FSR 4.1 on ROG Xbox Ally X20: Performance and Image Quality Tested

FSR 4.1 brings improved image quality to ROG XBOX Ally X20 handhelds while introducing a modest performance trade-off in demanding games.

AMD FSR 4.1 is now available for select gaming handhelds, bringing improved image quality and updated upscaling technology to devices powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor. The update arrives test the latest technology in supported games

FSR 4.1 Support Reaches Z2 Extreme Handhelds

The ROG Xbox Ally X20 is being used to test FSR 4.1. However, the feature also supports the ROG Xbox Ally X. Other Z2 Extreme-powered handhelds could receive the update later, but their availability remains uncertain.

Unlike the full FSR 4.1 model available on GPUs such as the RX 9000 and RX 7000 series, this version is optimized for handhelds using RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics. It is less than half the size of the full model, making it better suited to the limited processing power available in portable gaming devices.

To install the update, open Armoury Crate SE and select the preview updates option on the left-hand side. After installing the latest GPU driver, press the ROG button to open the Game Bar, then turn on the FSR toggle before playing a supported game. Without this step, FSR 4.1 may not appear in the game settings. Since the driver is still under preview, the activation process may change in future updates.

Cyberpunk 2077 Shows Image Quality Improvements

We evaluated Cyberpunk 2077 with FSR 4.1 and FSR 2.1 in Performance mode, with more comparisons in Quality and Balanced settings. FSR 2.1 delivered higher frame rates, exceeding FSR 4.1 by about 4.5% in Balanced mode and 8.9% in Performance mode.

But FSR 4.1 produced a much cleaner image, especially compared with prior upscaling solutions. Video compression may make the differences hard to see, but on closer inspection, visual clarity improved. Testing also used 0% sharpening across FSR 4.1, FSR 2, and FSR 3 to keep comparisons consistent.

Black Myth: Wukong Delivers Similar Performance

Black Myth: Wukong showed a much smaller performance difference between FSR 4.1 and FSR 3. Both versions hit 37fps at 1080p on Medium settings with 75% scaling. FSR 4.1 gained 1 fps at 50% scaling, and FSR 3 got 50 fps at 33%. At 50 fps, FSR 3 looked smoother and had superior picture quality. At 33% scaling, the older one still had the edge, proving it doesn’t always deliver the goods in every game.

Forza Horizon 5 Shows Minimal Frame Rate Differences

We tested Forza Horizon 5 at 1080p with Medium settings and Performance-mode upscaling. FSR 4.1 beat FSR 3 by 1 fps, though the difference was barely noticeable during gameplay. Image quality told a different story. Direct evaluations of in-game signs revealed that FSR 4.1 produced clearer results than FSR 3. This means the latest technology can add more visual detail in some games without a major performance hit.

FSR 4.1 Shows Promise for Handheld Gaming

FSR 4.1 gives the ROG Xbox Ally X and X20 a new option; however, the gains depend on the game. Cyberpunk 2077 looked better, but at the cost of performance, while Wukong and Forza Horizon 5 were almost the same in terms of frame rates.

The preview driver is still under development, and manufacturers will need to release updates to support it. If you still want to use older versions of FSR, you can switch it off in Armoury Crate SE and choose your own balance between performance and visual quality.

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