Unlock 120 FPS on Your PS5: A Comprehensive Guide
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) offers a stunningly smooth gaming experience, and one of the most sought-after features is the ability to play games at 120 frames per second (FPS). Achieving this level of performance requires a specific setup and understanding of the compatible games and hardware. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to unlock the potential of 120 FPS gaming on your PS5.
## What is 120 FPS and Why is it Important?
Frames per second (FPS) refers to the number of individual frames that your display shows each second. A higher FPS results in a smoother, more responsive, and visually appealing gaming experience. While 30 FPS was traditionally considered acceptable, and 60 FPS is now the standard for many games, 120 FPS offers a noticeable improvement, particularly in fast-paced action and competitive titles.
**Benefits of 120 FPS Gaming:**
* **Reduced Input Lag:** Lower latency between your actions and the on-screen response, giving you a competitive edge.
* **Smoother Visuals:** More fluid movement and animations, making the game feel more responsive and less choppy.
* **Improved Clarity:** Easier to track fast-moving objects and react quickly to changes on screen.
* **Enhanced Immersion:** A more engaging and realistic gaming experience.
## Hardware Requirements for 120 FPS on PS5
Before you can enjoy 120 FPS gaming, you need to ensure you have the necessary hardware. This includes a compatible display and HDMI cable.
### 1. 120Hz Compatible Display (TV or Monitor)
The most crucial component is a display capable of a 120Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate indicates how many times per second the display updates the image. To achieve 120 FPS, your TV or monitor *must* support a 120Hz refresh rate at the desired resolution (usually 1080p or 1440p, although some high-end displays support 4K at 120Hz).
**How to Check Your TV or Monitor’s Refresh Rate:**
* **Consult the User Manual:** The manufacturer’s specifications will clearly state the refresh rate capabilities of your display.
* **Check the Manufacturer’s Website:** Look up your TV or monitor model on the manufacturer’s website for detailed specifications.
* **Display Settings (Sometimes):** Some TVs and monitors may display the current refresh rate in the settings menu, although this isn’t always reliable.
**Important Considerations When Choosing a Display:**
* **HDMI 2.1:** Ideally, your display should have HDMI 2.1 ports. This is the latest HDMI standard, and it provides the bandwidth necessary to transmit 4K resolution at 120Hz with HDR. While some displays can achieve 120Hz at lower resolutions (like 1080p or 1440p) with HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1 ensures optimal performance and compatibility for future games.
* **Variable Refresh Rate (VRR):** VRR technologies like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync (often generically referred to as Adaptive Sync) are highly beneficial. VRR dynamically adjusts the display’s refresh rate to match the game’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in an even smoother experience. The PS5 supports HDMI VRR, so look for displays that support this feature.
* **Response Time:** A low response time (measured in milliseconds – ms) is crucial for minimizing motion blur. Aim for a response time of 5ms or lower for the best gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games.
* **Input Lag:** Similar to response time, input lag refers to the delay between your input (pressing a button) and the action appearing on the screen. Lower input lag is always better. Check reviews to see what the input lag is for a given display.
### 2. High-Speed HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.1 Recommended)
To transmit the high bandwidth required for 4K/120Hz signals, you need a high-quality HDMI cable. While the HDMI cable that comes with the PS5 is capable of supporting 4K/120Hz, it’s always a good idea to ensure you have a reliable, certified high-speed HDMI cable, especially if you’re experiencing any issues.
**How to Identify a High-Speed HDMI Cable:**
* **Packaging:** The packaging should explicitly state that the cable supports “Ultra High Speed HDMI” or “HDMI 2.1”.
* **Certification:** Look for certifications like “HDMI Premium Certified” or “HDMI Ultra High Speed Certified.” These certifications ensure the cable meets specific performance standards.
* **Construction:** High-quality cables typically have thicker shielding and more robust connectors.
**Note:** While a high-speed HDMI cable is crucial, remember that the *port* on your TV must also be HDMI 2.1 to get the full benefits. Plugging a high-speed cable into an older HDMI port will not magically enable 4K/120Hz.
## PS5 Settings Configuration for 120 FPS
Once you have the necessary hardware, you need to configure your PS5 settings to enable 120 FPS output.
### 1. Enable Performance Mode
The PS5 offers two graphics modes: Fidelity Mode and Performance Mode. Fidelity Mode prioritizes resolution and graphical detail, while Performance Mode prioritizes frame rate. To achieve 120 FPS, you need to enable Performance Mode.
**Steps to Enable Performance Mode:**
1. **Go to Settings:** From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings menu (the gear icon in the top-right corner).
2. **Select “Saved Data and Game/App Settings”:** Scroll down and select this option.
3. **Choose “Game Presets”:** Select this option from the menu.
4. **Select “Performance Mode or Resolution Mode”:** Here, you can choose your preferred graphics mode. Select “Performance Mode” to prioritize frame rate.
* **Note:** Some games may override this global setting, offering their own in-game graphics options. You’ll need to adjust those settings individually within the game itself.
### 2. Enable 120Hz Output
Even with Performance Mode enabled, you may need to explicitly enable 120Hz output in the PS5’s settings.
**Steps to Enable 120Hz Output:**
1. **Go to Settings:** From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings menu.
2. **Select “Screen and Video”:** Scroll down and select this option.
3. **Select “Video Output”:** Select this option.
