Can you play 4K movies on PS4? This is a common question many PlayStation game enthusiasts ask.
This article answers this question and other Sony PlayStation console-related questions many gamers ask.
Now, can you play 4K movies on PS4? Let’s find out.
First, what does 4K mean?
4K or ultra high definition (UHD) or Ultra HD usually means 3840 x 2160 pixels video resolution (i.e., 3840 pixels running from left to right of a display for every horizontal line and 2160 pixels running from top to bottom of a screen for very vertical line).
On the other hand, 1080p (Full HD) means a video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This implies that for every horizontal line on a display, there are 1920 pixels running from left to right, and 1080 pixels running from top to bottom for every vertical line on a display.
So, can you play 4K movies or discs on the PS4?
You cannot play 4K movies, or discs on the PS4. It’s not all bad news, however. There are good consoles that can play 4K movies.
But before we look at game consoles that can play 4K movies, it is important to note that the PS4 can play Blu-rays, but not 4K Blu-rays.
Here are the alternatives…
If you haven’t already bought the Sony PlayStation 4, you should consider buying the PlayStation 5. The PS5 can stream 4K movies. So you can watch 4K Ultra-HD movies on the console.
For gamers who are not heavily invested in the Sony ecosystem, the Xbox Series X, Xbox One S or Xbox One X is your best bet. They all have 4K drives. In fact, the Xbox Series X, Xbox One S and Xbox One X have 4K Blu-ray drives.
That means you can you play 4K movies or discs on these consoles without a hitch.
Some people prefer a standalone or dedicated 4K player for streaming 4K content. This isn’t a bad idea.
What about the PS4 Pro?
The PS4 Pro does not have a 4K drive or built-in 4K player. So, you cannot stream 4K Blu-ray movies or 4K movies via the disc drive on the PS4 Pro. That said, the PS4 Pro is a great console for 4K gaming. It is also well-suited to streaming HDR video content.
So if you’re hoping to play your favourite movie – in 4K UHD Blu-ray discs – on the PS4 Pro, you’re bang out of luck. Consequently, don’t bother buying 4K UHD Blu-ray discs for the PS4 Pro.
The Blu-ray drive on the PS4 Pro can only play the conventional HD and 3D Blu-ray discs and the regular DVDs.
There is a workaround, though. You can play 4K movies on the PS4 Pro via a USB stick, or stream it from a media server close to you. The content you’re trying to watch must be an MP4.
Can you play 4K movies on PS5?
As previously mentioned, you can play 4K content on the PS5. The PS5 has a 4K Blu-ray drive. That means you can play 4K Blu-ray discs on the console. So the PS5 runs games and movies in 4K without a problem.
Just know: Only the PS5 Console Edition can play Blu-ray discs. The PS5 Digital Edition cannot play Blue-ray discs.
What is the best TV size for gaming PS4?
There isn’t really any “best” TV screen size for PS4 gaming. Factors like room size, TV resolution, your distance from the TV, and more have to be considered.
That said, good TVs with 55-, 60-, 65-, 70 or 77-inch screen sizes are just OK for gaming. For small living rooms or bedrooms, a 43-inch TV is adequate.
At the end of the day, the size you opt for really is a matter of personal fit.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that the PS4 cannot play 4K movies or discs. However, there are other Sony PlayStation consoles that support 4K movies right now. We hope this guide helps you make a decision to go for the PS4 or newer game consoles on the market.
