AMD has unveiled its latest upscaling technology, FSR ‘Redstone’, introducing a suite of advanced machine learning-powered features to its current-generation graphics cards. This update, however, is limited to the Radeon RX 9070 XT and Radeon RX 9060 XT models, two highly acclaimed GPUs in the gaming community.
Among the standout features of Redstone is Ray Regeneration, which AMD claims can “clean up noisy ray-traced reflections and shadows before upscaling and interpolation.” This feature was tested by Gamers Nexus in the game Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, where it demonstrated significant improvements in lighting effects, such as sharper reflections off surfaces like pools or glossy tiles. Interestingly, these enhancements were less obvious in a comparison video presented by Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD’s computing and graphics group, which showcased the game in both native 4K and with FSR Redstone enabled.
Enhancements and Game Support
AMD has announced that Ray Regeneration will soon be available in more titles. Additionally, the update includes FSR Upscaling and Frame Generation, leveraging generative AI to create frames between traditionally rendered frames, thereby enhancing framerates. According to AMD’s website, this new Frame Generation update is compatible with 32 games, as highlighted by The Verge. Furthermore, over 200 games, including major titles like Black Myth: Wukong and ARC Raiders, will support general FSR Redstone features.
Another significant addition in this update is Radiance Caching, which AMD describes as a method to predict light behavior, enhancing ray tracing efficiency. However, this feature is not yet available in any games, with AMD projecting its release in 2026.
Technical Insights and Industry Reactions
The release of FSR ‘Redstone’ comes at a time when the gaming industry is increasingly embracing AI-driven technologies to enhance visual fidelity and performance. The limitations to current-generation GPUs may disappoint some users, but AMD’s focus on optimizing these technologies for the latest hardware ensures that gamers can experience cutting-edge graphics capabilities.
Industry experts have noted the potential impact of these advancements. According to a report by The Verge, the integration of AI in gaming graphics is a significant leap forward, promising to transform the gaming experience by offering more realistic and immersive environments.
“The introduction of AI-driven upscaling technologies like FSR Redstone marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of gaming graphics, setting a new standard for visual quality,” said a leading industry analyst.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Gaming Graphics
As AMD continues to refine and expand its FSR technology, the implications for the gaming industry are substantial. The company’s commitment to integrating AI into its graphics solutions points to a future where gaming experiences are not only visually stunning but also more accessible to a broader audience.
For gamers equipped with compatible GPUs, the latest update, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 25.12.1, is now available for download on AMD’s website. This development represents a significant step in AMD’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming graphics.
Freelance writer Wes, who has extensively covered technology and gaming for outlets like Gizmodo and The Verge, reflects on the broader implications of these advancements. “Inside of him, there are two wolves: one that thinks it wouldn’t be so bad to start collecting game consoles again, and the other who also thinks this, but more strongly,” he muses, capturing the excitement and nostalgia that technological advancements in gaming often evoke.
As the gaming industry eagerly anticipates the integration of Radiance Caching in 2026, the release of FSR ‘Redstone’ sets the stage for a new era of gaming graphics, driven by the power of AI.
