Remedy Entertainment has released a major new update for Control, offering one of the most substantial next-generation improvements yet for PlayStation consoles. While all current-gen systems benefit from the patch, the PS5 Pro version receives the most dramatic enhancements, combining superior visual clarity, performance stability, and next-generation rendering technologies that fully utilize Sony’s upgraded hardware, according to an analysis by Digital Foundry.
At the heart of this update is the introduction of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a new image reconstruction feature similar to DLSS and FSR. When activated, PSSR delivers noticeably sharper visuals and improved detail, especially during camera movement. Surfaces and reflections appear more defined, while ghosting and flickering — common issues with the game’s previous temporal anti-aliasing (TAA) solution — are greatly reduced. However, the visual gains come at a small performance cost, as enabling PSSR adds roughly 2.2 milliseconds to rendering time, resulting in a drop of 7 to 15 frames per second. Even so, players using VRR (variable refresh rate) displays will likely find the trade-off worthwhile for the cleaner image.
The update also adds unlocked frame rate support and 120 Hz output options. In performance mode, Control now runs up to 120 FPS on the PS5 Pro, depending on display compatibility. Across most gameplay scenarios, the PS5 Pro maintains higher frame rates than both the base PS5 and Xbox Series X, averaging around 86 FPS compared to 82 on Series X and 70 on PS5. While intense combat sequences still cause dips into the mid-40s, VRR support ensures that motion remains fluid and free from noticeable stutter.
One of the most impressive upgrades is found in the graphics mode. On PS5 Pro, Control now supports full ray tracing at up to 60 FPS — a significant leap over the fixed 30 FPS previously available on standard PS5 hardware. This upgrade enhances reflections, lighting, and environmental depth while maintaining smoother gameplay. It should be noted, however, that this higher performance ray-traced mode requires a 120 Hz display; users on standard 60 Hz screens will experience the traditional 30 FPS cap.
Beyond the headline features, the PS5 Pro version benefits from several smaller but meaningful improvements. These include enhanced texture filtering, better shadow resolution, and refinements to screen-space reflections (SSR). The end result is a more stable and polished presentation, with fewer distracting visual artifacts and improved consistency across reflective materials. Collectively, these refinements make Control feel more modern and better aligned with current-gen expectations.
Sony and Remedy have implemented these upgrades with little fanfare. Neither the PlayStation Store nor the game’s public patch notes explicitly mention the PS5 Pro optimizations, but technical analysis confirms that Control is among the first titles to exploit the console’s advanced GPU and rendering technologies meaningfully.
Control’s PS5 Pro update marks a major milestone in showcasing what the new hardware can achieve. With the addition of PSSR, 120 Hz gameplay, and 60 FPS ray-traced visuals, Remedy has turned an already acclaimed title into a genuine technical showcase for the PlayStation 5 Pro. While its benefits are best experienced on high-refresh-rate displays, the update demonstrates the console’s growing potential and sets a high bar for future next-gen enhancements.
