Can You Achieve 120 FPS on a PlayStation 4? Unveiling the Truth
The short answer is a resounding no. The PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 4 Pro are not capable of outputting games at 120 frames per second (FPS). Both consoles are designed with hardware limitations that restrict their maximum output to 60 FPS, typically at a 60Hz refresh rate. Let’s delve into the specifics of why this is the case, and explore what performance you can realistically expect from your PS4.
Understanding PS4’s Performance Limitations
The PS4’s architecture, including its CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), was built with a different generation of gaming in mind. When the PS4 launched, the focus was on delivering enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay compared to its predecessor, the PS3. While it achieved that goal, it was never intended to compete with the high refresh rates that became more prevalent on PCs and later on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X/S.
Hardware Bottlenecks
The PS4 uses a Jaguar CPU, which is now considered relatively weak compared to modern processors. This CPU can become a bottleneck, limiting the frame rate even if the GPU is capable of handling higher frame rates. The GPU, while capable of rendering beautiful visuals for its time, simply lacks the raw power needed to consistently push games at 120 FPS, especially at higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K (in the case of the PS4 Pro).
Refresh Rate Restrictions
The PS4 and PS4 Pro are designed to work primarily with televisions. Most televisions have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which means they can display a maximum of 60 frames per second. While some TVs may boast higher refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz), the PS4 itself cannot output a signal beyond 60Hz. This limitation is baked into the console’s hardware and firmware.
Resolution and Frame Rate Trade-Offs
The PS4 Pro offers the ability to play some games at a 4K resolution. However, achieving this higher resolution often comes at the cost of frame rate. Many games that run in 4K on the PS4 Pro are capped at 30 FPS to maintain visual fidelity. Even when playing at lower resolutions like 1080p, achieving a stable 60 FPS can be challenging for many titles, often requiring developers to use dynamic resolution scaling or reduce graphical settings.
What to Expect from PS4 Gaming
While you won’t experience 120 FPS on a PS4, you can still enjoy a solid gaming experience. Most games are designed to run at either 30 FPS or 60 FPS. Many developers optimize their games to maintain a stable frame rate, even if it means sacrificing some graphical details.
Performance Mode
Some games on the PS4 Pro offer a “performance mode” that prioritizes frame rate over resolution. By selecting this mode, you can often achieve a more consistent 60 FPS, although the game’s resolution may be reduced to 1080p or lower.
Variable Frame Rates
It’s important to note that even when a game targets 30 FPS or 60 FPS, the actual frame rate may fluctuate depending on what’s happening on screen. Demanding scenes with lots of action or complex effects can cause frame rate drops. However, most developers strive to minimize these drops to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Choosing the Right Display
Even though the PS4 can’t output 120 FPS, choosing the right display can still enhance your gaming experience. A TV or monitor with low input lag can reduce the delay between your actions and what you see on screen, making games feel more responsive. While a higher refresh rate beyond 60Hz won’t directly impact the PS4’s output, it can improve overall image clarity and reduce motion blur, especially when viewing fast-paced action.
Exploring Alternatives for Higher Frame Rates
If you’re looking to experience gaming at 120 FPS or higher, you’ll need to consider alternative platforms such as a high-end PC or the PlayStation 5. These platforms have the hardware capabilities required to deliver those higher frame rates, provided you also have a display that supports them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about frame rates and the PS4 to provide more clarity on the subject:
1. What is FPS and why is it important?
FPS stands for frames per second, and it refers to the number of individual frames that a display shows each second. A higher FPS results in smoother, more fluid motion, making games feel more responsive and visually appealing.
2. What is the maximum FPS the PS4 can output?
The maximum FPS output of the PS4 and PS4 Pro is 60 FPS.
3. Can the PS4 Pro run games at 4K and 60 FPS?
While the PS4 Pro can output games at 4K resolution, it often struggles to maintain a consistent 60 FPS at that resolution. Many 4K games are capped at 30 FPS.
4. What is the refresh rate of the PS4?
The PS4’s refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.
5. What is performance mode on the PS4 Pro?
Performance mode is a setting in some PS4 Pro games that prioritizes frame rate over resolution. It typically reduces the resolution to 1080p or lower in order to achieve a more stable 60 FPS.
6. Does a higher refresh rate TV improve PS4 gaming?
While the PS4 can only output a maximum of 60 FPS, a TV with a higher refresh rate can still improve image clarity and reduce motion blur, especially when viewing fast-paced action.
7. Is 30 FPS a bad frame rate for gaming?
30 FPS is generally considered playable, but 60 FPS is preferred for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. Many console games target 30 FPS due to hardware limitations.
8. Why do some games feel smoother than others at the same FPS?
This can be due to various factors, including frame time consistency, motion blur implementation, and input lag. A game with consistent frame times and low input lag will feel smoother than one with inconsistent frame times and high input lag, even if both are running at the same FPS.
9. Can I increase the FPS on my PS4?
You cannot directly increase the FPS output of your PS4 beyond its hardware limitations. However, you can try selecting the performance mode in games that offer it, or adjusting in-game graphics settings to prioritize frame rate over resolution.
10. Is the PS5 capable of 120 FPS?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) is capable of outputting games at 120 FPS, provided you have a display that supports it.
11. How do I enable 120 FPS on the PS5?
To enable 120 FPS on the PS5, you need to enable Performance Mode in your PlayStation 5 settings. Then, the game must also support 120 FPS mode.
12. What is dynamic resolution scaling?
Dynamic resolution scaling is a technique used by developers to maintain a stable frame rate by automatically adjusting the game’s resolution in real-time based on the scene’s complexity.
13. Why is the PS4’s CPU a bottleneck?
The PS4’s Jaguar CPU is relatively weak compared to modern processors. This CPU can limit the frame rate, even if the GPU is capable of handling higher frame rates.
14. Does the PS4 Slim support 4K?
No, the PS4 Slim does not support 4K resolution. It supports 720p and 1080p. Only the PS4 Pro supports 4K gaming.
15. Where can I learn more about gaming technology and its impact?
You can explore resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization is dedicated to understanding the educational and social impact of games. You can find more information on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
While the dream of 120 FPS gaming on a PS4 remains just that – a dream – understanding the console’s limitations and capabilities allows you to optimize your gaming experience and make informed decisions about your setup. The PS4 still provides a vast library of amazing games to play, and the PS5 provides a fantastic upgrade path for gamers to achieve the increased frame rates they desire.