PlayStation 4 firmware update 5.50 is now available in beta, bringing a raft of new features, including a supersampling mode, which enhances the visuals of PlayStation Pro-optimised games when played on a 1080p TV. Supersampling allows games to be rendered at higher resolutions and then downscaled to 1080p, providing a slight enhancement to image quality.
Previously, those using the Ultra HD-capable PlayStation Pro on a 1080p TV weren’t able to enjoy any kind of boost to image quality. Conversely, Microsoft’s Xbox One X shipped with supersampling capabilities.
A public release for version 5.50 hasn’t yet been announced.
Analyst Comment
I’m a member of Sony’s System Software Beta program and was very excited to read about this feature. Though we do have a very nice Ultra HD TV in the house, I play video games for a vast proportion of my free time and I don’t want to hog our living room TV, so I keep my consoles attached to my lovely 1080p Samsung set in my office.
The difference is admittedly negligible, but it’s a nice gesture on Sony’s part (and Microsoft, for that matter) to provide some kind of small benefit for those using their premium consoles on a non-UHD TV. Some games feature non-resolution-related performance boosts, like higher framerates and extra graphical effects, but the new supersampling mode has certainly broadened the benefits available to gamers that haven’t yet made the jump to 2160p. (AF)
