Sony PlayStation games to use AI for frame generation
Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, has confirmed that machine learning-based frame generation technology will eventually arrive on PlayStation platforms. In an interview with Digital Foundry, Cerny explained that this future feature will enable consoles to use artificial intelligence to generate new frames between those actually rendered by the graphics engine. This process aims to create smoother perceived image quality, although it typically introduces some latency, a phenomenon often criticized on PC as "fake frames." Cerny noted that there are no immediate releases planned for this technology within the current year. When discussing the timeline for both the update and the potential sixth-generation console, he reiterated his previous stance that the PS6 will not launch before 2027 at the earliest. Consequently, the implementation of this AI feature is likely to accompany the PS6 or arrive in the interim period as Sony seeks to maximize the capabilities of the existing PS5 Pro hardware. This development marks a significant evolution from current frame generation methods. The PS5 already supports AMD FSR3 frame generation in select titles, but that technology relies on traditional interpolation rather than machine learning. While FSR3 calculates frames based on real motion vectors, the upcoming AI solution will attempt to predict and imagine content between real frames, potentially offering more advanced rendering. However, industry experts from Nvidia and AMD have long warned that frame generation is not a universal solution for low frame rates. The technique requires a relatively stable base frame rate to function effectively, as it cannot create a playable experience from an unstable or very low starting point. Many gamers prefer to avoid this technology on handheld devices or lower-end systems where frame rates fluctuate between 30 and 40 fps. On high-end desktops where frame rates regularly exceed 90 fps, users often disable frame generation to minimize input lag, though some appreciate its benefits in specific edge cases. Sony's adoption of this AI-driven approach suggests a shift toward more sophisticated rendering techniques, potentially narrowing the gap between console and PC performance. For now, however, PlayStation users must wait for future hardware and software updates to experience the full potential of AI-enhanced frame generation.
