AMD is gearing up to revolutionize gaming visuals with its forthcoming FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, FSR 4, which will harness the power of artificial intelligence to significantly enhance image quality. In an exclusive conversation with Jack Huynh, AMD’s SVP & GM of the Computing and Graphics Business Group at IFA 2024, it was revealed that AMD is ready to integrate AI into its upscaling methods, something competitors have already been utilizing for several product generations.
This pivotal shift in AMD’s strategy is a major step forward for Radeon architecture, finally fulfilling the long-anticipated move to incorporate AI. Last year, the company hinted at using AI for more than just upscaling, suggesting that AI accelerators could take gaming to new levels of sophistication and fun. However, recent developments indicate that AMD is fully embracing AI for its next-gen FSR tech.
AMD’s CEO, Mark Papermaster, highlighted 2024 as a monumental year, marking the widespread deployment of AI across various AMD portfolios, including cloud, edge, PCs, and gaming devices. This comprehensive AI rollout is designed to enhance upscaling capabilities as the company has cemented its hardware and software capabilities for AI integration.
The introduction of FSR 4 aims to not only improve upscaling but to also provide frame generation and frame interpolation. These enhancements are expected to extend battery life in portable gaming devices and bolster visual fidelity and performance on discrete GPUs. Jack Huynh emphasized the importance of battery life for handheld gaming devices, noting that AI-driven frame generation and interpolation could allow players to enjoy more extended gaming sessions on devices like the ASUS ROG Ally or the Lenovo Legion Go.
Recently, AMD unveiled a new SoC for the PlayStation 5 Pro, which includes the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. This fully AI-enabled upscaling tech likely shares fundamental principles with FSR 4 but incorporates console-specific optimizations. The SoC also features an upgraded RT engine, utilizing RDNA 4 technologies.
AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 is set to debut next year alongside the release of the RDNA 4 GPUs, heralding a new era for Radeon graphics. Targeting the mainstream segment initially, the new lineup will eventually unify the RDNA and CDNA families under the UDNA series for both consumer and data center applications. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from AMD as they continue to push the boundaries of gaming technology.
