Here are the latest updates on PlayStation 5:
VRR Stuttering Issues Confirmed
Digital Foundry has identified prevalent stuttering problems with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on both PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles. Affected games include “Elden Ring,” “Hogwarts Legacy,” “The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered,” and “Resident Evil 4 Remake.” Titles like “God of War Ragnarok” remain unaffected. Sony has yet to comment on these findings.
Upcoming Game Releases and Ports
- “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle”: Launching on April 17 for PS5, with early access starting April 15 for pre-orders. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, this title expands the Indiana Jones universe with new whip abilities and a storyline set between “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Last Crusade.”
- “Forza Horizon 5”: Set for release on PS5 on April 29. This marks a significant expansion of Microsoft’s games on PlayStation platforms, following titles like “Sea of Thieves.”
- “Hypercharge: Unboxed”: An award-winning shooter previously exclusive to Nintendo Switch, now confirmed for PS5 and PS4. Developed by Digital Cybercherries, the game is scheduled for release sometime in 2025.
PlayStation Plus Updates
In April, PlayStation Plus subscribers will see changes in their game libraries. Seven games will be removed from PS Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions, while three new titles will be added to PS Plus Essentials:
- “RoboCop: Rogue City” for PS5
- “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” for PS4 and PS5
- “Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory” for PS4
These games will be available until May 5. Subscribers are advised to claim March’s titles before they expire at the end of the day.
Physical vs. Digital Gaming Trends
The decline of physical video game sales has accelerated, with figures in 2024 dropping below half compared to 2021. This trend is driven by the shift towards digital distribution, offering greater convenience. Sony’s introduction of a PS5 Pro without a disc drive aligns with this shift, though standalone disc drives remain available for physical game users.
PlayStation Store Spring Sale
The PlayStation Store’s Spring Sale is ongoing, offering significant discounts on numerous PS5 titles. Notably, two PS5 games originally priced at $70 are now available for just $7, reflecting a 90% discount. This sale presents a valuable opportunity for gamers to expand their libraries at reduced prices.