May Xbox One update adds 120Hz gaming and variable refresh rate
The May update for the Xbox One Microsoft is adding 120Hz support on select console models. The 120Hz capabilities should bring a bit smoother gameplay and faster reaction times towards gamers, of course, you're going to need a monitor and TV that that supports this refresh rate.
The 120Hz mode is, however, limited to 1440p and 1080p displays for now, also you'll need either an Xbox One S or Xbox One X. Of course, true 4K gaming at 120Hz on your Xbox One S or X is far and away of course due to graphics rendering power.
-- Microsoft -- Today the May Xbox One update arrives for gamers around the world. As part of our ongoing effort to continually improve the Xbox experience, we’ve got a feature-packed update that enables you to get even more out of your console with some exciting new features. Console owners already enjoy variable refresh rates, the option of 1440p resolution, and auto low latency mode. In this update, we’re adding support for additional panel refresh rates. Gamers using monitors and televisions that support a 120Hz refresh rate can now turn on 120Hz support for 1080p and 1440p output resolutions on Xbox One S and Xbox One X. This high refresh rate option means you can now take full advantage of displays with 120Hz capabilities. High refresh rate support can provide a smoother gaming experience and lower latency on some displays, and games may benefit from reduced tearing and stuttering via 120Hz output.
Gamers will also enjoy the newly introduced support for variable refresh rate output to AMD Radeon™ FreeSync and FreeSync 2 compatible displays. AMD Radeon™ FreeSync is a form of variable refresh rate which helps to reduce input latency and minimize display stuttering, delivering a buttery-smooth visual gameplay experience in your favorite games. The entire Xbox One family of devices will work with FreeSync-certified displays. Xbox One S and Xbox One X will also support high dynamic range with AMD Radeon™ FreeSync 2.
Xbox model | One | One S | One X |
---|---|---|---|
HDMI | v1.4 | v2.0 | v2.0 |
FreeSync | Yes | Yes | Yes |
120 Hz refresh | - | Yes | Yes |
In addition, Xbox One X and Xbox One S now support output at 2560 x 1440 (1440p) resolution for games and media. With over a million and a half more pixels than 1080p, this resolution offers even more choice between Full HD and 4K displays. This feature should be especially appealing to Xbox One owners who use a 1440p display for PC gaming. Media apps can now add an option for 1440p output for on both Xbox One X and Xbox One S. Developers can also now enable games to run at a native 1440p resolution on Xbox One X.
You can enable all these video options from the Settings menu on your Xbox One. Just navigate to “Display & Sound,” then “Video Output.” Note that you’ll only be able to turn on these settings if your TV or monitor supports them.
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Now you can play Tetris and Pacman in 120Hz.
Senior Member
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Joined: 2003-08-25
Don't forget that the Xbox also does other things than gaming, for example it's a great Netflix and also quite decent UHD Blu-Ray player (the S and X). Those and all other apps have now the options for 120 Hz, for example for smoother scrolling. Or maybe offer 24p Blu-Ray playback with the help of Freesync instead of blacking out the screen while changing from 60 Hz to 24 Hz (not sure if they will implement this, but theoretically it's possible).
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I suppose that would make it 3D compliant (sigh) but really, what's the point, barley any of the newer titles will be able to maintain 60 yet alone 120 fps.
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It's Freesync, aka Variable Refresh Rate(VRR). You don't have to maintain 120fps. That's the beauty of G-Sync, Freesync, VRR.....Tear-free, and virtually input lag free.
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Joined: 2016-11-08
I would say the point is, to have the option of using 120hz screens, even if the game doesn't.
I have a 144hz screen for my PC and my GC can't do 144fps decked out on full eye candy, but I have a monitor and a computer capable of doing it, it just can't. But I do have the options.