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For smoother supported games, check the PS5’s Game Presets; for display responsiveness, match Video Output settings to your TV or monitor; and for privacy, review the account’s visibility and communication controls. None is a universal performance boost: games and displays must support the relevant options.
Which PS5 settings make games smoother?
Set the preferred game mode at Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets, then choose Performance Mode or Resolution Mode. PlayStation describes Performance Mode as making motion smoother and Resolution Mode as providing higher graphic quality. This is a preference, not a guaranteed frame-rate increase: it applies to PS5 games that support the relevant mode, and some preset options may not apply to every game. See PlayStation’s guide to customizing game presets.
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| Choice | Prioritizes | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Mode | Smoother motion | Games where responsiveness or fluid movement matters most, if the game supports the mode. |
| Resolution Mode | Higher graphic quality | Games where visual detail is your priority, if the game supports the mode. |
The preset also includes preferences for difficulty, first- and third-person views, subtitles, audio, and some online multiplayer sessions. Adjust the mode per your preference; a game may handle its supported options differently.
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Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Check the console’s resolution, refresh-rate-related features, and transfer-rate options against the capabilities of the exact TV or monitor, its firmware, and the HDMI port in use. There is no single best combination for every display.
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- Heighten Your Senses. Discover Deeper, highly immersive gaming experiences.
- Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback
- Chat online through the built-in microphone or connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Play on more devices Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth wireless technology so you can easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range titles
- Resolution and refresh rate: Use output the display supports. A setting cannot add capabilities the screen or port does not have.
- VRR and ALLM: Confirm the display supports the feature and consult its manual; do not assume every HDMI 2.1 TV supports ALLM. Current PS5 system software is required for ALLM. With VRR output enabled, low-latency mode can activate even when ALLM is set to Off. To turn ALLM off completely, turn VRR off as well. The PS5 does not send an ALLM signal while a media app is running.
- Video Transfer Rate: If the picture flickers, Sony suggests trying -1 or -2 to limit output; this may improve picture quality.
For Sony’s feature details and troubleshooting guidance, see How to change PS5 console resolution.
Troubleshoot 4K at 120 Hz
If 4K/120 Hz output is not working, check the whole signal path rather than changing one setting at random:
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
- Confirm the TV or monitor supports 4K/120 Hz and install its current firmware.
- Connect the PS5 to the display’s HDMI port that supports the target output; verify the port in the display manual.
- Use an HDMI cable rated for the required output. Sony recommends the cable included with the console or an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for 4K/120 Hz. A replacement is only relevant if your current cable is unsuitable or missing; it cannot make an incompatible display or port support 4K/120 Hz.
- Check the PS5 resolution and Video Transfer Rate under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
How do I control what other players can see or do?
Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy. Choose a preset as a starting point, or select View and Customize Your Privacy Settings to review individual controls. PlayStation says these account privacy settings are reflected across devices. The controls extend beyond profile visibility: they cover identity details, activity, friends, requests, and ways other players can interact with or invite you. Read PlayStation’s privacy settings guide for the official control descriptions.
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| Preset | What it generally allows | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Open | Any player can see profile information; open to requests and messages. | Easier to connect, with broader visibility and contact. |
| Team Player | Most profile information is visible to any player; chat invitations require at least friends-of-friends. | Public profile visibility remains broad, while chat access is more limited. |
| Friend Focused | Only friends can see profile information and invite you to chat. | More restricted access may make it harder for new players to find or contact you. |
| Solo and Focused | Other players cannot see profile information or invite you, even if they are friends. | Strongest separation from other players, with more friction for social play. |
These presets are starting points, not substitutes for checking each control. In View and Customize Your Privacy Settings, review visibility of your real name and profile picture, friends, online status and currently played game, gaming history and hidden games; who can send friend requests; interaction through parties, games, and messages; blocking; and crossplay game invitations. Choose restrictions based on how you actually play—for example, a broad preset may expose more activity than you want, while a restrictive one can make arranging games with friends less convenient.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Child accounts and family controls
Privacy options for a child account may be controlled by a family manager, parent, or guardian, who can also choose which settings the child is allowed to change. If a setting is unavailable, the account’s family role and permissions may explain why. See PlayStation’s parental controls guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do I need to reset the PS5 to change these settings?
No. Use the relevant Game Presets, Video Output, or Privacy menu directly; a factory-style reset is not needed for routine performance, display, or privacy tuning.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
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