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.
Senior Member
Posts: 8476
Joined: 2010-08-28
120 FPS @ 720p i guess?
Junior Member
Posts: 12
Joined: 2017-10-21
I'm excited for this because it will give TV manufactures more of a reason support high refresh rates into TVs. I have a 4k Vizio that supports 1080p @120fps and it works really well. I wish it supported 1440p or 4k at 120fps. Hopefully when they move to HDMI 2.0 they will push it.
Senior Member
Posts: 13997
Joined: 2004-05-16

You guys realize the Xbox One X GPU has roughly the same FP performance of a 580 and increased memory bandwidth right? Not to mention that the titles on it are more optimized for the hardware than on a PC.. There are plenty of people that run 120hz screens on 580s/1060s so I'm not sure why everyone is surprised by this.
Senior Member
Posts: 867
Joined: 2012-05-14
The thread title is about Xbox One though.
Senior Member
Posts: 4949
Joined: 2008-09-07
I'm thinking this has a lot more to do with VR than TV...120fps = 60fps per eye.