The Sony PS5 is finally getting Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support starting this latest software update. This is a feature already available on the XBOX One S/X, Series X, NVIDIA, and AMD devices, but it’s still a breath of fresh air to receive it on the newer Sony console.
What exactly does this do? Well, it allows the refresh rate to be more dynamic based on the demands of whatever’s on-screen. This allows for minimal unwanted visual artifacts, screen tearing, and other faults that may take away from the immersion of the gaming experience. As such, scenes may render more seamlessly, run more smoothly, and minimize input lag more than ever before.
Once the software update comes through, the Variable Refresh Rate option should automatically be triggered on your Sony PS5. It is set to trigger once it detects support. This is where the caveat lies – it will only function on monitors with HDMI 2.1. Surprisingly, monitors and HDTVs with VRR functionality but the older HDMI 2.0 will be barred from accessing the all-new feature. While there is an option to turn off the variable refresh rate entirely, turning it on is not as easy. Not all games will support it natively, too.
A workaround can be done about the latter though. Sony allows users to forcibly activate the variable refresh rate on their Sony PS5 consoles even if the games don’t natively support it. While it may lead to aesthetic benefits for unsupported titles, the company warns that unexpected visual glitches may occur due to the lack of optimization. Given the case, users may feel compelled to turn off VRR once again.
Sony has released a list of games receiving patches in the following weeks to natively support VRR. Here it is below:
- Astro’s Playroom
- Call of Duty: Vanguard
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Deathloop
- Destiny 2
- Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
- DIRT 5
- Godfall
- Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Resident Evil Village
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
- Tribes of Midgard
Does this new variable refresh rate feature on the Sony PS5 excite you? Do you even have your hands on a console? Let us know in the comments!
