Returnal Receives Major PS5 Pro Enhancement With 2.5X Resolution Boost
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Returnal just got significantly sharper on PlayStation 5 Pro, with a surprise enhancement patch that substantially improves the roguelike shooter’s visual fidelity. Released to coincide with the game’s fourth anniversary, the update delivers what Housemarque describes as “up to 2.5 times the pixel count” compared to the base PS5 version.
The free update (version 3.000.005) is available now for all Returnal owners who have upgraded to Sony’s more powerful console. While the patch maintains the game’s 60 frames-per-second performance target, it significantly increases internal rendering resolution from the base PS5’s 1080p to approximately 1700-1728p on PS5 Pro—roughly 80% of true 4K resolution.
“This enhancement brings Returnal’s already impressive visuals much closer to native 4K clarity,” said Housemarque in the patch announcement via Twitter. The studio has focused exclusively on resolution improvements rather than introducing new graphical options or a 120fps performance mode.
Perhaps equally significant for technically-minded players is the restoration of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, which was previously disabled in the game. Players with compatible displays report smoother gameplay experiences thanks to this feature’s return.
The update demonstrates how PS5 Pro can enhance existing titles without requiring extensive development resources. By leveraging the console’s additional GPU power, Housemarque has been able to substantially increase Returnal’s internal rendering resolution while maintaining its crucial 60fps performance target.
For the uninitiated, Returnal follows space explorer Selene Vassos as she’s trapped in a time loop on the hostile alien planet Atropos. The game’s stunning alien environments and particle effects particularly benefit from the increased pixel density, with early player reports highlighting improved readability during the game’s chaotic combat encounters.
What’s Included in the PS5 Pro Enhanced Patch
| Feature | Base PS5 | PS5 Pro Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Resolution | 1080p (upscaled) | ~1700-1728p (upscaled) |
| Output Resolution | 4K (checkerboard) | Sharper, closer to native 4K |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS | 60 FPS (unchanged) |
| VRR Support | Previously disabled | Now supported |
| 120 FPS Mode | Not available | Not available |
The patch is focused solely on visual enhancements, with no new gameplay features or performance modes included. Housemarque has maintained Returnal’s locked 60fps target, prioritizing consistent performance over higher frame rates.
“The increased resolution makes a substantial difference in visual clarity, especially during intense combat sequences,” noted one Reddit user in the PS5 community. “The return of VRR support is also a welcome addition that wasn’t even mentioned in the official announcement.”
How to Access the Enhanced Version
PlayStation 5 Pro owners can download the update immediately by checking for game updates. If you own a digital copy of Returnal or have the physical disc inserted, simply verify you have version 3.000.005 installed.
The game continues to be available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers as part of their subscription, though it has not yet been added to the PS Plus Premium cloud streaming library.
Returnal joins a growing list of titles receiving dedicated PS5 Pro enhancements, with Sony pushing developers to showcase the capabilities of their premium console hardware through these targeted upgrades to critically-acclaimed games.
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