Top Xbox Series S Games With 120Hz Support

Alright gamers, let's talk about getting the absolute smoothest experience out of your Xbox Series S! If you've got a TV or monitor that can handle a sweet 120Hz refresh rate, you're in for a treat. We're diving deep into the world of Xbox Series S 120Hz games, the titles that make every flick of the wrist and every on-screen movement feel incredibly fluid and responsive. Seriously, once you've gamed at 120 frames per second (FPS), going back to 60 FPS can feel like wading through treacle. It's a game-changer, pun intended!

So, what exactly is 120Hz, and why should you care? In simple terms, it's the number of times your screen refreshes its image per second. A standard TV might do 60Hz, meaning 60 images per second. A 120Hz display doubles that, showing 120 images per second. When your Xbox Series S can push out 120 FPS, and your display can show it, you get a significantly smoother, clearer, and more responsive gaming experience. This is especially crucial in fast-paced games where split-second reactions matter – think racing games, first-person shooters, and fighting games. The reduced input lag and enhanced motion clarity mean you can track enemies more easily, react faster to incoming threats, and generally feel more connected to the action. It's not just about prettiness; it's about performance and giving you a competitive edge.

Microsoft has put a lot of effort into ensuring the Xbox Series S can deliver these high frame rates, especially on titles that prioritize performance modes. While the Series S is a more budget-friendly console compared to its bigger sibling, the Series X, it's still a powerhouse capable of some seriously impressive feats. Developers are getting smarter about how they optimize their games to hit these higher refresh rates, often offering a choice between graphical fidelity and performance. For 120Hz gaming, you'll almost always be choosing the performance mode, which might involve slightly lower resolutions or graphical settings, but the payoff in smoothness is, for many, absolutely worth it.

This article is your ultimate guide to uncovering those gems on the Xbox Series S that truly shine with 120Hz support. We'll break down some of the most popular and best-performing titles, explain what makes them stand out, and give you the lowdown on how to get the most out of them. So grab your controller, make sure your display is ready, and let's explore the thrilling world of high-refresh-rate gaming on the Xbox Series S!

The Need for Speed: Why 120Hz Matters for Gamers

Guys, let's get real for a second. When you're deep in the digital trenches, whether you're outmaneuvering opponents in a frantic shooter or pushing the limits of a race car, every single frame counts. This is precisely where the magic of 120Hz gaming on Xbox Series S truly shines. It's not just a buzzword; it's a tangible upgrade that can genuinely elevate your gaming experience from good to absolutely phenomenal. Think about it: your Xbox Series S is capable of outputting up to 120 frames every single second. Now, imagine your display is only refreshing 60 times a second. That means half the information is being missed, or worse, the display is trying to show you a new image before it's finished showing the last one, leading to motion blur and input lag. It’s like trying to watch a flipbook made with every other page – you get the idea, but it’s not smooth.

But when you pair that 120 FPS output with a display that can refresh at 120Hz, you're unlocking a level of visual fluidity that's incredibly satisfying. The most immediate benefit is reduced motion blur. Fast-moving objects, character animations, and camera pans become crystal clear. This enhanced clarity allows you to track targets more effectively, anticipate enemy movements, and react with lightning speed. In competitive games, this can be the difference between victory and defeat. It’s like going from a grainy, slightly delayed video feed to a live, high-definition broadcast – the information you receive is just so much better and more immediate.

Beyond just visual clarity, 120Hz support significantly minimizes input lag. Input lag is that frustrating delay between when you press a button on your controller and when that action actually happens on screen. While it's always present to some degree, higher frame rates mean the console can render and display frames much faster, reducing the time between your input and the on-screen feedback. This leads to a much more responsive and connected feel. Imagine trying to perform a precise maneuver in a fighting game; the quicker your character reacts to your button presses, the more control you have and the better your execution will be. It’s this responsiveness that makes fast-paced action games so much more engaging and less frustrating.

Furthermore, for those who are sensitive to motion sickness, the smoother visual experience provided by 120Hz can also be a big plus. Less choppiness and stuttering mean a more comfortable viewing experience, allowing you to play for longer periods without discomfort. So, whether you're a hardcore competitor looking for every possible edge or a casual player who simply appreciates a smoother, more immersive experience, embracing games that support 120Hz on Xbox Series S is a no-brainer. It's one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your gaming setup, transforming how you perceive and interact with your favorite virtual worlds.

Unveiling the Top Xbox Series S 120Hz Titles

Now, let's get to the good stuff, shall we? You've got your Xbox Series S, you've got your fancy 120Hz display, and you're itching to know which games will make your eyes pop with their buttery-smooth frame rates. We've scoured the digital shelves and tested the performance modes to bring you some of the absolute best Xbox Series S 120Hz games that deliver on the promise of high-refresh-rate action. Keep in mind that achieving 120 FPS often means opting for a performance mode, which might involve slightly dialed-back visual settings compared to a 60 FPS or 30 FPS mode, but trust us, the fluidity is so worth it.

