Intel XESS 2.1 Expands AI Upscaling support to Nearly 50 Games

intel’s push to democratize AI-powered gaming visuals continues with the release of its XESS 2.1 SDK. This latest iteration of the Xe Super Sampling (XESS) technology now supports frame generation and low-latency features on GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD, considerably broadening its reach beyond Intel’s own arc graphics cards. The update also brings quality improvements to XESS 2’s AI resolution upscaling, alongside crucial bug fixes and stability enhancements. this move positions XESS as a viable option – and increasingly, a complementary technology – to established solutions like AMD’s FSR and NVIDIA’s DLSS.

Breaking Down XESS 2.1: What’s New?

The core benefit of XESS 2.1 lies in its expanded compatibility. Previously limited to Intel Arc gpus, the technology now functions on any graphics card supporting Shader Model 4.6, opening the door for a much wider audience to experience AI-enhanced gaming. This is achieved thru the XESS 2.1 SDK, which developers can integrate into thier games to leverage the upscaling and frame generation capabilities.

Beyond compatibility, the 2.1 update focuses on refinement. Intel has addressed reported issues and optimized the AI algorithms to deliver sharper, more detailed upscaled images.The inclusion of XE Low-Latency technology aims to minimize input lag, a common concern with frame generation techniques, ensuring a responsive gaming experience.

The Growing List of XESS-Enabled Titles

As of this release, XESS 2.1 is supported in a rapidly expanding library of games. Currently,nearly five dozen titles boast XESS integration,including several high-profile releases. Here’s a comprehensive list as of late June 2024:

Achilles: Survival
Anarchy Legends Online
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Black Hawk Down
Black Myth: Wukong
chernobylite 2
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead Take
Diablo IV
Dune: Awakening
Empyreal
Eternal Strands
F1 24
F1 25
FPlus
Game of Thrones Kingsroad
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
Hogwarts Legacy
Japanese Drift Master
Karma: The Dark World
Killing Floor 3
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Marvel Rivals
Mechwarrior 5: Clans
Medieval dynasty
MindsEye
Naraka: Bladepoint
Payday 3
Rise of the Ronin
Robocop: Rogue City
Robocop: Rogue City Unfinished Business
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Skyguard
Star Wars Outlaws
Steel Seed
Still Wakes the Deep
Striden
TankHead
The Talos Principle Reawakened
Voin
War Thunder
Wild Assault
Wreckfest 2

This list is expected to grow as more developers adopt the XESS 2.1 SDK, especially following Intel’s recent partnership with Electronic Arts.

XESS vs. FSR & DLSS: A Competitive Landscape

While XESS 2.1 represents a notable step forward, it currently trails behind the maturity and widespread adoption of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 and NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 4. However, the open nature of XESS – its willingness to support competitor hardware – is a key differentiator.Increasingly, developers are opting to implement all three upscaling technologies, providing players with the versatility to choose the best option for their hardware and preferences. this multi-platform approach is becoming the ideal solution, ensuring broader compatibility and maximizing visual fidelity across a diverse range of gaming setups. Intel’s commitment to open access and continuous betterment positions XESS as a strong contender in the AI upscaling arena.

The Future of AI Upscaling and Intel’s Role

The trend towards AI-powered upscaling is undeniable. As games become more visually demanding, technologies like XESS, FSR, and DLSS will become