PS5 and PS4 System Software Updates release globally today

We wanted to give you a short overview of some of the new features included in our upcoming PS5 and PS4 system software upgrades, which are rolling out internationally today. New information on Variable Refresh Rate for PS5 on HDMI 2.1-compatible TVs and PC displays, which is expected to be released in the coming months, is also available.

We’re delivering additional fan-requested features to our worldwide community today as a result of the support of our beta participants, including the option to organize and join Open and Closed Parties on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles. UI improvements to Game Base and Trophy cards, as well as accessibility features such as mono audio for headphones, will be available on PS5.

Players with accounts registered in either the United States or the United Kingdom will be able to test drive a Voice Command (Preview) function, which will allow users to use their voice to discover and access games, applications, and settings, as well as control media playback (English language setting only).

PS App and PS Remote Play enhancements

Later today, we’ll begin rolling out the option for PS App users to create and join Open and Closed Parties using the app, which will be available in phases starting later today. The PS App Game Base UI has also been modified to make it simpler to access features like as Friends, Parties, and chat. This ensures that players have a uniform player experience across all platforms, including PS5.

In addition to a new “dark mode” that can be customized based on their phone settings, users of the PS Remote Play mobile app can select from a variety of new Screen Reader languages for both iOS and Android devices, including Portuguese (Brazil and Portugal), Finnish (Brazil), Swedish (Brittany), Turkish (Bulgaria), Greek (Bulgaria), Thai (Thailand), and Chinese (Beijing) (traditional and simplified).

On the horizon: Variable Refresh Rate support for PS5

In addition, we’re excited to announce that Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) will be available on the PlayStation 5 in the coming months. VRR dynamically syncs the refresh rate of the display to the graphics output of the PlayStation 5 console when used with HDMI 2.1-compatible TVs and PC displays. This improves the visual performance of PS5 games by reducing or completely removing visual artefacts such as frame pacing difficulties and screen tearing, among other things. Many PS5 games have smoother gameplay, thanks to the fact that scenes render immediately, visuals appear crisper, and input lag is decreased. Previously published PS5 games can be completely optimized for VRR via a game patch, and future games may incorporate VRR support from the start of their development cycle.

You may also select to apply VRR to PS5 games that do not currently support it as an additional option. Some games may benefit from this feature since it improves video quality. If you notice any unexpected visual impacts as a result of this, you may switch off this feature at any moment. Virtual reality (VRR) as well as this supplementary option may both be switched on and off.