Gaming Console 101

Does PS4 Come with HDMI Cable?

does PS4 come with an HDMI cable featured

If you have a monitor or a TV with an HDMI and you wish to interface your PS4 via an HDMI, then you may certainly ask “Does PS4 come with HDMI cable?”

After all, you do not want to get a shiny new PS4 and a TV/monitor only to find out that you cannot yet play because you are missing a trivial piece to connect the two together i.e. the HDMI cable.

As gamers worldwide will attest, setting up a new gaming console can be akin to a religious experience, and each item found in the box has its role to play in that ceremony.

In short, though, the answer to the question is a yes. PS4 DOES come PS4  with an HDMI cable. However, depending on what PS4 variant you have, the cable version may differ.

In the following text, I will discuss what you can expect when you unbox your PS4, particularly with regards to the HDMI cable.

Unboxing the PS4: What’s Included?

PS4 HDMI Cable Specs
For PS4 Pro, you will get a Premium HDMI cable since it features an HDMI 2.0 port.

When you tear off the plastic seal, lift the top of the box, and delve into the treasure trove that is a new PS4, what are you likely to find?

You will find the following goodies

  1. The console itself (Duh!)
  2. A DualShock 4 controller
  3. A power cord
  4. A USB cable
  5. A mono headset
  6. User manual
  7. and, crucially, an HDMI cable.

So Does PS4 Come with HDMI Cable?

The short and simple answer is yes, indeed, a new PS4 does come packaged with its own HDMI cable.

In other words, a new PS4 package DOES come with you need to get started with your gaming right away.

However, an important point I want to clarify here is that depending upon what variant of PS4 you have, the version of the HDMI cable can differ. Such that:

  • Original PS4 / PS4 Slim comes packaged with a High-Speed HDMI cable (aka HDMI 1.4 cable)
  • PS4 Pro comes packages with a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable (aka HDMI 2.0 cable).

Also Read: PS4 HDMI Cable Specs

Why so? let me clarify:

Version of HDMI Port and Cables and Why They Matter

Does PS4 come with HDMI cable
Original PS4 and the PS4 Slim come with HDMI 1.4 ports.

Depending upon what PS4 variant you have, the HDMI port version on it can differ.

The original PS4 and the PS4 Slim feature an HDMI 1.4 while the PS4 Pro features an HDMI 2.0 port.

This is because HDMI 2.0 interface is designed to carry 4K @ 60Hz display mode that is supported by PS4 Pro.

The Original and Slim versions DO NOT support display modes higher than 1080P @ 30Hz and therefore, the HDMI 1.4 suffices just fine.

The following table shows the different HDMI ports version and their specs for further clarification:

HDMI VersionMax ResolutionRefresh RateHDR
1.21440P1080P = 60Hz
1440P = 30Hz
No
1.3-1.44K (4096 x 2160)1080P = 120Hz
1440P = 60Hz
4K = 30Hz
No
2.04K (4096 x 2160)1080P = 240Hz
1440P = 144Hz
4K = 60Hz
Yes
2.18K (7680 x 4320)1440P = 240Hz
4K = 144Hz
4K = 240Hz (DSC)
8K = 120Hz (DSC)
Yes

Now in order to cater to the bandwidth (or the higher resolution and frame rate) specs of a particular HDMI port version, you need to have the right cable.

The following table explains the different HDMI cable versions and what HDMI port version they are suitable for:

HDMI Cable CertificationSupported SpecsIntended HDMI
Port Version
Standard1080P @ 60Hz1.0-1.3
High SpeedFHD @ 144Hz
QHD @ 60Hz
4K @ 30hz
1.4
Premium High SpeedFHD @ 240Hz
QHD @ 144Hz
4K @ 60Hz
2.0
Ultra High SpeedFHD @ > 240Hz
1440P @ > 240Hz
4K @ 144Hz (240Hz with DSC)
8K @ 120Hz (DSC)
10K @ 120Hz (DSC)
2.1

As you can see, the fact that PS4 Pro has an HDMI 2.0 port, relates to the fact that it is the ONLY PS4 variant that comes with the Premium High-Speed HDMI cable (aka HDMI 2.0 port).

The Role and Importance of HDMI Cable for PS4

Now, one might ask, why all this fuss over an HDMI cable? For the uninitiated, the HDMI cable or its version may seem trivial, but it holds a lot of significance.

The version of the HDMI cable entails what kind of display mode the console, TV, and game will be able to support.

This is of PARTICULAR importance for PS4 Pro since it is able to deliver at 4K and 60 FPS and an inferior HDMI 1.4 cable would be insufficient for a console of this prowess.

The newer cousin, the PS5, is far more capable than even PS4 Pro and hence PS5 goes even further in its requirements with HDMI 2.1 and Ultra Premium HDMI cable.

What if Your PS4 Doesn’t Come with an HDMI Cable?

If you find yourself in the rare but exasperating situation where your PS4 box is missing an HDMI cable, don’t let panic set in.

Chances are, there’s been a mix-up somewhere along the line. Consider contacting the retailer or Sony’s customer service to rectify the issue.

If, however, you’ve acquired your PS4 second-hand, then there is no guarantee that there will be a working HDMI cable in the box.

Buying an HDMI Cable for PS4: What to Look For

premium hdmi cable certificaion label
Premium HDMI Cable Certification. Source: HDMI.org

When you venture out into the vast marketplace to find a replacement or additional HDMI cable for your PS4, it’s essential to keep your wits about you.

The vast majority of the HDMI cables out there conform to version 1.4 specs or the High-Speed Standard.

However, when buying a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable for PS4 Pro, you have to be extra careful. You must check the labels and verify that the cable is verified to avoid getting swindled into buying an inferior knock-off product.

Also Read: Does PS4 Support Ultrawide Monitors?

Conclusion

So, in short, the answer to the question “Does PS4 come with HDMI cable?” is a yes. All variants of PS4 DO come with an HDMI cable.

However, while the original and the PS4 slim version come with an HDMI 1.4 or High-Speed HDMI cable, the PS4 Pro comes with the newer HDMI 2.0 or Premium High Speed HDMI cable.

Atif Qazi

Atif Qazi is the founder of GamingConsole101.com and a huge gaming nerd. Thanks to the vast gaming experience under his belt, you can often find him writing detailed pieces of content on gaming hardware and console. But in all honesty, nothing gives him more pleasure than 'one-shotting' everyone as a stealth archer in ESO: Skyrim.

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