Does PS5 Have WiFi 6? The Complete Guide for Gamers

Yes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) does indeed boast WiFi 6 (802.11ax) capabilities. This cutting-edge wireless technology equips the PS5 for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity, offering a tangible boost to the gaming experience. But what exactly does that mean for you, the gamer? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

Understanding WiFi 6 and its Impact on PS5 Gaming

WiFi 6, or 802.11ax, isn’t just about raw speed, although it is significantly faster than its predecessor, WiFi 5. It’s about efficiency. Imagine a highway. WiFi 5 is a four-lane highway where everyone tries to merge at the same time, leading to congestion. WiFi 6, on the other hand, is a cleverly designed six-lane highway with traffic management systems that prevent bottlenecks and optimizes data flow for multiple devices simultaneously.

For the PS5, this translates to:

• Reduced Latency: Lower ping times are crucial for online gaming. WiFi 6 minimizes lag spikes and provides a smoother, more responsive online experience, particularly in fast-paced competitive games.
• Improved Network Congestion Handling: If you have multiple devices vying for bandwidth – smart TVs streaming 4K content, smartphones downloading large files, and other consoles also online – WiFi 6’s advanced technologies help the PS5 maintain a stable and reliable connection.
• Faster Download Speeds: Downloading massive game files and updates becomes significantly quicker, getting you into the action sooner.
• Better Battery Life for Connected Devices: While not directly applicable to the PS5 (since it’s always plugged in), WiFi 6 can improve the battery life of your wireless controllers and headsets, especially those utilizing Bluetooth over WiFi.

Maximizing Your PS5’s WiFi 6 Performance

Having a PS5 with WiFi 6 is only half the battle. To truly unleash its potential, you’ll need a WiFi 6 compatible router. Without a WiFi 6 router, your PS5 will fall back to older, slower WiFi standards, negating the benefits of the console’s advanced wireless capabilities.

Choosing the Right WiFi 6 Router

When selecting a WiFi 6 router, consider the following:

• Coverage Area: Ensure the router can adequately cover the area where your PS5 is located. Routers vary in their range, so choose one that suits the size of your home or gaming space.
• Number of Devices: If you have a household full of connected devices, opt for a router with higher device capacity. Look for features like MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) which allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, reducing congestion.
• Speed: While WiFi 6 offers theoretical speeds much higher than older standards, real-world performance depends on your internet service provider (ISP) and other factors. Choose a router with speeds that align with your internet plan.
• Security: Select a router with robust security features, such as WPA3 encryption, to protect your network from unauthorized access.

Optimizing Your Network Settings

Once you have a WiFi 6 router, take the following steps to optimize your PS5’s network settings:

• Placement: Position your router in a central, open location, away from obstacles like walls, metal objects, and electronic devices that can interfere with the WiFi signal.
• Frequency Band: Most WiFi 6 routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band generally offers faster speeds and less interference, but has a shorter range. Experiment to see which band provides the best performance for your PS5. The PS5 automatically chooses the optimal band, but you can force it manually in the settings.
• Channel Selection: Use a WiFi analyzer app on your smartphone or computer to identify the least congested WiFi channels in your area. Configure your router to use those channels for optimal performance.
• Wired Connection: For the absolute best performance, especially in competitive online gaming, consider using a wired Ethernet connection. While WiFi 6 is excellent, a wired connection still offers the lowest latency and most stable connection.

WiFi 6 vs. WiFi 5: A Practical Comparison for PS5 Gamers

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between WiFi 6 and WiFi 5, specifically in the context of PS5 gaming:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the PS5’s WiFi 6 capabilities and related topics:

1. How do I check if my PS5 is connected to a WiFi 6 network?

Unfortunately, the PS5 doesn’t explicitly display the WiFi standard it’s connected to. However, if you have a WiFi 6 router and the PS5 is connected to it, you can safely assume it’s utilizing WiFi 6. Check your router’s administration panel for connected devices; some routers might show the WiFi standard used by each device. If you have a WiFi 5 router, the PS5 is not using WiFi 6.

2. Will using a WiFi 6 router guarantee better performance on my PS5?

Not necessarily. While a WiFi 6 router can improve performance, other factors like your internet connection speed, network congestion, and distance from the router can also play a significant role.

3. Is it worth upgrading to a WiFi 6 router just for my PS5?

If you have multiple devices using your WiFi network, especially bandwidth-intensive applications like streaming 4K video or online gaming on other devices, then upgrading to a WiFi 6 router is likely worth the investment. If the PS5 is your only primary device and you already have a decent WiFi 5 router, the improvement may be less noticeable.

4. Does WiFi 6E make a difference on PS5?

WiFi 6E extends WiFi 6 into the 6 GHz band, offering even less crowded spectrum and potentially faster speeds. The PS5 does NOT currently support WiFi 6E.

5. What’s the difference between WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E?

WiFi 6E utilizes the 6 GHz band, while WiFi 6 operates on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 6 GHz band offers more bandwidth and less interference, leading to potentially faster speeds and lower latency. However, 6 GHz has shorter range.

6. Can I use a WiFi extender with my WiFi 6 router and PS5?

Yes, you can use a WiFi extender, but ensure it’s also WiFi 6 compatible to avoid creating a bottleneck. A mesh WiFi system, which uses multiple nodes to create a seamless network, is often a better solution for larger homes.

7. My PS5’s WiFi connection is still slow even with a WiFi 6 router. What can I do?

Try troubleshooting steps such as: restarting your router and PS5, updating the PS5’s system software and your router’s firmware, ensuring your router is properly configured, moving the router closer to the PS5, and reducing interference from other electronic devices.

8. Does the PS5’s WiFi 6 support make a difference in PlayStation VR or PlayStation VR2?

Yes. Reduced latency and more stable connections are particularly beneficial for VR gaming, as even minor lag can cause motion sickness. The PS5’s WiFi 6 capabilities contribute to a smoother and more immersive VR experience, especially with the increased bandwidth requirements of the PSVR2.

9. What are OFDMA and MU-MIMO, and how do they benefit my PS5?

• OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): Allows a single WiFi channel to be divided into smaller sub-channels, enabling the router to transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously. This reduces latency and improves efficiency.
• MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output): Enables the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously using multiple antennas. This increases overall network capacity and reduces congestion.

Both technologies contribute to a more stable and responsive connection for your PS5, especially in a crowded network environment.

10. Will future PS5 software updates improve WiFi 6 performance?

It’s possible. Sony occasionally releases software updates that optimize network performance. Keep your PS5’s system software up-to-date to ensure you’re benefiting from the latest improvements.

11. Is a wired connection still better than WiFi 6 for PS5 gaming?

In most cases, yes. A wired Ethernet connection generally provides lower latency and a more stable connection than even WiFi 6. If you’re a serious competitive gamer, a wired connection is still the preferred option.

12. I only have a 2.4 GHz router, should I buy a dual-band router to get WiFi 6 on my PS5?

WiFi 6 requires a 5 GHz band connection at a minimum. While your PS5 will work on a 2.4 GHz router, you will not be able to use WiFi 6, and you will not get optimal performance. Dual-band routers with 5 GHz capabilities are relatively inexpensive and would be a worthwhile investment.