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After a recent software update, PlayStation 5 now includes support for VRR (variable refresh rate). This feature adjusts the refresh rate of your TV or monitor to sync with a game’s frames per second (FPS), eliminating issues like screen tearing, stuttering, and frame drops that can occur when there’s a mismatch between the display’s refresh rate and the game’s FPS. For a deeper understanding, check out our VRR explainer for more information about the technology and its significance for gaming.
Requirements for PlayStation 5 VRR
While VRR is an exciting new feature, there are a few things you need to get it working on your PS5. You’ll need a PS5 console and games that are compatible with VRR. As of the current update, only three PS5 games support this feature:
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Additional games will receive VRR support in the future, but not every PS5 title will be compatible. VRR is only available for games that run at a higher frame rate, specifically between 60 and 120 FPS. Titles that are capped at 30 or 48 FPS won’t be able to take advantage of VRR.
To use VRR, you also need a TV or monitor that supports high refresh rates and is compatible with the PS5's VRR technology. While there are several VRR formats, such as Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync, the PS5 utilizes VRR through HDMI 2.1. HDMI 2.1 is a newer standard that most modern TVs use, enabling new features like VRR, high refresh rates, and 8K resolution. Your display must support HDMI 2.1 for VRR, and you'll need an HDMI 2.1 cable, which is included with the PS5, to activate these features.
HDMI 2.1 debuted in 2017, and many newer TVs and monitors come equipped with at least one HDMI 2.1 port. However, not all HDMI 2.1 ports support the same features, meaning that some displays may have HDMI 2.1 ports but won't support VRR, high refresh rates, ARC, or other benefits of HDMI 2.1, even if you're using the right equipment and playing VRR-compatible games.
Fortunately, it's easy to check if your display supports PS5's VRR—just enable the feature in the PS5 menu, and you’ll see if your display is compatible.
How to enable VRR on PlayStation 5
Press the PS button on your DualSense controller to access the Home screen.
Navigate to and select Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
Scroll down to the VRR option and choose “Automatic” from the dropdown menu.
If your TV supports VRR, the feature will activate, and you can exit the settings menu. Launch a VRR-compatible game, and you should notice a smoother experience. If your TV doesn't support VRR, you'll see a pop-up alert notifying you about the incompatibility.
If the VRR option is missing from the menu, try updating your system software by going to the Settings menu and selecting System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software. Choose “Update PS5 software using the internet.” Wait for the update to download and install, then return to the Video Output settings to enable VRR.
[Android Central]
