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Back in January, we wrote an article about how it might be beneficial for the Steam Deck's successor to skip the RDNA3 generation and leap back into the ring using RDNA4, and with AMD just releasing more details on FSR4 in their latest RDNA4 live stream, that could well be the case.

AMDFSR4Image2

While FSR3 was largely focused on adding frame generation to the mix, that doesn't necessarily benefit you if you're already running at a low framerate, but FSR4 looks to go back and improve image-upscaling quality by a ton, meaning you can run at lower resolutions while still maintaining decent image quality, which can be a lifesaver on a low-end device like the Steam Deck.

FSR4Image3

Taking a look at the screenshot below from the live stream showcasing Warhammer 40k: Space Marine II using FSR3.1 Balanced versus FSR4 Performance mode, shows that the FSR4 upscaler is creating a crisper/clearer image than FSR3's while running at a lower base resolution, which should result in more performance and a better image.

AMDFSR4Image1

AMD claims their new approach with FSR4 will reduce ghosting and noisy effects and even claims that at certain levels, an upscaled FSR4 image can produce more quality/detail than a native 4k image.

So if the Steam Deck 2 does make use of the RDNA4 architecture, gaining the use of FSR4 could definitely extend the life-span and general performance of the device on the games that make use of FSR4.

What do you think? Would it be a good move by Valve to wait and fit RDNA4 architecture in the Steam Deck's successor?

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Oliver Stogden
Oliver began playing video games at an early age, starting with the SNES console and Commodore Amiga computer. Nowadays, his interest is in the future of portable technology, such as handheld gaming systems, portable power stations/banks, and portable monitors. And seeing just how far we can push these devices.
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