How to Enable 120Hz on Xbox Series S?
Successfully enabling 120Hz on your Xbox Series S unlocks a smoother, more responsive gaming experience. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to enable 120Hz on Xbox Series S, covering compatible displays, settings adjustments, and troubleshooting.
The Allure of 120Hz on Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S, despite its smaller size and more affordable price point compared to the Series X, is a powerful gaming console capable of delivering impressive performance, including support for high refresh rates like 120Hz. What exactly does 120Hz mean, and why is it desirable?
120Hz refers to the refresh rate of your display, measured in Hertz (Hz). This indicates how many times per second the screen refreshes the image. A higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz, translates to a smoother and more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games. Reducing motion blur and providing better responsiveness.
Benefits of Gaming at 120Hz
The benefits of gaming at 120Hz on your Xbox Series S are substantial:
- Reduced Motion Blur: Fast-moving objects appear clearer and more defined, reducing eye strain and improving visual clarity.
- Increased Responsiveness: The reduced input lag allows for quicker reactions and more precise control in games.
- Enhanced Immersion: The smoother visuals contribute to a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.
- Competitive Advantage: In competitive multiplayer games, the increased responsiveness can provide a slight edge over opponents.
Essential Hardware Requirements
Before attempting to enable 120Hz on your Xbox Series S, ensure you meet the necessary hardware requirements:
- 120Hz-Capable Display: The most critical requirement is a monitor or TV that supports a 120Hz refresh rate at the desired resolution (typically 1080p or 1440p for the Series S). Check your display’s specifications.
- HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 Cable: An HDMI 2.0 cable is generally sufficient for 120Hz at 1080p or 1440p. However, an HDMI 2.1 cable may be required for higher resolutions or future-proof compatibility. Most displays come with a suitable HDMI cable, but it’s always good to confirm its specification.
- Xbox Series S: Of course, you will need the console itself!
Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling 120Hz
Here’s how to enable 120Hz on Xbox Series S:
- Verify Display Compatibility: Confirm that your monitor or TV supports 120Hz at the resolution you intend to use. Consult your display’s manual or manufacturer’s website.
- Connect the HDMI Cable: Ensure that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both your Xbox Series S and your display. Use the HDMI port on your display that supports 120Hz if it has multiple HDMI ports. Different HDMI ports on the same display can have different capabilities.
- Access Xbox Settings: Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Navigate to Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options.
- Adjust Resolution: In the “Resolution” section, select your desired resolution (e.g., 1080p or 1440p).
- Enable Refresh Rate: In the “Refresh rate” section, select “120 Hz”. If the option is greyed out, see the troubleshooting section below.
- Test the Settings: Launch a game that supports 120Hz. Many popular titles, such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Halo Infinite, offer 120Hz support. Check the game’s video settings to enable the 120Hz mode if necessary.
- Verify Performance: Monitor your game’s performance. Use the Xbox Performance Overlay (available in settings) to check the actual frame rate.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with the correct hardware, enabling 120Hz on your Xbox Series S can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- 120Hz Option Greyed Out:
- Incorrect HDMI Port: Try a different HDMI port on your display. Some ports may not support 120Hz.
- HDMI Cable Issue: Use a certified HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable.
- Display Settings: Check your display’s settings. Ensure that any settings that might interfere with high refresh rates, such as motion smoothing or eco mode, are disabled.
- Resolution Compatibility: Lower the resolution to 1080p or 1440p if your display cannot support 120Hz at a higher resolution.
- Screen Flickering or Artifacts:
- HDMI Cable Issue: Try a different HDMI cable.
- Display Settings: Adjust your display’s settings. Try different refresh rate overdrive settings, if available, and if that does not fix it set it back to the default values.
- No Visual Difference:
- Game Support: Ensure that the game you are playing supports 120Hz. Not all games do.
- Game Settings: Check the game’s video settings to enable the 120Hz mode.
- Placebo Effect: Be aware that the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is more noticeable in fast-paced games.
