Yes. The PS5 has supported 1440p output since September 2022, and a later update added variable refresh rate (VRR) at that resolution. Plug in a monitor that accepts 1440p, set the console’s resolution to 1440p, and you’re done. The catches are about 120Hz, VRR and what the games themselves render, so those are worth a minute before you buy a monitor.
If you’ve read older guides saying the PS5 can’t do 1440p, they’re out of date. Those were written before the update.
When Did the PS5 Get 1440p?
Sony added 1440p output in a system update that rolled out globally on September 7, 2022. Before that, a console connected to a 1440p monitor fell back to 1080p, as Tom’s Guide explained at the time.
The first version had a big gap. VRR didn’t work at 1440p. That changed with update 23.01-07.00.00, which The FPS Review covered in March 2023. It added VRR at 1440p and widened support for other modes and HDMI devices.
How to Turn On 1440p on PS5
Sony’s support page covers the settings. In short:
- Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Run Test 1440p Output. It tells you whether your display handles 1440p at 60Hz, 120Hz, or both.
- Set Resolution to 1440p. Leaving it on Automatic picks the highest resolution your display supports.
- Switch on 120 Hz Output if the monitor supports it.
Sony says you can test SDR or HDR at 60Hz or 120Hz, plus VRR output, once 1440p is selected. If you see video problems on a monitor, Sony suggests turning 120 Hz Output off.
What You Need for 120Hz and VRR
Here’s where monitors differ.
120Hz at 1440p. The monitor must accept 1440p at 120Hz, and the game must offer a 120Hz mode. TweakTown notes that displays without HDMI 2.1 can still run 1440p at 120Hz. They just don’t get VRR.
VRR. TweakTown says VRR works only with HDMI 2.1 displays, and only in games that support it. That matters because many 1440p gaming monitors have HDMI 2.0 ports and save their best features for DisplayPort, which the PS5 doesn’t have. One 2023 report, relayed by PSU, quotes a Reddit user saying FreeSync over HDMI 2.0 isn’t supported on the PS5. That’s a user’s claim, so check your monitor’s spec sheet and test it before relying on VRR.
Sony also offers Apply to Unsupported Games, which tries to steady frame rates in games without VRR support. Turn it off if a game acts strangely.
What the Games Actually Render
Outputting 1440p doesn’t mean games run at 1440p. As Evetech points out, console output and in-game render resolution are separate. Many games use dynamic resolution or reconstruction, so the picture is scaled to fit your 1440p screen. Games don’t need their own 1440p option for this to work.
Two more warnings from the same source:
- HDR isn’t automatic quality. A monitor that accepts an HDR signal may still lack the brightness or local dimming to make it look good.
- Don’t assume extra input lag. Look for measured figures for the monitor’s 1440p mode rather than guessing.
Should You Buy a 1440p Monitor for PS5?
It’s a decent fit if you want a sharper image than 1080p on a desk-sized screen. Just match the monitor to what you care about:
- Want VRR? Look for HDMI 2.1 and confirm it works with the PS5, not only with a PC.
- Happy with 120Hz and no VRR? A monitor with HDMI 2.0 and 1440p 120Hz input is enough.
- Own one already? Run the Test 1440p Output option first. It takes a minute and settles the question.
Shopping for a screen? Our list of the best gaming monitors is a good starting point.
FAQs
Does the PS5 support 1440p monitors?
Yes. Since the September 2022 system update, you can set the console to output 1440p.
Does the PS5 support 1440p at 120Hz?
Yes, if the monitor accepts it and the game has a 120Hz mode. HDMI 2.1 isn’t required for 120Hz at 1440p, according to TweakTown.
Does the PS5 support VRR at 1440p?
Yes, since the March 2023 update. It needs an HDMI 2.1 display and a game that supports VRR.
Do PS5 games run in native 1440p?
Not necessarily. Output resolution and render resolution are separate, and many games use dynamic resolution.
How do I check if my monitor works?
Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Test 1440p Output.
What if the screen flickers or shows video problems?
Turn off 120 Hz Output, as Sony suggests. The 2023 update also included a fix that may help with some flickering IPS monitors when VRR is on.