Sony PlayStation 5 is finally getting Variable Refresh Rate support with a new update

Sony is rolling out a new update for its gaming consoles, the PlayStation 4, and 5 on March 23. This release of the update comes weeks after the company first started testing the features in February. As part of the update, the company is finally bringing the much-awaited Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature to the PlayStation 5. PS5 owners with HDMI 2.1-compatible gaming monitors and TVs will soon be able to elevate their gaming experience through the feature. Other features coming with the update include the new dark mode for the PS Remote Play app on supported smartphones. Let’s check everything Sony PlayStation fans need to know about the new console software update here.

Sony PlayStation software update to bring Variable Refresh Rate to PS5; details

First, let’s talk about VRR, the highlight of the latest software update. VRR dynamically synchronizes the refresh rate of the display to the graphics that PS5 pushes on the screen in real-time. This technology is not a new thing for gamers on PC as the technology has existed since the CRT display days. Most PC gamers know the technology through popular implementations like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Some other implementations that launched recently include Apple ProMotion, Qualcomm Q-Sync, and VESA Adaptive-Sync. Talking about consoles, Microsoft already rolled out VRR for Xbox after the launch. Sony took more than two years, but it is almost here with VRR support.

VRR means PS5 players can have a much smoother experience while playing games. Though game developers do need to roll out patches to enable VRR support for existing PS5 games. Sony will also roll out an “Automatic” VRR support where gamers can enable the technology in “Unsupported Games”. In case it causes any problems, they can quickly toggle it off.

Other features in the update include a new cards section in the console Control Center called “Pro Tips”. The company is also rolling out improvements and fixes for the PS Remote Play and PS App for smartphones. Gamers can use the updated PS App to join Open and Closed Parties or even create a new Party. The updated UI in the app will make it easier for gamers to access the Messaging, Friends, and Parties section. Talking about the PS Remote Play app for smartphones, we finally get the support for “dark mode” on supported Android and iOS smartphones. The app also got support for new Screen Reader languages including Chinese, Swedish, Finnish, Thai, Greek, Turkish, and Portuguese. PS5 owners can also test the Voice Command feature after the update.

PS5 update caused a temporary outage, back up now

Right after the new update was released, players across the world reported issues with their PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now subscriptions. The issues even extended to the PlayStation Store for some gamers and the issues lasted for about 5 hours. However, Sony has fixed the problem, and all the servers are back up and running.