# AMD’s Ambition for Handheld Gaming: Extended Battery Life and AI-Enhanced Upscaling
At **IFA 2024**, AMD unveiled several noteworthy updates that provide insight into the future of its graphics card segment and its endeavors to elevate gaming experiences, especially within the handheld domain. A key highlight was the company’s emphasis on **extended battery life for handheld gaming devices**, a mission poised to be realized through innovations in **AI-driven upscaling technology**.
## A Change in Direction: Departing from Premium GPUs
One of the more unexpected announcements from AMD was its choice to step back from the high-end graphics card landscape, at least temporarily. This decision indicates a strategic shift, as AMD pivots towards other growth avenues, including gaming handhelds and AI-centric technologies. Although the company has been a formidable contender in the premium GPU arena, it seems AMD is now channeling its resources into more power-efficient options that accommodate a wider variety of devices.
## FSR 4: AI-Driven Upscaling for Enhanced Efficiency
A standout feature of AMD’s announcements was the introduction of **FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4**, the forthcoming iteration of its upscaling technology. FSR 3, launched in September 2023, is already incorporated into several titles, but AMD has been diligently working on its successor for numerous months. As stated by **Jack Huynh**, head of AMD’s Computing and Graphics Business division, FSR 4 will signify a notable strategic transformation by implementing a fully **AI-based approach**.
This shift echoes the strategy adopted by **Nvidia’s DLSS 3 (Deep Learning Super Sampling)**, which utilizes AI components in the RTX 4000 series to offer enhanced performance and visual fidelity. While FSR 3 combined **bilinear upscaling and machine learning**, FSR 4 will depend more extensively on artificial intelligence to boost both the quality of the upscaled visuals and the overall efficiency of the process.
## Handheld Gaming: The Primary Emphasis of FSR 4
Remarkably, AMD’s primary focus for FSR 4 is directed not toward conventional PC gaming but rather at **gaming handhelds**. Devices such as the **Lenovo Legion Go** and the **Asus ROG Ally** have seen a rise in popularity, yet one of their most significant hurdles is **battery life**. As Huynh emphasized, “battery life is simply not there” for many of these devices, with players frequently unable to engage with current titles for prolonged periods without needing a recharge.
The objective of FSR 4 is to tackle this challenge by enhancing **power efficiency**. By leveraging AI for optimized upscaling, AMD seeks to provide **stable frame rates** and **higher resolutions** while using less energy. This advancement would enable handheld gaming devices to sustain demanding games for extended durations, offering a more uninterrupted gaming experience without frequent recharging.
## The Link to PlayStation and PSSR
Another captivating element of AMD’s announcements is the potential relationship between FSR 4 and **Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)**. The newly revealed **PlayStation 5 Pro** houses an AMD APU and showcases advanced AI upscaling features that facilitate stable frame rates at elevated resolutions. Given the long-standing collaboration between **Sony** and **AMD**, there’s a possibility that some underlying technologies behind PSSR could impact FSR 4’s progression.
However, it is crucial to recognize that PSSR is a **Sony-owned** technology, and indications suggest that AMD did not partake directly in its creation. **Digital Foundry**, a reputable entity within the gaming industry, confirmed in March 2024 that PSSR is not derived from AMD’s FSR technology. Furthermore, the PS5 Pro’s technical presentation distinctly separated AMD’s and Sony’s technologies, reinforcing the idea that PSSR is an independent innovation.
While some similarities in the foundational concepts of AI-driven upscaling might exist, it seems improbable that PSSR is merely a rebranded iteration of FSR 4. Still, the concurrent development of these technologies hints at potential cross-pollination of concepts, particularly as both firms aim for similar objectives in enhancing performance and efficiency through AI.
## What Lies Ahead for AMD?
While AMD has not disclosed a precise launch date for FSR 4, the company’s commitment to **AI-driven solutions** and **power efficiency** is evident. The departure from high-end GPUs in favor of more adaptable, energy-efficient technologies reflects the increasing need for **mobile and handheld gaming** solutions. As devices like the **Steam Deck**, **ROG Ally**, and **Lenovo Legion Go** continue to rise in prominence, the demand for improved battery life and performance will only grow.
FSR 4 has the potential to be transformative in this context, granting handheld gamers the opportunity to enjoy