Intel's XeSS SDK version 2.1 now allows frame generation technology to be utilized on compatible AMD and Nvidia GPUs, with Xe Low Latency likewise extending its cross-platform capabilities when frame generation is activated.
The tech world is abuzz with the latest update from Intel, the Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) 2.1 SDK. This significant upgrade to the XeSS framework could be a game-changer for developers seeking compatibility across various GPU vendors.
As of now, no games have integrated the XeSS 2.1 SDK's frame generation feature (XeSS-FG) for cross-platform frame generation on non-Intel GPUs. However, Intel's XeSS 2.1 SDK, released in mid-2025, enables XeSS Frame Generation and Low Latency features on AMD and Nvidia GPUs, provided they support Shader Model 6.4 or higher, such as the Nvidia GTX 10-series and AMD RX 5000-series or newer.
Currently, over 200 games support XeSS in general, and more than 20 titles support XeSS 2.0 features. Yet, none have integrated the updated XeSS 2.1 SDK required for cross-platform frame generation, including XeSS-FG and XeSS-LL, outside Intel Arc GPUs. For this functionality to be available on AMD and Nvidia hardware, developers must integrate the new SDK 2.1.
One of the key features of XeSS 2.1 is its use of DP4a instructions on non-Intel GPUs for convolutional neural networks. This update also adds Xe Frame Generation support for AMD Radeon RX 5000 series onward and Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-series and newer.
The cross-platform support for upscaling and frame generation in XeSS 2.1 could be a key factor in its potential success among developers. Intel recommends a GeForce RTX 30-series or Radeon RX 6000-series GPU or newer for the best experience.
The increasing vendor-lock of upscaling technologies, such as AMD's FSR 4 and Nvidia's DLSS, could make Intel's cross-platform approach in XeSS 2.1 more valuable to developers. The wide adoption of AMD's FSR 3.x suite could serve as a benchmark for the potential acceptance of XeSS 2.1 by developers.
Developers may find XeSS 2.1 more appealing due to its cross-platform support for frame generation and low latency features. For engines that don't yet support XeSS at all, developers must link the updated SDK and adjust internal configuration to target other vendors.
As cutting-edge upscaling technologies become increasingly vendor-locked, Intel's cross-platform support for both upscaling and frame generation could become increasingly rare. The potential appeal of XeSS 2.1 to developers could stem from its ability to offer cross-platform support for advanced graphics features.
In summary, while no games officially support XeSS 2.1 SDK frame generation features on cross-platform GPUs, this is expected to change as developers adopt the new SDK. The increasing vendor-lock of upscaling technologies could highlight the importance of cross-platform solutions like XeSS 2.1 for developers.
- Artificial-intelligence incorporation in the upscaling process is a notable addition in the XeSS 2.1 SDK, as it uses DP4a instructions on non-Intel GPUs for convolutional neural networks.
- The potential success of XeSS 2.1 among developers could stem from its cross-platform support for frame generation and low latency features, making it a viable alternative to vendor-locked upscaling technologies like AMD's FSR 4 and Nvidia's DLSS.
