AMD has announced plans to bring its FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) technology to handheld devices by the end of 2026, as part of a broader tech expansion. However, the fate of existing handhelds remains unclear, with AMD planning to release both new APU models and a lightweight FSR4 version for current devices.

Jack Huynh, AMD's consumer chip boss, stated that the company aims to expand its FSR4 technology to 'the entire product line including APUs, gaming laptops, and handheld devices.' The Elec reports that both a new APU and a lighter FSR4 model for current APUs are on the horizon, though it's not clear if these will be available for existing handhelds.

Back in June, AMD reserved the right to not officially bring FSR 4 to older handhelds, citing a need for 'sufficient amount of compute within that product' for FSR 4 to be effective. Valve's collaboration with AMD to bring FSR 4 to the Steam Machine's console-grade APU has not yet extended to the Steam Deck, leaving handheld gamers eagerly awaiting developments.

Despite AMD’s promise, whether your Steam Deck will get a tech upgrade by the end of the year remains to be seen. It all depends on the availability of lightweight FSR4-capable chips like AMD's rumored 'Gainsborough' model. For now, the future of handheld gaming with FSR 4 is as murky as a rainy day in London.