Is PS5 Native 4K? Here's Everything You Need To Know

We already know the PS5 is capable of running games at 4K with 120fps but is it using a native 4K or utilizing AI upscaling?

For many, this can be an important factor when considering taking the leap from old-gen and upgrading to a PS5 because native 4K can provide more detail than 'fake' 4K can.

However, when it comes to exploring whether the PS5 is native 4K or not, it can become a little more complex than it may appear.

Is PS5 Native 4K?

In short, yes, the PS5 is native 4K and can output UHD resolutions of 3840 x 2160p (4K) when using any of the best 4K TVs or monitors.

Of course, the PS5 will be able to output a 4K resolution at 120fps thanks to the HDMI 2.1 standard, which means the best HDMI 2.1 monitors should work with Sony's newest console.

Now, here's where it becomes a little confusing, while the PS5 can display native 4K, not all PS5 games will be.

What Does Native 4K Mean?

Native 4K content means that the resolution input is already at a 4K resolution, rather than using AI upscaling.

4K upscaling refers to when a less detailed display, for example, 1080p, is artificially enhanced to produce a 4K resolution.

This then means that while both offer a 4K resolution, native 4K provides more detail, as AI upscaling cannot add detail that isn't there.

It's common practice for upscaling to occur on not only consoles but also on other devices such as Blu-Ray players. The PS5 can play Blu-Rays which is also handy, and it should be able to output these in native 4K, alongside also being able to play 4K and UHD discs.

Why Don't All Games Run At Native 4K?

Not all games will run at native 4K on PS5, if the source is not 4K then the game cannot produce a native 4K image.

In Sony's Ultimate PS5 FAQ, they state "PS5 can output resolutions up to 2160p (4K UHD) when connected to a 4K display."

This suggests that some games will run at under 4K even when using a UHD display, this is due to there not being a 4K input from the source.

Some games will be able to utilize 4K upscaling to produce a 1080p image that has been artificially enhanced to fit a 4K resolution.

It is likely that most next-gen games will offer native 4K potential and so it could be worth grabbing one of the best monitors for PS5 for your sought after gaming experience.

What PS5 Games Support Native 4K?

There is actually a decent quantity of games that can support native 4K at 60fps on the PS5. A selection of them are listed below:

• Assassin's Creed Valhalla
• Borderlands 3
• Chivalry 2
• Deathloop
• Far Cry 6
• Fortnite
• Gran Turismo 7 (stated to support 4K at 60FPS alongside ray-tracing at release)
• Resident Evil Village

There's also a couple of other titles that support native 4K at 120Hz, allowing for even smoother gameplay:

• Centipede Recharge
• Monster Boy & The Cursed Kingdom
• The Touryst (Images rendered in 8K, but currently has to be downscaled to 4K)

Of course, as the PS5's life as a console wears on, more games will be added to this list, and as and when that happens, we'll be sure to update it.

Read More: Does PS5 Support 144hz? Here's What You Should Know