Is There a Big Difference Between 60Hz and 120Hz on PS5?

Absolutely! The difference between playing games on a 60Hz display versus a 120Hz display with your PlayStation 5 (PS5) is significant, especially if you’re after the smoothest and most responsive gaming experience possible. While not every game fully utilizes the 120Hz capability, those that do offer a noticeably improved feel, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.

Understanding Refresh Rate and Its Impact

Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second your display updates the image. A 60Hz display refreshes 60 times per second, while a 120Hz display refreshes twice as often. This faster refresh rate directly translates to smoother motion, reduced motion blur, and a more responsive feel in games.

Think of it like this: Imagine flipping through a flipbook. A 60Hz display is like flipping the pages 60 times a second, while a 120Hz display flips them 120 times a second. The faster page flipping creates a much smoother animation, and the same applies to gaming.

The PS5 and High Refresh Rates

The PS5 is technically capable of outputting games at 4K resolution and 120Hz, provided you have a display that supports the HDMI 2.1 standard. However, it’s important to understand some nuances:

• Not all games support 120Hz: Many games are designed to run at a locked 30fps or 60fps for visual fidelity or other design considerations.
• Resolution trade-offs: Some games that do support 120Hz might do so at a lower resolution, like 1080p or 1440p, to maintain a stable frame rate.
• HDMI 2.1 Requirement: To experience 4K at 120Hz, you need a TV or monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port. Older HDMI standards cannot handle the bandwidth required.

Why 120Hz Matters for Gaming

• Smoother Motion: The most noticeable difference is the increased smoothness, particularly in fast-paced action games, racing games, and first-person shooters. This reduces eye strain and makes tracking moving targets easier.
• Reduced Input Lag: A higher refresh rate contributes to lower input lag, meaning the time between you pressing a button and seeing the action on screen is reduced. This can provide a competitive edge in online multiplayer games.
• Improved Clarity: 120Hz helps reduce motion blur, making the image appear sharper and more defined, especially during fast movement.
• More Immersive Experience: The combined effect of smoother motion, lower input lag, and improved clarity creates a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Do You Need 120Hz?

Whether or not you need a 120Hz display for your PS5 depends on your priorities and gaming habits:

• Casual Gamers: If you primarily play single-player games and aren’t overly concerned about competitive multiplayer, a 60Hz display might be sufficient.
• Competitive Gamers: If you’re serious about online multiplayer, especially in fast-paced genres, a 120Hz display can provide a significant advantage.
• Visual Fidelity: If you prioritize the highest possible resolution (4K) and don’t mind a potentially lower frame rate, a 60Hz 4K display can still deliver a stunning visual experience.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the decision of whether to invest in a 120Hz display for your PS5 comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you value smooth, responsive gameplay and play a lot of fast-paced games, a 120Hz display is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you’re content with the visual quality of 4K at 60Hz, you might not see as much benefit. For more insights into gaming and its educational aspects, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the human eye really tell the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz?

While the human eye doesn’t perceive refresh rates directly, the effect of a higher refresh rate is noticeable. The smoother motion and reduced blur are easily discernible, especially in fast-paced content.

2. Does the PS5 actually run games at 4K 120fps?

The PS5 is capable of outputting 4K at 120fps, but not all games can achieve this. Some games may run at a lower resolution to maintain a high frame rate, while others might be capped at 30fps or 60fps.

3. Is 60Hz too slow for PS5 gaming?

No, 60Hz is not too slow. Many games are designed to run at 60fps, and you’ll still have a great gaming experience. However, a 120Hz display provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive feel for games that support it.

4. Is 4K at 60Hz enough for PS5 gaming?

Yes, 4K at 60Hz is perfectly adequate for most PS5 games. It provides excellent visual fidelity and a smooth enough experience for the majority of titles.

5. Will a PS5 look good on a 60Hz TV?

Absolutely! The PS5 will still look fantastic on a 60Hz TV. You’ll still benefit from the console’s improved graphics and performance, even if you’re not taking advantage of the 120Hz refresh rate.

6. Do I really need an HDMI 2.1 port to experience 120Hz on PS5?

Yes, for 4K resolution at 120Hz, you need an HDMI 2.1 port. Older HDMI standards don’t have the bandwidth required to transmit that much data. However, you might be able to achieve 120Hz at a lower resolution (like 1080p or 1440p) with an older HDMI port, depending on the TV or monitor.

7. What resolution is best for 120Hz gaming on PS5?

That depends on your preference and the capabilities of your display. Some people prefer 1080p or 1440p for higher frame rates, while others prioritize 4K even if it means a slightly lower frame rate. 1440p at 120Hz is a nice middle-ground.

8. Does a 120Hz display consume more power than a 60Hz display?

Yes, a 120Hz display typically consumes more power because it’s refreshing the image twice as often. This can impact battery life on devices like laptops and smartphones.

9. Is a 144Hz monitor overkill for PS5 gaming?

Not necessarily. While the PS5’s maximum output is 120fps, a 144Hz monitor is still a good choice. It ensures that you’re getting the maximum possible refresh rate from your console, and it also leaves room for future upgrades (like a gaming PC).

10. What’s more important for PS5 gaming: refresh rate or resolution?

That depends on your priorities. If you value smooth motion and responsive gameplay above all else, then refresh rate is more important. If you prioritize visual fidelity and detail, then resolution is more important.

11. Can a 4K 60Hz display output 120fps?

No. A 60Hz display is limited to displaying 60 frames per second. Even if your PS5 is outputting 120fps, you’ll only see 60 of those frames on the screen.

12. What are the disadvantages of using a 120Hz display?

The main disadvantages are the higher cost of 120Hz displays and the potential for increased power consumption. Also, you need an HDMI 2.1 port to get the full benefit of 4K at 120Hz.

13. Is 60Hz good for watching sports on PS5?

Yes, 60Hz is generally sufficient for watching sports. However, a 120Hz display can provide a smoother and clearer picture, especially during fast-paced action, reducing motion blur.

14. Can the PS5 run 1440p at 120Hz?

Yes! The PS5 can run 1440p at 120Hz, and this is a popular option for gamers who want a balance between resolution and frame rate. Ensure your monitor supports this resolution and refresh rate.

15. What TV refresh rate is best for PS5 gaming?

Ideally, you want a TV with a 120Hz refresh rate and an HDMI 2.1 port to take full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities. However, a 60Hz TV can still provide a great gaming experience, especially if you prioritize resolution over frame rate.