DF Direct Special: PlayStation QSSR - AI Upscaling For Standard PS5 - A Current-Gen Gamechanger?
Summary
Digital Foundry analyzes Sony’s new QSSR upscaler, a machine-learning technology adapted for the standard PS5 using FP16 math. Hosts Rich and Oliver McKenzie compare it to Insomniac’s native upscaler in Marvel’s Wolverine and FSR 3 in Ghost of Yōtei, noting significant image quality gains despite higher computational costs. While QSSR is slightly heavier than legacy solutions, it offers a transformative visual upgrade for 60fps modes. The episode concludes with speculation on future third-party integrations, particularly for GTA 6.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Modafinil for fatigue
Sponsor: Stamps.com for postage
Sponsor: Granger for industrial supplies
Introduction to QSSR technology
Guest introduction and initial impressions
Technical explanation of QSSR vs PSSR
Trade-offs and FP16 implementation details
Context: Console generation fidelity challenges
Visual analysis: Wolverine cutscene comparison
Detailed image quality improvements in foliage and water
Handling of RT reflections and checkerboard issues
Why Sony brought ML upscaling to base PS5
Comparison: QSSR vs PSSR on PS5 Pro
Resolution costs and internal resolution analysis
Performance cost overview and sponsor break
Sponsors: Modafinil and ShipStation
Performance test: Wolverine performance mode
Performance test: Fidelity mode and frame time cost
Dynamic resolution scaling benefits
Performance test: Ghost of Yotei results
Analysis of QSSR vs FSR3 computational cost
Future outlook and potential third-party titles
Discussion on GTA 6 and Rockstar's upscaling
Reflections on unexpected PS5 capabilities
Final thoughts on engineering achievement
Outro and supporter program promotion
Sponsors: ShipStation and Granger
Listen ad-free on Castria