The highly anticipated PS5 Pro upgrade for Returnal has arrived, and early analysis from Digital Foundry reveals that Housemarque’s surprise update delivers far more than initially promised. Celebrating the game’s fourth anniversary, this free patch significantly enhances both image quality and performance , making it a must-play experience for PS5 Pro owners.
Originally launched at a native 1080p resolution and later upscaled to 4K using checkerboard rendering, Returnal’s visual fidelity has seen a dramatic overhaul . The PS5 Pro version now pushes up to a stunning 3072×1728 (1440p upscale target) , leveraging a dynamic resolution scaling system that intelligently adapts to in-game intensity — resulting in a much sharper, cleaner, and more detailed image.
For those unfamiliar with technical jargon, the takeaway is simple: everything looks better. Scenes are crisper, textures pop more vividly, and there’s a notable reduction in aliasing — all contributing to a more immersive and visually cohesive world.
In terms of performance , the improvements are equally impressive. While the original PS5 release maintained a mostly stable 60 frames per second, certain intense sequences — particularly during boss fights — would cause occasional dips. According to Digital Foundry, these hiccups have been largely ironed out on the PS5 Pro, offering a smoother, more consistent frame rate even during chaotic gameplay moments.
That said, the upgrade isn’t without minor drawbacks. Some micro-stuttering can occur as the dynamic resolution adjusts in real time, but these hiccups are subtle and infrequent enough not to detract from the overall experience.
While the PC version of Returnal still holds the edge with features like ray tracing , ultra-wide support, and customizable settings, the PS5 Pro patch brings console performance closer than ever to high-end PC levels — and all without requiring players to switch platforms.
This free update not only revitalizes one of PlayStation’s most celebrated exclusives but also serves as a compelling showcase of what the PS5 Pro is capable of. As anticipation builds for Housemarque’s next project, Saros , the enhanced Returnal experience offers longtime fans and newcomers alike a perfect opportunity to dive back into its challenging roguelike action — now with improved visuals, better stability, and a fresh appreciation for its artistry.
In short, Returnal’s PS5 Pro upgrade overdelivers , proving that even years after launch, the game remains a technical and artistic benchmark for console gaming.