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Is 120Hz Good for Console Gaming? A Deep Dive

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Yes, 120Hz is undeniably good for console gaming, offering a tangible improvement in visual smoothness and responsiveness, particularly on the latest generation of consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. While not every game supports this higher refresh rate, the benefits it provides in compatible titles, combined with potential reductions in input lag, make it a worthwhile investment for serious console gamers. It represents a significant leap forward from the standard 60Hz, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.

The Benefits of 120Hz Gaming on Consoles

The primary advantage of a 120Hz display is its ability to refresh the screen twice as often as a traditional 60Hz display. This translates to several key improvements for console gamers:

Smoother Motion: The most immediately noticeable benefit is the dramatically smoother motion. Fast-paced action, quick camera movements, and scrolling become significantly more fluid, reducing blur and making it easier to track moving objects. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced games like first-person shooters, racing games, and action-adventure titles.
Reduced Input Lag: A higher refresh rate can also contribute to lower input lag. Input lag refers to the delay between when you press a button on your controller and when that action is displayed on the screen. While not the only factor influencing input lag, a 120Hz display can minimize this delay, making your inputs feel more responsive and immediate. This is crucial for competitive gaming, where even milliseconds can make a difference.
Improved Visual Clarity: While not directly improving image sharpness, the increased refresh rate can make the overall picture appear clearer. The reduced motion blur allows your eyes to better resolve fine details, leading to a more visually pleasing experience.
Future-Proofing Your Setup: As console technology continues to advance, more and more games will likely support 120Hz. Investing in a 120Hz display now ensures that you’ll be able to take advantage of these future enhancements.

Factors to Consider

While 120Hz offers clear advantages, there are some factors to consider before making the jump:

Game Support: Not all console games support 120Hz. While the number of compatible titles is growing, many games are still capped at 30fps or 60fps. Before investing in a 120Hz display, check if your favorite games support this higher refresh rate.
Display Compatibility: To take advantage of 120Hz gaming on consoles, you need a display (monitor or TV) that supports this refresh rate, along with an HDMI 2.0 or ideally HDMI 2.1 port. HDMI 2.1 is essential for 4K gaming at 120Hz.
Performance Limitations: Even if a game supports 120Hz, the console needs to be powerful enough to consistently deliver that frame rate. Some games may struggle to maintain a stable 120fps, especially at higher resolutions. Performance may vary between different games and even within different scenes in the same game.
Price: 120Hz displays are generally more expensive than their 60Hz counterparts. While the price gap has narrowed in recent years, it’s still a factor to consider, especially if you’re on a budget.
Diminishing Returns: The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is much more noticeable than the difference between 120Hz and higher refresh rates like 144Hz or 240Hz. For console gaming, 120Hz offers a sweet spot between performance and price.

Setting Up 120Hz on Your Console

Configuring your console to output at 120Hz is usually a straightforward process:

Connect your console to your display using an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable. The cable that came with your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X is guaranteed to be of high quality and can run 4k @ 120Hz.
Navigate to your console’s display settings. On PlayStation 5, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and ensure that “Enable 120 Hz Output” is set to “Automatic”. On Xbox Series X/S, go to Settings > General > TV & display options and set the refresh rate to 120 Hz.
Check the game settings. Some games may have an option to enable 120Hz mode. Look for this option in the game’s video settings.

Conclusion

120Hz is a significant improvement for console gaming, offering smoother motion, reduced input lag, and improved visual clarity. While not every game supports this higher refresh rate, the benefits it provides in compatible titles make it a worthwhile investment, especially for serious gamers who value responsiveness and visual fidelity. With the continued advancement of console technology, 120Hz is likely to become even more prevalent in the future, making it a smart choice for future-proofing your gaming setup. However, consider factors such as game support, display compatibility, and performance limitations. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does 120Hz really make a difference on consoles?

Yes, it does. The difference is especially noticeable in fast-paced games. The movement appears smoother, and the reduction in motion blur can lead to a more immersive experience.

2. Will any TV work for 120Hz console gaming?

No. The TV must support a 120Hz refresh rate and have an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port. Older TVs typically only support 60Hz.

3. Does the PS5 support 120Hz?

Yes, the PlayStation 5 supports 120Hz output, and it has 4k @ 120Hz video output. Make sure your TV is also compatible to take full advantage of that feature.

4. Does the Xbox Series X support 120Hz?

Yes, the Xbox Series X also supports 120Hz output and 4K @ 120Hz. Similar to the PS5, your TV/monitor needs to support it as well.

5. What HDMI cable do I need for 120Hz gaming?

You need a High Speed HDMI or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0 or 2.1). The Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1) is required for 4K resolution at 120Hz. The cables that come with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are of adequate quality.

6. Does 120Hz increase input lag?

No, it generally reduces input lag. The higher refresh rate allows the screen to update more frequently, which can decrease the delay between your input and the action on screen.

7. Is 120Hz good for casual gamers?

While serious gamers benefit the most from 120Hz, casual gamers can still appreciate the smoother motion and improved visual clarity. However, the price premium may not be worth it for everyone.

8. What games support 120Hz on consoles?

Many popular games offer 120Hz modes, including Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Fortnite, Destiny 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The list grows regularly with updates.

9. Will enabling 120Hz lower my resolution?

Sometimes. Some games on Xbox Series S may reduce the resolution to 1080p or 1440p to achieve 120Hz. On Xbox Series X and PS5, some titles can maintain 4K at 120Hz, but this varies by game.

10. Is 120Hz worth it if I mostly play single-player games?

Even in single-player games, the smoother motion can enhance the experience, making exploration and combat more visually appealing. The benefits are less pronounced than in competitive multiplayer, but they are still noticeable.

11. Can the Xbox One X or S run at 120Hz?

No, the Xbox One X and S are limited to 60Hz. The 120Hz capability is primarily for the Xbox Series X/S consoles. Also, The Xbox One S is a 1080p console that upscales to 4K unlike the One X which is 4K console.

12. Do I need VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for 120Hz gaming?

VRR is not essential, but it is a welcome feature. VRR, such as AMD FreeSync or HDMI Forum VRR, helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming experience, especially when frame rates fluctuate.

13. Does 120Hz consume more power?

On devices like smartphones and laptops, yes, a 120Hz display generally consumes more power than a 60Hz display, leading to reduced battery life. This is less of a concern for consoles connected to a power outlet.

14. Can I tell the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz?

Most people can perceive a noticeable difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, particularly in motion clarity and smoothness. The higher refresh rate makes fast-paced action easier to follow and reduces eye strain.

15. Are 144Hz or 240Hz displays better than 120Hz for console gaming?

While 144Hz and 240Hz displays offer even higher refresh rates, the benefits are less pronounced than the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz. Since most console games are designed around a maximum of 120fps, a 120Hz display provides a good balance between performance and price. For professional gamers, monitors with a refresh rate of 240 Hz and screen resolution above 140 PPI, which can be essential for a professional gamer.