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PS5 Pro in 2026: what the upgraded PSSR really changes

Updated in March and switched on by default in September 2026, the upgraded PSSR gives PS5 Pro games a new lease of life. Here is where things stand.

Détail de la console PS5 Pro

Launched as the most powerful PlayStation, the PS5 Pro relies on an in-house technology: PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), an image upscaling technique assisted by artificial intelligence. In 2026, Sony improved it significantly. Here is what has changed and what it means for your games.

March 2026: a new-generation PSSR

In the spring, Sony rolled out an upgraded version of PSSR (system update 26.02), long promised by Mark Cerny, the console's architect. The aim: to fix the teething problems of the first version, such as shimmering on certain details or trails behind moving objects. Several specialist outlets praised a more stable, sharper image in compatible games.

September 2026: on by default

Until now, applying this new algorithm to games designed for the old PSSR meant going into the settings. With update 26.06-14.00.00, rolled out from 16 September 2026, the “Enhance PSSR Image Quality” option is now switched on automatically on PS5 Pro. The titles mentioned include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Alan Wake 2, Control and Monster Hunter Wilds. The option can still be turned off in Settings › Screen and Video › Video Output, which is useful if a game shows an unexpected visual effect.

What you actually gain

  • A more stable image: less shimmering on hair, vegetation or fences.
  • Fewer trails behind fast-moving elements.
  • No action required: the update is free and applies automatically.

A word of caution, though: the result depends on each game and its engine. PSSR is not native 4K and does not make every title look the same. On the standard PS5, this update does not bring the graphical gain, but it does add other new features (showing who is speaking in voice chat, a “Community Activity” widget).

So, is the PS5 Pro worth it?

If you play on a large 4K TV and your favourite games support PSSR, the PS5 Pro makes complete sense, all the more so because its enhancements keep improving over time. If you mostly play competitive online games or use a Full HD screen, the regular PS5 remains an excellent choice. Our advice: check the list of enhanced games before you buy.

Discover the PS5 Pro and our full range of PlayStation consoles.

Sources

  • L’Informatique.org, «PS5 : la mise à jour de September 2026 active le PSSR par défaut», 20 September 2026 – linformatique.org
  • Journal du Geek, «PS5 Pro : la grosse mise à jour du PSSR 2 attendue d’ici March 2026», 15 January 2026 – journaldugeek.com
  • Génération-NT, «La PS5 Pro reçoit une mise à jour PSSR 2.0» – generation-nt.com
  • TechRadar France, Mark Cerny announces a major graphics update for PS5 Pro in 2026 – global.techradar.com

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