Can Xbox Series S Do 1080p 120fps? The Definitive Guide

Yes, the Xbox Series S is capable of delivering 1080p resolution at a 120fps refresh rate. This capability is a key selling point for gamers looking for a smooth and responsive experience, especially in fast-paced titles. However, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch; there are nuances and requirements that dictate whether or not you can actually achieve this performance. Let’s delve deeper into what it takes to unlock 1080p 120fps gaming on your Xbox Series S.

Understanding the Xbox Series S Capabilities

The Xbox Series S is designed as a more affordable entry point into the next-gen gaming experience, boasting impressive performance for its size and price. It’s crucial to understand that while it can support 1080p at 120fps, it doesn’t always do so natively. The Series S often renders games at a lower resolution (often around 900p) and then upscales them to 1080p. This upscaling is handled by the console itself and is generally effective, providing a clear and crisp image.

The 120fps refresh rate offers a significant advantage in terms of smoothness and responsiveness. This is particularly noticeable in games that support higher frame rates. When coupled with a monitor or TV capable of displaying a 120Hz refresh rate, the result is a fluid gaming experience that feels much more reactive and immersive. The HDMI 2.1 port in the Xbox Series S facilitates this high refresh rate and resolution, although games will need to specifically support these settings.

Factors Affecting 1080p 120fps Performance

Several factors influence whether you’ll actually see 1080p at 120fps:

• Game Optimization: Not all games are optimized to run at 120fps. Many games may offer this option, but only in specific game modes or at a reduced graphical setting. Some games may even struggle to reach this target frame rate consistently, resulting in performance dips.

• Display Requirements: Your monitor or TV must support a 120Hz refresh rate to take advantage of the 120fps output from your Xbox Series S. Using a display that only supports 60Hz will limit your experience to 60fps, regardless of what the console can output. HDMI 2.0 is a minimum requirement for 1080p 120Hz. However, HDMI 2.1 is standard for the Series S.

• Game Resolution: While the console can output 1080p, games may internally render at lower resolutions to achieve the 120fps target. This might mean some compromises in detail, but it’s the trade-off for the responsiveness afforded by the higher refresh rate.

• Game Settings: Some games allow you to toggle settings that prioritize either image quality or frame rate. To reach 120fps, you may need to dial down certain graphical options, which could impact the visual fidelity of the game.

How to Enable 1080p 120fps on Your Xbox Series S

Enabling 120Hz output on your Xbox Series S is a straightforward process:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
2. Navigate to Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.
3. Select Refresh rate.
4. Choose 120 Hz from the available options.

Once your console settings are configured, you will need to check the game’s settings to see if it supports 120fps and enable it in the game menu. Remember, even with your Xbox settings correct, if the game itself doesn’t offer that frame rate, you will not be able to achieve 120fps.

1080p vs 1440p on the Xbox Series S

While 1080p at 120fps is a key feature for the Series S, it’s also capable of outputting 1440p resolution. However, the Series S typically only supports 1440p at 60Hz with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) disabled, which is less ideal for games focusing on performance. Many users prefer the fluidity of 1080p at 120fps over 1440p at 60Hz. However, the console does support 1440p at 120fps in certain instances, depending on the game. The console’s capabilities do mean you can run 1440p games up to 120Hz, although for the vast majority of games, the console will aim for 1080p resolution if you are selecting a 120Hz refresh rate. The selection of which resolution and framerate to use will ultimately depend on the game and the user’s preference.

Upscaling and Downscaling

The Xbox Series S has robust upscaling capabilities, meaning that games that render at lower resolutions like 900p can be upscaled to 1080p effectively by the console. Additionally, if you have a 4K TV, it’s generally better to allow your Xbox Series S to upscale the resolution to 4K, rather than allowing the TV to do so. The console has a superior scaler to most TVs, ensuring better visual fidelity. On the other hand, if a game is rendered at 1440p, the Xbox Series S can downscale this to 1080p for display on a 1080p monitor.

Is 1080p Gaming Good Enough for the Xbox Series S?

The question of whether 1080p gaming is “good enough” is often debated. The truth is that for many gamers, especially those who prioritize frame rate, 1080p at 120fps is an excellent gaming experience. It provides sharp visuals, smooth motion, and the responsive gameplay crucial for competitive titles. While 4K gaming is certainly a step up in terms of visual fidelity, the performance trade-offs can be substantial, with many titles running at only 60fps at 4K. For the price point and performance capabilities of the Xbox Series S, 1080p gaming offers a great balance between visual quality and performance. The console can support higher resolutions like 1440p, but for those looking for a competitive gaming experience, 1080p 120fps is the gold standard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the Xbox Series S output 4K resolution?

Yes, the Xbox Series S can output a 4K signal, but it does not render games natively at 4K. It upscales its output to 4K.

2. Does the Xbox Series S require HDMI 2.1 for 120fps gaming?

While HDMI 2.1 is not an absolute requirement, for the best performance with 4K and 120Hz options, HDMI 2.1 is essential. However, 1080p at 120Hz can be supported with HDMI 2.0. The Xbox Series S is equipped with HDMI 2.1.

3. What refresh rate should my monitor have to get 120fps?

To fully take advantage of the 120fps output of your Xbox Series S, your monitor needs a 120Hz or higher refresh rate.

4. Why can’t I get 120fps in all my games?

Not all games are optimized to run at 120fps. Some games may offer the option in specific modes, while others may have it capped at 60fps.

5. How do I know if a game supports 120fps on the Xbox Series S?

You can usually find this information on the game packaging, in the game settings, or through online gaming communities.

6. Is 1080p 120fps or 1440p 60fps better?

This depends on preference. 1080p 120fps provides smoother gameplay, while 1440p 60fps offers higher visual clarity. Many users, especially competitive gamers, prefer 1080p 120fps.

7. Does the Xbox Series S downscale a 1440p signal to 1080p?

Yes, the Xbox Series S can downscale a 1440p signal to 1080p if your monitor or TV is only capable of 1080p.

8. Will a 60Hz monitor limit my Xbox Series S experience?

Yes, if your monitor is only capable of 60Hz, you will be limited to 60fps, even if the game and console support 120fps.

9. Does VRR work at 120fps on the Xbox Series S?

Yes, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) works to smooth out the refresh rate and minimize screen tearing.

10. Can the Xbox Series S run 1440p 120fps?

Yes, the Xbox Series S can support 1440p at 120fps in certain circumstances, usually in less demanding games.

11. What resolution does the Xbox Series S typically render games at?

Games on the Xbox Series S often render at around 900p and are then upscaled to 1080p or 1440p.

12. Is the upscaling on the Xbox Series S good?

Yes, the console has a strong upscaler, delivering an acceptable visual experience. It is generally better to let the Xbox upscale the resolution rather than your display.

13. Can a 4K 60Hz monitor display 1080p 120fps?

No, a 4K 60Hz monitor can only display up to 60Hz regardless of the input resolution.

14. Does the Series S support FreeSync or G-Sync?

The Xbox Series S supports FreeSync, but not G-Sync, as both of those technologies are designed for different platforms.

15. Do many games support 120fps on the Xbox Series S?

While the number of 120fps games is growing, it’s not a ubiquitous feature. Many games prioritize resolution over framerate. However, the number of supported games is slowly growing, particularly for competitive titles.