Unlock 120 FPS On Xbox Series S: A Simple Guide

Hey guys! Ready to take your gaming experience on the Xbox Series S to the next level? One of the coolest features of this console is its ability to run games at a buttery-smooth 120 FPS (frames per second). This makes gameplay look and feel incredibly responsive. But, it's not always plug-and-play. You might need to tweak a few settings to get there. Don't worry; it's easier than you think! This article will walk you through everything you need to know to unlock 120 FPS on your Xbox Series S, from checking your equipment to diving into the console's settings.

Understanding 120 FPS and Its Benefits

Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." What exactly is 120 FPS, and why should you care? Frames per second refers to how many individual images your screen displays every second. The higher the FPS, the smoother and more fluid the motion appears. Think of it like flipping through a flipbook really fast – the more pages you flip per second, the smoother the animation. In gaming, this translates to reduced motion blur, better responsiveness, and an overall more immersive experience. When you're playing fast-paced games, like first-person shooters or racing games, that extra smoothness can give you a competitive edge. Everything feels more precise, making it easier to react to what's happening on screen.

Now, why is this particularly relevant to the Xbox Series S? Well, this console is designed to deliver next-gen gaming experiences at an accessible price point. While it might not have the raw graphical horsepower of its big brother, the Xbox Series X, it's still capable of pushing out some impressive visuals, including 120 FPS in select titles. It's all about finding the right balance between resolution and frame rate to get the most enjoyable experience. Not all games support 120 FPS on the Series S, and some might require you to lower the resolution to achieve it, but for many games, the trade-off is well worth it. The increased fluidity and responsiveness can make a world of difference in how you experience the game. So, if you haven't already, get ready to see your games in a whole new light!

Checking Your Equipment

Alright, before we start messing with settings, let's make sure you have all the right gear. This is crucial because you won't be able to achieve 120 FPS if your equipment doesn't support it. First and foremost, you need a TV or monitor that has a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. This is the most important factor. The refresh rate is how many times per second your display can update the image. If your TV or monitor is only 60Hz, it can only display a maximum of 60 frames per second, no matter what your Xbox is outputting. So, check the specifications of your display. Most modern TVs and gaming monitors will list the refresh rate prominently.

Next, you'll need an HDMI 2.1 cable. This is the latest HDMI standard and is required to transmit 4K resolution at 120Hz. While older HDMI cables might work at lower resolutions or refresh rates, they simply don't have the bandwidth to handle 4K/120Hz. The Xbox Series S comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable in the box, so you should be good to go if you're using the cable that came with your console. However, if you're using a different cable, make sure it's certified as HDMI 2.1. Look for the "Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable" certification on the cable itself or its packaging. Finally, it's worth noting that some TVs and monitors may only support 120Hz on specific HDMI ports. Check your display's manual to identify which HDMI ports support the highest refresh rates. It's usually HDMI port 1 or 2, but it's always best to double-check. With the right equipment in place, you're one step closer to enjoying those silky-smooth 120 FPS gaming sessions!

Configuring Your Xbox Series S Settings

Okay, you've got the right TV or monitor and the correct HDMI cable. Now it's time to dive into the Xbox Series S settings and make sure everything is configured correctly. This part is pretty straightforward, so don't worry, we'll walk you through it step by step. First, turn on your Xbox Series S and navigate to the Settings menu. You can find this by pressing the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then selecting Settings from the menu.

Once you're in the Settings menu, go to General, and then select TV & display options. This is where you'll find all the settings related to your display output. In the TV & display options menu, look for the Resolution setting. Make sure this is set to the highest resolution supported by your TV or monitor. For most modern displays, this will be 4K UHD. However, if you're using a 1080p monitor, set it to 1080p. Next, look for the Refresh rate setting. This is the setting that determines the frame rate your Xbox will output. If your TV or monitor supports 120Hz, you should see this option in the dropdown menu. Select 120 Hz. If you don't see the 120 Hz option, it means either your TV or monitor doesn't support it, or there may be an issue with your HDMI connection. Double-check your equipment and cables to make sure everything is properly connected. Finally, there's another setting you might want to check called Allow variable refresh rate (VRR). VRR technology, such as AMD FreeSync or HDMI Forum VRR, can help reduce screen tearing and stuttering by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate of your display to match the frame rate of the game. If your TV or monitor supports VRR, it's generally a good idea to enable this setting. With these settings configured correctly, your Xbox Series S should now be outputting games at 120 FPS, provided the game supports it.

