AI Upscaling on PS5 Pro: Can PSSR Finally Match DLSS?
Delivering groundbreaking AI-driven upscaling and performance enhancements across legacy titles and new releases, the PS5 Pro redefines console gaming standards for enthusiasts
Hardware by Katmin on Jul 10, 2025
The PlayStation 5 Pro represents Sony's most ambitious hardware upgrade to date, bringing console gaming to a new level by combining powerful hardware with software improvements. Ever since the PS5 Pro was released, games that were enhanced offer better frame rates and crisper images than ever before by utilizing a powerful GPU, sophisticated AI upscaling, and performance modes that are optimized.
Although early adopters have noticed enhancements in both the newest PS5 titles and classic PS4 games, the actual test will be how well these technological advancements translate into regular gameplay. Weighing the observable advantages against the price is crucial because the console has a premium price point that surpasses any prior introduction.
Ultimately, the question isn't just whether the Pro can outperform its predecessor—it's whether that performance leap meaningfully elevates the gaming experience.
PS5 Pro Pricing vs. Performance
At $699, the Pro is the most expensive console ever released, even after adjusting for inflation. That sticker shock is compounded if you want the disc drive ($80) or the vertical stand ($30). Still, when you look past the cost, the raw performance you get is compelling. In the PC space, price‑to‑performance remains favorable, but consoles offer an ease‑of‑use and optimized experience that PCs can't match.
For enthusiasts who value plug-and-play simplicity, the Pro caters to that desire to see your favorite titles run at their best.
Compared to the Previous Generation
When the PS4 Pro launched alongside 4K TV adoption, checkerboard rendering, and HDR patches delivered a near‑4K image right away. PS5 titles, by contrast, ship with high‑frame‑rate or Fidelity modes built in, so many games benefit from Pro hardware without needing extra patches.
Whereas PS4 games were mostly locked at 900p–1080p and 30fps, many PS5 titles offer a 60fps or even 120fps mode—modes that the Pro can push to even higher, smoother performance.
PS5 Pro Game Boost on Unpatched Titles
One of the PS5's biggest wins is its ability to boost unpatched PS5 games. Thanks to its extra GPU power, you'll see higher frame rates in any title that offers a Performance mode or dynamic resolution option. Titles like Dirt 5 lock at 120fps almost constantly, while Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves can hover near 120fps throughout.
Even demanding games like Final Fantasy XVI see fewer dips, though they may still fluctuate between 50fps and 60fps in the most intense combat scenes.
PS5 Pro‑Patched Games and AI Upscaling
Developer support for Pro patches has been strong so far. Many studios now ship Pro Fidelity and Performance modes out of the box, and some even let you tweak ray‑tracing and ambient occlusion settings. The new AI-driven upscaler, PSSR, shows promise but isn't perfect—games like Star Wars:Jedi Survivor and Silent Hill 2 Remake occasionally exhibit artifacts or shimmering.
It's reminiscent of the early days of DLSS: it took several iterations before upscaling felt consistently superior. We expect similar refinements over the next couple of years.
PS VR2 Enhancements
VR support on PS5 Pro is limited today, with only a handful of Pro‑patched PSVR2 titles available—No Man's Sky, Gran Turismo 7, and Kayak VR: Mirage. The visual gains are undeniable, but quantifying them is tough without side‑by‑side headset comparisons. Gran Turismo 7's patch, for example, allows you to disable reprojection and eliminates ghosting, which is a tangible improvement.
As more VR titles ship with Pro enhancements, VR owners will have even more incentive to upgrade.
PS4 Image Enhancer
Don't overlook the PS4 image enhancer toggle. When enabled, it applies post‑processing or AI‑upscaling to many legacy PS4 titles that are displayed at 1080p. Games like Octodad, Gravity Rush Remastered, and LittleBigPlanet 3 look noticeably sharper, even with YouTube compression.
It won't apply to titles already in 4K or VR1 games, but for the classics that fall under its umbrella, it's a welcome boost.
PS5 Pro Value Proposition
We're enjoying the Pro more than we expected. It truly delivers a "best of both worlds" experience: crisp near‑4K visuals with smooth 60fps or higher gameplay. That said, you shouldn't feel pressured to upgrade if you already own a base PS5. The core console will remain serviceable for years, with many games offering built‑in Performance and Fidelity modes.
If you want the absolute highest frame rates and don't mind paying a premium, the Pro is worth considering. But if you prefer to wait for prices to drop or buy used in a few years, the standard PS5 still has plenty of life left in it.
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Senior Editor, NoobFeed
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