Intel has released the XeSS 2 SDK along with an updated XeSS plugin for Unreal Engine

Intel has made its XeSS SDK available to developers, enabling them to incorporate XeSS into their gaming projects. With the launch of XeSS 2, XeSS goes beyond merely offering AI upscaling (Super Resolution) by introducing features for reducing latency and generating frames. This SDK can now be accessed on GitHub.

In conjunction with the XeSS release, Intel has also introduced a new XeSS Plugin for Unreal Engine 5. This facilitates the easy integration of Intel XeSS Super Resolution (XeSS-SR), XeSS Frame Generation (XeSS-FG), and XeSS Low Latency (XeSS-LL) into Unreal Engine 5 developments.

Similar to previous versions of XeSS Super Resolution, there are two varieties of Intel’s AI upscaler: one is optimized for Intel ARC and Iris Xe AI accelerators, while the other is compatible with all Shader Model 6.4 and subsequently released CPUs that support DP4A. Meanwhile, XeSS Frame Generation and Xe Low Latency are exclusive to Intel ARC GPUs equipped with Xe Matrix Extensions for AI processing. The sole exception is the Intel ARC graphics in Meteor Lake CPUs, which supports XeLL but does not offer XeSS Frame Generation.

With XeSS 2, Intel presents a range of features that can compete with Nvidia DLSS and Nvidia Reflex. Nonetheless, Intel falls short in terms of the number of games that currently support it. Additionally, Intel does not offer an option for "upscaler upgrade/override," which is available in AMD’s FSR 3.1 SDK version (allowing for FSR 4) or the Nvidia application’s DLSS Override feature.

For Intel to enhance XeSS and improve its prospects for future discrete GPUs, it requires additional support for XeSS 2. Moreover, there is a need for a pathway that enables games to utilize advancements from future XeSS updates.

As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.