PSSR 3 and PS6 Expectations as Sony Plans Next Generation Upscaling Technology

PSSR technology continues to evolve with machine learning frame generation optimized for future PlayStation platforms and hardware.

Hardware by Tanvir Kabbo on Apr 03, 2026

People are talking about the future of PSSR and where it will fit into future PlayStation systems. Recent news confirms that PlayStation systems will be able to create frames using machine learning. But we still don't know which platforms they are.

At the same time, there will be no further PSSR releases this year, effectively pushing any major updates into 2027, a year many believe will align with the arrival of next-generation consoles. The phrase “PlayStation platforms” also suggests multiple devices rather than a single system.

PSSR 3 and PS6 Expectations, Sony Plans Next Generation. Upscaling Technology, NoobFeed

Incremental Upgrades and the Possibility of PSSR3

We expect PSSR to continue evolving through incremental upgrades. PSSR1 has already seen at least two or three notable revisions, even if they were considered “major” only in a relative sense. If a PSSR3—or PSSR triple—emerges, we expect it to be more mathematically intensive and better suited to next-generation hardware.

While it may still run on current systems, it would likely perform significantly better on newer hardware than on something like the PS5 Pro.

We suspect that PSSR3 is essentially locked in for the next generation. Even if it could technically run on PS5 Pro, the pairing between PSSR and PS5 Pro already feels optimized. With around 2ms of frame time for a 4K upscale, that represents an ideal balance, making further heavy upgrades less necessary for the current generation.

Relationship Between PSSR and AMD FSR

A key question arises when considering AMD’s FSR technology, especially from version 4.0 onward, which is expected to become a fully machine learning–based upscaler. You might wonder whether Sony's continued development of PSSR in parallel would become redundant if both technologies could run on the same hardware.

We don’t think PSSR would necessarily become pointless. There is a strong case for Sony maintaining a streamlined, platform-specific version tailored for future systems. AMD has to support a wide range of GPUs, while Sony focuses on a single ecosystem. That difference allows for more specialized optimization on PlayStation hardware.

Sony’s Approach to Custom Development

We believe Sony’s history plays a major role here. The company has consistently invested in its own software stacks and development environments. From custom GPU compilers to proprietary tooling, Sony tends to build tightly integrated solutions for its platforms.

Because of that, it makes sense for PSSR to continue evolving alongside AMD’s technology, rather than being replaced by it.

Even if both are developed in partnership, keeping PSSR slightly distinct aligns with Sony’s broader strategy. You can see this pattern already in how hardware and software are co-designed within the ecosystem.

PSSR 3 and PS6 Expectations, Sony Plans Next Generation. Upscaling Technology, NoobFeed

PS5 Pro vs Next-Generation Focus

When it comes to PS5 Pro, we think the direction is already set. The groundwork has been laid, and the current capabilities likely represent the intended scope for that system. Any major advancements beyond this point will target next-generation hardware.

We don’t expect significant new PSSR developments specifically for PS5 Pro moving forward. Instead, the focus will shift toward what comes next.

Looking Ahead to 2027

We expect 2027 to be a major turning point, with plenty of announcements tied to next-generation PlayStation hardware. However, those announcements will likely have little to do with the PS5 Pro itself. The emphasis will shift toward new platforms and more advanced implementations of technologies like PSSR.

For now, all that remains is to wait and see how these developments unfold.

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