Intel has just unveiled its latest innovation: XeSS 2, an upgraded version of its AI-powered upscaling technology, aimed at taking gaming performance to new heights. This breakthrough promises to rival the likes of NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 and AMD’s FSR 3, offering players smoother and more visually stunning gameplay.
What’s New with XeSS 2?
XeSS 2 introduces three major technologies that work together to enhance your gaming experience:
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XeSS Super Resolution – This AI-based technology upscales lower-resolution images to deliver high-quality visuals without a significant drop in frame rates.
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XeSS-FG Frame Generation – By using AI-driven ‘Optical Flow Reprojection,’ XeSS 2 generates additional frames, improving overall smoothness and reducing lag.
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XeLL Low Latency – This feature minimizes system latency, making your gameplay more responsive—crucial for fast-paced action titles.
With these enhancements, XeSS 2 is set to deliver sharper visuals and smoother performance, transforming your gaming experience.
How Much Better Is It?
In early tests, XeSS 2 has shown impressive results. For instance, when tested on F1 24, an Intel Arc B580 GPU saw a jump from 48 frames per second (FPS) at native 1440p settings to 152 FPS with XeSS 2 enabled. Even more impressive is the reduction in system latency, from 57ms to just 28ms, offering a more responsive and enjoyable experience.
What Do You Need to Use XeSS 2?
To get the most out of XeSS 2, your system needs to be equipped with Intel hardware featuring XMX AI Engines. This includes Intel’s Arc and upcoming Battlemage GPUs, as well as integrated graphics in future processors like Lunar Lake. Unlike the original XeSS, which supported a broader range of GPUs, XeSS 2 is optimized specifically for Intel’s own hardware.
Which Games Support XeSS 2?
Intel has already lined up several popular titles that will support XeSS 2, including:
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Harry Potter Quidditch Champions
- RoboCop Rogue City
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
- Dying Light 2
- F1 24
- Marvel Rivals
These games are expected to showcase XeSS 2’s full potential, bringing players a richer and more fluid gaming experience.
How Does XeSS 2 Stack Up Against Competitors?
While XeSS 2 faces strong competition from NVIDIA’s DLSS 3, it offers something unique—broad compatibility with Intel’s existing hardware. Unlike DLSS 3, which is limited to NVIDIA’s RTX 4000 series, XeSS 2 works across both current and older Intel Arc GPUs, offering a more inclusive solution for gamers.
The Intel Graphics Software Suite
Intel is also launching the new Intel Graphics Software control panel, a hub that allows users to update drivers, optimize game settings, monitor performance, and even tweak overclocking settings, providing a smoother and more customizable gaming experience.
The Bottom Line
With XeSS 2, Intel is raising the bar for AI-driven gaming technology. By combining upscaling, frame generation, and low latency features, XeSS 2 offers an experience that is both visually stunning and highly responsive. As more game developers adopt this technology, players can expect to see dramatic improvements in their favorite titles—making XeSS 2 a major player in the world of gaming performance.