4. **Enable “Enable 120 Hz Output”:** Make sure this setting is set to “Automatic.” If it’s disabled, the PS5 will not output at 120Hz, even if the game and your display support it.
* **Note:** If this option is grayed out or not selectable, it likely means your TV or monitor is not being correctly recognized as a 120Hz display. Double-check your HDMI connection and ensure that your display is actually capable of 120Hz at the connected resolution.
### 3. Enable VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) (If Supported)
If your TV or monitor supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), enabling it can further enhance the smoothness of your gaming experience.
**Steps to Enable VRR:**
1. **Go to Settings:** From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings menu.
2. **Select “Screen and Video”:** Scroll down and select this option.
3. **Select “Video Output”:** Select this option.
4. **Select “VRR”:** Here you have options like “Automatic”, “On”, or “Off”. Setting it to “Automatic” is usually the best choice, as it will enable VRR when supported by the game and your display.
* **Note:** If you experience any issues with VRR, such as flickering or other visual artifacts, try disabling it to see if it resolves the problem.
## Games That Support 120 FPS on PS5
Not all PS5 games support 120 FPS. It’s important to know which games offer this feature before investing in the necessary hardware. The list of 120 FPS-compatible games is constantly growing, so it’s a good idea to check online resources for the most up-to-date information.
**Popular PS5 Games That Support 120 FPS (As of Late 2024):**
* **Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War**
* **Call of Duty: Vanguard**
* **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II**
* **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III**
* **Destiny 2**
* **Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition**
* **Dirt 5**
* **F1 2021**
* **Fortnite**
* **Gran Turismo 7** (Limited Support – Check specific track/mode details)
* **Guilty Gear Strive**
* **Nioh 2 Remastered**
* **Ori and the Will of the Wisps**
* **Rainbow Six Siege**
* **Rocket League**
* **Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2**
* **Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection** (Performance Mode)
**How to Verify if a Game is Running at 120 FPS:**
Unfortunately, the PS5 doesn’t have a built-in FPS counter. Here are a few ways to check if a game is actually running at 120 FPS:
* **TV/Monitor Display:** Some TVs and monitors have an option to display the current refresh rate. Enable this feature in your display’s settings menu.
* **Subjective Observation:** If you’re accustomed to 60 FPS, you should be able to notice a significant difference in smoothness when a game is running at 120 FPS. The motion will appear much more fluid and responsive.
* **Game-Specific Indicators:** Some games may have in-game settings or indicators that confirm when 120 FPS mode is active.
## Troubleshooting Common 120 FPS Issues on PS5
Even with the correct hardware and settings, you might encounter some issues when trying to achieve 120 FPS on your PS5. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
### 1. No Signal or Black Screen
* **Check HDMI Connection:** Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the PS5 and your TV or monitor.
* **Use the Correct HDMI Port:** Make sure you’re using an HDMI 2.1 port on your display (if available). Try different HDMI ports on your TV or monitor.
* **Test with a Different HDMI Cable:** A faulty HDMI cable can cause signal issues. Try using a different, known-good HDMI cable.
* **Power Cycle:** Turn off both your PS5 and your display, unplug them from the power outlet, wait a few minutes, and then plug them back in and turn them on.
* **Check Display Settings:** Ensure your TV or monitor is set to the correct input source (the HDMI port you’re using for the PS5).
### 2. 120Hz Option is Grayed Out
* **Confirm Display Compatibility:** Double-check that your TV or monitor actually supports 120Hz at the resolution you’re trying to use. Consult the user manual or the manufacturer’s website.
* **Check HDMI Version:** Ensure you’re using a high-speed HDMI cable and that it’s connected to an HDMI 2.1 port (if available).
* **Update TV Firmware:** Outdated TV firmware can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Check your TV manufacturer’s website for firmware updates.
* **Restart PS5:** A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches.
### 3. Screen Tearing or Stuttering
* **Enable VRR:** If your TV or monitor supports VRR, enabling it can eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.
* **Disable V-Sync (If Applicable):** Some games may have a V-Sync setting. Try disabling it to see if it improves performance.
* **Check Game Settings:** Some games may have specific graphics settings that can impact performance. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between visual quality and frame rate.
### 4. Input Lag
* **Enable Game Mode:** Most TVs have a “Game Mode” setting that reduces input lag. Enable this mode in your TV’s settings menu.
* **Disable Image Processing Features:** Features like motion smoothing, noise reduction, and dynamic contrast can increase input lag. Disable these features in your TV’s settings menu.
* **Use a Wired Controller:** Wireless controllers can sometimes introduce a small amount of input lag. Try using a wired controller for the lowest possible latency.
### 5. Blurry or Soft Image
* **Check Resolution:** Ensure the PS5 is outputting at the correct resolution for your display. Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and check the Resolution setting.
* **Disable Upscaling:** If your TV is upscaling the image, it can sometimes result in a softer or blurrier picture. Disable upscaling in your TV’s settings menu (if possible).
* **Adjust Sharpness:** Increase the sharpness setting on your TV or monitor to improve image clarity.
## Conclusion
Achieving 120 FPS gaming on the PS5 can significantly enhance your gaming experience, providing smoother visuals, reduced input lag, and improved overall responsiveness. By ensuring you have the necessary hardware, configuring your PS5 settings correctly, and playing compatible games, you can unlock the full potential of your console and enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience. Remember to stay updated on the latest 120 FPS game releases and continue to optimize your setup for the best possible performance.