Game Mode is an essential setting for getting the best gaming experience on modern TVs when using a PS5 console. By disabling unnecessary video processing, Game Mode reduces input lag, allowing for faster and more responsive controls. While it can slightly reduce picture quality, the tradeoff is well worth it for most gamers. Here is a comprehensive look at what Game Mode does and why you should use it for PS5 gaming.
What Does Game Mode Do?
Modern TVs apply various kinds of image processing to make the picture look its best. This includes things like motion smoothing, noise reduction, sharpening and more. The downside is that all this processing takes time, which means increased input lag between pressing a button on the controller and seeing the result on screen.
Game Mode disables all these unnecessary processing effects so that the TV‘s picture processor doesn‘t waste time on enhancing the image. This allows the TV to display the PS5‘s video output with the minimum lag possible. The faster response time can give a competitive edge in multiplayer action games where split-second reactions matter.
Benefits of Using Game Mode for PS5
- Reduced input lag for faster, more responsive controls
- Decreased delay between controller input and on-screen actions
- Smoother, more fluid gameplay, especially for online multiplayer
- Competitive advantage in fast-paced action games
Drawbacks of Game Mode
While Game Mode provides significant advantages, it also comes with some tradeoffs:
- Picture quality can be slightly degraded since advanced video processing is disabled
- You may notice more visual artifacts like banding or noise
- Input lag reduction varies across TV models and brands
- Must be switched on and off when starting and stopping gaming
For most gamers, the faster response time and lag reduction outweigh these drawbacks. The visual impacts of Game Mode are usually quite subtle on good 4K TVs. Still, cinephiles who want the very best image quality for films and TV may want to switch Game Mode off when not gaming.
How Much Lag Reduction Does Game Mode Provide?
The amount of input lag reduced by enabling Game Mode varies based on the TV. Top-end TVs designed for gaming can cut lag from over 100ms down to around 10-20ms. For TVs not optimized for gaming, the reduction may be less dramatic, but still meaningful.
General guidelines:
- Input lag over 50ms: Noticeable delay
- 30-50ms: Moderate reduction needed
- 20-30ms: Ideal for responsive gameplay
- Under 20ms: Extremely responsive
So while the exact lag reduction depends on the specific TV model, Game Mode universally provides a significant decrease.
Game Mode Settings for Optimal PS5 Gaming
Along with enabling Game Mode, there are a few other settings worth adjusting:
- Turn off Motion Blur and any other motion processing effects still active in Game Mode. These can add lag.
- Set Sharpness lower to avoid over-sharpening artifacts.
- Enable HDR for better contrast and colors if supported by the TV and game.
- Adjust brightness, contrast, and color settings as needed based on room lighting.
Also make sure to use a Premium HDMI cable to avoid potential input lag or connectivity issues caused by a low-quality cable.
Check Your TV‘s Input Lag
Not sure exactly how much input lag your specific TV model has? Sites like Rtings.com and DisplayLag.com provide input lag measurements for most modern TVs.
You can search for your TV model to see both its lag with Game Mode on and off. This will give you an idea of how much benefit you‘ll get from enabling the setting. Aim for under 30ms input lag with Game Mode enabled for responsive PS5 gaming.
Game Mode is Critical for PS5 Gaming
In summary, Game Mode delivers tangible improvements in responsiveness and control for PS5 games. The slight reduction in picture quality is imperceptible to most, making it very worthwhile to enable for gaming sessions. The faster response can give a real edge when competing online. Game Mode settings like HDR and calibrated brightness optimize the visuals. Check your TV‘s input lag to confirm you‘re getting the maximum benefit.