Xbox Series S: Resolution and Refresh Rate Capabilities
This table summarises the typical resolution and refresh rate capabilities:
| Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDMI Cable Requirement (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 120Hz | HDMI 2.0 |
| 1440p | 120Hz | HDMI 2.0 |
| 4K | 60Hz | HDMI 2.0 |
| 4K | 120Hz | HDMI 2.1 (sometimes optional) |
Why is the 120Hz option greyed out in my Xbox settings?
The most common reason the 120Hz option is greyed out is that your display or HDMI cable is not capable of supporting 120Hz. Ensure you are using an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable and that your display is set to the correct input and supports 120Hz at the resolution you’ve selected. Another reason could be that some enhanced settings on your TV are preventing the 120Hz setting from being available.
Does enabling 120Hz affect the game resolution on my Xbox Series S?
Enabling 120Hz can affect the game resolution. While the Xbox Series S is capable of 120Hz at 1080p and 1440p, it may not be able to achieve 120Hz at 4K. You may need to lower the resolution to achieve the desired refresh rate.
Do all games support 120Hz on Xbox Series S?
No, not all games support 120Hz. Check the specific game’s documentation or online resources to determine if it offers 120Hz support on Xbox Series S. Many newer AAA games and popular multiplayer titles do, but older games may be limited to 60Hz.
What is the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 offers significantly higher bandwidth than HDMI 2.0, allowing for higher resolutions and refresh rates, such as 4K at 120Hz, or even 8K at 60Hz. While HDMI 2.0 is generally sufficient for 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz on the Xbox Series S, HDMI 2.1 provides more headroom and future-proofing.
How can I tell if a game is running at 120Hz on my Xbox Series S?
You can use the Xbox’s built-in Performance Overlay. Go to Settings > General > TV & Display options > Video modes, then enable “Allow variable refresh rate” and “Allow 4K”. Press the Xbox button, navigate to Profile & System > Settings > General > TV & Display options > Video fidelity & overscan, and then select “Overrides” and make sure “Auto-detect” is selected. Finally, from inside the game press the Xbox Button and see if the frame rate is displaying as 120fps.
Will enabling 120Hz improve the graphics quality of my games?
Enabling 120Hz primarily improves the smoothness and responsiveness of the gameplay, not necessarily the graphics quality. While smoother visuals can enhance the overall experience, the core graphics settings are independent of the refresh rate.
Is a 120Hz monitor or TV worth buying for the Xbox Series S?
If you primarily play fast-paced action games or competitive multiplayer titles, a 120Hz monitor or TV is definitely worth considering. The increased smoothness and responsiveness can significantly enhance your gaming experience and potentially give you a competitive edge.
What are the best games to play in 120Hz on Xbox Series S?
Popular games that support 120Hz on Xbox Series S include Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Halo Infinite, Gears 5, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Check online resources for a complete list.
Can I enable 120Hz on my Xbox Series S with any TV or monitor?
No, you need a display that specifically supports a 120Hz refresh rate. Older TVs or monitors with only 60Hz capabilities will not be able to display a 120Hz signal from the Xbox Series S, even if all the required software changes and cable upgrades were made.
Does enabling 120Hz consume more power?
Enabling 120Hz may slightly increase power consumption on both the Xbox Series S and your display, but the difference is generally negligible. The overall power draw will be more heavily influenced by the game being played and the display’s brightness settings.
What if my TV has a “motion smoothing” or “motion interpolation” feature?
These features create artificial frames and may interfere with the intended 120Hz output. It’s generally recommended to disable these settings (often labeled as “TruMotion,” “Motionflow,” or similar) when gaming to ensure the most accurate and responsive experience.
Is there any disadvantage to using a 120Hz refresh rate on Xbox Series S?
The only potential disadvantage is that some games may require slightly reduced graphics settings to maintain a stable 120Hz frame rate, especially at higher resolutions. However, this is often a worthwhile tradeoff for the increased smoothness and responsiveness. Some people are also more sensitive to the difference in Hz, so enabling 120Hz can create some eye strain until you have adjusted to this change.