When considering your next big purchase (literally), knowing whether the PS5 supports ultrawide monitors can be crucial. Both the Xbox Series X and PS5 are often seen as PC rivals, especially when it comes to compatibility with high-end gaming monitors, so it’s easy to assume they work with ultrawide displays—but is this true?
Since launch, the PS5 has received updates. Then there's the Pro version, which adds advanced ray tracing, AI upscaling, and even 8K output, but does that mean ultrawide support is given? Let’s explore if that assumption holds up.
Does PS5 or PS5 Pro Support Ultrawide?
While the PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X offer impressive performance, none of them officially support ultrawide monitors.
This is a significant limitation for gamers who use ultrawide displays, especially considering the PS5 Pro’s powerful GPU, CPU, and RAM, which bring it closer to a gaming PC than ever before.
Many popular titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, feature excellent ultrawide support on PC, offering a much-enhanced gaming experience.
However, even though PS5 ultrawide support is officially lacking, it is still possible to use an ultrawide monitor with your PS5.
Can You Use a PS5 With an Ultrawide Monitor?
While the PS5 doesn’t officially support ultrawide monitors, you can still use it with one—though not "officially."
Most ultrawide screens are QHD displays, and the PS5 can intelligently upscale its output to fit these wider screens. However, this upscaling typically comes from a 1080p source, so the image quality may not be as sharp as you'd expect, depending on the game. That said, the results can still be acceptable based on your preferences.
Aspect Ratio Considerations: Ultrawide monitors usually have a 21:9 aspect ratio, while the PS5 is optimized for the standard 16:9 ratio.This difference can result in black bars on the sides of the screen.
Some monitors, like the BenQ MOBIUZ EX3410R and Samsung Odyssey OLED G91SD, allow you to stretch the image to fill the screen, but this can distort the image, as noted by BenQ.
Despite these limitations, you can still enjoy playing on an ultrawide monitor with your PS5, though it's not a perfect experience.
Will the PS5 Get Ultrawide Support?
While it’s not entirely out of the question, there’s no clear timeline for when, or if, the PS5 or PS5 Pro will support ultrawide screens. Even with the more expensive PS5 Pro, there’s been no indication that it will support ultrawide monitors anytime soon.
If you’re looking for the best monitor for PS5 or PS5 Pro, we recommend avoiding ultrawide displays for now. Instead, opt for a HDMI 2.1 monitor to make the most of the console’s features, like 4K gaming at 120 FPS. Hopefully, the PlayStation 6 will be more accommodating for ultrawide monitor users in the future.
Final Thoughts
For now, ultrawide enthusiasts may need to look to a gaming PC for the full 21:9 experience, as the PS5 remains best suited to traditional 16:9 displays.
While the future of ultrawide support on consoles is uncertain, sticking with an HDMI 2.1 monitor ensures you’ll get the most out of your PS5’s impressive capabilities.