Does second screen work with PS5? Yes, it definitely does!
As a passionate PS5 gamer and content creator myself, I can definitively say that second screen functionality is supported on PlayStation 5 consoles. By connecting another display like a monitor or TV via HDMI or wirelessly through PS5‘s Remote Play feature, you can extend and duplicate your gameplay in real time to that supplemental screen.
How Remote Play Enables PS5 Second Screen Capabilities
Sony‘s proprietary Remote Play technology is what makes second screen gaming possible on their latest console. Here‘s a quick rundown of how it works:
Remote Play allows the PS5 to directly transmit video and audio signals from the console to a variety of compatible devices, whether connected over local WiFi or wired directly to the HDMI port. This creates a one-to-one mirror of the gameplay occurring on your main television, which gets sent to another phone, tablet, computer or second TV/monitor of your choosing.
There is very minimal lag when using a wired connection, especially if both displays support 120Hz refresh rates. Even in wireless mode, the latency is impressive thanks to PS5‘s custom silicon including a video encoder/decoder chip specifically designed to enable smooth second screen functionality for games.
So in a nutshell, the PS5 handles encoding a second video stream from the game visuals and audio extremely efficiently. This allows you to enjoy gameplay on two screens simultaneously as if they were a single extended display.
Connecting and Setting Up a PS5 Second Screen
Connecting a monitor or television as a second screen to compliment your existing PS5 setup is straightforward. For the clearest picture and lowest latency, I recommend using the included HDMI 2.1 cable that came with your console and run it directly to the secondary display device.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Turn off your PlayStation 5 and the second display you wish you use.
Plug one end of the HDMI 2.1 cable into the HDMI out port on the rear of your PS5.
Connect the other end of the cable into an available HDMI input port on your second display.
Turn on both devices and the PS5 output should automatically appear on the second display, extending or duplicating the main screen content.
Adjust audio and display settings as needed to optimize image quality, resolution and sound for both devices.
And that‘s all there is to it! For the best gaming performance and seamless integration, I suggest the following display specs and requirements:
- Resolution: Match output resolution on both screens (1080p, 1440p or 4K)
- Refresh Rate: Minimum of 120Hz on both displays for smooth gameplay
- Response Time: 10ms or lower response time
- HDR: Enable HDR on both devices for enhanced colors and contrast
As long as you stick to these guidelines when selecting a secondary display, you‘ll be set up perfectly to enhance your gameplay experiences with PS5‘s DualSense controller.
Gaming Monitor vs TV: Which is Better for PS5 Second Screen?
When deciding whether to connect a monitor or television as your PlayStation 5‘s supplemental display, there are tradeoffs to consider around visual responsiveness versus screen size and price.
Here‘s a comparison of using a fast gaming monitor versus a bigger, more affordable TV:
Gaming Monitors excel at responsiveness with ultra-fast refresh rates up to 240Hz, pixel response times as low as 1ms GtG, and low input lag for instant on-screen feedback. This makes them fantastic second screen options for competitive, multiplayer and fast-paced titles. The downside is that monitor panel sizes max out around 28 to 32 inches typically, and they command premium prices.
TVs can offer much larger screen real estate, usually 43 inches and up. Budget 4K models with decent gaming features provide greater value for those wanting more shared entertainment space. However, bigger TVs suffer from higher input lag and pixel response times, making them less suited for twitch gameplay.
So in summary:
- Monitors = Max responsiveness for competitive gaming
- TVs = Larger, affordable display for casual gaming
If your priority is keeping up with the action online in games like Call of Duty or Fortnite, I‘d go with a high refresh gaming monitor in the 27 to 32 inch range. For more cinematic, story-driven PS5 titles, save some money and enjoy the action on a budget 4K television instead!
Real-World Usage and Game Recommendations
In my extensive experience using a two display setup with PlayStation 5, I‘ve found several standout use cases and game genres perfect for second screen play:
Multiplayer Games – A second screen truly shines for online competitive gaming. You can dedicate the primary display to the full-screen game view, while having voice chat, discord feeds, tutorials or maps available on the supplemental monitor/TV without obstructing the action.
RPGs and Open World – For single player adventures like Elden Ring or vast open worlds in games like Breath of the Wild, having an extra display allows me to keep wikis, interactive maps, guides and videos handy at all times without pausing the game or obscuring the gorgeous scenery.
Simulation Titles – In racing sims like Gran Turismo 7, flight simulators and space games, a second screen becomes an awesome extension of your cockpit by adding realistic instrument panels and telemetry data feeds.
Split-Screen Couch Co-op – When friends come over, a second display lets twice the number of people get in on the gaming glory in titles with local multiplayer support. No more crowding around a single TV!
Across all these usage instances, I strongly believe a second monitor or TV can provide tangible gameplay advantages, convenience and enjoyment beyond just a solo gamer and single television setup.
Troubleshooting Tips for PS5 Second Screen Connectivity Issues
Despite how conveniently Remote Play and HDMI-out enable two screen functionality, occasionally users may run into technical gremlins when integrating displays with their PlayStation 5.
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you experience connectivity problems or lag using a second display with your PS5:
Display Firmware – Ensure your second screen has updated firmware and drivers from the manufacturer. Outdated TV/monitor software often causes compatibility issues.
Use HDMI 2.1 Cable – Lower HDMI versions can bottleneck 4K 120 Hz signals. Use the ultra high-speed cable included with your PS5 if possible.
Change HDMI Port – Try connecting the PS5 to alternate HDMI ports on your secondary display. Some ports support enhanced features.
Match Display Settings – Resolution, HDR, RGB range and refresh rate must match between both displays for optimum performance.
Enable Enhanced Mode – Check your TV or monitor OSD settings for an "Enhanced" toggle to enable HDMI 2.1 support on that input port.
Still having issues? As a last resort, power cycle ALL connected devices or perform factory reset on the problem display. 9 times out of 10, one of the above steps will resolve any quirks when configuring your PlayStation 5 dual display gaming habitat!
Final Thoughts
As both an avid gamer and content producer, I‘ve found enormous value in connecting a second monitor or TV to my PS5 setup. The minimal latency of Remote Play combined with the rock-solid performance of HDMI 2.1 allows you to truly maximize your next-gen gaming experiences across various titles and genres.
Whether you covet the silky smooth visuals of high refresh rate monitors or crave the scale of an affordable 4K television, dual display capabilities unlock tactile gameplay advantages beyond what is capable on a single screen. Ultimately the technology exists to support virtually any two-screen configuration. So choose the displays that best fit your budget, room scale and performance priorities when taking your PlayStation 5 gameplay to the next level!
Let me know if you have any other questions about successfully implementing a killer second screen setup for your PS5!
