As a passionate gamer, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the stunning visuals of my PlayStation 5 (PS5). One of the standout features of this console is its ability to deliver crisp, high-definition graphics, including 4K resolution and even 8K output on compatible setups.
However, to fully harness the power of your PS5’s display capabilities, you may need to tweak its resolution settings.
Why Adjust Your PS5 Resolution?
Let’s talk about why you might want to change your PS5’s resolution. The PS5 automatically detects your TV’s capabilities and selects the highest supported resolution, which is great for most users. However, you might want to adjust settings manually to:
- Enable 4K or 8K output for enhanced clarity on compatible displays.
- Test 1440p output for monitors or TVs that support this resolution.
- Optimize performance by prioritizing frame rates over resolution for smoother gameplay.
- Troubleshoot display issues, such as black screens or incorrect resolutions like 1080p when you expect 4K.
By customizing your PS5’s video output settings, you can tailor your gaming experience to match your hardware and preferences, whether you’re playing on a 4K TV, an ultrawide monitor, or a high-refresh-rate display.
Prerequisites for Changing PS5 Resolution
To ensure a smooth process, I recommend checking a few things before you start adjusting your PS5’s resolution:
- Compatible Display: Confirm that your TV or monitor supports the resolution you want (e.g., 4K at 60Hz, 1440p, or 8K for PS5 Pro users). For 4K 120Hz or 8K output, your display must support HDMI 2.1.
- HDMI Cable: Use the Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable included with your PS5 or another cable rated for 4K 120Hz or 8K output. A subpar cable can limit your resolution options.
- Direct Connection: Connect your PS5 directly to your TV’s HDMI 2.1 port, avoiding receivers or splitters that might interfere with the signal.
- Updated Firmware: Ensure your PS5 and TV have the latest system software and firmware updates to support advanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM).
Now that you’re set, let’s explore how to change the resolution on your PS5.
PS5 Console Resolution: Adjust for a good gaming experience
Here’s how I adjust the resolution on my PS5 console, and how you can do it too. Follow these steps to customize your console’s video output settings for the best possible gaming experience.
Step 1: Access the Settings Menu
First, I power on my PS5 and navigate to the home screen. From there, you’ll want to:
- Go to the Settings icon in the top-right corner of the home screen. It looks like a gear.
- Select Screen and Video from the menu. This is where you’ll find all the display-related options.
Step 2: Navigate to Video Output Settings
Once you’re in the Screen and Video menu, you’ll see several options. Here’s what to do next:
- Select Video Output. This section lets you view your current video output signal and modify settings like resolution, HDR, and VRR.
- Check the Video Output Information to see details about your connected HDMI device, including its supported resolution, refresh rate, and HDR capabilities. This helps you confirm what your TV or monitor can handle.
Step 3: Set Your Desired Resolution
Now, it’s time to choose the resolution that best suits your setup. Here’s how I do it, and what you should consider:
- In the Video Output menu, select Resolution.
- You’ll see options like Automatic, 2160p (4K), 1440p, 1080p, or 8K (for PS5 Pro with a compatible 8K display at 60Hz with Display Stream Compression).
- Choose Automatic if you want your PS5 to select the highest resolution your TV supports. This is my go-to setting for hassle-free performance, as it adapts to your display’s capabilities.
- For manual control, select 2160p for 4K, 1440p for monitors or TVs that support it, or 8K if you have a PS5 Pro and an 8K-capable display. Note that 8K output requires specific hardware and games that support it.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a 1440p monitor, test the 1440p output option. Go to Test 1440p Output in the Video Output menu to check compatibility with SDR/HDR at 60Hz or 120Hz, and VRR if supported. This is especially useful for ultrawide monitors like the BenQ MOBIUZ EX3410R.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Additional Settings
To get the most out of your display, you can tweak related settings for optimal visuals. Here are some options I adjust, and I recommend you explore them too:
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): In the Video Output menu, set HDR to On When Supported to ensure only HDR-compatible games and apps use HDR, preserving color accuracy for non-HDR content. If you choose Always On, non-HDR content will be converted to HDR, which might affect visuals.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Enable VRR for smoother gameplay if your TV supports it. You can also apply VRR to unsupported games to stabilize frame rates, but disable it if you notice visual glitches.
