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How to Connect Gaming Console to a Monitor

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

Modern gaming consoles are fantastic pieces of hardware, with consoles like the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 5, and the Xbox Series X lighting up sales charts. Most gamers plug these consoles into their televisions, but what do you do if you only have a computer monitor and not a TV?

How to Connect a Gaming Console to a Computer Monitor

Luckily for gamers, the best modern computer monitors and gaming monitors tend to play nice with one another. Connecting a monitor to a gaming console can be simple, though there could be complications. But, if you also read our resource article on how to connect an Xbox One to a computer monitor, it’ll make the process much easier.

Tips For Hooking Up a Gaming Console to a Computer Monitor

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure you can successfully integrate your favorite gaming console with any computer monitors you may have laying around the house. Alternatively, if you need to connect a specific console, check out our resource article on how to connect a Nintendo Wii to a monitor.

Look for an HDMI Port

You should likely stick to computer monitors that are on the newer side, as these models tend to always feature integrated HDMI ports. If your computer monitor has an HDMI port and your favorite gaming console has an HDMI port, then you should be good to go, though there may be some calibration required.

Tip: You should likely stick to computer monitors that are on the newer side, as these models tend to always feature integrated HDMI ports

Avoid CRT Monitors

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors will not be a good tip for modern gaming consoles, as the end result will be something of a blurry mess. Look for OLED or LCD displays to maximize the graphical output of your PlayStation, Switch, or Xbox. As a tip, older CRT monitors would be a great fit for older gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Sega Genesis.

Tip: As a tip, older CRT monitors would be a great fit for older gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Sega Genesis

Make Sure the Display is HD

In order to get the best visual experience during intense gaming sessions, you are going to want to ensure that your computer monitor boasts high-definition graphics. Look for monitors that include a resolution of at least 1080p. If you really want eye-popping visuals, you can find a newer monitor with a 2K or 4K resolution.

Tip: Look for monitors that include a resolution of at least 1080p

High Refresh Rates

When it comes to gaming, high refresh rates are always preferable to low refresh rates. We could recommend choosing a monitor that features a refresh rate of at least 75Hz, though you may want to opt for a display with a refresh rate of 120Hz or even higher. Essentially, the refresh rate refers to how fast the monitor refreshes the screen. This can help with accuracy and overall improved visuals.

Tip: We could recommend choosing a monitor that features a refresh rate of at least 75Hz, though you may want to opt for a display with a refresh rate of 120Hz or even higher

STAT:

As of 2019, the Sony PlayStation 2 remained the best-selling gaming console, selling 159 million units throughout its lifetime.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_console

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_display_technology

https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02640470010361196/full/html

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwSbKWLzTJw

How To Connect Gaming Console To Monitor | Using Xbox With A Display Guide FAQ

My monitor doesn’t have an HDMI port. What should I do?

In the rare case that your computer monitor lacks an HDMI port, we would recommend purchasing an HDMI adapter or converter of some kind.

How would I connect a PS4 that has HDMI and VGA slots?

We would suggest that you connect your PS4 to a computer monitor, and not a PC itself. Just use the monitor’s integrated HDMI port.

If I got a monitor with no PC to hook it up to, could I just plug in a game console?

Sure, so long as both your gaming console and monitor feature integrated HDMI ports. Modern consoles and computer monitors tend to play nice together.

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