PlayStation 5 Pro PSSR Upscaler Struggles With 4K in Low-Resolution Games Like Alan Wake 2

The PlayStation 5 Pro's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler shows potential but currently falls short in providing a true 4K experience, especially in games like Alan Wake 2 that rely on low internal resolutions. A Digital Foundry comparison highlights PSSR's struggles, particularly against NVIDIA DLSS and even AMD FSR 2, in achieving sharp and stable visuals.

Key Findings From Digital Foundry’s Analysis

1. Performance at Low Internal Resolutions:

   • In Alan Wake 2, running at 864p internal resolution in Performance Mode, PSSR fails to accurately upscale small details to resemble 4K.

   • Compared to DLSS at ultra-performance settings on PC, PSSR renders softer images with more noise and visible shimmering, even in static frames.

   • In this specific scenario, AMD FSR 2 outshines PSSR, providing a sharper and more stable image.

2. Issues with Effects Rendering:

   • PSSR struggles with screen space ambient occlusion (SSAO), screen space reflections (SSR), and volumetric effects. A prominent example includes fog rendering in Alan Wake 2, where shimmering is clearly visible.

   • These shortcomings make PSSR more suited for motion rather than detailed, static visuals.

3. Ray Tracing Performance on PS5 Pro:

   • The PlayStation 5 Pro introduces specific ray tracing features for Alan Wake 2, but they pale in comparison to even the low RT settings on PC. While impressive for a console, they highlight the gap in delivering a true ray-traced experience.

Room for Growth

Despite its current limitations, PSSR has room for improvement. NVIDIA’s DLSS has evolved dramatically since its debut, and developers have expressed optimism about PSSR’s potential to improve through iterative updates. As developers refine the technology, we could see PSSR become a more viable competitor to DLSS and FSR 2.

Have you noticed the differences in upscaling quality on your PS5 Pro? How do you think PSSR compares to DLSS and FSR 2 in delivering next-gen gaming experiences? Share your thoughts below!