Valve appears to be taking a significant step toward improving visual fidelity on handheld and lower-end PC hardware by integrating a version of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR4) directly into the Steam client and Proton compatibility layer. While AMD previously announced that FSR4 would support older Radeon graphics cards, this new development suggests Valve has implemented its own tweaked version of the technology.
What is FSR4 and why does it matter?
FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD’s open-source upscaling technology, designed to compete with NVIDIA’s DLSS. The process works by rendering a game at a lower internal resolution—such as 720p—and then using advanced algorithms to upscale the image to a higher target resolution, like 1080p or 4K.
The primary benefit for you is performance. Because your GPU renders fewer pixels initially, it can achieve higher frame rates with less strain on hardware. FSR4 builds upon this by aiming to reduce common visual artifacts associated with earlier versions of upscaling, such as ghosting, shimmering, and jagged edges, while maintaining those performance gains.
Valve’s custom implementation
According to reports from developer Brad Lynch on X (formerly Twitter), the version of FSR4 being added to Steam is not a direct copy of AMD’s standard release. Valve has tweaked the implementation, though specific details regarding these changes remain undisclosed until users can test the update themselves.
This integration within Proton—the compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck—is particularly notable. It means that games supporting FSR3 could theoretically be upgraded to use FSR4 automatically, provided the game engine and Valve’s implementation allow for it. This could effectively extend the lifespan of current hardware by offering better visual quality without requiring a new GPU.
What this means for Steam Deck users
If this integration extends to the Steam Deck as anticipated, it addresses one of the most common complaints regarding upscaling on handheld devices: visual stability. By potentially reducing ghosting and artifacts, FSR4 could make demanding titles more playable at higher settings or resolutions.
While ideally, games should be optimized to run smoothly natively, the reality of modern gaming demands often makes upscaling necessary for maintaining smooth frame rates on portable hardware. This update represents a practical win for players who want better performance without upgrading their device.
We will likely learn more about the specifics of Valve’s modifications and which games support this new implementation as users begin testing the updated Steam client and Proton builds. Keep an eye on your system updates to see if your library benefits from these changes.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Do you prefer native resolution gaming, or do you rely on upscaling tools like FSR to maintain smooth frame rates on your current hardware?
