Sony has just released a brand new firmware update for PS5 and PS4, and teased the highly anticipated Variable Refresh Rate feature that is set to release in the future.
VRR compatibility was mentioned during the announcement of the latest PlayStation console, but was nowhere to be seen – until today.
The feature is releasing “in the coming months,” so no firm release date yet, but more details about how it works have been shared via PlayStation Blog.
“On HDMI 2.1-compatible TVs and PC monitors, VRR dynamically syncs the refresh rate of the display to the PS5 console’s graphical output,” Sony says. “This enhances visual performance for PS5 games by minimizing or eliminating visual artifacts, such as frame pacing issues and screen tearing. Gameplay in many PS5 titles feels smoother as scenes render instantly, graphics look crisper, and input lag is reduced.”
Developers will be able to add VRR compatibility to their games “through a game patch,” while “future games may include VRR support at launch.”
Until VRR patches roll out Sony announced that “as an added option, you can also choose to apply VRR to PS5 games that don’t support it. This feature may improve video quality for some games. If this results in any unexpected visual effects, you can turn off this option at any time. Both VRR and this secondary option can be turned on or off.”
This is something PlayStation fans have been eagerly waiting for a while, especially considering Xbox Series X and S have featured Variable Refresh Rate since launch.
As for the latest PS5 and PS4 firmware update, some of the highlights include the ability to create or join Open and Closed Parties on PS5 and PS4 consoles, a PS5 voice command feature for U.S. and U.K. players, and UI improvements for Game Base and Trophy Cards.
Written by Paolo Sirio on behalf of GLHF.
