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Some PS4 games load faster or run more consistently on a PS5, but that does not mean every game gets higher resolution or frame rates. The result depends on whether you are playing the PS4 version through backward compatibility, a separate PS5 upgrade, or a PS5 Pro-enhanced version—and on what the game and your display support.

What changes when you play a PS4 game on PS5?

A PS4 game played on PS5 through backward compatibility remains the PS4 version. Sony says select titles can load faster and benefit from automatic Game Boost, which may improve or stabilize frame rates. Games with unlocked frame rates or dynamic resolution may also show higher fidelity, but the outcome varies by title.

Game Boost does not need to be turned on: Sony says it applies automatically to PS4 games on PS5. It is not a promise of a particular frame rate, resolution, or percentage improvement in every game. Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem guidance describes the feature and its title-dependent benefits.

How a PS4-to-PS5 upgrade differs

An eligible upgrade installs a distinct PS5 version of a game; it is not merely the PS4 version running on newer hardware. The developer may add improvements such as higher frame rates, 4K visuals, faster loading, or other PS5 features. Which changes are included depends on the game, so check its current Store offer and version details rather than assuming an upgrade exists or provides a particular benefit.

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PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
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  • Vertical Stand sold seperately

Check whether you can upgrade

  1. Open the game’s hub or its PlayStation Store listing and look for an eligible PS5 upgrade offer. Offers and prices vary by title and region.
  2. For a disc-based PS4 game, use a PS5 with a disc drive. Download the PS5 version, then keep the PS4 disc inserted whenever you play it.
  3. For a digital PS4 game, check whether an eligible digital upgrade offer is available. PlayStation Plus games are not eligible unless Sony indicates otherwise.
  4. If both versions are installed or available, use the game library’s version selector to choose which one to download or play.

Sony’s Games Support guidance covers upgrade eligibility and version selection. Check the current listing for the game: offers, availability, and prices can change.

What PS5 Pro can add

PS5 Pro Game Boost may improve frame rates in some PS4 and PS5 games. Separately, games specifically compatible with PS5 Pro may use enhancements such as ray tracing and PSSR, Sony’s AI-assisted image-quality technology. These are different cases: Game Boost applies to some games, while Pro-specific visual features require a compatible title.

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  • HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
  • What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable

Sony describes compatible games as capable of running at 60 fps or up to 120 fps with ray tracing and AI-enhanced 4K output. That is a platform capability statement, not a guarantee that every compatible game—or every mode within one—will reach those targets. Consult Sony’s PS5 Pro product information and PS5 Pro game-enhancement guidance for compatibility details.

How to compare graphics and performance modes

When a game offers selectable modes, compare the options that game actually provides. There is no single set of modes shared by every PS5 title.

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Rank #3
Playstation 5 Digital Edition PS5 Gaming (Disc Free) Console (Renewed)
  • 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
  • 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
  • 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
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  • Image quality or resolution: Look for the mode’s stated resolution or image-quality target. A game may use dynamic resolution, so its rendered resolution can vary during play.
  • Frame rate: Check whether a mode targets a specific rate, allows an unlocked rate, or describes performance as variable. A target is not the same as a guaranteed rate in every scene.
  • Visual effects: Note whether ray tracing or other effects are included, and whether enabling them changes the frame-rate or resolution target.
  • PS5 Pro enhancements: Check whether the game is listed as Pro-compatible and what the developer says the enhanced version or mode changes.

For a PS5-versus-PS5-Pro comparison, compare the same game’s documented modes and enhancements, then consider your display’s capabilities. Sony’s platform pages describe features and compatibility, but they do not establish a consistent set of independent, title-by-title performance measurements. Avoid treating advertised capability as a measured gain for a specific game.

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What your TV or monitor needs to support

The console, game, and display all matter. Sony says 120 Hz output is available for supported games and displays; Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) likewise depends on compatible equipment and game support. A console output setting cannot make an unsupported game render at a higher frame rate.

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Sony Playstation 5 Disc Version PS5 Console - 4K-TV Gaming, 120Hz 8K Output, 16GB GDDR6, 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (Renewed) White
  • Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
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Check your display’s supported resolution and refresh rate, and confirm that the game supports the feature you want to use. Sony’s PS5 resolution guidance explains console resolution settings and the relevant display requirements.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
Model Number CFI-2000; Vertical Stand sold seperately
$599.00
Bestseller No. 2
Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Disc Version Gaming Console, 4K Blu-ray Player, 16GB GDDR6 Memory, Ultra-High Speed 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 120Hz 8K Output
Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Disc Version Gaming Console, 4K Blu-ray Player, 16GB GDDR6 Memory, Ultra-High Speed 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 120Hz 8K Output
16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity; Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
$748.90
Bestseller No. 3
Playstation 5 Digital Edition PS5 Gaming (Disc Free) Console (Renewed)
Playstation 5 Digital Edition PS5 Gaming (Disc Free) Console (Renewed)
🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2; 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD; 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6; 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
$569.99
Bestseller No. 4
Sony Playstation 5 Disc Version PS5 Console - 4K-TV Gaming, 120Hz 8K Output, 16GB GDDR6, 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (Renewed) White
Sony Playstation 5 Disc Version PS5 Console - 4K-TV Gaming, 120Hz 8K Output, 16GB GDDR6, 825GB SSD, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 (Renewed) White
PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
Bestseller No. 5
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition – 825GB
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition – 825GB
825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
Best Value
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition – 825GB
  • Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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