PlayStation tips can transform how players interact with their console. Many gamers use only a fraction of the features Sony packs into each system. From hidden controller shortcuts to storage tricks, the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 offer dozens of ways to improve performance and convenience.
This guide covers practical PlayStation tips that make a real difference. Players will learn how to speed up downloads, extend controller battery life, and customize settings for smoother gameplay. Whether someone just unboxed their first console or has been gaming for years, these tricks help get more from the PlayStation experience.
Key Takeaways
- Enable Performance Mode and 120Hz output to boost frame rates and reduce input lag on your PlayStation.
- Use Rest Mode and a wired ethernet connection to significantly speed up game downloads.
- Customize DualSense shortcuts like the Create button and mute function for faster in-game controls.
- Move PS4 games to an external USB drive to free up internal SSD space for PS5 titles.
- Extend controller battery life by lowering haptic feedback, speaker volume, and light bar brightness.
- Keep your console well-ventilated and clean dust from vents regularly to prevent overheating.
Optimize Your Console Settings for Better Performance
The default PlayStation settings work fine for most players. But a few quick changes can boost visual quality and system responsiveness.
Adjust Display and Video Output
PlayStation 5 owners should enable Performance Mode in Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. This prioritizes frame rate over resolution in supported games. Players who prefer sharper visuals can choose Resolution Mode instead.
For HDR displays, the console’s HDR calibration tool helps dial in brightness and contrast. It’s found under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Running this tool takes two minutes and makes colors pop correctly.
Enable 120Hz Output
Gamers with compatible TVs or monitors should turn on 120Hz output. This setting appears under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Enable 120Hz Output. Games like Call of Duty and Fortnite support this higher refresh rate, delivering noticeably smoother motion.
Reduce Input Lag
Game Mode on the TV reduces input lag significantly. Most modern TVs enable this automatically when they detect a console. Players can verify this in their TV’s picture settings. On PlayStation, setting the console to Performance Mode also helps reduce delay between button presses and on-screen action.
These PlayStation tips require minimal effort but create a better gaming foundation.
Master Controller Shortcuts and Hidden Features
The DualSense and DualShock controllers hide several useful shortcuts that many players overlook.
Quick Menu Access
Holding the PS button opens the Control Center on PS5. This overlay provides fast access to downloads, friends, music, and power options without leaving a game. Players can customize which cards appear by scrolling to the end and selecting the options icon.
Mute Microphone Instantly
The DualSense has a dedicated mute button below the PS button. One tap mutes the controller’s microphone. An orange light indicates muted status. This PlayStation tip saves time during online matches when players need quick silence.
Create Button Shortcuts
PS5 players can remap the Create button’s behavior. Under Settings > Captures and Broadcasts > Shortcuts for Create Button, they can choose between Easy Screenshots, Easy Video Clips, or a manual option. The Easy Screenshots setting captures an image with a single press.
Accessibility Features Worth Using
Button remapping helps players with different needs or preferences. Found under Settings > Accessibility > Controllers, this feature lets anyone swap button assignments. Some competitive players use this to place jump or crouch on more accessible buttons.
The controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers can be adjusted per-game or system-wide. Lowering trigger resistance saves battery and reduces finger fatigue during long sessions.
Improve Download Speeds and Storage Management
Slow downloads and full storage frustrate PlayStation owners regularly. These PlayStation tips address both problems.
Speed Up Downloads
Downloads run faster in Rest Mode. The console dedicates more bandwidth to downloads when it’s not running games. Players should enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
Using a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi typically doubles or triples download speeds. A Cat6 ethernet cable costs under $10 and makes a noticeable difference.
Pausing other downloads helps the current one finish faster. The PlayStation download queue handles one file at a time most efficiently.
Manage Storage Smartly
PS5’s internal SSD fills up quickly with modern game sizes. Players can check storage usage under Settings > Storage. Games that haven’t been played in months are candidates for deletion.
Moving PS4 games to an external USB drive frees internal space for PS5 titles. This works because PS4 games don’t require the fast SSD. An external drive with USB 3.0 or higher handles these older games well.
Expand Storage Properly
PS5 supports M.2 NVMe SSDs for internal expansion. Sony recommends drives with read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or higher. Installation requires removing the side panel and a small cover, then securing the drive with one screw.
This PlayStation tip saves money long-term. External drives cost less than repeatedly buying digital games players might delete and re-download.
Enhance Your Online Gaming and Social Features
PlayStation’s online features extend beyond basic multiplayer. These settings improve communication and social connections.
Optimize Party Chat
Adjusting audio balance between game sound and voice chat helps players hear teammates clearly. On PS5, this option appears in the Control Center’s Sound menu. Sliding toward “Chat Audio” makes voices louder relative to game sounds.
Players can also adjust individual party member volumes. This helps when one friend has a quiet microphone while another sounds too loud.
Share Play for Remote Gaming
Share Play lets friends watch gameplay or even take control remotely. One player starts Share Play from the party menu, then chooses how much control to give the visitor. This feature works for helping friends through difficult sections or showing off a new game.
Manage Privacy Settings
Under Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy, players control who sees their online status, gaming activity, and friend list. Setting these to “Friends Only” or “No One” reduces unwanted messages and friend requests.
Use PlayStation App
The mobile PlayStation App lets players start downloads remotely, manage storage, and chat with friends. When a sale happens, players can purchase games from work and have them downloaded by the time they get home. This PlayStation tip keeps the console ready for immediate play.
Extend Battery Life and Protect Your Hardware
Controllers and consoles last longer with proper care. These PlayStation tips protect the investment.
Maximize Controller Battery
The DualSense lasts 12-15 hours on a full charge under ideal conditions. Several adjustments extend this:
- Lower speaker volume in Settings > Sound > Volume > Controller Speaker
- Reduce haptic feedback intensity or disable adaptive triggers when not needed
- Lower the controller’s light bar brightness under Settings > Accessories > Controllers
- Turn on the controller’s auto-off timer to avoid draining the battery when idle
Keeping a second controller charged means no interruptions during long gaming sessions.
Maintain Console Health
PlayStation consoles need adequate ventilation. Players should leave at least four inches of clearance on all sides. Placing the console in an enclosed cabinet traps heat and shortens component life.
Dust buildup affects cooling efficiency. Using compressed air on the vents every few months prevents overheating. PS5 owners can remove the side panels to access and clean dust catchers without voiding the warranty.
Protect Your Screen
OLED TV owners should use the console’s screensaver options. Static HUD elements can cause image retention if displayed for hours. Taking breaks or varying games reduces this risk.
These maintenance PlayStation tips help hardware last through the console generation and beyond.
