Is Pokémon Go 30 FPS? Unlocking the Frame Rate and Enhancing Your Gameplay Experience

The answer to the question of whether Pokémon Go is capped at 30 FPS (Frames Per Second) is nuanced. Initially, Pokémon Go was indeed limited to 30 FPS on iOS devices, even those with higher refresh rate capabilities like the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. Android devices, however, had the capability to run the game at a default of 60 FPS for quite some time.

However, things have changed. Pokémon Go now offers an option within the game settings to unlock the native refresh rate of your device. This feature, found in the advanced settings menu, allows devices with higher refresh rates (like those with 120Hz displays) to run the game at smoother frame rates. This means that, depending on your device and settings, Pokémon Go is no longer strictly limited to 30 FPS. The actual FPS you experience depends on your phone’s capabilities and whether you’ve enabled the native refresh rate option within the game. But, most importantly, make sure to keep in mind that even though your screen might have a 120Hz refresh rate your game may not necessarily run at 120 FPS.

Diving Deeper: Understanding FPS and Refresh Rates

To fully understand the situation, it’s helpful to differentiate between FPS and refresh rate. FPS refers to how many frames your device can render per second. The higher the FPS, the smoother the visuals appear. The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second your display updates the image. A 60Hz display updates 60 times per second, while a 120Hz display updates 120 times per second.

While a higher refresh rate display can show smoother motion, it won’t necessarily do so if the game is capped at a lower FPS. For example, a game running at 30 FPS on a 120Hz display will still only show 30 distinct frames per second. This is why unlocking the native refresh rate in Pokémon Go is crucial for taking advantage of devices with higher refresh rate displays.

How to Enable Higher Frame Rates in Pokémon Go

Here’s a simple guide on how to enable higher frame rates in Pokémon Go, provided your device supports it:

1. Open Pokémon Go.
2. Tap the PokeBall icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap the Settings cogwheel in the upper right.
4. Scroll down and tap on Advanced Settings.
5. Look for the Native Refresh Rate option and enable it.

Once enabled, your device will attempt to run Pokémon Go at its native refresh rate, potentially resulting in a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience.

The Impact of Higher Frame Rates on Gameplay

The benefits of playing Pokémon Go at higher frame rates include:

• Smoother visuals: Animations and movements appear more fluid and less choppy.
• Improved responsiveness: Interactions feel more immediate and precise, which can be beneficial during battles and catching Pokémon.
• Enhanced overall experience: The game simply looks and feels better, making it more enjoyable to play.

However, it’s important to note that enabling higher frame rates can also have some drawbacks:

• Increased battery consumption: Rendering more frames per second requires more processing power, which can drain your battery faster.
• Potential performance issues: Older or less powerful devices may struggle to maintain a consistent high frame rate, leading to frame drops and stuttering.
• Heat generation: Increased processing can cause your device to heat up.

Pokémon Go and Device Compatibility

Not all devices are created equal when it comes to handling higher frame rates in Pokémon Go. Newer smartphones with powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards are better equipped to handle the demands of running the game at 60 FPS or higher. Older or lower-end devices may experience performance issues even with the native refresh rate option enabled. Make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for Pokémon Go to ensure the best possible experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the FPS cap for Pokémon Go?

While initially capped at 30 FPS on iOS, Pokémon Go now allows you to unlock the native refresh rate of your device, meaning the cap depends on your device’s capabilities. Many Android devices can achieve a stable 60 FPS, and some high-end devices can potentially go higher, though not necessarily 120 FPS.

2. Does Pokémon Go run at 120Hz?

The game does NOT automatically run at 120 FPS even if your device has a 120Hz refresh rate. You need to enable the “Native Refresh Rate” option in the advanced settings. However, reports suggest that even with this option enabled, some devices may still not consistently achieve 120 FPS. Android phones seem to handle this function better than iPhones.

3. How do I increase my FPS in Pokémon Go?

The primary way to increase your FPS is by enabling the “Native Refresh Rate” option in the advanced settings menu. Ensure your device meets the recommended system requirements for Pokémon Go to experience smoother gameplay.

4. Is 60Hz to 120Hz noticeable in Pokémon Go?

Yes, the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is generally noticeable, especially in fast-paced games. With a 120Hz display and the native refresh rate unlocked, animations and movements will appear significantly smoother than at 60Hz.

5. How many FPS is Pokémon Red?

The original Game Boy Pokémon games, like Pokémon Red and Blue, run at a much lower frame rate, approximately 20 FPS.

6. Why are some games capped at 30 fps?

Games are often capped at 30 FPS for a variety of reasons, including:

• Hardware limitations: Older hardware may not be powerful enough to consistently render games at higher frame rates.
• Optimization: Developers may prioritize visual fidelity over frame rate, capping the game at 30 FPS to ensure a stable experience.
• Artistic choice: In some cases, a 30 FPS cap may be a deliberate artistic choice, aiming for a more cinematic feel.

7. How many FPS is considered playable?

Generally, 30 FPS is considered the baseline for playability, although the experience may not be optimal. 60 FPS is considered a more ideal target, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

8. Is 60 fps too fast?

60 FPS is not too fast. It’s a desirable target for many gamers as it strikes a balance between visual quality and performance. Higher frame rates (120 FPS and above) are even more desirable for competitive gaming.

9. How to increase fps from 30 to 60 in general gaming?

To increase FPS in general gaming, you can try the following:

• Update your graphics card drivers.
• Lower the game’s graphical settings.
• Upgrade your hardware (graphics card, CPU, RAM).

10. Is Pokémon Sword & Shield 30 FPS?

Yes, Pokémon Sword & Shield is locked at 30 FPS in both docked and handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch.

11. Is below 60 FPS bad for gaming?

Whether below 60 FPS is “bad” depends on your personal preferences and the type of game you’re playing. Many players find 30 FPS acceptable for slower-paced games, but 60 FPS or higher is generally preferred for fast-paced action games.

12. Is 60 FPS better than 30 FPS?

Yes, 60 FPS is generally considered better than 30 FPS. It provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

13. Why does 30 FPS look bad on PC sometimes?

30 FPS can look more jarring on PC games because PC games are often designed to run at variable frame rates. This means that frame rate drops can be more noticeable. Additionally, PC gamers often have higher expectations for performance due to the wider range of hardware options available.

14. Should I limit my FPS?

Limiting your FPS can be beneficial in certain situations. Capping your FPS to your monitor’s refresh rate can reduce screen tearing and potentially improve stability. It can also reduce the strain on your hardware, leading to lower temperatures and fan noise.

15. What frame rate is Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus generally runs at a stable 30 FPS on the Nintendo Switch. While this frame rate may not be ideal for all players, it provides a generally smooth experience.

Further Exploration

Interested in learning more about the educational applications of games? Explore the valuable research and resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Games, like Pokémon Go, offer unique opportunities for learning and engagement, and the GamesLearningSociety.org is at the forefront of exploring these possibilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Pokémon Go was initially limited to 30 FPS on iOS devices, the introduction of the native refresh rate option has opened the door for smoother gameplay on devices with higher refresh rate displays. By enabling this option in the game’s settings, you can potentially enjoy a more responsive and visually appealing Pokémon Go experience. However, remember that performance can vary depending on your device and settings. Happy catching!