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Is 120Hz Good for PS4? Debunking the Myths and Maximizing Your Gaming Experience

The short answer is: a 120Hz display won’t directly improve the performance of your PlayStation 4 (PS4). The original PS4 and even the PS4 Pro are primarily designed to output games at a maximum of 60 frames per second (FPS), corresponding to a 60Hz refresh rate.

However, this doesn’t mean that investing in a 120Hz or even a 144Hz display is a bad idea for PS4 gamers. Let’s delve deeper into why, exploring the nuances and debunking common myths surrounding refresh rates and console gaming.

Understanding Refresh Rates, Frame Rates, and Input Lag

Before we dive into the specifics of PS4 and 120Hz displays, it’s crucial to understand the key concepts at play:

Refresh Rate (Hz): This refers to how many times per second your display updates the image. A 60Hz display refreshes the image 60 times per second, while a 120Hz display refreshes it 120 times per second.
Frame Rate (FPS): This refers to how many frames per second your gaming console or PC is outputting. A game running at 30 FPS displays 30 unique images per second, while a game running at 60 FPS displays 60.
Input Lag: This is the delay between your input (pressing a button on your controller) and the action appearing on screen. Lower input lag is crucial for responsive gameplay, especially in fast-paced action games.

Why a Higher Refresh Rate Matters (Even for PS4):

While the PS4 may not directly output at 120 FPS, a 120Hz display can still offer several benefits:

Future-Proofing: Investing in a 120Hz display means you’re ready for the PlayStation 5 (PS5) or Xbox Series X, both of which are capable of outputting games at 120 FPS on supported titles. This future-proofs your investment.
Improved Motion Clarity: Many 120Hz TVs and monitors include technologies like motion interpolation or black frame insertion (BFI). These technologies can artificially smooth out motion, reducing blur and improving clarity, even with a 60 FPS input. Be aware that motion interpolation can sometimes introduce artifacts or increase input lag, so it’s best used judiciously.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Support: While the original PS4 doesn’t support VRR technologies like AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync, the PS4 Pro and PS5 do (on select titles). VRR dynamically adjusts the display’s refresh rate to match the game’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and reducing stuttering. Even if the PS4 Pro isn’t fully utilizing VRR, having a display that supports it ensures you’re ready for PS5 games that heavily rely on this feature.
Lower Input Lag (Potentially): Generally, higher-end TVs and monitors, including those with 120Hz refresh rates, often prioritize low input lag. While refresh rate and input lag aren’t directly correlated, manufacturers tend to focus on both aspects when designing premium gaming displays. Look for displays specifically advertised with low input lag for the best results.
Better Overall Picture Quality: 120Hz displays often come with other enhancements like better color accuracy, higher contrast ratios, and wider viewing angles. These improvements contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience, regardless of the refresh rate.
PC Gaming Compatibility: If you also game on a PC, a 120Hz or 144Hz monitor is almost essential for a smooth and responsive experience, especially in competitive titles.

Focus on Input Lag:

Ultimately, for PS4 gaming, prioritizing a display with low input lag is more crucial than focusing solely on the refresh rate. Input lag directly impacts your responsiveness and can significantly affect your performance in fast-paced games. Look for TVs or monitors with an input lag of 15ms or less for optimal gaming. Many gaming-focused displays will advertise their input lag specifications.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing the right display for your PS4 gaming setup depends on your budget, priorities, and future gaming plans. If you primarily play on your PS4 and don’t plan on upgrading to a PS5 or Xbox Series X anytime soon, a 60Hz display with low input lag is a perfectly viable option.

However, if you want to future-proof your investment, enjoy potential motion clarity enhancements, and possibly utilize VRR with a PS4 Pro, then a 120Hz display is worth considering. Just remember to prioritize low input lag above all else. You can learn more about enhancing gaming experiences and the impact of technology by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a PS4 run at 120Hz?

No, the original PS4 cannot natively output at 120Hz. Its maximum output is 60Hz. The PS4 Pro can output at higher resolutions, but still maxes out at 60Hz.

2. Is a 144Hz monitor overkill for PS4?

While the PS4 won’t utilize the full 144Hz refresh rate, a 144Hz monitor can still be a good investment. It offers potential benefits like improved motion clarity, future-proofing for PS5, and compatibility with PC gaming. Make sure the monitor has low input lag.

3. What refresh rate is best for PS4?

The “best” refresh rate is subjective, but generally, a 60Hz display with low input lag is perfectly adequate for PS4 gaming. If you want to future-proof your setup, a 120Hz or 144Hz display can be a worthwhile investment.

4. Will a 120Hz TV make my PS4 games look better?

Not directly. The PS4’s output is still capped at 60Hz. However, some 120Hz TVs utilize motion interpolation or BFI, which can subjectively improve motion clarity.

5. Does PS4 support HDMI 2.1?

No, the PS4 does not support HDMI 2.1. This newer standard is required to output 4K at 120Hz and is found on the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

6. What’s more important for PS4 gaming: refresh rate or input lag?

Input lag is more important. Lower input lag translates to more responsive gameplay, which is crucial for competitive and action-oriented games.

7. Can the PS4 Pro output 4K at 60 FPS?

The PS4 Pro can output games at 4K resolution, but whether it achieves a consistent 60 FPS depends on the specific game and how well it’s optimized. Some games may run at 4K/30FPS, while others achieve 4K/60FPS.

8. How do I check the refresh rate on my PS4?

You can’t directly check the refresh rate on your PS4. The console will output at its maximum supported refresh rate (60Hz) based on the game and your display’s capabilities.

9. Does VRR work on PS4?

The original PS4 does not support VRR. The PS4 Pro does support VRR on select titles.

10. Will a higher refresh rate monitor reduce screen tearing on PS4?

Not necessarily. Screen tearing occurs when the game’s frame rate doesn’t match the display’s refresh rate. VRR is the most effective solution for eliminating screen tearing, but as stated previously, only select PS4 Pro games support it.

11. Is a 60Hz TV bad for gaming?

No, a 60Hz TV is not inherently bad for gaming, especially if it has low input lag. It’s perfectly adequate for PS4 gaming, as the console’s output is primarily capped at 60Hz.

12. What is motion interpolation, and should I use it for PS4 gaming?

Motion interpolation is a technology that artificially smooths out motion by inserting additional frames between the original frames. While it can reduce motion blur, it can also introduce artifacts and increase input lag. It’s generally recommended to use it sparingly or disable it altogether for the best gaming experience.

13. Will a 120Hz monitor make my PS4 games look smoother?

Potentially, due to technologies like motion interpolation or BFI. However, the inherent smoothness will still be limited by the PS4’s 60Hz output.

14. Is it worth upgrading to a 120Hz TV if I only have a PS4?

It depends on your priorities and budget. If you plan on upgrading to a PS5 or Xbox Series X in the future, then a 120Hz TV is a good investment. Otherwise, a 60Hz TV with low input lag is a perfectly viable option for PS4 gaming.

15. Where can I learn more about gaming technology and its impact?

You can explore various educational resources, including the Games Learning Society.

Is 120hz good for PS4?