Microsoft has just joined hands with 3 'big guys' in the graphics industry.

According to The Verge , Microsoft is working with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel to improve upscaling support in PC games. By introducing DirectSR, a new API designed to simplify the integration of AI-based graphics upscaling features for game developers.

DirectSR is described as the “missing piece” between games and DLSS, FSR, and XeSS technologies. According to Microsoft, DirectSR will provide a smoother, more efficient experience that can increase graphics quality across a wide range of hardware.

This API enables multi-vendor graphics upscaling technologies through a common set of inputs and outputs, allowing a single code path to enable multiple solutions, including Nvidia DLSS Super Resolution, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, and Intel XeSS. This means developers only need to support DirectSR instead of having to write separate code for each individual technology.

News of DirectSR comes a few weeks after the "Automatic Super Resolution" feature was spotted in a Windows 11 beta, promising to use AI to make games smoother with improved visual detail. Now, it appears that the feature will leverage existing resolution upscaling technologies like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS rather than providing a Windows-level alternative.

Microsoft says the new API will be available soon through a preview version of its Agility SDK. It also plans to detail how to use DirectSR in a developer session at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) on March 21, with representatives from Microsoft, Nvidia, and AMD.