Intel’s XeSS 2: Elevating Gaming Experiences Across Platforms

Intel is significantly expanding the reach of its XeSS 2 upscaling technology, bringing enhanced gaming performance to a wider range of titles and hardware configurations. The company recently announced that XeSS 2 will be integrated into several high-profile games, including Diablo IV and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This integration promises to dramatically improve framerates, potentially quadrupling performance in some scenarios and transforming previously unplayable experiences into smooth, enjoyable ones.

XeSS, or Xe Super Sampling, is Intel’s answer to AI-driven upscaling technologies like NVIDIA’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR. It employs a combination of upscaling, frame generation, and latency reduction techniques to boost frame rates without drastically sacrificing visual fidelity. A key advantage of XeSS is its cross-vendor compatibility; it doesn’t solely rely on Intel GPUs, making it accessible to a broader audience of gamers regardless of their hardware preferences.

The core strength of XeSS lies in its ability to deliver tangible improvements in situations where they are most needed. While increasing framerates from already high values (e.g., 260 fps to 360 fps) is technically impressive, the real impact of XeSS is realized when it elevates performance from borderline unplayable levels (below 60 fps) to a smoother, more responsive range (90 fps and above). This can transform a frustrating, stuttering experience into a genuinely fun and engaging one.

Intel initially launched XeSS 2 alongside the Intel Arc B580 graphics card, a budget-friendly option that debuted in late 2024. The B580, often referred to by its codename "Battlemage", helped to temper the high prices associated with competing GPUs from AMD and NVIDIA. While offering a compelling entry point into the discrete graphics card market, the real potential of XeSS 2 was somewhat limited by the initial lack of widespread game support.

However, Intel has been actively working to address this limitation. Following the release of the XeSS 2 SDK (Software Development Kit), the technology is now supported in 19 games, a significant increase from the initial handful. Furthermore, a broader implementation of some form of XeSS now exists in over 200 PC games. This growing library ensures that users are more likely to experience the benefits of XeSS across a wider variety of gaming experiences.

Intel recently shared performance estimates showcasing the impact of XeSS 2 on several games. In Marvel Rivals, for example, XeSS 2 accelerates framerates from a native 43 fps to an impressive 138 fps. Similarly, Rise of the Ronin sees a boost from 37 fps to 100 fps with XeSS 2 enabled. These numbers, obtained using the Arc B580 card, highlight the significant performance gains achievable through the technology.

While the Arc B580 benefits greatly from XeSS 2, the technology is also crucial for Intel’s latest processors, particularly the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H series. These processors, designed for high-performance laptops, benefit from the integrated graphics capabilities enhanced by XeSS. Initial reviews of laptops featuring these processors, such as the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo, noted that limited XeSS 2 support hindered the chip’s potential as a gaming solution. However, with the expanding library of XeSS 2-enabled games, the Intel Core Ultra 200 H-series platform is now capable of delivering playable framerates in a broader range of titles.

In addition to boosting framerates, XeSS 2 incorporates XeLL (low latency) technology, which aims to reduce display latency in supported games. This reduction in latency can improve the overall responsiveness and smoothness of the gaming experience, making it feel more fluid and less laggy. Intel claims that display latencies can be reduced by approximately half in games that support XeLL.

Ultimately, Intel’s goal with XeSS and its increasing adoption is to provide gamers with a consistently better experience, regardless of their hardware configuration. The company’s history of collaborating with software developers has proven to be a valuable asset in driving the integration of XeSS into a growing number of games. This collaborative approach, combined with the availability of affordable hardware options like the Arc B580, which is considered by many to be one of the best GPUs available for under $400, is empowering even users with low-end hardware to play today’s most demanding games.

Intel’s progress in both discrete graphics cards and notebook CPUs, coupled with the widespread adoption of XeSS, represents a significant step forward in democratizing high-performance gaming. By focusing on improving the gaming experience for a broad range of users, Intel is solidifying its position as a major player in the gaming landscape. The increasing support for XeSS across various games and hardware platforms promises to make gaming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.