PlayStation 5 owners don't have the same options to run backward compatible games at 120 frames per second as those with the Xbox Series X/S. This has to do with each console's internal configurations, as Sony opted to limit 120Hz support only for PS5 games, excluding PS4 games from the feature. In contrast, Microsoft has prioritized 120Hz support as part of its setup for a number of years now. This means that Xbox One games will have a far easier time running at 120fps on the new Xbox Series X and S as opposed to PS4 games doing the same on the PS5.
This will definitely be seen as an inconvenience to many gamers who had been hoping to enjoy their PS4 games on the new PS5. Since the PS5 launched a couple of weeks ago, it has been anything but smooth sailing for Sony. Despite being promised things like faster load times and improved graphics, fans have been left feeling disappointed by a recently discovered storage glitch that causes the new console to break down.
According to Eurogamer, highly popular games like Rocket League and Call of Duty: Warzone have each received updates from Psyonix and Infinity Ward, respectively, to operate at 120 fps on the Xbox Series X but not the PS5. Warzone can only run at 60 fps right now on the PS5. Psyonix has explained it is easier for developers to apply these game updates to the Xbox Series X because it only requires a small patch. Whereas, a complete native port overhaul is required to enable 120 fps settings on the PS5. All of this follows Sony's recent announcement that the PS5 doesn't support 1440p monitors, which caused a quiet but noticeable uproar among fans waiting to learn more about the new console.
So far, it appears that Microsoft is edging ahead of Sony when it comes to backwards compatibility. Sony has made no official comment or indication to change this. The lingering question is if Sony views upgrading the backward compatibility of the PS5 as a top priority in the ongoing competition with Microsoft. If Sony were to change this, it would involve redirecting their manufacturing and engineering resources to add this feature to the PS5.
It definitely comes as a surprise to see that Sony did not do more to support greater backwards compatibility in the build-up to the PS5 launch. Each gaming device has more than enough computing power to display higher frame counts. Perhaps the tight competition between the PS5 and the Xbox Series X will influence Sony to introduce a greater expansion of the marquee console's playback functions.
Source: Eurogamer