Get ready to be blown away by the future of gaming visuals! Resident Evil Requiem has just been confirmed as the groundbreaking first title to utilize Sony's upgraded PSSR upscaler on the PS5 Pro, setting a new benchmark for graphical fidelity. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this isn't just a minor tweak—it's a game-changer that promises to redefine how we experience games.
Updated as of February 27, 2026, at 2:45 p.m., Sony officially announced this milestone on the PlayStation Blog. Mark Cerny, Lead Architect for both the PS5 and PS5 Pro, revealed that the enhanced version of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) will be rolling out globally to PS5 Pro users in the coming weeks. For those unfamiliar, PSSR is an AI-driven library that meticulously analyzes and upscales game images pixel by pixel. To date, it has already enhanced the resolution of over 50 titles on the PS5 Pro, but this new iteration takes things to a whole new level.
Cerny explained, 'We’ve been tirelessly working on a new version of PSSR, which not only overhauls the neural network but also rethinks the entire algorithm.' The result? Resident Evil Requiem, launching today, becomes the inaugural game to harness this advanced PSSR technology, ensuring both a stable frame rate and stunning image quality. This is the part most people miss: the technology isn't just about making things look prettier—it's about maintaining performance while pushing visual boundaries.
Capcom’s Masaru Ijuin, Senior Manager of Engine Development Support in the R&D Foundational Technology Department, shared insights into how this technology complements their vision for the game. 'With Resident Evil Requiem, our focus was on elevating the protagonist’s presentation using an upgraded RE Engine to deepen the player’s immersion in the horror experience,' Ijuin stated. For instance, each strand of hair and beard is rendered as a polygon, allowing for realistic movement in response to body motion and wind. Even the way light interacts with the hair changes based on how the strands overlap. These intricate details, traditionally challenging to upscale due to their complexity, are now seamlessly processed thanks to the upgraded PSSR.
To drive home the impact, Sony released a comparison screenshot of Resident Evil Requiem, showcasing the original PSSR upscaling alongside the new version. The difference is subtle but significant—the hair appears more defined, adding an extra layer of realism that horror fans will undoubtedly appreciate.
But here's the controversial part: While Sony touts this as a leap forward, some gamers argue that relying on upscaling technologies like PSSR could divert focus from native resolution improvements. What do you think? Is this the future of gaming graphics, or a band-aid solution? Let us know in the comments!
Cerny credited the advancements in the new PSSR to Sony’s Project Amethyst partnership with AMD. 'PC gamers have already seen the benefits of our collaboration through AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling technology,' he noted. 'With the updated PSSR, we’re bringing the latest iteration of this co-developed technology to PS5 Pro players, refined over an additional six months.'
Sony also announced that multiple existing games will receive the improved PSSR upgrade in March, though specific titles remain undisclosed. A system software update will accompany this rollout, allowing PS5 Pro users to enable the 'Enhance PSSR Image Quality' option in Settings. Cerny encouraged players to try it out, promising that some games may exhibit noticeably sharper graphics.
Meanwhile, Resident Evil Requiem is already making waves. Within hours of its release, it became Steam’s biggest launch for a Resident Evil title, breaking series records. Fans are also grappling with an in-game mystery that’s proving to be the most complex challenge in the franchise’s history—a puzzle we’re eagerly following.
In our human-authored review, IGN praised Resident Evil Requiem, awarding it a 9/10. We described it as 'a masterful blend of two distinct survival horror strains, creating a highly infectious new mutation.' For those diving into the game, our comprehensive guide offers essential tips, tricks, and a full walkthrough to ensure you don’t miss a thing, from Bobblehead locations to crucial files.
And this is the part most people miss: As gaming technology evolves, it’s not just about raw power—it’s about how developers and hardware manufacturers collaborate to create experiences that were once thought impossible. Resident Evil Requiem and the upgraded PSSR are a testament to this synergy. But we want to hear from you: Is this the direction gaming should be heading, or are we losing something in the pursuit of perfection?
For more updates, follow Wesley, Director of News at IGN, on Twitter at @wyp100, or reach out via wesley_yinpoole@ign.com. And remember, when you purchase through this article, IGN Nordic may receive a portion of the revenue, helping us bring you more of the content you love.
What’s your take on the future of gaming graphics? Are you excited about the possibilities, or do you have reservations? Share your thoughts below—we’re eager to hear your perspective!