Checking Game Compatibility

Alright, you've got your equipment set up and your Xbox configured. But here's the thing: not all games support 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S. It really depends on the game developer and how they've optimized the game for the console. So, how do you know if a particular game supports 120 FPS? Unfortunately, there isn't a single definitive list of games that support 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S. However, there are a few ways to check. First, you can check the game's settings menu. Some games will have an option to enable 120 FPS mode directly in the game's settings. Look for graphics options or display settings within the game's menu, and see if there's an option to enable 120 FPS or a high refresh rate mode.

Another way to check is to do a quick online search. A simple search like "[game title] Xbox Series S 120 FPS" should give you some results from gaming websites, forums, or YouTube videos that discuss whether the game supports 120 FPS on the Series S. These sources can often provide valuable information and insights from other gamers who have already tested the game. You can also check the official Xbox website or the game developer's website for information about supported resolutions and frame rates. Some developers will list the supported specifications for different platforms, including the Xbox Series S. Keep in mind that even if a game supports 120 FPS on the Xbox Series X, it doesn't necessarily mean it will support it on the Series S. The Series S has less powerful hardware than the Series X, so some games may need to be optimized differently to achieve 120 FPS. It's always best to double-check the specific game to see if it supports 120 FPS on the Series S. With a little bit of research, you can find out which games will let you experience the smoothness of 120 FPS on your console!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with everything set up correctly, you might still run into some issues getting 120 FPS to work on your Xbox Series S. Don't worry; here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them. First, make sure your HDMI cable is securely connected to both your Xbox and your TV or monitor. A loose connection can sometimes prevent the 120Hz signal from being transmitted properly. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the cable to make sure it's firmly in place.

If you're still not getting 120 FPS, try a different HDMI port on your TV or monitor. As we mentioned earlier, some displays only support 120Hz on specific HDMI ports. Check your display's manual to identify which ports support the highest refresh rates. Another common issue is outdated firmware on your TV or monitor. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to improve performance and compatibility. Check your display's settings menu for an option to update the firmware. If there's an update available, install it and see if that resolves the issue. Also, verify that the game you're trying to play actually supports 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S. Not all games support it, so make sure you're testing with a game that is known to run at 120 FPS on the console. If you've tried all of these steps and you're still having trouble, try power cycling your Xbox Series S and your TV or monitor. Turn off both devices completely, unplug them from the power outlet, wait a few minutes, and then plug them back in and turn them on. This can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or software conflicts. By troubleshooting these common issues, you'll be well on your way to enjoying smooth, responsive 120 FPS gaming on your Xbox Series S!

Enjoying the Smoothness

Congratulations! You've done everything you need to do to unlock 120 FPS on your Xbox Series S. Now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible smoothness and responsiveness that 120 FPS gaming has to offer. Once you've experienced games running at 120 FPS, it's hard to go back to 60 FPS. The difference is truly noticeable, especially in fast-paced action games. Everything feels more fluid, more precise, and more immersive.

Remember that not all games support 120 FPS, so you might not be able to experience this level of smoothness in every game you play. But for the games that do support it, you're in for a treat. Experiment with different games and see which ones benefit the most from the higher frame rate. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes. And don't forget to fine-tune your display settings to get the best possible picture quality. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and sharpness to your liking, and experiment with different color profiles to find what looks best to you. With the right settings, you can create a truly stunning and immersive gaming experience on your Xbox Series S. So go ahead, fire up your favorite 120 FPS-compatible game, and get ready to be amazed. Happy gaming!