Console compatibility: PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2 and PC kit

Jargon buster

HDMI 2.0

A common HDMI version on budget monitors; it carries 1080p and 1440p at high refresh rates but not console VRR as Sony describes it.

HDMI 2.1

A newer HDMI version needed for 4K at 120 Hz on Xbox Series X and for VRR on PS5.

Ultra High Speed HDMI cable

The cable rating Xbox and Sony name for HDMI 2.1 features.

VRR

Variable refresh rate: the display refreshes when a new frame arrives.

ALLM

Auto Low Latency Mode: the display switches to a low-delay mode when a game starts; Switch 2 has a toggle for it.

TV mode

Switch 2 docked and connected to a TV or monitor by HDMI.

Officially licensed

A product approved under a platform holder's licensing programme.

Dock

The Switch 2 stand that provides HDMI, USB and LAN connections in TV mode.

PS5: 1440p output, HDMI 2.1 VRR and accessory support

Displays. Sony's PS5 features page says the console supports 1440p output to compatible monitors and TVs, and that this needs a display supporting 1440p at 60 Hz, or at 60 Hz and 120 Hz. VRR is described as working on HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TVs and monitors. A budget monitor with HDMI 2.0 will still show a picture at 1080p or 1440p, but should not be counted on for PS5 VRR unless it lists HDMI 2.1 VRR.

Keyboards and mice. Sony says USB and Bluetooth keyboards and mice can be connected, under Settings > Accessories. Its page also says that not all devices work with the console, and it refers you to each device's own instructions.

Headsets. Sony's support page for error code CE-109531-9 says standard Bluetooth audio devices are not compatible with PS5. Wired headsets, USB headsets and Sony's own PULSE wireless models are the options Sony points to.

Xbox Series X|S: HDMI modes, USB input and Xbox Wireless audio

Displays. Xbox support says 4K at 120 Hz needs an Xbox Series X, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.1 and a display that supports HDMI 2.1. On a Series S, or a display without HDMI 2.1, you can still choose 120 Hz at a lower resolution under Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.

Keyboards and mice. Xbox support describes wired USB keyboards and mice. A keyboard can be used to move around the console and enter text. A mouse works only in games and apps whose publisher has enabled it, and cannot be used on Home or in the dashboard.

Headsets. The Xbox Wireless Headset pairs with the console directly. Other headsets plug into the 3.5 mm jack on the controller, or into the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter. Xbox support also notes that headsets wired to the OMTP standard, rather than CTIA, may have audio or chat problems.

Switch 2: TV-mode output, USB ports and Bluetooth audio

Displays. Nintendo's UK spec sheet lists TV-mode output up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps, and 120 fps when 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440 is selected, with HDR10 support. Variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz is listed for the console's built-in 7.9-inch screen. The TV-mode section does not list VRR. Nintendo's settings guide lists TV resolution options of Automatic, 720p, 1080p, 1440p and 2160p, plus switches for 120 Hz output and HDR.

USB. The console has two USB-C ports. The bottom one connects to the dock and the top one is for accessories or charging. The dock adds two USB 2.0 ports on the side, an HDMI port and a LAN port.

Keyboards and mice. Nintendo's settings guide includes a language setting for a USB keyboard. Mouse-style controls come from the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which have their own mouse sensors.

Audio. Switch 2 has a 3.5 mm CTIA headphone jack. Bluetooth audio is supported with limits: one device at a time, no Bluetooth microphones, and disconnection during local wireless play.

PC: the most flexible platform, with its own catches

Almost every keyboard, mouse, headset and monitor is designed with Windows PCs in mind, so PC is the safest platform for budget kit. Watch for a few details:

• DisplayPort: many monitors reach their top refresh rate only over DisplayPort. MSI lists the MAG 274QF at 180 Hz over DisplayPort and 144 Hz over HDMI.
• Software: lighting, macros and profiles are usually set in the maker's app, such as Logitech G HUB or Corsair iCUE. These apps are generally Windows-first, with macOS support varying by product.
• Operating system lists: Corsair lists Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 for the K55 CORE; Logitech lists Windows 7 or later for the G213. A keyboard usually still types on other systems, but the extra software features may not work.

Mac and Chromebook users should check the compatibility line. SteelSeries, for example, lists Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Xbox and PlayStation for the Apex 3 TKL.

How to read a “compatible with” line on a product page

Manufacturers write compatibility in different ways, and the wording matters.

• Officially licensed (for example “Designed for Xbox”): the product has gone through the platform holder's licensing programme. This is most common for controllers and headsets.
• Listed as compatible: the manufacturer says the device works with the console, as HyperX does for PS5 and Xbox Series on the Origins 2 65 keyboard. Features may still be limited.
• Not listed: the product may still work through a standard connection such as USB or HDMI, but the manufacturer is not promising it.

If a listing claims console support but the manufacturer's own UK page does not, trust the manufacturer's page.

Sharing one monitor between a console and a PC

A common budget setup is one monitor for both a console and a PC. To make that easy:

• choose a monitor with two HDMI inputs plus DisplayPort, so the PC uses DisplayPort and the console uses HDMI. MSI, ASUS and AOC list two HDMI ports on the models in our monitor comparison; the Samsung and LG models list one;
• check the monitor's input switching. Samsung lists an Auto Source Switch feature on its Odyssey models;
• remember that consoles send audio over HDMI. A monitor without speakers needs headphones plugged into it or into the controller.

For keyboards, a wired USB model listed for both PC and console, such as the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, can move between them. It is simpler, though, to leave the keyboard on the PC and use a controller on the console.

Game support decides what actually works during play

Even when the console accepts a device, each game decides what it does with it. Xbox support says this directly: the publisher must enable mouse and keyboard support for each game or app. Some games support keyboard and mouse fully, some only for chat or menus, and many not at all.

Before buying a keyboard or mouse for console play, check the game's store page or the publisher's support pages for keyboard and mouse support. If it is not mentioned, assume a controller is needed. For the technical background on refresh rates and HDMI, see our refresh rate explainer.