Both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro are grappling with a frustrating issue that has left gamers dissatisfied. A persistent stutter occurs in various games when the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature is enabled, with reports indicating that this stutter manifests every eight seconds. This problem has been widely discussed among the gaming community, with many players expressing their concerns over the last few months.
VRR technology, which allows a display to sync its refresh rate with the game's frame rate, was introduced to the PS5 back in April 2022. It was designed to enhance the gaming experience by reducing screen tearing and ensuring smoother gameplay. However, since the launch of the PS5 Pro late last year, users have reported that enabling VRR leads to noticeable stuttering during gameplay.
Digital Foundry, a reputable source in gaming technology analysis, conducted extensive testing and confirmed the existence of this VRR stutter issue across a range of popular titles. The games affected include Elden Ring, Resident Evil 4, and The Last of Us series, among others. The stutter occurs consistently at eight-second intervals, making it impossible to ignore once it is noticed. Players have described the experience as jarring, particularly in high-stakes gaming moments.
In addition to the eight-second stutter, reports indicate that the stuttering can also begin after 20 to 30 minutes of gameplay, particularly in games that support 120Hz VRR. Digital Foundry's findings suggest that the issue is not isolated to specific titles but rather affects a broad spectrum of games on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro. Despite this, some games, including God of War Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, and Dragon's Dogma 2, have not exhibited the same stuttering problems in testing.
As of now, Sony has not acknowledged the VRR stutter issue publicly. This lack of communication has left many gamers feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future. Affected users are currently advised to disable VRR from their system settings, which may lead to less stable gameplay but is seen as a necessary workaround until a fix is provided.
In light of the ongoing complaints, the gaming community is hopeful that Sony will soon address the VRR stutter issue. The company's history of responding to player feedback gives some users confidence that a resolution may be on the horizon. For instance, Sony previously designed the PS5 Pro's heatsink to mitigate the risk of liquid metal leakages, a concern that had been raised about the original PS5.
As the situation stands, both PS5 and PS5 Pro users are left to navigate the challenges posed by the VRR stutter. With many players investing in high-end displays to take full advantage of the PS5's capabilities, the presence of such a disruptive issue is particularly disappointing. Gamers are eager for Sony to take action and provide clarity on the matter.
In conclusion, the persistent VRR stutter issue affecting both the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro has raised significant concerns among the gaming community. With many popular titles experiencing this problem, players are left with no choice but to disable a feature that was meant to enhance their gaming experience. As they await an official response from Sony, the hope remains that a timely fix will be implemented to restore the smooth gameplay that gamers expect from their consoles.
