Do PS5 Games Support 120Hz? Everything You Need to Know
Yes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) is capable of running games at 120Hz, offering a significantly smoother and more responsive gaming experience compared to older consoles. However, several factors determine whether you can achieve this, including your display’s capabilities and the game itself. This article dives deep into the specifics of 120Hz gaming on the PS5, what it means, and how you can take full advantage of this feature.
Understanding 120Hz and FPS
Before we delve further, it’s essential to understand the difference between Hertz (Hz) and Frames Per Second (FPS). These two terms are often used together, and while they are related, they represent distinct concepts:
- Hertz (Hz): This refers to the refresh rate of your display. It’s how many times per second your monitor or TV updates the image on the screen. A 120Hz display updates 120 times every second.
- Frames Per Second (FPS): This measures how many individual frames your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is rendering per second. A game running at 60 FPS means 60 distinct images are displayed each second.
Ideally, you want a 120Hz display to match the potential 120 FPS output of the PS5 to avoid screen tearing and other visual artifacts. A 60Hz display, while still usable, will not showcase the smoothness that 120FPS games are intended to deliver.
The Role of HDMI 2.1
A crucial aspect of achieving 120Hz gaming on the PS5 is having the right connection – which means a HDMI 2.1-compliant display and cable. HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard that provides the necessary bandwidth to transmit 4K resolution at 120Hz, along with features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Without it, you might be limited to lower resolutions or refresh rates, even if your PS5 and game can handle 120Hz. Many HDMI 2.0 ports cannot handle the bandwidth needed for this performance.
How Does 120Hz Benefit Gamers?
The primary advantage of playing games at 120Hz is the improved fluidity and responsiveness. The increased refresh rate makes motion appear far smoother and reduces motion blur. This translates to a sharper visual experience, especially during fast-paced action sequences, giving you a competitive edge with faster reaction times. While 60Hz is still acceptable, the transition to 120Hz is a noticeable improvement.
Configuring Your PS5 for 120Hz
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your PS5 and your 120Hz display, you need to configure it correctly in your PS5 settings:
- Navigate to Settings from the home screen.
- Select “Screen and Video”.
- Click on “Video Output”.
- Scroll down and find the option that says “Enable 120Hz Output”.
- Set it to “Automatic”.
These steps are crucial to enable 120Hz on your console for compatible games and when connected to the right screen, and can be easily reversed if you have any problems. It is important to note that some monitors might require you to turn the 120Hz output on.
Which Games Support 120Hz on PS5?
Not all PS5 games support 120Hz. Developers must specifically optimize their games to take advantage of this feature. A number of popular titles do, however. Some games may offer a Performance Mode setting that prioritizes frame rate over resolution.
Games such as The Last of Us Part 1, Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarok, and Fortnite have modes that can utilize this higher refresh rate. It’s essential to check the specific settings within each game to activate the 120Hz mode, as it is not always turned on by default. Many older PS4 games are not capable of this, even when played on a PS5.
FAQs About 120Hz Gaming on PS5
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clear up any confusion regarding 120Hz gaming on the PlayStation 5:
1. Can my PS5 run 120Hz without 4K?
Yes, the PS5 can run at 120Hz in lower resolutions like 1080p and 1440p, which is useful if you want to maximize frame rates even if your display doesn’t support 4K at 120Hz. In many cases, the PS5 is more likely to achieve 120FPS at 1440p than at 4K.
2. Is 120Hz noticeable compared to 60Hz?
Absolutely. A 120Hz display significantly reduces motion blur and makes fast-paced action smoother and clearer than a 60Hz screen. While some may not notice it as much, this is most clear in moments of fast movement.
3. What if my PS5 isn’t displaying at 4K?
Make sure that HDMI Deep Color or Enhanced HDMI is enabled for the port that you’re using on the back of your monitor. Ensure all your cables are capable of handling the bandwidth of 4k.
4. Do I need a HDMI 2.1 cable for 120Hz on PS5?
Yes, you need an HDMI 2.1 cable and a display with HDMI 2.1 ports to achieve 4K resolution at 120Hz. While older HDMI standards can handle 120Hz at lower resolutions, they cannot handle the bandwidth for higher resolutions.
5. Can I use a 120Hz monitor with HDR?
Yes, the PS5 can support 120Hz with High Dynamic Range (HDR), as long as your monitor and the specific game both support both features. However, in some cases, you may need to toggle HDR off to get a consistent 120Hz output, so play around with the settings.
6. Is a 120Hz TV or monitor worth it for PS5?
If you are a serious gamer looking for the smoothest gameplay experience and a competitive edge, a 120Hz display is definitely worth considering. It provides better motion clarity and faster response times.
7. What is the ideal refresh rate for PS5 gaming?
The ideal refresh rate for PS5 gaming is 120Hz, as it aligns with the console’s capabilities. This enables you to play supported games with the highest possible fluidity.
8. Does the PS5 always output 4K?
No, the PS5 can output 1080p, 1440p, 4K and even 8k depending on your console settings, display compatibility, and game capabilities. The resolution is not always a 4K image.
9. Is the PS5 true 4K?
While the PS5 is capable of 4K gaming, the actual output depends on the game. Some games may run at lower resolutions and then upscale to 4K.
10. Can I get 120Hz on a HDMI 2.0 port on my PS5?
Yes, you can often get 120Hz output at a lower resolution with HDMI 2.0 ports. A true 4k experience at this rate will require HDMI 2.1.
11. What is the best resolution for PS5?
The “best” resolution is subjective and depends on the balance you seek between visual fidelity and performance. 1440p at 120Hz is an excellent compromise for a high refresh rate experience, although many people prefer 4k at 60Hz if they have the option.
12. Can PS4 games look better on PS5?
Most PS4 games will not look noticeably better on PS5, unless they’ve been specifically patched or have an optimized edition. The better processor can help PS4 games load faster, but the resolution will remain the same, unless optimized.
13. How do I enable 120Hz in specific games?
You need to check the in-game settings for any options related to frame rate, Performance Mode or 120Hz output. The PS5 output settings do not automatically translate to all games.
14. Do all games benefit from 120Hz?
No, only games that are optimized and designed to run at 120Hz can actually take advantage of that higher refresh rate.
15. Can the PS5 run 240 fps?
The PS5 does not support 240 FPS. It primarily runs games at 30, 60 or 120 FPS. To achieve this, a 120Hz display is required.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5’s support for 120Hz gaming is a game-changer, offering significantly improved smoothness and responsiveness. To fully enjoy this feature, it is important to have a display with HDMI 2.1, and a game that can run at 120 FPS. While it may require some setting adjustments and a compatible setup, the benefits are more than worth the effort, especially for players keen on a competitive edge.