Table of Contents

Will PS5 Support Higher FPS? The Definitive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Will PS5 support higher FPS? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

Yes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) supports higher frame rates (FPS). It is capable of achieving up to 120 FPS in certain games, provided you have the necessary hardware, primarily a compatible display. However, several factors influence whether you can actually experience this higher frame rate. This article delves into the specifics of PS5’s FPS capabilities, the required hardware, game support, and troubleshooting tips to maximize your gaming experience.

Understanding PS5’s FPS Potential

The PS5 boasts a powerful custom AMD Zen 2-based CPU and a custom AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU. This hardware combination allows for significant improvements in graphical performance compared to the PlayStation 4. While the raw power is there, several factors determine the actual FPS you’ll experience in a game:

Game Development: The game must be specifically designed or patched to support higher frame rates. Developers often prioritize visual fidelity (resolution, graphical details) over FPS, and compromises are frequently made.
Display Technology: Your TV or monitor needs to support HDMI 2.1 and a refresh rate of 120Hz (or higher) to display 120 FPS content. Older HDMI standards and lower refresh rates will limit the maximum FPS you can see.
Resolution: Higher resolutions (4K) demand more processing power, potentially lowering the achievable FPS. Some games offer a “performance mode” which sacrifices resolution for higher FPS.
In-Game Settings: Many games offer graphical settings that allow you to prioritize performance or visual quality. Choosing performance-oriented settings can significantly boost your FPS.

Essential Hardware Requirements for 120 FPS Gaming

To experience the PS5’s full FPS potential, ensure you have the following:

A TV or Monitor with HDMI 2.1: This is crucial. HDMI 2.1 provides the bandwidth necessary to transmit 4K signals at 120Hz. Check your display’s specifications to confirm HDMI 2.1 support. Look for phrases like “4K@120Hz,” “120Hz support,” or “HDMI 2.1” in the product details.
A High Refresh Rate Display: A refresh rate of 120Hz or higher is essential. The refresh rate determines how many times per second your display updates the image. A 60Hz display can only show a maximum of 60 frames per second, even if the PS5 is outputting more.
A High-Quality HDMI Cable: Although the PS5 comes with an HDMI cable, ensuring it meets HDMI 2.1 specifications is advisable, especially for longer cable lengths. Lower-quality cables might struggle to transmit the high bandwidth required for 4K@120Hz, leading to signal loss or display issues.

Identifying Games that Support Higher FPS

Not all PS5 games support 120 FPS. It is imperative to check if a game you are interested in has been optimized for higher frame rates. You can do this in several ways:

Game Packaging/Description: Look for labels or descriptions on the game box or in the digital store indicating “120 FPS Support,” “Performance Mode,” or similar phrases.
Game Settings: Check the in-game graphics settings menu. If the game supports 120 FPS, there will likely be options to prioritize performance or enable a “120Hz Output” setting.
Online Reviews and Forums: Search online for reviews and discussions about specific games to see if other players have confirmed 120 FPS support. Communities like Reddit and specialized gaming forums are invaluable resources.
Game Developer Announcements: Keep an eye on game developer announcements, patches notes, and official social media channels for news about performance updates and 120 FPS support.

Maximizing FPS on your PS5

Once you have the necessary hardware and a game that supports higher frame rates, follow these steps to maximize your FPS:

Enable 120Hz Output on PS5: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Make sure “Enable 120Hz Output” is set to Automatic. This allows the PS5 to output at 120Hz when a compatible display and game are connected.
Enable Game Mode on your TV: Most modern TVs have a “Game Mode” setting that reduces input lag. Enabling this mode often also optimizes the display for higher refresh rates. Check your TV’s manual for instructions on how to enable Game Mode.
Adjust In-Game Settings: Within the game’s graphics settings, prioritize performance. This may involve lowering resolution, disabling certain graphical effects (like ray tracing), or selecting a “Performance Mode” if available.
Update your PS5 System Software: Ensure your PS5 is running the latest system software. Sony regularly releases updates that can improve performance and compatibility.
Use the Correct HDMI Port: Make sure you are plugging the HDMI cable into the correct port on your TV. Usually only one or two HDMI ports are enabled to support 4K 120Hz. Refer to your TV manual for guidance.

