Can you play PS5 on a normal TV? The Ultimate Guide
The PlayStation 5 is the latest and greatest console from Sony, delivering cutting-edge graphics, speedy load times, and immersive gameplay thanks to features like 4K resolution, 120 FPS frame rates, and ray tracing. But can you take full advantage of the PS5‘s next-gen capabilities if you don‘t have an equally high-end TV to match? Let‘s break down everything you need to know about playing PS5 on a "normal" TV.
What Counts as a "Normal" TV?
For our purposes here, a "normal" TV refers to an HD (1080p resolution) TV with a 60Hz refresh rate – the kind of TV that has been commonplace in living rooms for the past 5-10 years. These TVs have HDMI ports and can display up to 1080p content smoothly, but lack more advanced features like 4K, HDR, and higher refresh rates.
Any TV with HDMI Will Work, But Won‘t Maximize PS5‘s Potential
The good news is that practically any modern TV will be compatible with a PS5 console. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, you can connect a PS5 and play games just fine. However, you won‘t be taking full advantage of everything the PS5 has to offer if you‘re limited to 1080p resolution and 60Hz.
Ideal TV Specs for PS5 Gaming
To unlock the PS5‘s maximum graphical capabilities and smoothest performance, you‘ll want a TV with:
- 4K resolution
- HDMI 2.1 ports
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Variable refresh rate (VRR) support
- High dynamic range (HDR)
With these specs, your TV will be able to display PS5 games in full 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, making for incredibly detailed and responsive gaming. The PS5 comes bundled with an HDMI 2.1 cable to facilitate this.
1080p TV vs 4K TV for PS5
While PS5 games will run and look better on any TV compared to PS4, you‘ll miss out on a lot sticking with 1080p. Games will render internally in 4K on the PS5 regardless, then be scaled down to 1080p for output to your TV – resulting in a softening of textures and details. You‘ll also be limited to 60Hz refresh rates.
However, loading times will still be fast, and performance should be very smooth with consistent frame rates. So while visual fidelity takes a hit on 1080p TVs, the overall gameplay experience will remain solid.
Lack of 4K Doesn‘t Make PS5 a "Waste of Money"
Given the substantial improvements that come with PS5 like the near-instant loading, DualSense controller haptics, 3D spatial audio, and boosted processing power, you‘ll still get a next-gen feel even without a 4K 120Hz TV. The value proposition of PS5 goes far beyond just high resolution graphics.
Great 4K TVs to Pair with PS5
Here are some of the top-rated 4K TVs that won‘t break the bank to help you make the most of your PS5:
- TCL 6-Series 65" 4K QLED TV – $899
- Hisense U6G 55" 4K ULED TV – $549
- Samsung Q60A QLED 65" 4K TV – $897
- Sony X80K 65" 4K Google TV – $898
These all provide 4K, 60-120Hz refresh rates, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 support at reasonable prices. The 65" screen sizes are ideal for showcasing the PS5‘s graphics too.
What‘s the Best TV Size for PS5?
Bigger is usually better when it comes to TVs for gaming. A wider field of view and increased visual immersion allow you to pick up on more environmental details and react faster during action sequences. For PS5, ideal sizes are:
- 48" TV – Entry-level for experiencing 4K
- 55" TV – The minimum size most PS5 gamers should consider
- 65" TV – The PS5 "sweet spot" size for balancing price and huge 4K visuals
Of course, you can go even bigger if you have the wall space, budget, and viewing distance to support it. A 77"-85" TV would be incredible for PS5 gaming.
Use PS5 Remote Play on Older TVs
If you have a PS4, you can stream PS5 games to it using the PS5‘s Remote Play feature and play on your existing TV that way. While limited to 1080p, it‘s a free way to play PS5 games on older TVs elsewhere in your house without having to buy new screens.
How to Connect PS5 to Any TV
Connecting your PS5 to most TVs is a plug-and-play process:
- Use the included HDMI cable and plug one end into the HDMI OUT port on the back of the PS5.
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to any available HDMI input port on your TV.
- Set the PS5‘s video output resolution to match your TV‘s capabilities (4K or 1080p).
The PS5 will automatically adjust its video settings to match your TV. Be sure to use the included HDMI 2.1 cable if your TV supports those advanced features.
While any TV can display PS5 games, a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 unlock‘s the console‘s full potential. But even without bleeding-edge display specs, you‘ll still benefit from the PS5‘s incredible speed, controller tech, and more. Pick the best screen for your budget to maximize both visuals and value.
