QSSR, Xbox Upscaling and Gaming’s Next Generation

QSSR and the future of console generations

The hosts discuss whether QSSR could extend the PS5’s useful life, and whether games may increasingly scale across generations rather than being replaced by new-generation exclusives.

• John Linneman sees QSSR mainly as a result of ongoing research, not necessarily a plan to prolong the generation. He compares its potential role to MLAA on PS3, while noting that development costs and the less obvious visual differences between generations complicate the case for new hardware.
• Oliver McKenzie says it is too early to judge QSSR from only two game implementations, and notes that the timing of future consoles is uncertain. He expects games to keep scaling across a wide range of hardware, supported by tools and engines such as Unreal.
• The hosts agree that QSSR could improve image quality in some PS5 games, but say more implementations are needed to establish its benefits.

Third-party games that could benefit from QSSR

The panel names games where they would like to see QSSR, including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Control Resonant, 007 First Light, Alan Wake 2 and Crimson Desert. They discuss image-quality issues such as shimmering and unstable images, and caution that results may vary depending on the game’s existing upscaling method. They also raise whether older games can adopt QSSR through their SDK versions, and explain that a system-level toggle may not be possible in the same way as with PSSR.

FSR 4 and Xbox Series consoles

The hosts consider whether a version of FSR 4 could come to Xbox Series X and S. They discuss AMD’s work on a version for RDNA 2 hardware and say the technology could be possible, but would need to fit into developers’ tools and workflows. The panel contrasts Microsoft’s approach with Sony’s closer collaboration with AMD, and discusses whether Microsoft should invest in bringing upscaling to its existing consoles while also focusing on its next generation.

VRR and The Witcher 3 on Switch 2

The discussion turns to whether The Witcher 3’s 30–40 FPS performance could benefit from VRR. The hosts say that effective support would likely require a 120 Hz output mode and properly implemented low frame-rate compensation (LFC), which places demands on developers. They also note that Switch 2’s 120 Hz output has resolution limits, that performance can still be affected by CPU bottlenecks, and that VRR’s benefits depend on how it is implemented.

Reviving dormant game franchises

Arcade racers and other series

Asked which dormant franchises they would revive, the hosts name SSX, Burnout, Ridge Racer, MotorStorm, Wave Race, F-Zero and Wipeout. They discuss Star Wars Galactic Racer as a game that recalls some of Burnout’s pacing and impact, and suggest that remasters or remakes could be options for some arcade racers. John Linneman says he would particularly like a new Ridge Racer.

A possible Crysis showcase

Rich argues for a new Crysis developed as a demanding PC-focused showcase, potentially involving Crytek and NVIDIA. He says it could present a vision for future graphics and encourage hardware upgrades, while acknowledging that this approach could be contentious for players who want their GPUs to last longer.