So you bought your new PS5, Xbox series Series X or Nintendo Switch. You play it a few times and realize something doesn’t feel right. The console is great, but your TV isn’t on the same level. Don’t worry; we got you covered with this is article; here’s what to look for when buying a TV for gaming on new consoles.
The thing is, you can do so many different things on a modern-day console. So whether you want to play FIFA with your friends or prefer the rush, adrenaline and excitement of getting a “four across” when you play online slots, one thing is for sure – you want it to do it on the best TV screen possible.
Input lag – the one metric to rule them all
If you like playing online multiplayer games, then you know how vital input lag is. Nothing is more frustrating than losing games because of your lagging equipment. Input lag measures the time between the press of a button (on your controller) and the time needed for the desired action to happen on display.
You should aim for your TV to have an input lag under 50ms (milliseconds), and if you can get it under 30ms, that would be great. If you like competitive gameplay where quick reactions are essential, input lag should be your number one priority. It won’t matter how pretty the picture is if you are constantly losing thanks to high lag. Remember, nothing over 50ms is acceptable and if you have money, then aim for 25.
Resolution and display – make it look beautiful
New announcements from PS and Xbox suggest we are approaching 4K Ultra HD for gaming on consoles. Even 8K isn’t a far-fetched dream anymore. Most gaming content is 1080p nowadays, but more and more games will be coming in 4K format as time goes on. So if you want your TV to be ready for the gaming future now, you should consider getting a 4K Ultra HD TV.
The thing to watch out for is the size of your TV. If it is 45″ or larger, you will see the difference between 4K and 1080p. If not, then it isn’t something you should put your focus on. Bonus point: besides being future-proof for your gaming needs, 4K HD makes newer movies look amazing.
Also, don’t forget about HDR (high dynamic range). HDR measures contrast. It makes images with dark blacks, bright whites and has well-defined details. If you have the money, getting a TV with HDR will make the games you play poetically beautiful.
Connectivity– keeping things easy
Now, it depends on your needs, but this should be relatively simple. All you’ll need is an HDMI port for your consoles. All current and previous generations of consoles are compatible with an HDMI connection, which all HDTVs have.
However, to play games in 4K on the PS4 Pro, Sony has confirmed that an HDMI 2.0 cable and port are required to ensure 60fps performance at 4K Ultra HD resolution. On the other hand, if you like more retro stuff, you will need a SCART socket. So if you are picky about the games you play, you really will have to research on your own what is necessary for your specific games.
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