Confirmed Issue:: Both PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles exhibit a regular, noticeable stutter approximately every eight seconds when VRR is enabled in affected games.
Timing:: The stutter typically begins after about 20 minutes of gameplay.
Console-Side Problem:: Testing across various displays (LG OLED, Samsung Mini-LED, monitors) indicates the issue originates from the console hardware or software, not the TV or monitor.
Technical Indicator:: On-screen refresh rate monitors show a momentary spike to 120Hz when the stutter occurs, suggesting a temporary drop out of VRR mode.
Xbox Comparison:: The same multiplatform games tested on Xbox consoles with VRR enabled do not exhibit this stuttering problem.
Why this matters:: VRR technology aims to smooth out variable frame rates and eliminate screen tearing. This recurring stutter negates the primary benefit of using VRR for affected players.
Digital Foundry investigated numerous user reports that surfaced over several months, particularly following the PS5 Pro launch. Their methodology involved testing 19 games across different VRR-compatible displays.
The core problem is a consistent stutter occurring at roughly eight-second intervals after an initial period of smooth gameplay (around 20 minutes). This affects games that utilize 120Hz VRR with unlocked frame rates most prominently, such as *The Last of Us Part 1 & 2*, *Kingdom Come Deliverance 2*, and *Diablo 4*.
Interestingly, the issue also affects games like *Elden Ring*, which was released before native PS5 VRR support. This suggests the problem might lie within the PS5's system-level VRR implementation, rather than being solely related to how individual developers integrate the feature. While not every game shows the problem (e.g., *God of War Ragnarok*, *Gran Turismo 7* seemed unaffected in tests), many popular titles do, including first-party Sony games like *Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered* and *Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart*.
The exact cause remains unclear, but evidence points away from specific displays or game engines. It seems more prevalent in games with highly variable frame rates. Digital Foundry has informed Sony of their findings.
What is VRR?
VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate, is a display technology that allows the screen's refresh rate to synchronize dynamically with the frame rate output by a console or PC. This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stutter for a smoother visual experience, especially when frame rates fluctuate.
Which games are affected by the PS5 stutter?
Confirmed affected games include *The Last of Us Part 1 & 2*, *Kingdom Come Deliverance 2*, *Diablo 4*, *Elden Ring*, *Hogwarts Legacy*, *Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered*, *Metaphor Refantazio*, *Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart*, and *Resident Evil 4*. Note that this list may not be exhaustive, and other titles could potentially be impacted.
Is my TV or monitor causing the stutter?
Based on Digital Foundry's testing across multiple display types and brands, the evidence strongly suggests the issue stems from the PS5/PS5 Pro console itself, not the display.
Is there a fix for the PS5 VRR stutter?
Currently, Sony has not released an official fix or public statement acknowledging the issue. The workarounds are to either disable VRR entirely in the PS5 system settings or to restart the affected game periodically when the stutter becomes noticeable.
If you own a PS5 or PS5 Pro and use a VRR-compatible display, you might experience this stuttering issue in certain games.
The problem undermines the benefit of VRR, which is particularly relevant for players seeking the smoothest performance on high-refresh-rate TVs.
Check if games you play frequently are on the affected list or if you notice a regular stutter after playing for around 20 minutes with VRR enabled.
For now, the only reliable solutions are to disable VRR in the console settings or periodically restart your game.
This issue directly impacts gamers who invested in high-end displays to take advantage of features like VRR. Have you experienced this stuttering problem on your PS5 or PS5 Pro? Do you think Sony will address this soon?
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