Does Pokémon GO Embrace the 120Hz Revolution? A Deep Dive into Refresh Rates
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The short answer is: yes, Pokémon GO can utilize 120Hz displays, but it’s not always a straightforward experience. While the game has been updated to support higher refresh rates, the implementation varies depending on your device’s operating system (Android vs. iOS) and whether you’ve enabled the correct settings. This article will explore the intricacies of Pokémon GO’s refresh rate capabilities, offering a comprehensive guide for trainers seeking the smoothest possible gameplay.
Understanding Refresh Rates: A Primer
Before diving into Pokémon GO specifics, let’s establish a foundational understanding of refresh rates. A refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second your screen updates the image displayed. A 60Hz display refreshes 60 times a second, 90Hz refreshes 90 times, and 120Hz refreshes 120 times. Higher refresh rates generally result in smoother visuals, reduced motion blur, and a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games and when scrolling. The difference between a 60Hz and a 120Hz display is significant and easily noticeable to most users.
Pokémon GO and High Refresh Rates: A History
For a long time, Pokémon GO was limited to a 30fps (frames per second) cap on iOS devices, regardless of the device’s display capabilities. This meant that even owners of the latest iPhones, equipped with ProMotion displays capable of 120Hz, couldn’t experience the game’s visuals at their full potential.
Android users, however, enjoyed a less restricted experience. The game natively supported 60fps on Android for quite some time. While this wasn’t the full 120Hz, it was still a noticeable improvement over the iOS experience.
The Native Refresh Rate Option: Unlocking the Potential
Niantic eventually introduced a feature called “Native Refresh Rate” within the game’s settings. This option, found under the Advanced Settings menu, allows the game to utilize the device’s native refresh rate, potentially unlocking 90Hz or 120Hz gameplay, depending on the device and operating system.
Enabling Native Refresh Rate
To enable the Native Refresh Rate:
- Open Pokémon GO.
- Tap the Poké Ball icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Settings in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap Advanced Settings.
- Check the box next to Native Refresh Rate.
Android vs. iOS: A Tale of Two Operating Systems
Here’s where the experience diverges.
- Android: With the Native Refresh Rate enabled, Pokémon GO on Android typically runs at the device’s maximum refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz, depending on the phone). This results in significantly smoother gameplay.
- iOS: The situation on iOS has been a bit more complicated. Initially, even with the Native Refresh Rate enabled, some users reported that the game still didn’t consistently achieve 120fps. The exact reason for this is debated. Some speculate it’s due to Apple restrictions or a glitch in the game’s implementation. However, recent updates have improved the iOS experience, and many users now report smoother gameplay on compatible iPhones with the setting enabled.
Is 120Hz Always the Best Choice? Battery Life Considerations
While a higher refresh rate undeniably improves visual smoothness, it comes at a cost: increased battery consumption. The GPU has to work harder to render more frames per second, which drains the battery faster. Therefore, players on the go may want to toggle the Native Refresh Rate option depending on if they have access to a charger or outlet in their home.
Visual Benefits of Higher Refresh Rates
The benefits of 120Hz become most apparent during activities like:
- Spinning PokéStops: The animation is noticeably smoother.
- Encountering Pokémon: The movements of the Pokémon in augmented reality appear more fluid.
- Battling in Raids and Gyms: Fast-paced combat feels more responsive.
- Scrolling through the Pokédex: Movement through the screens and menus appears less blurry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Pokémon GO support 90Hz refresh rates?
Yes, Pokémon GO supports 90Hz refresh rates on devices that have 90Hz displays. Enabling the Native Refresh Rate option should allow the game to utilize the full capabilities of your phone’s display.
2. How do I know if Pokémon GO is running at 120Hz?
Unfortunately, there is no built-in FPS counter in Pokémon GO. However, you can subjectively assess the smoothness of the gameplay. If you notice a significant difference in fluidity compared to when the Native Refresh Rate is disabled, it’s likely that the game is utilizing the higher refresh rate. Some Android phones also have system-level FPS counters that can be enabled in developer options.
3. Will enabling Native Refresh Rate improve my catch rate?
No, enabling Native Refresh Rate primarily improves the visual smoothness of the game. It doesn’t directly affect gameplay mechanics like catch rates or damage output.
4. Is 120Hz noticeable over 60Hz in Pokémon GO?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable, especially during fast-paced animations and scrolling. The game feels significantly more responsive and fluid at 120Hz compared to 60Hz.
5. What resolution is Pokémon GO?
The preferred resolution for Pokémon GO is 720×1280 pixels, though it’s not optimized for tablets.
6. Does Pokémon Refresh matter in the game?
Pokémon Refresh is a mechanic from some of the mainline Pokémon games where you can interact with your Pokémon. That particular function does not exist in Pokémon GO. In Pokémon GO, you can feed your buddy Pokémon berries and interact with it to raise its mood level and unlock different perks, like assisting in Pokémon encounters.
7. How fast should I tap during battles in Pokémon GO?
Tap as fast as you can. The faster you tap, the more Fast Attacks your Pokémon will execute, charging up their Charged Attack more quickly and dealing more damage to your opponent.
8. Is 120Hz overkill for Pokémon GO?
While not strictly necessary, 120Hz provides a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. If your device supports it and you prioritize visual fidelity, enabling Native Refresh Rate is highly recommended.
9. Is 120Hz noticeable compared to 60Hz?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. 120Hz offers a smoother and more fluid visual experience compared to 60Hz. The increased refresh rate reduces motion blur and makes animations appear more natural.
10. Can Pokémon GO run at 60 FPS?
Yes, Pokémon GO can run at 60 FPS (frames per second) on Android devices and on iOS devices after recent updates when the Native Refresh Rate setting is enabled.
11. How do I make Pokémon GO think I am walking?
Using third-party apps or methods to spoof your location and simulate walking is against the Pokémon GO terms of service and can result in account suspension or permanent ban. It’s strongly advised to play the game legitimately.
12. What happens when you refresh Pokémon GO?
Refreshing your game data can resolve certain gameplay issues, such as visual glitches or connectivity problems. To refresh, go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Refresh Game Data.
13. Can I boost my refresh rate if my monitor’s refresh rate is below 60Hz?
No, you cannot boost a display’s refresh rate beyond its maximum specified value.
14. Does 120Hz use more battery?
Yes, using a 120Hz display consumes more battery than a 60Hz display. The GPU needs to render twice as many frames per second, leading to increased power consumption.
15. Is Pokémon GO at 120Hz on iPhone 13 Pro by default?
No, the 120Hz refresh rate is not enabled by default on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. You need to manually enable the Native Refresh Rate option in the game’s settings.
The Future of Refresh Rates in Mobile Gaming
As mobile technology continues to advance, high refresh rates are becoming increasingly common. This trend will likely lead to further optimization and integration of high refresh rate support in games like Pokémon GO, providing players with even smoother and more immersive gaming experiences.
Learning about how games work can also be taught in a classroom environment. Educational leaders use resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about educational gaming.
By understanding the nuances of refresh rates and how they interact with Pokémon GO, trainers can fine-tune their settings and maximize their enjoyment of this beloved mobile game.