Best PS5 Pro Settings for Better Graphics and Performance
The PS5 Pro can deliver sharper 4K visuals, smoother frame rates and improved ray tracing, but getting the best experience also depends on your console, game and TV settings.
Whether you prefer maximum image quality or smoother gameplay, this guide explains the best PS5 Pro settings for graphics and performance.
1. Set Resolution to Automatic
Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution and select Automatic.
This allows the PS5 Pro to choose the best supported resolution for your display. If you have a compatible 4K TV or monitor, the console can output games at up to 4K resolution.
2. Enable 120Hz Output
If your TV or monitor supports 120Hz, go to:
Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > 120 Hz Output
Set it to Automatic.
Compatible games can then use high-frame-rate modes for noticeably smoother motion and more responsive gameplay.
3. Turn On VRR
Variable Refresh Rate, or VRR, synchronizes the refresh rate of a compatible display with the game's frame rate.
Go to:
Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > VRR
Set VRR to Automatic.
This can make frame-rate fluctuations appear smoother on compatible TVs and games.
4. Use HDR When Supported
For an HDR-compatible display, navigate to:
Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > HDR
For most setups, On When Supported is a useful choice because HDR-compatible games use HDR while SDR content remains SDR.
5. Adjust HDR Calibration
After enabling HDR, select Adjust HDR from the PS5 video settings.
Follow the onscreen calibration process while viewing the TV under the lighting conditions you normally use for gaming.
Correct HDR calibration can help preserve bright highlights while maintaining detail in darker scenes.
6. Enable Enhanced PSSR
One of the most important PS5 Pro features is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR).
PSSR uses machine-learning-based image reconstruction to produce a sharper output from a lower internal rendering resolution.
On supported PS5 Pro systems, check:
Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Enhance PSSR Image Quality
Keep this option enabled for compatible games unless you encounter an unexpected visual issue in a particular title.
7. Performance vs Quality Mode
Many PS5 and PS5 Pro games provide multiple graphics modes.
| Mode | Best For |
|---|---|
| Performance | Higher frame rates and smoother gameplay |
| Quality / Fidelity | Higher visual quality and stronger graphical effects |
| Balanced | A compromise between image quality and frame rate |
The exact resolution, frame rate and ray-tracing features vary by game.
8. Choose Performance Mode for Fast Games
For racing games, shooters and other fast-paced titles, a higher frame rate can make controls and camera movement feel more responsive.
When available, try Performance or High Frame Rate mode together with VRR and a 120Hz display.
9. Choose Quality Mode for Visual Games
If you prefer maximum visual detail in slower or cinematic games, Quality or Fidelity mode may be a better option.
Depending on the game, these modes may provide improved lighting, reflections, shadows, resolution or ray tracing at the cost of a lower frame rate.
10. Try Balanced Modes on 120Hz TVs
Some games include a Balanced mode designed for 120Hz displays.
A common implementation targets around 40 frames per second while retaining more graphical quality than a typical 60fps Performance mode.
However, graphics modes are controlled by individual game developers, so options differ between titles.
11. Enable Game Mode on Your TV
Your television settings are just as important as the console settings.
Enable Game Mode or your TV's equivalent low-latency gaming preset.
This generally reduces unnecessary image processing and can reduce input latency.
12. Check ALLM
Compatible TVs support Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM), allowing the display to automatically switch to a low-latency mode while gaming.
If your television supports it, make sure its gaming and HDMI features are correctly enabled.
13. Check Your HDMI Port
Not every HDMI port on a television necessarily supports the same features.
If you want to use features such as 4K, 120Hz and VRR, connect the PS5 Pro to a compatible HDMI input and check your TV manufacturer's specifications.
Recommended PS5 Pro Setup
| Setting | Recommended Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Automatic |
| 120Hz Output | Automatic |
| VRR | Automatic |
| HDR | On When Supported |
| Enhance PSSR Image Quality | On |
| TV Game Mode | On |
| Game Graphics Mode | Performance, Balanced or Quality depending on preference |
Best Settings for 120Hz Gaming
If you have a compatible 120Hz display, start with 120Hz Output and VRR enabled.
Then select Performance, High Frame Rate or an equivalent mode inside supported games.
Remember that enabling 120Hz output does not automatically make every game run at 120fps. The game itself must support the feature.
Best Settings for Maximum Graphics
For maximum visual quality, use a 4K-compatible display, enable HDR when supported and try the game's Quality or Fidelity mode.
On PS5 Pro Enhanced games, PSSR and advanced ray-tracing features can further improve image quality when developers support them.
Final Thoughts
There is no single graphics mode that is perfect for every PS5 Pro game.
A good starting point is to enable 120Hz Output, VRR, HDR when supported and enhanced PSSR, then choose between Performance, Balanced and Quality modes based on the game you are playing.
For more PlayStation guides and gaming news, visit the Radar Next Gaming section.
You can also read our guide to the best Smart TV settings for PS5 gaming.