PS5 vs. Xbox: The Ultrawide Monitor Support Showdown

Direct Answer: Can Consoles Use Ultrawide Monitors?

When it comes to ultrawide (21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio) support, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are on completely different pages, but neither offers the seamless experience PC gamers enjoy.

• PlayStation 5: The PS5 does not support ultrawide resolutions. When connected to an ultrawide monitor, it will output a standard 16:9 signal (like 3840x2160 or 2560x1440). This forces the monitor to display the image with significant black bars on the left and right sides, a phenomenon known as "pillarboxing." You are not using the full screen real estate you paid for.

• Xbox Series X/S: The Xbox is more flexible but still imperfect. While the console's dashboard remains in 16:9, it can output at various resolutions, including 1440p. Crucially, some games do support native ultrawide resolutions, filling the entire screen and providing a wider field of view. However, this support is on a game-by-game basis and is not universally guaranteed. Many titles will still default to a 16:9 output with black bars, just like the PS5.

Pros & Cons of Using an Ultrawide with a Console

Pros

• Potential Immersion (Xbox Only): For the specific Xbox games that support it, the expanded field of view offered by an ultrawide screen can be incredibly immersive.
• Future-Proofing & Versatility: If you're also a PC gamer, an ultrawide monitor is a fantastic investment. You can enjoy full support on your PC and use it for your console with the understanding of its limitations.
• High-End Gaming Features: Ultrawide monitors often pack in premium features like high refresh rates (120Hz+), low response times, and superior color accuracy, which your console can still benefit from (within its 16:9 output).

Cons

• The Dreaded Black Bars: This is the single biggest drawback, especially for the PS5. You are effectively paying a premium for screen space that your console cannot use, resulting in a smaller viewing area than a comparable 16:9 monitor.
• Image Distortion Risk: Some monitors may attempt to stretch the 16:9 signal to fill the 21:9 screen. This horribly distorts the image and makes games unplayable. You must ensure your monitor has an aspect ratio setting to display the source signal correctly (e.g., "Original," "1:1").
• Inconsistent Experience (Xbox): The lack of universal support on Xbox means you're gambling on whether your favorite new release will utilize your monitor correctly. This inconsistency can be frustrating.
• Higher Cost: Ultrawide monitors typically command a higher price than 16:9 monitors with similar performance specs.

The Verdict

For console gamers, the allure of an ultrawide monitor is strong, but the reality of support is weak.

• For PS5 Owners: We cannot recommend an ultrawide monitor if the console is your primary use case. The complete lack of native support means you are guaranteed to have permanent black bars in every game. Your money is much better spent on a high-quality 16:9 4K or 1440p monitor that the PS5 can fully utilize.

• For Xbox Series X/S Owners: The recommendation is a hesitant "maybe." If you are a hybrid gamer who splits time between Xbox and PC, an ultrawide monitor is a great centerpiece for your setup. If you are an Xbox-only player, you must weigh the high cost and inconsistent support against the moments of immersive bliss you'll get from compatible games. For a guaranteed, no-fuss experience, a 16:9 gaming monitor remains the safer and more practical choice.