By Liam Scott | Tech Editor @ Daily Gaming Hub AU
Let’s be honest, legends. We’ve all been there.
You fire up the latest AAA title on your PS5 or Series X. The game asks you the big question right off the bat: Performance Mode or Quality Mode?
It’s the modern gamer’s dilemma. Do you want it to look as pretty as a postcard, or do you want it to run smooth as silk?
Here at Daily Gaming Hub, we reckon there’s only one right answer. If you’re serious about your gaming, Performance Mode is the only way to fly.
Stop Sacrificing Frames for Eye Candy
Developers these days are obsessed with 4K resolution and Ray Tracing. Sure, it makes the puddles look realistic, but at what cost?
- Quality Mode (30 FPS): It looks crisp, yeah. But let’s be real—it feels like you’re running through mud. The input lag is a nightmare, and panning the camera feels choppy as hell.
- Performance Mode (60 FPS): You might drop the resolution a smidge (usually to 1440p), but you double the frame rate. The difference is night and day. Inputs are snappy, and the gameplay flows like a cold one on a Friday arvo.
60 FPS isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Necessity
If you’re having a crack at Call of Duty, Apex, or even a soulslike like Elden Ring, choosing 30 FPS is basically handicapping yourself.
Your brain picks up on that latency instantly. In a fast-paced shooter, that split-second delay between pressing the trigger and the gun firing is the difference between bagging a win or getting sent to the gulag.
“Graphics don’t win matches. Frames do.”
When is Quality Mode Actually Okay?
Look, we aren’t total frame-rate snobs. There are some rare occasions where Quality Mode is acceptable:
- The “Walking Sim”: If you’re playing a slow narrative game where you just walk around and look at scenery (like Detroit: Become Human), go ahead. Crank up the graphics.
- Screenshots: If you just want to take a ripper photo for your socials.
- Dodgy Optimisation: Sometimes devs drop the ball, and Performance Mode runs unstable. If the framerate is bouncing all over the shop, locking it to 30 FPS might be the lesser of two evils.
Don’t Be Fooled by the “40 FPS” Gimmick
Some new games are offering a middle ground: 40 FPS Fidelity Mode for 120Hz TVs.
Don’t fall for it, mates. While it’s better than 30, it still feels sluggish compared to the buttery smoothness of 60. Stick to Performance Mode. Your eyes (and your K/D ratio) will thank you later.
The Verdict
Your console is a beast. Don’t shackle it with 30 FPS just to see sharper shadows. Dive into the settings, toggle on Performance Mode, and never look back.
Want more speed? Frames are important, but so is your ping. Check out our latest deep dive into why 5G is changing the game for Aussie mobile esports to see how your network stacks up.