In a recent announcement at CES 2025, AMD has unveiled plans to revolutionize gaming performance with the introduction of an “FSR 4 Upgrade” for all games supporting FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 3.1, but with a caveat – this upgrade will be exclusive to users with the latest RDNA 4 GPU architecture.
What is the “FSR 4 Upgrade”?
The “FSR 4 Upgrade” is a driver-level feature that leverages AMD’s “Upgradable FSR API.” This technology allows for a seamless transition from FSR 3.1 to the newly enhanced FSR 4 for gamers using RDNA 4 GPUs. This upgrade promises not only to enhance visual fidelity but also to significantly boost frame rates, pushing the boundaries of what gamers can expect from their current game libraries.

Performance and Compatibility
At the core of this upgrade is the use of machine learning to refine image quality and performance. FSR 4 is designed to offer a dramatic improvement over its predecessors in both performance and quality, particularly at 4K resolutions. This upgrade will enable games like “Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart” to showcase FSR 4 capabilities, demonstrating how AMD can upgrade current titles without necessitating extensive developer intervention.
However, this upgrade is exclusive to AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture. This means that only those with the upcoming Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs will benefit from this feature, potentially driving hardware upgrades among AMD enthusiasts. The exclusivity has sparked discussions about accessibility within the gaming community, with some enthusiasts lauding the performance jump, while others express concerns over the cost implications for upgrading hardware just to utilize this new technology.

Impact on the Gaming Community
The move to make FSR 4 exclusive to RDNA 4 GPUs has stirred a debate on inclusivity versus technological advancement. On one hand, it’s a strategic move by AMD to push sales of their latest hardware. On the other, it limits the technology’s reach, potentially fragmenting the gaming community based on GPU ownership.
Gamers with older AMD hardware, or those from competing brands like NVIDIA or Intel, might feel left out, as this upgrade won’t be available to them unless they upgrade their GPUs. This situation mirrors past industry trends where new features often require new hardware to be truly experienced.
Looking Forward
AMD has yet to reveal the full scope of FSR 4’s capabilities or how it will compare against NVIDIA’s DLSS technology. However, the promise of using machine learning to enhance gaming visuals and performance suggests a significant leap forward. The community is eager to see how this technology will be integrated into upcoming titles and how it will affect the competitive landscape of GPU technology.
For those waiting for more information, AMD has indicated that further details will accompany the official launch of the RDNA 4 GPUs. Until then, gamers and tech enthusiasts are left to speculate on the potential game-changing effects of FSR 4 in the world of PC gaming.
As we approach this new era of graphics upscaling, it’s clear that AMD is betting big on integration between software solutions and hardware capabilities to redefine gaming performance. Whether this strategy will compel a wave of hardware upgrades or if AMD will eventually extend compatibility to older architectures remains to be seen. But for now, the “FSR 4 Upgrade” option is a tantalizing prospect for the future of gaming on RDNA 4.
Stay tuned for more updates from AMD as they continue to push the envelope in graphics technology.