Alan Wake 2 & Control to Get PS5 Pro’s Enhanced PSSR 2.0 Upscaling

The updated version of PlayStation’s Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) scaling technology is expanding its reach, with Remedy Entertainment confirming support for both Alan Wake 2 and Control Ultimate Edition. This comes on the heels of its initial implementation in Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, signaling a broader rollout of the enhanced upscaling solution for PlayStation 5 Pro.

What is PSSR and Why Does it Matter?

PSSR is a temporal upscaling technique developed jointly by Sony and AMD, stemming from their collaborative “Project Amethyst” initiative. Essentially, it’s a method of rendering games at a lower internal resolution and then intelligently reconstructing a higher-resolution image for display. This allows for improved performance – maintaining higher frame rates – without a significant loss in visual fidelity. The “spectral” component refers to the technology’s approach to analyzing and reconstructing image details, aiming for a more natural and less artifact-prone upscale than traditional methods. Valosettings.com details the technology’s core function as enhancing image clarity and stability.

The updated version of PSSR, often referred to as PSSR 2.0, promises even more substantial improvements. Remedy has indicated that players can expect “noticeable improvements in image stability and motion clarity” when using the new technology in Alan Wake 2 and Control Ultimate Edition. This is particularly important in prompt-paced action games, where clear visuals are crucial for player experience. The initial results seen in Resident Evil Requiem have been described as “incredibly promising,” offering a demonstrably better image quality compared to the previous iteration of PSSR. ixbt.games reports that the updated version is already being used in Resident Evil Requiem.

How PSSR 2.0 Compares to Existing Upscaling Technologies

PSSR isn’t the only upscaling technology available. Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) are also widely used. However, PSSR is specifically designed for the PlayStation 5 Pro’s hardware architecture, potentially allowing for tighter integration and optimized performance. The key difference lies in the underlying algorithms and the hardware they leverage. DLSS, for example, relies on machine learning and dedicated Tensor Cores found in Nvidia GPUs. FSR is more open and can run on a wider range of hardware, but may not achieve the same level of visual fidelity as PSSR on a PS5 Pro.

What This Means for Players of Alan Wake 2 and Control Ultimate Edition

For owners of the PlayStation 5 Pro, the PSSR 2.0 update will offer a choice: utilize the enhanced upscaling for potentially sharper visuals and improved performance, or stick with the existing rendering methods. Remedy has confirmed that the updated PSSR will be an optional setting, catering to players who may prefer the gaze of the original rendering pipeline. This is a crucial design choice, acknowledging that upscaling technologies aren’t universally preferred and allowing players to tailor the experience to their individual preferences. The ability to explore the environments of the Oldest House (Control) and Bright Falls (Alan Wake 2) with a “new level of visual fidelity” is a significant draw, but the option to revert provides peace of mind.

Early Analysis and the ‘Enhance PSSR Image Quality’ Tool

The effectiveness of PSSR 2.0 is already being scrutinized. Digital Foundry’s early analysis of Resident Evil Requiem on the PS5 Pro, prior to the PSSR 2.0 update, highlighted areas where the original PSSR implementation fell short. Gamingally.net notes that the updated PSSR is powered by Project Amethyst. The upcoming release of Crimson Desert on March 19th will provide a valuable opportunity for direct comparison, as the game is confirmed to utilize the new PSSR version to achieve 4K resolution.

Accompanying the PSSR 2.0 update is a new settings tool called ‘Enhance PSSR Image Quality’. This tool will allow players to directly assess the impact of the upgraded PSSR on compatible games, providing a visual comparison between the old and new rendering methods. This transparency is a welcome addition, empowering players to make informed decisions about their visual settings.

Release Timing and What to Expect Next

While a specific release date for the PSSR 2.0 update for Alan Wake 2 and Control Ultimate Edition hasn’t been announced, Remedy promises to deliver it “in the near future.” The rollout of the update will likely follow a standard procedure: initial release to a small group of users for testing, followed by a wider rollout to all PS5 Pro owners. Players should monitor Remedy’s official channels – including their X (formerly Twitter) account – for updates and announcements.

Beyond the initial release, further optimization and refinement of PSSR 2.0 are likely. Developers will continue to analyze performance data and gather feedback from players to improve the technology’s effectiveness and address any potential issues. The success of PSSR 2.0 will also influence its adoption by other game developers, potentially leading to a wider range of titles benefiting from the enhanced upscaling capabilities of the PlayStation 5 Pro.