Console gaming has never seen visuals quite as stunning as those produced by the PlayStation 5 (PS5). The PS5 delivers maximum graphical fidelity and performance by supporting 4K resolution, ray tracing technology and maintaining ultra-smooth frame rates. Many gamers fail to recognize the essential role of display settings in enhancing their gaming experience.
The PS5’s graphical capabilities reach their full potential when you customize your monitor or TV settings to match your specific environment and hardware capabilities alongside your personal preferences. Optimizing display settings on your PS5 provides essential advantages for both competitive gamers and those who love cinematic experiences.
This guide covers how to optimize PS5 display settings for games by examining resolution and HDR options along with refresh rates and VRR capabilities and discussing various monitor types including top recommendations like the UPERFECT portable monitor and vertical monitor setups.
1. Understand Your Display Type
- Determine which display type you use before making any changes to settings.
- The 4K TV or Monitor offers ultra-high definition (UHD) support which makes it perfect for rendering detailed graphics.
- 1080p Monitors provide superior performance for competitive gaming experiences.
- Portable monitors serve as excellent choices for travelers and those who prefer minimalist setups.
- Vertical Monitors – Useful for streamers and multitaskers.
- Every display type performs best with specific settings so you should tailor your PS5 options to match your display.
2. Set the PS5 Video Output Resolution
- To start, go to:
- Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution
- Choose the highest resolution your monitor supports:
- 2160p (4K) – Best for stunning visuals.
- 1080p (Full HD) delivers less resolution while providing increased frame rates.
- 720p resolution should be avoided unless your monitor restricts it.
You need an HDMI 2.1 cable to connect your PS5 if you want 4K resolution at 120Hz. Ensure your upperfect portable monitor supports either 4K or 1080p resolution to balance between portability and performance needs.
3. Enable HDR (High Dynamic Range)
- HDR significantly enhances color depth and contrast. Here’s how to activate it:
- To activate HDR when supported navigate through Settings and Screen and Video to Video Output then HDR turning it On.
- Your display should be compatible with HDR10 because it is the required format for most PS5 games. Use the same menu to calibrate HDR so that your screen displays proper brightness and contrast levels.
Tip: Incorrect HDR calibration causes washed-out or excessively dark images so it’s important to follow the on-screen instructions precisely.
4. Turn On Performance or Resolution Mode
- Many PS5 games offer two display modes:
- Performance Mode delivers faster frame rates which range from 60 to 120 FPS.
- Resolution Mode in PS5 games enhances visual quality through 4K resolution and ray tracing technology.
- To switch between these:
- To switch display modes access Settings followed by Saved Data and Game/App Settings then select Game Presets
Choose based on your gameplay preferences. Players who enjoy competitive gaming tend to choose Performance Mode while those who prefer narrative games select Resolution Mode to experience better graphics.
5. Change the Refresh Rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) settings.
- Games run more fluidly and respond quicker when they run at a higher refresh rate. If your monitor supports 120Hz:
- Access the 120Hz Output option through Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output
- Gaming displays that support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) particularly through HDMI 2.1 require: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > VRR > Automatic
- Access VRR settings by navigating through Settings then Screen and Video followed by Video Output before selecting Automatic under VRR options.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering effects while playing high-performance games. The fluidity of your gaming experience improves significantly when you use a high-end monitor equipped with Variable Refresh Rate technology.
6. Set the Right RGB Range
- Ensure accurate color reproduction:
- Adjust video output settings to set the RGB Range by navigating through Settings then Screen and Video followed by Video Output.
- Automatic – Usually best.
- Full – Ideal for monitors.
- Limited – Better for TVs.
Set your display to match. Image quality will suffer when Full settings are paired with a Limited display and vice versa.
7. Calibrate Screen Size and Display Area
- Proper calibration helps with UI visibility:
- To adjust your display area access Settings followed by Screen and Video then select Screen and finally Adjust Display Area.
Ensure no sections of the screen are being cut off during display area adjustments. The feature helps you transition between a TV and vertical monitor setups as well as ultra-wide displays.
8. Monitor Recommendations for PS5
Selecting your display setup carries the same importance as adjusting your system settings. Here are some suggestions:
- 4K Monitors with 120Hz Support
Ideal for getting both performance and quality. Look for HDMI 2.1 support.
- Uperfect Portable Monitor
This monitor serves gamers who travel and those who need a minimal workspace for dual tasks. These monitors can display either 1080p or 4K resolution and feature plug-and-play compatibility with PS5.
- Vertical Monitor Options
While vertical monitors don’t provide the best experience for full-screen gaming they remain a favored choice among streamers to handle chat or display secondary content. These monitors gain popularity among users who rotate them to achieve horizontal gaming orientation which they find versatile.
9. Fine-Tuning In-Game Settings
A wide range of video games provide customizable in-game graphics settings with particular emphasis on cross-platform games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Cyberpunk 2077.
Check for:
- Motion Blur – Turn off for cleaner visuals.
- Film Grain – Aesthetic choice, but often unnecessary.
- Brightness/Contrast – Tweak based on ambient lighting.
10. Audio & Visual Sync
- Verify that your screen display is aligned with the sound output.
- Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Adjust Audio Delay
- Enable AV Sync whenever your soundbar or speaker setup creates audio delay.
11. Game Mode on Your Display
- Displays including TVs and monitors often include a special “Game Mode” feature.
- Reduces input lag
- Disables post-processing filters
- Optimizes refresh rate response
You need to enable this setting through your display’s internal menu options to achieve better gaming performance.
12. Consider Lighting & Viewing Distance
- The visual benefits of a 4K display diminish when you sit either too close to or too far from the screen.
- 4K Displays: Ideal distance = 4–6 feet
- 1080p Displays: Ideal distance = 3–5 feet
- Ambient lighting helps to minimize eye strain while enhancing HDR perception.
13. Night Mode & Blue Light Reduction
The PS5’s Night Mode within the Screen settings protects your eyes during late-night gaming sessions. Several portable or vertical monitors feature integrated blue light filters which help to make extended gaming sessions less straining on the eyes.
Final Thoughts
PS5 display optimization requires more than just maximizing settings because finding the right mix of performance quality and personal preference needs balancing. When you configure proper display settings and setup your system correctly your games will deliver enhanced smoothness and brightness while providing an immersive experience.
You can gain a competitive advantage in your gaming experience whether you play at home or travel by investing in a high-quality portable monitor like the UPERFECT portable monitor or by testing different configurations with a vertical monitor.
Optimize your display settings and explore different modes to experience the highest-quality gaming visuals that the PS5 delivers.