New PS5 system software delivers party chat changes and promises VRR is coming soon

The newest software update is rolling out to PlayStation 5 users globally today. Amongst the changes is the ability to create or join Open and Closed Parties on PS5 and PS4 consoles. On PS5, the update will also deliver UI enhancements to Game Base and Trophy cards, as well as accessibility features like mono audio for headphones.

PS5 players with accounts registered to the U.S. or U.K. will be able to test drive a Voice Command (Preview) feature that lets them find and open games, apps, and settings, as well as control media playback with their voice.

The biggest news, however, pertained to a feature not even released in this update. Sony confirmed that fan-requested Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is planned to release on PS5 in the coming months. On HDMI 2.1-compatible TVs and PC monitors, VRR dynamically syncs the refresh rate of the display to the PS5 console’s graphical output. This enhances visual performance for PS5 games by minimizing or eliminating visual artifacts, such as frame pacing issues and screen tearing. Gameplay in many PS5 titles feels smoother as scenes render instantly, graphics look crisper, and input lag is reduced. Sony also confirmed that previously released PS5 games can be fully optimized for VRR through a game patch and future games may include VRR support at launch.

This will no doubt please many PS5 owners with a TV set that supports Variable Refresh Rate - a feature already enjoyed on the PS5's competitor, the Xbox Series X. 

The full update notes can be found on the official PlayStation blog post.