In the previous summer, AMD unveiled its latest innovation in image upscaling technology, FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) version 3.0, which introduced “Fluid Motion Frames” aimed at enhancing frame rates by generating and inserting interpolated frames alongside the ones produced by the GPU. Fast forward to today, AMD has announced the launch of FSR 3.1, featuring several advancements, notably the separation of the upscaling improvements found in FSR 3.x from the Fluid Motion Frames functionality. Set to be available in “later this year,” FSR 3.1 will be integrated into games at the discretion of their developers.
FSR 3.1 offers the flexibility to activate specific features as desired, moving away from the all-inclusive approach of FSR 3.0. This version is compatible with various upscaling methods, including Nvidia’s DLSS, and is particularly beneficial for Nvidia GeForce GPUs from the 20 and 30 series, which support DLSS upscaling but not its Frame Generation feature.
AMD’s Alexander Blake-Davies recommends maintaining a frame rate of approximately 60 FPS before applying Frame Generation with FSR 3 to ensure a superior gaming experience and minimize any latency induced by the technology. Although AMD’s FSR traditionally lagged slightly behind Nvidia’s DLSS in terms of upscaling image quality, the gap was notably narrowed with FSR 2, and FSR 3.1 promises further enhancements. Key improvements include better “temporal stability” to minimize flickering and “ghosting reduction” for clearer images of fast-moving objects.
A significant challenge with these advancements is their need for individual game implementation. While FSR 3.0 support was announced for 40 games, with only 19 currently available, AMD aims to broaden accessibility with FSR 3.1 by introducing a stable API for developers. This initiative simplifies debugging and ensures compatibility with future FSR versions, potentially easing the integration process for game developers.
No specific hardware requirements for FSR 3.1 were disclosed, though it’s expected to be compatible with a broad range of GPUs from AMD, Nvidia, and Intel, similar to FSR 3.0’s support for various graphics cards. Additionally, FSR 3.x’s features will be extended to games utilizing the Vulkan API and the Xbox Game Development Kit (GDK), allowing for implementation in both console and PC titles.
