Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How PS5 Game Boost Works—and How to Improve PS4 Game Image Quality on PS5 Pro

PS5 Game Boost is automatic for select PS4 games, while PS5 Pro’s separate image-quality setting has specific console and display requirements.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You don’t need to enable PS5 Game Boost: it runs automatically for select compatible PS4 games played on a PS5. There is no Game Boost switch. If you have an eligible PS5 Pro, a separate option can enhance image quality in PS4 games; it is not the same feature.

What PS5 Game Boost does

Game Boost may give select PS4 games a higher or smoother frame rate when played on PS5. The effect depends on the game, and PlayStation does not promise a particular improvement for every title. Game Boost is about potential performance benefits; it does not guarantee that a game will render at a higher resolution.

To use it, install and launch a compatible PS4 game on your PS5. There is no setting to turn on. PlayStation’s October 9, 2020 explanation distinguishes this from PS4 Pro Boost Mode: “On PS5, PS4 games benefit from Game Boost automatically, and it doesn’t need to be toggled on or off like PS4 Pro’s Boost Mode feature.”

Improve PS4 game image quality on PS5 Pro

PS5 Pro has a separate setting named Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games. PlayStation lists it for consoles in the CFI-7000 model group, and requires a screen that supports 2160p or 1440p at 60 Hz. These are eligibility and display requirements, not a promise that every game will render at that resolution.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
PlayStation 5 Pro with 2TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Pro Gaming System, White (Renewed)
  • Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
  • Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
  • Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
  • Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
  1. On the PS5 Pro, open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
  2. Select Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games.
  3. If gameplay behaves unexpectedly, return to the same setting and turn it off.

For the model-group and display requirements, see PlayStation’s PS5 Pro image-quality instructions.

Rank #2
PlayStation 5 Pro with 2TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Pro Gaming System, White
  • Ray Tracing - Immerse yourself in worlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games.
  • Faster Loading - Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console’s ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
  • Stunning Visuals - Experience the vast world in stunning 4K and HDR at 120 FPS (with a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display)
  • Breathtaking Immersion - Discover a deeper gaming experience with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology.
  • Backwards Compatibility - Play over 4,000 PS4 games on PS5. Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 console's greatest games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Game Boost and PS5 Pro image enhancement compared

Feature What it does How to access it Limits
PS5 Game Boost May improve or stabilize performance, such as frame rate, in select PS4 games. Automatic when you play a compatible PS4 game; no toggle. Results depend on the game; not every PS4 title benefits.
Enhance Image Quality for PS4 Games A separate image-quality option for PS4 games on eligible PS5 Pro consoles. Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. CFI-7000 model group only; requires a screen supporting 2160p or 1440p at 60 Hz.

What to check if a PS4 game does not look or run better

  • Check the game, not for a missing switch. Game Boost is automatic, but only select games benefit, and the degree of improvement varies.
  • Update the console and game. PlayStation advises keeping PS5 system software current. Backward compatibility does not guarantee identical behavior in every PS4 game.
  • On PS5 Pro, verify the separate image-quality setting. It applies only to eligible consoles and requires the stated display support. Turn it off if it causes unexpected gameplay behavior.
  • Keep display options distinct. Resolution, HDR, VRR and 120 Hz output are separate video-output features and depend on the game and display. A display’s ability to accept a particular output does not by itself make a game render at that resolution. See PlayStation’s PS5 resolution guidance.
  • Check compatibility for the specific title. Some PS4 games may show errors or unexpected behavior on PS5. PlayStation’s backward compatibility page explains compatibility, while its PS4 and PS5 ecosystem page describes Game Boost generally.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.