First up, we absolutely have to talk about Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/III. These titans of the shooter genre are practically built for speed. When you enable the 120 FPS performance mode, the difference is night and day. Tracking enemies becomes incredibly precise, and the fast-paced multiplayer matches feel incredibly responsive. Recoil control, aiming down sights, and quick peeks are all enhanced by the sheer smoothness. It's an essential title for anyone looking to maximize their competitive advantage on the Series S. The action is relentless, and the 120Hz support ensures you can keep up.

Another absolute must-play is Halo Infinite. The flagship title for Xbox is a masterclass in optimization. Its multiplayer mode, in particular, absolutely flies at 120 FPS. Whether you're engaging in intense firefights on Blood Gulch or navigating the intricate maps of Streets, the game remains incredibly fluid. The visual clarity at high frame rates helps immensely in tracking those agile Spartans and landing those crucial headshots. The iconic gunplay feels even more satisfying when it's running at its smoothest.

For the sports fans out there, NBA 2K24 and Madden NFL 24 are prime examples of how high frame rates can elevate athletic simulations. Watching the players move on the court or the field with such fluidity is a joy. Dribbling animations in basketball look more natural, and the quick cuts and jukes in football are rendered with stunning clarity. This smoother presentation not only looks better but also makes the gameplay feel more responsive, allowing for more precise control during crucial moments.

Don't forget about the racing enthusiasts! Titles like Forza Horizon 5 offer a breathtaking visual experience that is further enhanced by 120Hz support in its performance mode. Cruising through the vibrant landscapes of Mexico at such a high frame rate makes the already stunning graphics even more immersive. The sense of speed is amplified, and the detailed car models remain sharp even during intense high-speed chases. It’s an absolute treat for the eyes and the reflexes.

And let's not overlook some of the indie darlings or slightly older titles that have received performance updates. Games like Gears 5 (especially its multiplayer), Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and even Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition demonstrate that 120Hz isn't just for the biggest AAA blockbusters. These games offer a fantastic visual experience that feels incredibly responsive and polished when running at their highest frame rates. Each of these titles provides a unique but equally compelling reason to dive into the world of 120Hz gaming on Xbox Series S.

How to Enable 120Hz Gaming on Your Xbox Series S

Alright guys, you've picked out some awesome games, you've got the hardware, but how do you actually make sure your Xbox Series S is pushing out those glorious 120 frames per second? It’s not as complicated as you might think, but there are a few key steps you need to follow to unlock the full potential of your setup. Getting this right ensures you're actually experiencing the smoothness of 120Hz on Xbox Series S that we've been raving about.

First things first, let's talk about your display. This is non-negotiable, folks. Your TV or monitor must support a 120Hz refresh rate and, crucially, it needs to be connected to your Xbox Series S via an HDMI 2.1 cable. Older HDMI versions simply don't have the bandwidth to handle the massive amount of data required for 4K resolution at 120 FPS. So, if you haven't already, make sure you're using a compatible HDMI 2.1 cable – they often come with newer TVs or consoles, but it's always good to double-check. Also, ensure that 120Hz output is enabled in your TV or monitor's settings menu. Sometimes, you might need to manually turn on a setting like 'Game Mode' or a specific 'HDMI Deep Color' option for the port you're using.

Once your display and cable are sorted, it's time to dive into the Xbox Series S settings. Power on your console and navigate to the main dashboard. Head over to Settings (it looks like a gear icon). From there, go to General, and then select TV & display options. This is where all the magic happens. You'll see a section for Resolution and another for Refresh rate.

Under Resolution, make sure it's set to your display's native resolution, usually 4K UHD if your TV supports it. While many 120Hz modes on Series S run at a lower resolution (like 1080p or dynamic 1440p) to achieve the higher frame rate, setting your console's output resolution to 4K is generally fine, as the game itself will then scale down if necessary. The key is the refresh rate.

Now, for the crucial part: Refresh rate. Click on this option, and you should see a list of available refresh rates. You absolutely want to select 120Hz. If 120Hz isn't an option, don't panic! It likely means either your TV/monitor isn't properly recognized as a 120Hz capable device, your HDMI cable isn't sufficient, or you haven't enabled the correct settings on your display. Go back and double-check those steps.

After selecting 120Hz, your Xbox will likely ask you to confirm the change, and your screen might flash briefly. This is normal! Once confirmed, your console is now set to output at 120Hz whenever possible. This setting applies system-wide, meaning any game or app that supports 120Hz will try to run at that rate.

Finally, remember that not all games offer 120Hz support, and even those that do might require you to select a specific