AMD's FSR Diamond Uses AI to Redefine Upscaling for Next-Gen Xbox and PC
AMD has unveiled FSR Diamond, a major upgrade to its FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaling technology. Expected in 2025, it will use advanced AI models instead of the rule-based methods seen in earlier versions. The new system is being designed with close ties to Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix.
The technology promises higher image quality and performance, but some features may need new hardware to work fully.
Previous FSR versions each introduced new techniques. FSR 1 focused on spatial upscaling with anti-aliasing. FSR 2 added temporal upscaling using motion vectors. FSR 3 brought AI frame generation and ray reconstruction, all without relying on NVIDIA's hardware.
FSR Diamond breaks from these older methods. It uses transformer-based machine learning models instead of fixed rules. Unlike FSR 3, it generates frames without motion vectors, improving stability and quality. Diffusion models and cross-frame attention further refine the output. AMD plans hardware-specific versions, including a 'Diamond Pro' variant with dedicated ray tracing cores. The system will support upscaling up to 8x at 4K and 240Hz.
The technology is being built natively for Xbox hardware, matching the RDNA 5 architecture in Project Helix. This console's GPU will share the same design as future desktop RDNA 5 GPUs. Microsoft will give developers early access to the new Xbox in alpha form starting in 2027, though a consumer release isn't expected before 2028.
On PC, FSR Diamond may adapt to avoid strict hardware limits. Deep optimisation for Project Helix means it will integrate into Microsoft's Game Development Kit (GDK). Features like neural rendering, multi-frame generation, and ray regeneration will enhance both ray tracing and path tracing.
FSR Diamond marks a shift to AI-driven upscaling, with deeper ties to next-gen Xbox hardware. The technology will arrive first on RDNA 5 GPUs, including those in Project Helix. Developers will test the new console from 2027, but full consumer availability is still years away.
