Getting 120 frames per second on your Xbox transforms fast-paced shooters and racing games into a fluid, responsive experience that feels significantly smoother than the standard 60 fps. Achieving this requires understanding the specific hardware requirements and settings available on both the Xbox Series X and Series S, as their capabilities differ. This guide walks you through the necessary steps to unlock high refresh rates and ensure your setup can handle the demand.
Understanding Xbox Series X vs. Series S Limitations
Before diving into settings, it is essential to know the raw power of your console. The Xbox Series X is the most powerful version and can generally output 120 fps in supported games when connected correctly. The Xbox Series S, while still capable of high refresh rates, often achieves 120 fps in less graphically demanding titles or may prioritize resolution over frame rate in more intense scenes. Knowing this distinction helps set realistic expectations for performance across your library.
Required Hardware and Cable Setup
To actually see 120 fps, you cannot rely on the standard HDMI cable bundled with your console. You need a high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable that supports the necessary bandwidth. Furthermore, your television must have a compatible HDMI 2.1 port, often labeled as "HDMI 2.1" or "Full Speed" HDMI. Using an older HDMI 1.4 port or cable will cap your output at 60 fps, regardless of the console's settings.
Verify Your Connection
Once the cable is plugged in, navigate to your display settings to confirm the signal is correct. Go to Settings > General > Volume & audio output > Audio output and check the "HDMI signal information" section. Here you should see "4K TV" and "120 Hz" listed if the connection is successful. If you only see "1080p TV" or a 60 Hz option, the TV is not recognizing the HDMI 2.1 link.
Console | 120 fps Capability | Best For Competitive Gaming
Xbox Series X | Excellent support in many titles | Yes, with stable 4K 120
Xbox Series S | Good support, sometimes dynamic resolution | Yes, for 1080p 120 fps
In-Game Settings Adjustment
Even with the right hardware, the game itself must be configured to run at 120 fps. Not every title supports this mode, but most major releases on the console do. Navigate to the specific game's settings menu and look for a "Display" or "Performance" section. You will usually find a "Frame Rate" or "Refresh Rate" option where you can select "120 FPS" or "High Refresh Rate."
Balancing Performance and Visuals
Selecting 120 fps often means making visual compromises. You might notice that some games automatically reduce resolution or texture quality to maintain stability. In the settings, you might find options like "Performance Mode" or specific toggles for "Resolution" and "Ray Tracing." Turning off resource-heavy features like ray tracing or lowering shadow quality can help the hardware maintain the high frame target without dropping frames.
Managing Power and Background Activity
Background downloads and updates can steal processing power and prevent the system from hitting peak performance. Before starting a competitive match, pause any active downloads and close apps running in the background. Additionally, ensure your console is well-ventilated; an overheating Xbox will throttle performance to protect the hardware, causing frame rates to dip below 120.
