Ever see gameplay that looks so incredibly smooth it almost seems fake? That’s the magic of playing at 120 frames per second (FPS). If you own a PlayStation 5, you have a machine that can deliver that jaw-dropping experience. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t always work straight out of the box. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get 120 FPS on PS5. We’ll go over the right gear, the exact settings to change, and how to make sure it’s all working. Trust me, once you game at 120 FPS, 60 will feel like a slideshow.
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How to Get 120 FPS on Xbox Series S
First, Is Your Setup Even Ready for 120 FPS?
Before we start messing around in the PS5 menus, we need to talk about your physical setup. This is the part that trips up most people. I’ll admit, when I first got my PS5, I was so ready to see that buttery smoothness in a fast-paced shooter, but it looked… the same. I spent a good hour digging through settings, getting annoyed, only to realize the console wasn’t the problem at all. It was my other gear. You need two key things: a TV or monitor that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and an HDMI 2.1 cable. If you’re missing either one, you’re not getting past 60 FPS.
Does Your TV or Monitor Support 120Hz?
The most critical piece of this puzzle is your screen. It absolutely must have a native refresh rate of 120Hz. What’s that? Hertz (Hz) is just a measure of how many times your screen can draw a new image per second. To show 120 frames of a game, your screen needs to be able to refresh 120 times per second. Simple as that.
So, how can you be sure your screen is up to snuff?
- Check the Box or Manual: The easiest method is to find the original box or manual. “120Hz” is a huge selling point, so manufacturers usually make it very obvious.
- Google the Model Number: If the box is long gone, just find the model number on a sticker on the back of your display. A quick search for something like “Sony X900H specs” will take you to a product page that lists the native refresh rate.
- Watch Out for Marketing Mumbo-Jumbo: Some TV brands use misleading terms like “Motion Rate 240” or “TruMotion 240.” This is almost never the same as a true 120Hz refresh rate. Those are just software tricks to make motion look a bit smoother, but the panel itself can’t accept a 120 FPS signal from your PS5. You have to find the native refresh rate.
If you’re shopping for a new display, make 120Hz support a non-negotiable feature. It’s getting more common, but it’s definitely not standard on every model, especially the cheaper ones.
Are You Using the Correct HDMI Cable?
This is the exact mistake I made. For years, I just assumed one HDMI cable was the same as another. They are not. If you want to run games at 4K resolution and 120 FPS, you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, which is just another name for an HDMI 2.1 cable.
The good news is that the PS5 comes with one of these in the box. So, if you’re using the cable Sony gave you, you’re golden. But if you’re using a longer one you bought online or just an old cable from your PS4, chances are it’s an older HDMI 2.0 cable. That standard just doesn’t have the pipeline to handle the massive amount of data a 4K 120 FPS signal requires. It’s like trying to chug a thick milkshake through a coffee stirrer. The HDMI 2.1 cable is the wide-open straw you need. Also, make sure you’re plugging it into an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV—not all ports are created equal.
How to Get 120 FPS on PS5: The Step-by-Step Settings
Okay, hardware check is complete. Now for the fun stuff—tweaking the PS5 settings. Sony made this pretty simple, but the options aren’t all in one place. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be good to go.
How to Actually Enable 120Hz Output on the PS5
First, you have to give your console permission to even attempt a 120Hz signal. The default setting is “Automatic,” which should handle it, but it’s always best to double-check.
- From the PS5 Home Screen, click the Settings gear in the top-right.
- Go into Screen and Video.
- Under the Video Output tab, find Enable 120Hz Output.
- Make sure this is set to Automatic. This tells the PS5 to use 120Hz whenever it detects a compatible game and screen.
How to Set Your Games to Performance Mode by Default
This next step is a huge time-saver. It lets you tell your PS5 to always choose performance over pretty graphics in games that offer the choice. By setting this once, you won’t have to fiddle with the settings of every single game you install.
- From the main Settings menu, scroll down to Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
- Choose Game Presets.
- You’ll see an option for Performance Mode or Resolution Mode.
- Switch this to Performance Mode.
Now, any game with different graphics modes will automatically default to the one that aims for a higher frame rate.
How to Verify That 120Hz is Actually Working
You’ve flipped all the switches, now how do you know it’s actually on? You don’t have to guess. The PS5 can show you exactly what signal it’s sending to your screen.
- With a 120 FPS compatible game running, head back to Settings.
- Go to Screen and Video.
- Select the Video Output tab.
- Click on Video Output Information.
- Check the “Current Video Output Signal” details. You’re looking for “Vertical Frequency.” If it says “120 Hz,” you’ve done it!
