So you’re considering buying an Xbox Series S and you want to know if it can do 120 frames per second.
I recently purchased an Xbox Series S and I’ve been deep-diving into all the features, and settings.
I’ll share everything I learned about gaming at 120 FPS with the Xbox Series S with you below.
Can The Xbox Series S Do 120 FPS?
Yes. With a 120 Hz TV or monitor, the Xbox Series S can do 120 FPS on a limited number of games.
To enable 120 FPS, enable the FPS BOOST feature in Manage Game and Compatibility Options. FPS Boost increases the frame rate from 60 FPS to 120 FPS.
Before you start, there are a few important pointers to keep in mind.
Where to Buy Xbox Series S
But is an Xbox Series S even worth it? Read my unbiased review.
Note: While the Series X is arguably a better deal, it’s also rarely in stock at retail price. The Xbox Series S is available everywhere!
Only a Few Xbox Games can Do 120 FPS
For one, FPS Boost is only available on a handful of games at the moment. More games should receive support for the feature, but it’s ultimately up to the game developers. For example, Halo Infinite recently got a 120 FPS mode.
Here are some popular Gamepass games that support 120 FPS on Xbox Series S:
- Battlefield 4
- Dirt 4
- Halo Infinite
- Call of Duty Warzone
- Metro 2033 Redux
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Paladins
- Psychonauts 2
- Star Wars Battlefront II
- Titanfall 2
On some games, you can enable 120 FPS from the in-game graphics menu. However, in most cases, you will need open Compatibility Options on your game and manually enable FPS BOOST.
Much Lower Graphics Quality at 120 FPS
While gaming at 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S is possible, the graphics are significantly degraded. The reason for that is Xbox has to lower the graphics to reach and maintain the 120 FPS lock.
Graphically demanding games will have their graphics significantly lowered when an FPS boost is enabled. I’m not talking about graphics effects like shadows and textures, the resolution scale is also lowered.
Halo Infinite’s 120 FPS mode makes the game look very washed out. I personally prefer to play at 60 FPS for the sweet spot between graphics and frame rate.
But some games handle it well. Games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps can run 120 FPS without sacrificing too much graphics.
Generally less demanding titles like indie games will run and look great at 120 FPS.
You Need a 120 Hz TV or Monitor
The option for FPS Boost will be greyed out if your Xbox Series S is connected to a display that does not support 120 Hz.
Wondering what monitor to buy for your new Xbox Series S? I recommend the BenQ MOBIUZ EX2780Q 1440P 144 Hz IPS monitor.
But any monitor that supports 120 Hz will work. You can also use a 144 Hz monitor with your Xbox Series S.
How to Enable FPS Boost on Xbox Series S
So you have a 120 Hz or more display. Here’s how to enable FPS boost:
- Open My Game & Apps
- Select a game
- Press the view button on your Xbox controller to open Manage settings
- Select Compatibility Options
- Enable FPS boost
- Restart your game
If you do not see an FPS boost feature, it’s either because your display does not support 120 Hz or the game hasn’t been optimized for 120 FPS.
Another you can try is to open Settings, General, and TV & Display Options.
In there, select refresh rate, and switch from 60 Hz to 120 Hz. Now go back to the game’s compatibility options and an FPS boost should be available.
Bottom Line
I use my Xbox Series S with a 144 Hz monitor, and I very rarely use FPS Boost. The main games I play do not have a well-optimized FPS Boost mode.
But there are plenty of indie games that run and look great with FPS boost enabled. You’ll have to play around with the settings to see what you prefer. I think 60 FPS is still the sweet spot for the Xbox Series S.
Of course, if you really want to see the best graphics, you’ll need to enable quality mode which locks the frame rate to 30 frames a second.
Games like Forza 5 look amazing with quality mode, but the lowered frame rate can be rough on your eyes. I personally can’t stand 30 frames a second, but it might not bother you.
In short, the Xbox Series S can do 120 FPS on certain games but the graphics will be significantly reduced.
What do you think? Is 120 FPS worth it? Drop a comment with your opinions below!
Other Xbox articles:
