Our upcoming PS5 and PS4 system software updates are rolling out worldwide today, so we wanted to provide a quick overview of some of the new features. We’re also happy to share new details about the variable refresh rate for PS5 on HDMI 2.1-enabled TVs and PC monitors, slated for release in the coming months.
New features for PS5 and PS4
Thanks to the support of our beta participants, today we’re introducing some fan-requested features to our global community, like the ability to create or join open and closed games on PS5 and PS4 consoles. On PS5, we’re also making UI improvements to the Game Base and Trophy cards, as well as accessibility features like mono audio for headphones.
PS5 players with US or UK registered accounts will be able to test out a voice control feature (preview) that lets them find and open games, apps and settings, as well as control playback multimedia with their voice (English setting only).
PS5 players with US or UK registered accounts will be able to test out a voice control feature (preview) that lets them find and open games, apps and settings, as well as control playback multimedia with their voice (English setting only).
You can read more about these system update features here.
For a refresher on PS5 features like how to apply game presets to your console, pin videos and apps to your screen while you play, or share your screen with friends, check out the new maps “Pro Tips” in the Control Center.
PS App and PS Remote Play improvements
Starting later today, we are gradually rolling out the ability for PS app users to create or join open and closed groups through the app as well. We’ve also updated the PS App Game Base UI to make it easier to access Friends, Games, and Messaging features, providing a consistent gaming experience with PS5.
Users of the PS Remote Play mobile app can enjoy a new “dark mode” based on their phone settings and choose from new screen reader languages for iOS and Android, including Portuguese (Brazilian and Portugal), Finnish, Swedish, Turkish, Greek, Thai and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified).
On the horizon: Variable refresh rate support for PS5
We’re also happy to share that Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is set to release on PS5 in the coming months. On HDMI 2.1 compatible TVs and PC monitors, VRR dynamically synchronizes the display refresh rate with the graphics output of the PS5 console. This improves the visual performance of PS5 games by minimizing or eliminating visual artifacts, such as frame timing issues and screen tearing. Gameplay in many PS5 titles is smoother as scenes are rendered instantly, graphics are crisper, and input lag is reduced. Previously released PS5 games may be fully optimized for VRR through a game patch and future games may include VRR support at launch.
As an additional option, you can also choose to apply VRR to PS5 games that don’t support it. This feature may improve the video quality of some games. If this causes unexpected visual effects, you can disable this option at any time. VRR and this secondary option can be enabled or disabled.
Please note that results may vary depending on the TV you are using and the game you are playing. As we get closer to releasing the feature, we’ll be sharing more details, including some of the games that will enable VRR support through a game patch.
Our teams will continue to work hard to improve your gaming and social experiences on PlayStation, so stay tuned for more updates!