The PlayStation 4 (PS4) has been a staple in the gaming world since its release in 2013. As technology advances, gamers are always looking for ways to enhance their gaming experience. One of the most sought-after features is 4K resolution, which offers a more immersive and visually stunning experience. But can a normal PS4 run 4K? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 4K gaming and explore the possibilities of running 4K on a standard PS4.
Understanding 4K Resolution
Before we dive into the capabilities of the PS4, let’s first understand what 4K resolution is. 4K, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), is a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This is four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p), which is 1920 x 1080 pixels. The increased resolution provides a more detailed and crisp image, making it ideal for gaming, movies, and other forms of entertainment.
PS4 Hardware Capabilities
The PS4 is equipped with a x86-64 AMD Jaguar 8-core processor, 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM, and a 1.84 TFLOP AMD Radeon Graphics Core Next engine. While these specs were impressive at the time of its release, they may not be sufficient to handle the demands of 4K resolution.
The PS4’s GPU is not powerful enough to render 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second (fps). However, it can render 4K resolution at a lower frame rate, such as 30 fps. This is because the GPU has to work harder to render more pixels, which can result in a lower frame rate.
PS4 Pro: The 4K Solution
In 2016, Sony released the PS4 Pro, a more powerful version of the PS4. The PS4 Pro is equipped with a more powerful GPU, 4 GB of additional GDDR5 RAM, and a faster processor. These upgrades enable the PS4 Pro to render 4K resolution at a smoother 60 fps.
The PS4 Pro is capable of rendering 4K resolution through various techniques, including:
- Checkerboard rendering: This technique involves rendering every other row of pixels, resulting in a 4K image.
- Supersampling: This technique involves rendering a higher resolution image and then downsampling it to 4K.
- Dynamic resolution scaling: This technique involves adjusting the resolution on the fly to maintain a smooth frame rate.
PS4 Pro 4K Performance
The PS4 Pro’s 4K performance is impressive, but it’s not without its limitations. Some games may not run at a full 4K resolution, instead using techniques like checkerboard rendering or supersampling to achieve a 4K-like image.
In addition, some games may not run at a smooth 60 fps, instead opting for a lower frame rate to maintain a stable performance. However, the PS4 Pro’s 4K performance is generally better than the standard PS4.
Can A Normal PS4 Run 4K?
Now that we’ve explored the capabilities of the PS4 Pro, let’s answer the question: can a normal PS4 run 4K? The short answer is no, a normal PS4 cannot run 4K resolution at a smooth 60 fps.
However, some games may offer 4K resolution at a lower frame rate, such as 30 fps. This is because the game developers may use techniques like checkerboard rendering or supersampling to achieve a 4K-like image.
| Game | 4K Resolution | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us Remastered | Yes | 30 fps |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | Yes | 30 fps |
As you can see, some games may offer 4K resolution on a standard PS4, but at a lower frame rate.
Upgrading To A 4K TV
If you’re looking to upgrade to a 4K TV, you may be wondering if it’s worth it if you have a standard PS4. The answer is yes, it’s still worth it.
A 4K TV can offer a range of benefits, including:
- Improved picture quality: 4K TVs offer a more detailed and crisp image, making them ideal for gaming, movies, and other forms of entertainment.
- Wider color gamut: 4K TVs can display a wider range of colors, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher refresh rate: 4K TVs can offer a higher refresh rate, resulting in a smoother viewing experience.
Even if your PS4 can’t run 4K resolution at a smooth 60 fps, a 4K TV can still offer a range of benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a normal PS4 cannot run 4K resolution at a smooth 60 fps. However, some games may offer 4K resolution at a lower frame rate, such as 30 fps.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a 4K TV, it’s still worth it, even if you have a standard PS4. A 4K TV can offer a range of benefits, including improved picture quality, wider color gamut, and higher refresh rate.
