PS5 Pro Upscaling, Switch 2 Features, and Hardware Future
The Debate on Internal Resolution and PSSR
The panel discusses the trend of developers boosting internal resolution on PS5 Pro. While higher resolution can improve image quality, the experts argue that with modern, high-quality upscalers like PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), excessively high internal resolutions may be a misuse of GPU power.
• Efficiency vs. Pixel Count: Instead of just chasing higher pixel counts, the experts suggest developers should use the overhead to improve ray tracing or other meaningful visual effects.
• The Remedy/Capcom Approach: There is a nuanced balance required. While Remedy handles lower internal resolutions well in their performance modes, others may struggle with artifacts in ray-traced reflections when pushed too low.
• Future Outlook: The team hopes to see more ray reconstruction implemented, not just for path-tracing but as a broader, standard feature.
Potential for Nintendo Switch 2 Enhancements
Following the success of the Switch's "handheld boost" mode, the discussion moves to what "Switch 2" might bring to the table regarding performance and compatibility.
• 120Hz & Latency: There is skepticism about forcing 120Hz containers on older games. While it could cut latency, it is technically complex due to existing double-buffering implementations and potential conflicts with 4K/1440p output targets.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): The team suggests that system-level VRR would be a more impactful addition than simply trying to brute-force refresh rates on titles not designed for them.
Custom Upscaling Solutions
Is it worth for developers to build their own custom upscalers like Guerrilla Games did with Pico?
"Should a developer make their own image quality upscaler? And I would say, hell no, dude."
- The consensus is that proprietary in-house solutions are too resource-intensive for most studios.
- The team advocates for more cross-vendor, GPU-agnostic standards within DirectX, reducing reliance on vendor-specific locks (like DLSS or FSR).
Hardware Recommendations & The Future of Consoles
• Purchasing Path: For those looking to experience path tracing, the team suggests checking in-game performance via services like GeForce Now before committing to expensive hardware like an RTX 5080.
• Cheaper Consoles: Regarding a "Series S" style PlayStation 6, the experts agree that cloud-based hardware is not yet a reliable pillar for a generation launch. They argue that a die-shrunk version of existing, proven hardware or a low-cost SKU is a much more viable strategy for the mass market.