Xbox Series X games are already benefiting from AMD’s not-so-secret weapon
The Myst is starting to clear
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Myst is coming toXbox One,Xbox Series X|S, PC andXbox Game Passon August 26, and it might be the first console game to benefit fromAMD’s newFidelityFX Super Resolutiontechnology (FSR) on Microsoft’s current-gen consoles.
If you have no idea what FSR is, here’s a quick explainer: AMD’s new tech lets developers boost framerates and achieve higher resolutions by using a special rendering technique. FSR essentially renders frames at a lower resolution, and then uses a super sampling process to sharpen the image. It’s similar to howNvidia’sDLSSworks, though Nvidia’s solution uses an AI algorithm and isn’t open-source.
In the case of Myst on Xbox Series X andXbox Series S, FSR allows the game to run at 60fps onMicrosoft’s flagship console using the highest graphics settings available, and at 1440p at 60fps on Xbox Series S.
In ablog poston Xbox Wire, developer Cyan’s marketing and brand manager Jeff Lanctot said FSR delivers an almost 75% increase in performance on Xbox Series X|S, without sacrificing much in the way of visual fidelity.
When FSR is used effectively, the visual changes should be subtle when compared side-by-side with a native resolution image. But the slight drop in image quality is worth it due to the massive performance increase it offers.
FSR means that developers (and gamers) don’t have to pick between either great performance or fancy graphics, as AMD’s technology in Myst means players can enjoy a crisp image and smooth experience on all Xbox platforms.
You check out a full-sized comparison of how FSR looks in Mysthere.
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Analysis: what can we expect from FSR in the future?
FSR is still a rather new technology, and much like DLSS, it’s likely to improve over time. The rendering technique has the potential to dramatically improve performance in Xbox Series X andXbox Series S games, which only bodes well for developers who want to maintain good image quality without sacrificing a game’s framerate.
While FSR isn’t quite as sophisticated as Nvidia’s DLSS, which can have a transformative effect in graphically intensive titles likeRed Dead Redemption 2, it’s great to see that the technology is already being implemented into console games.
FSR could prove particularly beneficial on Xbox Series S, which is starting to achieve impressive results after a slightly underwhelming start. More games are now targeting the console’s promised resolution of 1440p instead of 1080p, and we’re seeing more games consistently hit 60fps or120fpsin a number of titles. FSR will only help get a higher quality image and better framerates out of upcoming games, so it’s good news for console gamers in general.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
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