like water effects and transparent surfaces.

For the PS5 Pro, integrating FSR 4 requires a “reimplementation” to align the tech with the console’s hardware, which lacks the dedicated tensor cores found in RDNA 4 GPUs. Cerny noted that this process is already underway, with the new neural network being embedded into the PS5 Pro’s system. He described the effort as “ambitious and time-consuming,” explaining the delay in its availability, but affirmed that it’s on track to enhance 2026 titles.

PSSR in 2025: setting the stage for a 2026 breakthrough

While awaiting FSR 4, Sony is prioritizing the current PSSR as the go-to upscaling tool for developers in 2025. Introduced with the PS5 Pro in November 2024, PSSR can upscale 720p visuals to 4K, adding detail and refining textures in real time. Cerny stressed that this year’s efforts will center on collaborating with studios to ensure PSSR is seamlessly woven into games, creating a smooth runway for the FSR 4-based upgrade planned for the following year.

PS5 Pro’s power: hardware built for the future

Designed with longevity in mind, the PS5 Pro’s ability to support FSR 4 in 2026 highlights its forward-thinking engineering. Boasting 300 8-bit TOPS of peak performance without sparsity, the console holds its own against recent AMD GPUs, even though it’s rooted in the RDNA 3 architecture. Mark Cerny pointed out that adapting FSR 4 to the PS5 Pro won’t demand major hardware overhauls, a testament to its robust design launched at the end of 2024.

Despite FSR 4’s higher computational demands compared to PSSR, Sony remains optimistic about the console’s capabilities. Cerny clarified that sparsity, a performance-boosting technique in modern GPUs, isn’t essential for this specific upscaling algorithm, easing the adaptation process. This approach reflects lessons learned from the PS5 Pro, which Cerny called a “great starting point” for future machine learning advancements.

The Sony-AMD partnership also hints at broader implications. Beyond upscaling, Project Amethyst could enhance ray tracing on the PS5 Pro, though the current focus remains on FSR 4 deployment. This collaboration aims to boost interoperability across platforms, a vision Cerny sees as critical for gaming hardware’s future.

Evolution timeline: from PSSR to FSR 4 on PS5 Pro

Sony has outlined a clear roadmap for transitioning from PSSR to an FSR 4-based solution on the PS5 Pro. Here’s a breakdown of key milestones:

• November 2024: PS5 Pro launches with PSSR as its initial upscaling technology.
• 2025: Emphasis on PSSR integration with games, alongside early implementation of the new neural network.
• 2026: Debut of the “next evolution of PSSR,” powered by FSR 4, in select PS5 Pro titles.

This timeline underscores Sony’s commitment to keeping the PS5 Pro competitive throughout its lifecycle, with incremental upgrades aligned with industry trends.

FSR 4 on PC: a preview of PS5 Pro’s potential

On PC, FSR 4 is already making waves with Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs based on RDNA 4. Supporting over 30 games, it outperforms FSR 3.1 in both quality and efficiency, closing the gap with NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 in areas like image sharpness and frame stability. For the PS5 Pro, this suggests a future of enhanced visuals, particularly in graphically demanding titles.

Questions about the PS5 Pro’s RDNA 3 hardware handling FSR 4 have been put to rest by Cerny, who confirmed that its computational power, paired with Sony and AMD’s expertise, will deliver an effective implementation. The goal is to maintain compatibility with existing development frameworks, ensuring a smooth transition for studios.

Game-changing visuals: what FSR 4 brings to PS5 Pro

The arrival of FSR 4 on the PS5 Pro in 2026 promises to elevate gaming visuals significantly. While PSSR already provides a strong foundation, upscaling low resolutions to 4K with added detail, FSR 4 aims to push boundaries further with superior clarity and fidelity. This will shine in games with intricate rendering needs, such as those featuring ray tracing or expansive environments.

Expected benefits include:

• Enhanced sharpness: Crisper visuals, even at lower internal resolutions.
• Visual stability: Fewer artifacts and jaggies in fast-moving scenes.
• Optimized performance: Balanced graphics quality and frame rates.
• Ray tracing support: Potential integration with realistic lighting effects.

These improvements are poised to enhance the value of the PS5 Pro, which already excels at 4K gaming with up to 60 FPS in many titles.

A bright future: PS5 Pro and beyond

Looking ahead, Mark Cerny envisions the FSR 4 rollout as part of a broader ambition for Sony and AMD. He expressed excitement for a future where hardware is co-designed for machine learning, dramatically improving cross-platform interoperability. The PS5 Pro serves as an early proving ground for this vision, testing technologies that could shape successors like a potential PS6.

The Project Amethyst initiative also hints at further innovations, possibly in ray tracing or other graphical domains, though specifics remain under wraps. For now, the focus is on cementing the PS5 Pro’s role as a powerhouse capable of meeting gamers’ evolving demands, with 2026 set to be a pivotal year in its journey.