Can PS5 Do Ultrawide? What You Need to Know

The short answer is yes—you can connect an ultrawide monitor to a PlayStation 5. However, there are some limitations depending on the specific resolution and aspect ratio of your ultrawide display.

In this detailed guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using an ultrawide monitor with a PS5, including:

• How the PS5 outputs to an ultrawide screen
• Supported resolutions and frame rates
• Ideal monitor recommendations
• Ultrawide vs 16:9 4K gaming
• Is ultrawide truly worth it for PS5 gaming?

Let‘s dive in!

How the PS5 Handles Ultrawide Resolutions

When you connect a PlayStation 5 to an ultrawide monitor, the PS5 will automatically scale the output to fit within a 16:9 aspect ratio.

This means you‘ll see black bars on the sides in order to maintain the proper image geometry that the game is rendering. The PS5 does not natively output games at the full 21:9 or 32:9 aspect that ultrawide monitors provide.

Here is a visual representation:

So while you don‘t get the fully cinematic ultrawide experience, you still benefit from the expanded screen real estate versus a traditional 16:9 monitor.

Now let‘s look at what resolutions and frame rates the PS5 can push to an ultrawide display.

Supported Resolutions and Frame Rates

The PlayStation 5 supports outputting the following resolutions and frame rates to an ultrawide monitor:

*Requires an HDMI 2.1 compatible monitor

As you can see, you can take advantage of crisp 1440p and 1600p resolutions on a supported ultrawide display.

And with HDMI 2.1, you can experience silky smooth 120Hz gaming. This allows you to maximize the high refresh rates that many ultrawide gaming monitors offer.

Now let‘s look at some recommended monitors and their key features.

Best Ultrawide Monitors for PS5

Here are some of the top ultrawide monitors to consider for PS5 gaming:

LG 34GP950G

• 34" diagonal screen
• 3440 x 1440 resolution
• 160Hz refresh rate
• HDMI 2.1 support
• Vesa DisplayHDR 600
• 1ms response time

This monitor hits the sweet spot of high resolution, fast refresh rate and next-gen connectivity. Expect stunning visuals with this HDMI 2.1 compatible screen.

Alienware AW3423DW

• 34" diagonal screen
• 3440 x 1440 resolution
• 175Hz refresh rate
• HDMI 2.1 support
• Quantum dot OLED technology
• Vesa DisplayHDR 400 True Black
• 0.1ms GTG response time

Alienware‘s latest ultrawide monitor leverages quantum dot OLED tech for better color accuracy and contrast. Along with HDMI 2.1, it‘s ideal for next-gen gaming.

Samsung Odyssey G5 (C34G55T)

• 34" diagonal screen
• 3440 x 1440 resolution
• 165Hz refresh rate
• AMD FreeSync support
• 1500R curved VA panel
• 1ms MPRT response time

The Odyssey G5 provides an affordable 3440 x 1440 high refresh rate option. While it lacks HDMI 2.1, it still delivers super smooth 165Hz gaming.

Ultrawide or 4K for PS5 Gaming?

For pure performance and maximum fidelity, a 4K 16:9 monitor is the best choice for PS5 gaming. Since the PS5 can natively output 4K, games will render at the full 3840 x 2160 resolution versus lower ultrawide resolutions that require upscaling.

However, ultrawide monitors provide more immersive visuals and screen real estate due to the wider aspect ratio. This additional peripheral vision can give you tactical advantages in FPS and racing games.

So while 4K is technically optimal, ultrawide can be more engaging with its panoramic format. It comes down to your personal preference.

Is Ultrawide Worth It for PS5 Gaming?

Is spending extra money on an ultrawide monitor over a traditional 16:9 display worth it for PS5 gaming? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Potential Benefits of Ultrawide:

• More immersive visuals with expanded peripheral view
• Higher resolutions than 1080p (1440p to 1600p)
• Smoother 120Hz gaming with HDMI 2.1 monitors
• Ideal for racing/flight simulators
• More screen space for interfaces or content creation

Drawbacks of Ultrawide:

• Black bars on sides of some games
• No native 32:9 ratio support currently
• Lower vertical resolution versus 4K 16:9
• Ultrawide monitors cost more than equivalent 16:9

Ultimately, an ultrawide can enhance your overall PS5 gaming experience if you play genres that benefit from the wider field of view. The increased sense of immersion and high resolutions make games more lifelike.

Just keep in mind that 16:9 4K still reigns supreme for maximum fidelity if you prefer cutting-edge graphics above all else. But for many gamers, the fun factor of ultrawide outweighs any minor technical limitations.

The Bottom Line

While full 32:9 support is lacking, connecting your PS5 to an ultrawide monitor can still provide an engaging, high-performance gaming experience. You get the expanded width along with high refresh rates and crisp QHD/UHD resolutions.

If you have the budget for it, an ultrawide upgrade is worthwhile. But a 4K 16:9 monitor may be the better pure performance choice depending on your priorities. Hopefully Sony will add native 21:9 and 32:9 support down the road to fully unlock the PS5‘s capabilities.

No matter which display upgrade you choose, both ultrawide and 4K monitors will take your PS5 gaming to the next level!