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Which Xbox Supports 4K 120Hz? A Deep Dive into Resolutions and Refresh Rates

The short answer is: only the Xbox Series X fully supports gaming at 4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. This requires a compatible HDMI 2.1 display and cable. While the Xbox Series S is a capable console, it primarily targets 1440p resolution at up to 120Hz. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding the Xbox Series X and Its 4K 120Hz Capabilities

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship gaming console, designed for high-fidelity gaming experiences. Its powerful hardware enables it to render games at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), delivering stunning visuals with incredible detail. Crucially, it can achieve this at a refresh rate of 120Hz, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay, especially noticeable in fast-paced action games.

To fully realize the 4K 120Hz potential of the Xbox Series X, certain requirements must be met:

HDMI 2.1: The console must be connected to a display (TV or monitor) that supports the HDMI 2.1 standard. HDMI 2.1 provides the necessary bandwidth to transmit 4K video at 120Hz along with other features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable: A certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is essential. Standard HDMI cables may not have sufficient bandwidth to handle the data throughput required for 4K 120Hz.
Game Support: The game itself must be optimized to support 4K resolution and/or a 120Hz refresh rate. Not all games offer both, and some may require specific in-game settings adjustments.

The Xbox Series S: Targeting 1440p 120Hz

The Xbox Series S is a more affordable and compact alternative to the Series X. While it shares the same core architecture and benefits from features like faster loading times, it has less powerful hardware. As a result, it primarily targets a resolution of 1440p (2560 x 1440 pixels), also known as QHD, rather than native 4K.

The Xbox Series S can still output at 120Hz, making it a great option for gamers who prioritize high frame rates over ultimate visual fidelity. Like the Series X, achieving 120Hz requires a compatible display and HDMI 2.1 or HDMI 2.0 depending on the monitor and supported features. It’s important to note that some games may upscale to 4K on the Series S, but the native rendering resolution is typically 1440p.

Key Differences and Considerations

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

Feature	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
——————-	——————–	——————-
Target Resolution	4K (2160p)	1440p (1440p)
Max Refresh Rate	120Hz	120Hz
HDMI Requirement	HDMI 2.1	HDMI 2.1 or 2.0
Graphics Power	More Powerful	Less Powerful
Disc Drive	Yes	No

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the capabilities of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S regarding resolution and refresh rates:

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

Yes, the Xbox Series S can output a 4K signal, but it’s often an upscaled 4K. This means the game is rendered at a lower resolution (typically 1440p) and then scaled up to 4K for output to the display. The visual quality won’t be the same as native 4K on the Series X.

2. Do I need an HDMI 2.1 TV for the Xbox Series S?

While not strictly required, an HDMI 2.1 display is recommended to get the most out of the Xbox Series S, especially for 1440p 120Hz gaming with features like VRR. However, you can still achieve 1440p 120Hz with an HDMI 2.0 display, though you might miss out on some of the advanced features.

3. Why doesn’t my Xbox Series X show 4K 120Hz as an option?

Several factors can prevent 4K 120Hz from appearing as an option:

Incorrect HDMI Cable: Ensure you are using the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with your Xbox Series X, or a certified equivalent.
TV Settings: Check your TV’s settings to ensure the HDMI port you’re using is configured for “Enhanced Mode” or similar, which enables HDMI 2.1 features.
AV Receiver Issues: If you’re routing your console through an AV receiver, it might not support 4K 120Hz pass-through. Try connecting the console directly to the TV.
Game Support: The game must support 4K 120Hz. Check the game’s settings or documentation.

4. Is 1440p 120Hz better than 4K 60Hz?

This depends on your preference. 1440p 120Hz offers smoother and more responsive gameplay due to the higher frame rate, while 4K 60Hz provides greater visual detail due to the higher resolution. If you prioritize visual fidelity, 4K 60Hz might be preferable. If you value smoother gameplay and faster response times, 1440p 120Hz is the better choice.

5. Does the Xbox Series X always run games at 4K 120Hz?

No. The actual resolution and frame rate depend on the specific game and its optimization. Some games might target 4K 60Hz, while others may offer a performance mode that lowers the resolution to achieve a higher frame rate like 120Hz.

6. Can I use a PC monitor with my Xbox Series X or S?

Yes, you can use a PC monitor, as long as it has an HDMI input and supports the desired resolution and refresh rate (e.g., 4K 120Hz for the Series X or 1440p 120Hz for the Series S).

7. What is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)?

VRR is a technology that dynamically adjusts the display’s refresh rate to match the console’s frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering, resulting in a smoother and more consistent gaming experience. Both the Xbox Series X and S support VRR via HDMI 2.1.

8. Does the Xbox Series S have the same processing power as the Series X?

No, the Xbox Series S has less powerful hardware than the Series X. It has a less powerful GPU and less RAM, which is why it targets a lower resolution.

9. What is the point of getting an Xbox Series S if it doesn’t do native 4K?

The Xbox Series S offers several advantages:

Lower Price: It’s significantly more affordable than the Series X.
Compact Size: It’s much smaller and easier to fit into tight spaces.
Fast Loading Times: It benefits from the same fast SSD storage as the Series X, resulting in quicker loading times.
Game Pass: It provides access to the same extensive library of games through Xbox Game Pass.

For many gamers, the Series S offers a great balance of performance and affordability.

10. Can older Xbox consoles output at 4K?

The Xbox One X and Xbox One S can output a 4K signal for video content and some games, but they generally cannot achieve 4K resolution at 120Hz. The original Xbox One does not support 4K.

11. How do I enable 120Hz on my Xbox Series X or S?

To enable 120Hz:

Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
Select Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.
Select Refresh rate > 120 Hz.

This option will only appear if your TV or monitor supports 120Hz and is properly configured.

12. Is upscaled 4K on the Xbox Series S noticeable compared to 1440p?

Yes, upscaled 4K can look sharper and more detailed than native 1440p, especially on larger displays. However, it won’t have the same clarity and detail as native 4K on the Xbox Series X. The quality of the upscaling engine also plays a significant role.

13. What games support 4K 120Hz on Xbox Series X?

Many games have been optimized for Xbox Series X to take advantage of its capabilities, including titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Halo Infinite, and Gears 5. Check specific game listings for compatibility details.

14. Does HDMI 2.0 support 4K 120Hz?

In theory, HDMI 2.0 can support 4K 120Hz with Chroma Subsampling but it depends on bandwidth and the specific implementation by the TV or monitor manufacturer. Using an HDMI 2.1 connection is a far better idea if 4K 120Hz is your goal.

15. Is it worth upgrading to the Xbox Series X if I already have a Series S?

This depends on your priorities and budget. If you want the best possible visual fidelity and are willing to invest in a 4K 120Hz display, upgrading to the Series X is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re happy with 1440p 120Hz gaming and don’t want to spend more money, the Series S is still a great option.

Final Thoughts

While the Xbox Series S is a fantastic entry point into next-gen gaming, offering impressive performance at an attractive price point, the Xbox Series X remains the only Xbox console capable of truly delivering 4K gaming at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Understanding your priorities – whether it’s ultimate visual fidelity or a balance of performance and affordability – will guide you in choosing the right console for your needs. To learn more about the impact of gaming on education and society, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Which Xbox supports 4K 120Hz?