- 120Hz Output: If your display supports 120Hz, enable this for games that can run at higher frame rates. This is ideal for fast-paced titles like Spider-Man or Call of Duty. Go to Enable 120Hz Output and set it to Automatic.
- Adjust Display Area: If your screen shows black borders or cut-off edges, go to Screen and Video > Screen > Adjust Display Area and follow the on-screen instructions to fit the display properly.
Step 5: Test and Troubleshoot
After setting your resolution, test your setup to ensure everything looks right. If you run into issues like a blank screen or incorrect resolution (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K), here’s what I do to troubleshoot, and you should try these steps too:
- Check the HDMI Cable: Ensure you’re using the PS5’s included Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable or one rated for 4K 120Hz. A low-quality cable can downgrade your signal.
- Verify HDMI Port: Confirm your PS5 is connected to an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV. Check your TV’s manual, as some ports may not support high resolutions or refresh rates.
- Direct Connection: Remove any intermediary devices like receivers or splitters, as they can interfere with the signal. Connect your PS5 directly to your TV.
- Check TV Settings: Some TVs require you to enable HDMI 2.1 features (e.g., Enhanced HDMI) in their settings menu to support 4K 120Hz or 8K. Refer to your TV’s manual for guidance.
- Safe Mode Troubleshooting: If you see a blank screen, boot your PS5 in Safe Mode (hold the power button until the second beep) and select Change Resolution or Change HDCP Mode to reset display settings.
If issues persist, restart your PS5 and TV, and ensure both are updated to the latest firmware.
Optimizing for PS5 Pro
If you’re rocking a PS5 Pro, you’ve got even more power to play with. The PS5 Pro, released on November 7, 2024, introduces features like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a deep learning-based upscaling technology that enhances 4K visuals.
For example, games like The Last of Us Part I Remastered can render at 1440p and upscale to 4K at 60fps, while Stellar Blade supports 4K at 50fps or higher with smoother gameplay.
To maximize your PS5 Pro’s resolution:
- Ensure your display supports 8K at 60Hz with Display Stream Compression for 8K output.
- Set the resolution to Automatic or 2160p to leverage PSSR for AI-enhanced 4K visuals.
- Check for game-specific patches, as over 50 titles, including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Alan Wake 2, offer PS5 Pro-enhanced modes for improved resolution and frame rates.
Additional Tips for a Stellar Visual Experience
Here are a few extra tips I’ve learned to enhance your PS5’s display performance:
- Game Presets: Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets and choose Performance Mode to prioritize frame rates (ideal for 120Hz displays) or Resolution Mode for sharper visuals. This setting affects all compatible games.
- Calibrate HDR: For HDR displays, go to Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR to fine-tune brightness and contrast for optimal dynamic range.
- Wi-Fi 7 for PS5 Pro: If you’re streaming or using Remote Play, the PS5 Pro’s Wi-Fi 7 support can reduce latency and improve stability. Ensure your router is compatible for the best online experience.
Conclusion
Changing the resolution on your PS5 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your gaming experience. By navigating to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, you can customize your resolution to match your display’s capabilities, whether it’s 4K, 1440p, or 8K for PS5 Pro users.
I’ve found that setting the resolution to Automatic works seamlessly for most setups, but manual tweaks like enabling 120Hz or VRR can elevate gameplay on compatible TVs or monitors. If you encounter issues, troubleshooting steps like checking your HDMI cable or port can quickly resolve them.
With these steps, you’re ready to unlock the full visual potential of your PS5. Whether you’re diving into the immersive worlds of The Last of Us or battling in Stellar Blade, your games will look sharper and run smoother. If you have questions or need further help, check out Sony’s official support page for more details.
