Returnal Gets a Major Boost: PS5 Pro Upgrade Announced
To celebrate its fourth anniversary, Housemarque has unveiled a free PlayStation 5 Pro upgrade for Returnal. This update promises to enhance the already impressive PS5 game, offering a resolution increase of up to 2.5 times on Sony’s advanced hardware. The phrase “up to 2.5x” hints at dynamic resolution scaling, which plays a crucial role in this enhancement. Let’s explore what this upgrade entails and how it impacts the overall gameplay experience.
Understanding the PS5’s Limitations
As it stands, the standard PS5 operates on a fixed 1080p base resolution. According to Housemarque, this resolution is temporally reconstructed to 1440p and then upscaled to a final 4K output through checkerboard rendering. Although the game’s visual technology is brilliantly executed—showcasing dazzling particle effects—the unique setup can introduce some visual noise on the standard PS5. While gameplay remains the focus, the grainy high-frequency detail often detracts from the overall aesthetic, especially when compared to its PC counterpart.
The PS5 Pro Upgrade: Dynamic Resolution Scaling
The PS5 Pro upgrade raises the resolution to a peak of 3072×1728, utilizing dynamic resolution scaling (DRS) to adapt to GPU load. This is a significant change from the static 1080p of the base model, even influencing the frame rate. In intense battles, the lowest recorded resolution on the PS5 Pro drops to 2400×1350, but the maximum 1728p occurs frequently across the first three biomes, surpassing Housemarque’s promised 2.5x increase.
Visual Enhancements: A Notable Upgrade
Comparing the base PS5 to the PS5 Pro reveals the anticipated visual improvements. The rapid action of Returnal may mask the resolution boost, yet when players take the time to appreciate the graphics, the upgrade becomes evident. Improvements such as minimized moiré patterns on staircases and reduced flickering on hard edges contribute to a cleaner overall appearance. Although some temporal instability remains, the higher pixel density of the Pro version significantly reduces the impact of these artifacts.
Performance Testing: Achieving a Stable Frame Rate
Performance assessment is complex due to Returnal’s roguelike design, but overall, the PS5 Pro excels. Boss battles that once caused frame drops on the base model now maintain a smooth 60 frames per second performance on the Pro. The dynamic resolution scaling between 1350p and 1728p is effectively tailored to the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, resulting in a more stable experience. The transition away from a fixed resolution allows better adaptation to the game’s demanding scenarios.
Remaining Challenges and Future Updates
While the PS5 Pro excels in many areas, some issues persist. Occasional hitches remain evident, particularly during intense action scenes. As the game progresses and evolves, the potential for new, taxing areas could introduce further frame rate fluctuations. However, recent gameplay suggests that the Pro version provides notable improvements and a sharper image compared to its predecessor.
Conclusion: A Welcomed Upgrade for Returnal Fans
Though the new PS5 Pro patch may not seem the most ambitious use of upgraded hardware, the results are impressive. A significant 2.56x resolution boost, paired with mostly stable frame rates, enhances the already stellar gameplay of Returnal. The only minor drawback is an increase in frame-time hitches during combat, yet the benefits exceed the downsides. For fans of this thrilling title, the PS5 Pro upgrade creates an excellent opportunity to relive one of the best shooters of this generation.
