Are larger TV screens actually better for gaming? Or would you be better off with a more modestly sized display?
With many years of experience, our Reliant tech experts have helped to pair gamers with their dream TVs. Do you own a PlayStation 5? Want to make your favourite games look better? Then let’s find out whether you could benefit from a larger TV screen.
What Are The Benefits Of Gaming On A Larger TV Screen?
Higher Resolutions
Consoles like the PlayStation 5 can now output graphics at vibrant 4K TV resolutions! This increased pixel count allows your favourite games to look more real than ever before. However, In order to make the most of the increased pixel count, you’ll need a suitable display.
Larger TV screens are perfect for making the most of higher resolutions. Larger TVs offer much more space for these added pixels to do their thing. Stuffing a 4K resolution’s worth of pixels into a 32-inch TV would simply be a waste!
Gaming at 4K resolutions allows for much greater immersion in your favourite titles. It also helps to improve your gameplay skills. Being able to make out every detail will help you to play at your best!
4K resolutions tend to look better on 55-inch TVs and larger. At screen sizes over 55 inches, there’s more space for a 4K image to spread out.
Clearer Detail
As we mentioned just above, a larger screen size will allow a 4K resolution to shine. It will be much easier to spot individual details across the screen. Character models will appear all the more real. You’ll be able to notice individual pores on the character’s skin, or how fabric follows the character’s movement!
Clearer detail makes it much easier to play all kinds of different games and aim for higher scores. For instance, in a fast-paced FPS game, you’ll be able to notice the opposition from far across the map. This gives you the upper hand and allows you to make the first strike. In more puzzle-oriented games, you can more easily find the solution. This is because each piece of the puzzle will be rendered with greater detail.
Greater Immersion
With every new generation, video games come closer and closer to replicating the cinematic experience. Graphics look better than ever, and higher resolutions help to make every detail pop. A larger screen can help to further heighten the cinematic potential of your favourite games.
On a larger screen, you’ll be able to witness every explosion in your favourite action games or feel the chill run down your spine in your favourite horror titles.
Larger TVs help to bring the medium of gaming closer to its true potential as an art form!
What Are The Drawbacks Of Gaming On A Larger TV Screen?
Higher Latency
Though it’s only a few extra milliseconds, it takes a little longer for a video signal to reach across the entire length of a larger TV screen. This is because the signal literally has to travel across the length of the screen. As such, you might find that a 98-inch TV has slightly higher latency than a 65-inch TV.
Latency refers to the dreaded period between pressing a button on your game controller and seeing the right action show up on-screen. The longer the latency period is, the less in control you will feel.
It takes a few more milliseconds for a video signal to spread across a larger TV screen. If input latency matters to you, you may want to opt for a smaller TV.
To truly feel in control of your favourite titles, you will need to ensure that latency is no higher than 15 milliseconds. For some, a single extra millisecond may not make much of a difference. Especially for players that are more invested in the story than the gameplay. However, for gamers looking to beat the competition, every millisecond can truly count. Thus, the extra milliseconds of latency from larger TVs can have a negative impact on pro gamers.
Not Great For Small Set-Ups
Professional gamers have a tendency to lean forward when caught up in the most intense games. Supposedly, leaning forward helps to improve your concentration and your reaction times. Gamers also tend to prefer smaller gaming set-ups. Gamers like to be close to the screen, to be able to react as quickly as possible to anything that happens on screen.
If you have a smaller gaming set-up, then you would totally be better off with a smaller TV. A smaller TV would be able to more easily fit into your space. As well as this, a smaller TV will also be easier to take in. Sitting too close to a large TV screen can diminish your sense of control. To be on the top of your game, you need to be able to react to everything on-screen. When you’re sitting too close, it makes it more difficult to take everything in!
Sitting too close to a larger screen can also tire your eyes out very quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Gaming Harder On A Big TV?
It takes a few milliseconds longer for a video signal to fully display on a larger TV screen. As such, pro gamers may find that there is a little more latency when gaming on a bigger TV. Gaming can also be harder on larger TV screens if sat too close. When sitting too close, you’ll need to move your neck all over to keep up with everything!
Is Bigger Screen Better For FPS Games?
For the most part, a larger TV screen can be beneficial for FPS games. This is because the larger screen size, paired with a higher resolution, makes it easier to spot moving shapes on-screen. This can allow you to spot opponents from across the game map. Want to improve your K:D ratio? A larger screen can help!
Does TV Size Matter For Gaming?
What size of TV you opt for will depend on the types of games you want to play. For immersive single-player titles, larger screens look best. For online games where fast reaction times are crucial, a smaller TV size may be more beneficial. These screens feature lower latency, and can be enjoyed from up-close!
