AMD Confirms AI-Driven FSR4 to Enhance Image Quality and Power Efficiency

AMD has officially confirmed that its next-generation upscaling technology, FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR4), will leverage AI to significantly enhance image quality and improve power efficiency. This AI-powered iteration marks a significant departure from previous versions, with the focus on delivering better visuals and optimizing performance, particularly for handheld gaming systems.

The evolution of FSR has been remarkable. The original FSR offered a basic spatial upscaling approach, but results often depended heavily on the resolution. FSR2 improved on this by introducing motion vectors and temporal sampling to deliver a clearer output. FSR3 brought frame generation to the mix but was still reliant on analytical algorithms, which many believe lacked the finesse of NVIDIA's AI-powered DLSS technology.

Jack Huynh, AMD’s SVP and GM of Graphics, has now revealed that FSR4 will shift towards AI-based frame generation to address current limitations. During an interview with Tom’s Hardware, Huynh discussed how AI will drive future advancements in FSR, particularly with a focus on improving battery life for handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. "On the handheld side, my number one priority is battery life," he noted, emphasizing how AI-powered frame generation and interpolation will help maximize efficiency without compromising on performance.

This AI integration aims to reduce computational load by generating interpolated frames rather than fully rendering them, allowing devices to lock frame rates at lower numbers like 30 or 35 FPS while maintaining smooth gameplay. This not only enhances the user experience but also conserves battery life—a critical factor for handheld gaming devices. AMD's AI-driven approach could also extend beyond handhelds, potentially benefiting the upcoming RDNA 4-based discrete GPUs, which are expected to launch around CES in January.

While Huynh confirmed that FSR4 has been in development for nearly a year, several questions remain. Will AMD require specialized AI hardware for this frame generation, or will it follow its tradition of platform-agnostic solutions? The potential for FSR4 to include AI-based resolution upscaling is also highly anticipated, as this could close the gap with competitors like NVIDIA’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS.