If you want to buy next-gen video game consoles this month, here’s what you need to take full advantage of their cutting-edge tech.
All this buzz about next-gen consoles running games at 120fps might make you wonder. How in the world do I do that? Well, you need new equipment.
What Equipment?
First, get a TV with a refresh rate of 120Hz, and the latest HDMI 2.1 cable. Next, make sure your TV’s HDMI port supports HDMI 2.1. If you want more details, though, read on below.
What Does 120Hz Mean?
Kotaku reports that a TV with a refresh rate of 120Hz is essential. However, 120Hz does not equal 120fps. The term refresh rate refers to the rate at which your TV changes images per second.
On the other hand, FPS means frames per second. This term refers to the number of static images your console sends your TV every second. So, if you use a PS5 or an Xbox Series X on a 60Hz TV, you literally cannot run games on 120Hz. Your console could send down 120 frames to your TV every second, but your 60Hz TV won’t be able to keep up.
What Is HDMI 2.1?
HDMI cables move data from your console to your TV. The faster your HDMI cable moves data, the quicker it gives high-fidelity images. With an HDMI 2.1 cable, your console can send data at 48Gbps. At this speed, you can move 120 frames at 4K every second. Both Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles come with HDMI 2.1 cables, so all you need to get is a new TV.
However, if you don’t want to splurge on a new TV along with your new console, your current HDTV will do just fine. Once 4K or 120Hz TVs dip in price, your console will still be there for you.