If you want to experience 4K gaming at its best, consider upgrading to a PS4 Pro. The PS4 Pro is capable of rendering 4K resolution at a smoother 60 fps, making it the ideal choice for 4K gaming.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to a 4K TV or a PS4 Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Can A Normal PS4 Run 4K?
A normal PS4 is not capable of running 4K resolution. The original PS4 model does not have the necessary hardware to support 4K resolution, which requires a significant amount of processing power and memory. While the PS4 can upscale games to a higher resolution, it is not true 4K.
The PS4’s hardware limitations make it difficult for the console to handle the demands of 4K resolution. The console’s processor and graphics processing unit (GPU) are not powerful enough to render games at 4K resolution, resulting in a lower resolution output. However, the PS4 Pro, a more advanced version of the console, is capable of running 4K resolution.
What Is The Difference Between 4K And Upscaled 4K?
The main difference between 4K and upscaled 4K is the resolution at which the game is rendered. True 4K resolution means that the game is rendered at a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, while upscaled 4K means that the game is rendered at a lower resolution and then upscaled to 4K. Upscaling can result in a lower quality image compared to true 4K.
Upscaling can be done through various methods, including interpolation and extrapolation. However, these methods can introduce artifacts and reduce the overall image quality. True 4K resolution, on the other hand, provides a much sharper and more detailed image. The PS4 Pro is capable of rendering games at true 4K resolution, while the normal PS4 can only upscale games to 4K.
Can I Play 4K Games On My Normal PS4?
No, you cannot play 4K games on a normal PS4. As mentioned earlier, the normal PS4 does not have the necessary hardware to support 4K resolution. While some games may claim to be 4K, they are likely upscaled from a lower resolution.
If you want to play games at 4K resolution, you will need to upgrade to a PS4 Pro or a more advanced console. The PS4 Pro is capable of rendering games at true 4K resolution, and it also supports other advanced features such as HDR (High Dynamic Range) and WCG (Wide Color Gamut).
What Is The PS4 Pro And How Is It Different From The Normal PS4?
The PS4 Pro is a more advanced version of the PS4 console. It was released in 2016 and is designed to provide a more powerful gaming experience. The PS4 Pro has a more powerful processor and GPU, which allows it to render games at higher resolutions, including 4K.
The PS4 Pro also supports other advanced features such as HDR and WCG, which provide a more immersive gaming experience. The console also has more memory and a faster hard drive, which allows for faster loading times and more efficient gameplay. Overall, the PS4 Pro is a significant upgrade over the normal PS4 and is designed for gamers who want the best possible gaming experience.
Do I Need A 4K TV To Play 4K Games On My PS4 Pro?
Yes, you will need a 4K TV to play 4K games on your PS4 Pro. The PS4 Pro can render games at 4K resolution, but you will need a TV that is capable of displaying 4K resolution to take full advantage of this feature.
If you have a TV that is not 4K-capable, you will not be able to play games at 4K resolution. However, the PS4 Pro will still be able to render games at a higher resolution than the normal PS4, and you may still see an improvement in image quality.
Are All PS4 Games Compatible With 4K Resolution?
No, not all PS4 games are compatible with 4K resolution. While many games are optimized to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s 4K capabilities, some games may not be compatible with 4K resolution.
Game developers must specifically optimize their games to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s 4K capabilities. If a game is not optimized for 4K, it may not be able to run at 4K resolution, even on a PS4 Pro. However, many popular games are optimized for 4K, and the list of compatible games is growing all the time.
Is It Worth Upgrading To A PS4 Pro For 4K Gaming?
Whether or not it is worth upgrading to a PS4 Pro for 4K gaming depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have a 4K TV and want to take full advantage of its capabilities, the PS4 Pro may be a good option.
However, if you do not have a 4K TV, or if you are not interested in 4K gaming, the normal PS4 may be sufficient for your needs. Additionally, the PS4 Pro is more expensive than the normal PS4, so you will need to consider whether the upgrade is worth the cost.