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You don’t need to enable PS5 Game Boost: it works automatically for select PS4 games played on a PS5, and there is no Game Boost toggle. Its effect depends on the game and may include a higher or smoother frame rate. To improve the image quality of PS4 games, eligible PS5 Pro owners can use a separate setting.

How to use Game Boost on PS5

Install and launch a compatible PS4 game on your PS5. Game Boost runs automatically when available; there is no setting to switch on. PlayStation describes possible performance benefits for select games, not a guaranteed improvement for every title. The result may be a higher or smoother frame rate, but Game Boost does not promise a particular resolution or frame rate.

PlayStation’s CEO of the Platform Business Group, Hideaki Nishino, put the distinction plainly: “On PS5, PS4 games benefit from Game Boost automatically, and it doesn’t need to be toggled on or off like PS4 Pro’s Boost Mode feature.” That statement appeared in PlayStation Blog’s PS4 games on PS5: Your top questions answered, published October 9, 2020.

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Improve PS4 game image quality on PS5 Pro

PS5 Pro has a separate option called Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games. It is an image-quality feature, not a Game Boost switch, and is available only on consoles in the CFI-7000 model group. PlayStation says the connected screen must support 2160p or 1440p output at 60 Hz.

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PlayStation 5 Pro with 2TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Pro Gaming System, White (Renewed)
  • Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
  • Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
  • Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
  • Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
  1. On the PS5 Pro, open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
  2. Select Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games.
  3. If gameplay behaves unexpectedly after enabling it, turn the option off.

The display requirement describes supported output; it does not mean every game renders at 2160p or 1440p. This setting is distinct from resolution, HDR, VRR, and 120 Hz output, which are separate video features with their own game and display requirements. See PlayStation’s PS5 Pro image-quality instructions and PS5 resolution guide.

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PlayStation 5 Pro with 2TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Pro Gaming System, White
  • Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
  • Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
  • Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
  • Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
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Game Boost and PS5 Pro image quality compared

Feature What it does How to access it Limits
PS5 Game Boost May improve or stabilize performance for select PS4 games Automatic when playing a compatible game; no toggle Benefits vary by game; a specific resolution or frame rate is not guaranteed. PlayStation Support
Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games A separate image-quality option for PS4 games on eligible PS5 Pro consoles Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output CFI-7000 model group; display must support 2160p or 1440p at 60 Hz. PlayStation Support

If a PS4 game does not improve—or behaves unexpectedly

  • Check the game’s behavior, not for a missing toggle. There is no PS5 Game Boost switch to enable. Only select games benefit, and results differ by title.
  • Update the console. PlayStation advises keeping PS5 system software current. Backward compatibility does not guarantee identical behavior in every PS4 game; some may show errors or unexpected behavior. See PlayStation’s backward compatibility guidance.
  • On PS5 Pro, test the separate image-quality option. Confirm the console is in the CFI-7000 model group and the display supports the stated output requirement. If gameplay behaves unexpectedly with the option enabled, disable it.

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