PS5 VRR Stuttering Issue Analysis

Apr 1, 2025

PlayStation VRR Issue Overview

Introduction

  • Persistent issue with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) on PS5 and PS5 Pro.
  • Issue reported since December of the previous year.
  • Documented by users and replicable by testers.

Investigation by Oliver McKenzie

Key Observations

  • Stuttering problem in games with VRR enabled.
  • Occurs primarily when running games with unlocked frame rates.
  • Stuttering pattern appears every 8 seconds.

Testing Results

  • The Last of Us Part Two: Tested on Samsung QN90D, issue replicable after 20 minutes.
  • Games Tested: 19 games tested.
    • Affected games include: The Last of Us titles, Diablo 4, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, Resident Evil 4, etc.
    • Unaffected games include: God of War Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, Immortals of Aveum.

Panel Testing

  • Issue appears across different panel types and brands.
  • Tested on both televisions and monitors.

Possible Causes and Behaviors

Timing and Refresh Rate

  • Occurs after 20-30 minutes of gameplay.
  • Possible mismatch of refresh rates over time.
  • Could be related to system-level timing errors.

Comparison with PC Issues

  • Similar past issues seen with Nvidia drivers and vsync.

Testing by Alex

Monitor Testing

  • Tested on LG Ultra Gear 32" OLED monitor.
  • Issue replicable after 20-25 minutes.
  • Switching HDMI inputs temporarily resolves the problem.

General Observations

  • Occurs universally on devices supporting HDMI VRR standard.
  • Causes noticeable and distracting stutters every 8 seconds.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Issue Impact

  • Major issue for gamers using VRR on PS5 and PS5 Pro.
  • Defeats the purpose of VRR by introducing obvious stutters.

Temporary Solutions

  • Switch inputs or restart the game to reset the issue temporarily.
  • Disable VRR to avoid stuttering.

Need for a Fix

  • Urgent need for Sony to address the issue with a system update.
  • Potential for developer patches if the issue is game-specific.

Final Notes

  • Awareness is crucial for gamers experiencing these issues.
  • Encouragement for further testing and feedback from Sony or developers.

End of Notes