AMD's New FSR Update Hits Xbox Before GTA 6 Launch

AMD adds FSR 4.1.2 support to Xbox Series X|S and the ROG Xbox Ally, giving developers new upscaling models to squeeze more performance out of aging hardware ahead of GTA 6.

AMD just quietly dropped a new update that could give your Xbox a nice little performance boost — and the timing couldn't be better with GTA 6 looming on the horizon.

According to PC Gamer, AMD has updated its Game Development Kit (GDK) to add FSR 4.1.2 support for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. That means developers can now flip on this upscaling feature in their games. The update brings two new upscaling models: Full INT8 and a more efficient Lite INT8. The Lite version is half the size of the Full one and comes with lower upscaling overhead, though both consoles can use either model — it's up to the developer to decide which one to implement. AMD also released a GDK sample that lets you switch between the two models at runtime, making it easy for devs to compare image quality and cost in the same scene. Both models use the same amount of upscaler memory since it depends on render and display resolution, so the choice is really a performance trade-off.

For us players, the real takeaway here is what this means for older hardware. The Xbox Series X and S have been out for years now, and running big new releases on six-year-old hardware is a genuine challenge. Upscaling support helps squeeze out extra performance without needing to buy a new console. The report also cites testing from Ancient Gameplays two weeks ago, which found the Lite model performs better at lower input resolutions and can even remove some of the image noise that the Full model retains.

On the handheld side, FSR 4.1.2 is also supported on Xbox handhelds, starting with the high-end ROG Xbox Ally series. However, it seems only that one efficient INT8 model is available for now, and developers need to get it through Asus's preview drivers for the Xbox Ally X and X20. AMD says the feature will upgrade DirectX 12 games using FSR 3.1 or newer, with ROG Xbox Ally support following in a later update.

The report also nods to GTA 6, which launches on November 19. As a Rockstar title, its visual quality is always a hot topic — and having better upscaling tools on Xbox ahead of that release could be a big deal for players sticking with current-gen consoles.

Are you hoping FSR 4.1.2 gives your Xbox a second wind before GTA 6 arrives? Let us know in the comments!