Troubleshooting FPS Issues

Even with the correct setup, you might encounter issues preventing you from achieving higher frame rates. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

Verify HDMI 2.1 Connection: Double-check that your HDMI cable is securely connected to both the PS5 and the HDMI 2.1 port on your TV.
Restart Your Devices: A simple restart of both your PS5 and your TV can often resolve temporary glitches that might be affecting performance.
Update TV Firmware: Check your TV manufacturer’s website for firmware updates. Updating your TV’s firmware can improve compatibility with the PS5 and resolve performance issues.
Test with a Different HDMI Cable: Try a different HDMI cable that is known to support HDMI 2.1. This can rule out a faulty cable as the cause of the problem.
Check for Game Updates: Ensure the game you are playing is updated to the latest version. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can affect FPS.
Factory Reset (Last Resort): If all else fails, you can try a factory reset of your PS5 and TV. However, this will erase all your data, so back up your saves and settings first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is FPS and why is it important?

FPS stands for Frames Per Second. It refers to the number of individual frames your display shows per second. A higher FPS results in a smoother, more responsive, and visually appealing gaming experience. Lower FPS can lead to choppy animations and input lag, negatively impacting gameplay.

2. Does the PS5 always output at 120 FPS?

No. The PS5’s FPS output is dependent on the game and your display’s capabilities. It only outputs at 120 FPS if the game supports it and your display can handle a 120Hz refresh rate.

3. How can I check the current FPS on my PS5?

Unfortunately, the PS5 doesn’t have a built-in FPS counter. However, some TVs have an option to display the refresh rate, which can give you an indication of the output FPS. Alternatively, some games themselves might have an option to display the FPS.

4. Will a better HDMI cable improve FPS on PS5?

A better HDMI cable won’t magically improve FPS. However, it is crucial to have an HDMI 2.1 certified cable to transmit 4K signals at 120Hz. If you are using an older HDMI cable, upgrading to HDMI 2.1 is essential to experience 120 FPS.

5. Does Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) impact FPS?

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology helps synchronize the refresh rate of your display with the frame rate output by the PS5. This can reduce screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother gaming experience, especially when the FPS fluctuates.

6. Can I get 120 FPS on a 1080p display?

Yes, you can achieve 120 FPS on a 1080p display, provided it supports a 120Hz refresh rate and the game supports 120 FPS at 1080p. In fact, it may be easier to reach higher frame rates at lower resolutions.

7. What is the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1?

HDMI 2.1 offers significantly higher bandwidth (48Gbps) compared to HDMI 2.0 (18Gbps). This increased bandwidth is necessary to transmit 4K signals at 120Hz, as well as 8K signals at lower refresh rates. HDMI 2.0 is generally limited to 4K@60Hz.

8. How do I enable 120Hz output on my PS5?

Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and ensure that “Enable 120Hz Output” is set to Automatic.

9. Does the PS5 Pro support higher FPS?

There is currently no official information about a PS5 Pro. However, if a PS5 Pro is released, it is highly likely that it would offer improved hardware capable of achieving even higher and more stable frame rates compared to the original PS5, as well as potentially supporting higher resolutions at higher frame rates.

10. Why is my game not running at 120 FPS even though I have a 120Hz display?

Several reasons could contribute to this: The game might not support 120 FPS, your display might not be properly configured, the HDMI cable might not be HDMI 2.1, or the PS5’s 120Hz output setting might not be enabled. Refer to the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier in the article.

11. Can I force a game to run at 120 FPS?

No, you cannot directly force a game to run at 120 FPS if the game is not designed or patched to support it.

12. Is it worth upgrading to a 120Hz TV for the PS5?

For gamers who prioritize smooth and responsive gameplay, upgrading to a 120Hz TV is definitely worth considering, especially if you play fast-paced action games or competitive multiplayer titles.

13. Does ray tracing affect FPS on the PS5?

Yes, ray tracing is a demanding graphical technique that can significantly impact FPS. Enabling ray tracing often requires sacrificing resolution or frame rate to maintain a playable experience.

14. Will all future PS5 games support 120 FPS?

It is unlikely that all future PS5 games will support 120 FPS. Game developers will continue to balance graphical fidelity with performance, and some games might prioritize visual quality over higher frame rates.

15. What are some popular PS5 games that support 120 FPS?

Examples include Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Rainbow Six Siege, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, and Fortnite. Always verify specific game compatibility before making a purchase.