So, Which PS5 Games Can I Actually Play at 120 FPS?
Here’s something important to get straight: enabling these settings won’t make every game run at 120 FPS. The game developers have to build that support in. It’s a trade-off. To hit that high frame rate, they often have to dial back the graphics a bit—maybe lower the resolution or simplify the lighting. It’s a choice they make during development.
Fortunately, the list of games with a 120 FPS mode is always getting longer. Here are some of the big ones:
- Call of Duty (most recent titles)
- Fortnite
- Apex Legends
- Overwatch 2
- Destiny 2
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
- Dirt 5
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
And remember, even in these games, you might have to go into the in-game settings menu and manually select the 120 FPS option.
Why Can’t All Games Just Run at 120 FPS?
You might think a console as powerful as the PS5 should run everything at 120 FPS, right? Well, it’s all about balance. Think of the PS5’s power as a limited resource. A developer can use that resource to either paint a breathtakingly detailed picture with fancy lighting (favoring resolution) or to paint a less detailed picture but do it more often (favoring performance).
For epic, story-driven adventures, the goal is often to create a cinematic feel, so they’ll target a rock-solid 30 or 60 FPS. But for competitive online shooters, that extra responsiveness from 120 FPS gives players a real advantage, making it way more important than perfect shadows. The technical trade-offs in game development are a constant balancing act, a topic often explored in depth by institutions like the Purdue University Department of Computer and Information Technology.
Still Stuck at 60 FPS? Here’s What to Do
What if you’ve done everything right—you have the gear, you’ve changed the settings, you’ve launched the right game—but it’s still not working? Don’t give up. A few common issues can get in the way.
Are Your PS5 and Game Fully Updated?
It sounds basic, but this is the fix 90% of the time. Make sure your PS5 has the latest system software. Sony is always pushing out updates that improve things. More importantly, make sure your game is updated. Sometimes 120 FPS support is added in a patch long after the game first came out. On the home screen, highlight your game, press the “Options” button, and hit “Check for Update.”
Could It Be a Weird TV Setting?
Your TV might be fighting you. Most modern TVs have a “Game Mode.” You need to turn this on. It strips away a bunch of unnecessary picture processing that can add lag and mess with the 120Hz signal. I once spent a whole night troubleshooting a game that felt off, only to find my TV had turned Game Mode off by itself after an update. It was a simple fix that I’d completely overlooked. Also, seriously, double-check that you’re using the right HDMI port on the TV.
Are You Sure This Game Even Has a 120 FPS Mode?
Like we said, not every game has one. It’s easy to just assume a new shooter will, but that’s not always true. A quick Google search for “[Game Name] PS5 120 FPS” will give you the answer. And for the games that do have it, it’s often not the default setting. You have to dive into the game’s own options menu and switch from “Fidelity” to “Performance.” This is super common, so always check there first.
Getting 120 FPS running on your PS5 is a game-changer. It makes everything feel faster, smoother, and more responsive. It takes the right gear and a few minutes of tweaking settings, but the result is totally worth it. Now that you’ve followed this guide on how to get 120 FPS on PS5, you know exactly what to do. So get to it, and prepare to be amazed.
Frequently Asked Question on How to Get 120 FPS on PS5
What steps should I follow in PS5 settings to enable 120 FPS performance mode?
Go to your PS5 Settings, select Saved Data and Game/App Settings, then Game Presets, and choose Performance Mode to prioritize high frame rate gameplay, ensuring your console outputs 120Hz signal.
Why is the HDMI 2.1 cable essential for 120 FPS on PS5, and how do I ensure I use the right port?
HDMI 2.1 cables are necessary for transmitting 4K at 120 FPS. Make sure to use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable provided with your PS5 and connect it to HDMI ports labeled for 120Hz or HDMI 2.1, and enable any necessary enhancements in your TV settings.
Why might my TV show ‘Motion Rate 120’ but not support a true 120Hz refresh rate?
Marketing terms like ‘Motion Rate 120’ often refer to software tricks that simulate smoother motion but do not provide a native 120Hz refresh rate, which is required to truly support 120 FPS gaming.
How can I check if my TV supports 120Hz refresh rate for PS5?
You can check your TV’s manual or packaging, look for the model online for specifications, or access your TV’s settings menu to view the current refresh rate, which must be 120Hz for optimal 120 FPS gaming.
What exactly is 120 FPS and why is it important for gaming on PS5?
120 FPS or frames per second means your PS5 displays 120 images each second, resulting in much smoother gameplay, quicker response times, and a competitive advantage in fast-paced games.
