The PlayStation 4 Pro, released in 2016, was a significant upgrade to the original PS4, offering improved performance, enhanced graphics, and faster load times. One of the key features that set the PS4 Pro apart from its predecessor was its ability to support higher refresh rates, making for a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. But what is the max Hz for the PS4 Pro, and how does it impact your gaming sessions?
Understanding Hz and Refresh Rates
Before diving into the specifics of the PS4 Pro’s max Hz, it’s essential to understand what Hz and refresh rates mean in the context of gaming.
Hz, or Hertz, measures the number of times a display updates the image on the screen per second. A higher Hz rating means a smoother and more responsive visual experience, as the display can render more frames per second. In gaming, a higher refresh rate can significantly enhance the overall experience, reducing screen tearing, motion blur, and input lag.
Refresh Rates and Gaming Performance
Refresh rates play a crucial role in gaming performance, particularly in fast-paced games that require quick reflexes and precise timing. A higher refresh rate can:
- Reduce screen tearing, which occurs when the display shows multiple frames at once, causing a “tear” in the image.
- Minimize motion blur, which can make fast-moving objects appear blurry or distorted.
- Improve input lag, allowing for more responsive controls and a more immersive experience.
The PS4 Pro’s Max Hz: What You Need to Know
The PS4 Pro supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz at a resolution of 1080p (1920×1080 pixels). However, this is only possible when using a compatible display and a specific set of settings.
- 4K Resolution: When playing games at a 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels), the PS4 Pro’s max Hz is limited to 60Hz. This is because 4K resolution requires more processing power and bandwidth, making it more challenging to achieve higher refresh rates.
- HDR Support: The PS4 Pro also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, which offers improved color accuracy and contrast. However, HDR content is typically limited to 60Hz at 4K resolution.
PS4 Pro Games that Support 120Hz
While the PS4 Pro can support up to 120Hz at 1080p, not all games take advantage of this feature. Some popular games that support 120Hz on the PS4 Pro include:
- Fortnite
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Overwatch
Keep in mind that even if a game supports 120Hz, you’ll need a compatible display and the correct settings to take advantage of this feature.
Display Requirements for 120Hz on PS4 Pro
To enjoy 120Hz gaming on the PS4 Pro, you’ll need a display that supports this refresh rate. Here are some key requirements to look for:
- HDMI 2.0: Your display must have an HDMI 2.0 port to support 120Hz at 1080p.
- 120Hz Support: The display must explicitly support 120Hz, as not all displays can handle this refresh rate.
- G-Sync or FreeSync: If you want to eliminate screen tearing and enjoy a smoother experience, look for a display with G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) technology.
Some popular displays that support 120Hz on the PS4 Pro include:
- Acer Predator XB273K
- ASUS VG278Q
- ViewSonic XG240R
Settings for 120Hz on PS4 Pro
To enable 120Hz on your PS4 Pro, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output.
- Select 1080p as the resolution.
- Set the Refresh Rate to 120Hz.
- Ensure that HDMI 2.0 is selected as the HDMI output.
Note that you may need to adjust these settings within the game itself, as some games may not support 120Hz by default.
Conclusion
The PS4 Pro’s max Hz of 120Hz at 1080p offers a significant boost to gaming performance, reducing screen tearing and motion blur while improving input lag. While not all games support 120Hz, and display requirements can be specific, the benefits of this feature make it well worth exploring. By understanding the PS4 Pro’s max Hz and how to enable it, you can unlock a more immersive and responsive gaming experience.
What is the max Hz for enhanced gaming on the PS4 Pro?
The max Hz for enhanced gaming on the PS4 Pro is 60Hz, but it can also support 120Hz in certain situations. However, it’s essential to note that not all games are optimized to run at these higher refresh rates, and the actual performance may vary depending on the game and the TV or monitor being used.
To achieve the best gaming experience on the PS4 Pro, it’s recommended to use a 4K TV or monitor that supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and has a high refresh rate. This will allow you to take full advantage of the console’s enhanced graphics capabilities and enjoy a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.
What is the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz on the PS4 Pro?
The main difference between 60Hz and 120Hz on the PS4 Pro is the number of frames per second (FPS) that the console can display. A 60Hz display can show up to 60 FPS, while a 120Hz display can show up to 120 FPS. This means that a 120Hz display can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games that require quick reflexes.
However, it’s worth noting that the PS4 Pro is not capable of rendering games at 120 FPS in all situations. Some games may be capped at 60 FPS or lower, depending on the game’s engine and the console’s processing power. In these cases, the benefits of a 120Hz display may not be fully realized.
Do I need a 4K TV to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s enhanced gaming features?
While a 4K TV is not strictly necessary to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s enhanced gaming features, it is highly recommended. The PS4 Pro is capable of rendering games at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), which provides a much sharper and more detailed image than lower resolutions.
However, if you don’t have a 4K TV, you can still enjoy enhanced gaming features on the PS4 Pro, such as HDR and a higher refresh rate. The console will automatically downscale the image to match the resolution of your TV, so you can still enjoy a great gaming experience even if you don’t have a 4K TV.
Can I use a monitor instead of a TV with the PS4 Pro?
Yes, you can use a monitor instead of a TV with the PS4 Pro. In fact, many gamers prefer to use a monitor because they often have faster response times and lower input lag than TVs.
However, when choosing a monitor for use with the PS4 Pro, make sure it has the right features. Look for a monitor with a high refresh rate (at least 60Hz), HDR support, and a fast response time (around 5ms or lower). You should also ensure that the monitor has the right connectivity options, such as HDMI 2.0, to take full advantage of the PS4 Pro’s features.
How do I enable 120Hz mode on the PS4 Pro?
To enable 120Hz mode on the PS4 Pro, you’ll need to go into the console’s settings menu and select the “Sound and Screen” option. From there, select “Video Output” and then “Resolution” to choose the 120Hz mode.
However, keep in mind that not all games support 120Hz mode, and some may not be optimized to run at this higher refresh rate. You may need to check the game’s settings or documentation to see if 120Hz mode is supported.
Will the PS4 Pro’s enhanced gaming features work with all games?
No, the PS4 Pro’s enhanced gaming features will not work with all games. Some games may not be optimized to take advantage of the console’s more powerful hardware, and may not support features like 4K resolution, HDR, or 120Hz mode.
However, many popular games have been updated to support the PS4 Pro’s enhanced features, and new games are being released all the time that take full advantage of the console’s capabilities. You can check the game’s documentation or online reviews to see if it supports the PS4 Pro’s enhanced features.
Do I need to upgrade my HDMI cable to use the PS4 Pro’s enhanced gaming features?
Yes, you may need to upgrade your HDMI cable to use the PS4 Pro’s enhanced gaming features. The PS4 Pro requires an HDMI 2.0 cable to support 4K resolution and HDR, and some features like 120Hz mode may also require a high-quality HDMI cable.
However, if you’re using a standard HDMI cable, you may still be able to enjoy some of the PS4 Pro’s enhanced features, such as HDR and a higher refresh rate. But to get the best possible picture quality and take full advantage of the console’s capabilities, it’s recommended to use a high-quality HDMI 2.0 cable.