Intel has taken a significant step forward in the PC gaming landscape with the release of Software Development Kit (SDK) version 2.1.0, enabling support for its XeSS 2 (Xe Super Sampling) technology on AMD and NVIDIA GPUs. Previously exclusive to Intel’s Arc GPUs, XeSS 2 now supports NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 10-series (Pascal) and newer, as well as AMD’s Radeon RX 5000-series (RDNA) and beyond, utilizing Shader Model 6.4. This update allows non-Intel GPUs to leverage the full suite of XeSS 2 features, including super resolution (XeSS SR), frame generation (XeSS FG), and low-latency mode (XeLL), with the latter requiring frame generation to be enabled. By extending compatibility to competing hardware, Intel positions XeSS 2 as a versatile alternative to NVIDIA’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR, promoting broader adoption across diverse GPU ecosystems and enhancing gaming performance for a wide range of players.
The cross-vendor support in XeSS 2 is a strategic move to challenge the proprietary nature of rival upscaling technologies. Unlike NVIDIA’s DLSS, which is restricted to GeForce RTX GPUs, or AMD’s FSR, which prioritizes Radeon hardware despite broader compatibility, XeSS 2’s use of the DP4a instruction ensures consistent performance on non-Intel GPUs, while Intel’s Arc Alchemist and Battlemage GPUs benefit from optimized XMX matrix engines. The SDK 2.1.0 simplifies integration for developers, requiring only a recompile of existing XeSS 2 implementations or minimal configuration changes for new integrations. This approach not only streamlines development but also enables gamers with older hardware, such as GTX 10-series cards, to access modern AI-driven upscaling and frame generation, making high-quality gaming more accessible.
XeSS 2 was supported in over 20 games, including titles like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Civilization VII, and Marvel Rivals. With the SDK 2.1.0 update, more games are expected to adopt XeSS 2, especially as developers update their binaries to leverage the expanded hardware support. Intel’s XeSS technology already supports over 200 games. As the gaming industry increasingly relies on upscaling to meet performance demands, Intel’s XeSS 2 could become a unifying standard, benefiting players across all major GPU brands.
Source : Intel