Intel has released XeSS 2.0 SDK for faster development, but it's still closed-source

Intel has now released the XeSS 2.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) to enhance gaming experiences using superior upscaling and performance optimization technology. The SDK and some getting started recommendations are available from Intel’s GitHub repository.

What’s new with XeSS 2.0?

XeSS-SR (Super Resolution): Enhances picture quality by displaying lower resolution pictures at higher resolutions, producing clearer images without much loss in performance.

XeSS-FG (Frame Generation): Employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), generates additional frames, resulting in smoother game play experiences.

XeLL (Low Latency): Reduces input latency, giving more responsive controls to gamers.

To provide seamless integration, Intel offers pre-created plugins for popular game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. The XeSS Inspector tool, too, has been supported with Vulkan and DirectX 11 to assist developers in debugging and optimizing XeSS implementations.

Despite these developments, the XeSS 2.0 SDK is still closed-source, restricting developers to pre-built binaries with support primarily for Windows platforms. This tactic differs from open-source options such as AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), which provides greater compatibility and open-source-based improvements.

Developers and enthusiasts can access the XeSS 2.0 SDK from Intel’s official GitHub page. While the closed-source model may restrict some degree of customization, the SDK’s availability is a huge step in Intel’s effort to collaborate with the gaming development community and improve gaming performance and graphics quality.