Xbox Series S: 120Hz Games List

So, you've got an Xbox Series S and a fancy 120Hz display, huh? Awesome! You're probably itching to experience the buttery-smooth goodness of high refresh rate gaming. But here's the million-dollar question: What games actually support 120Hz on the Series S? Don't worry, my friend; I've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of high-refresh-rate gaming on the Xbox Series S and uncover the titles that will make your eyes thank you.

Understanding 120Hz on Xbox Series S

Before we jump into the game list, let's clarify a few things about 120Hz gaming on the Xbox Series S. Firstly, just because you have a 120Hz monitor or TV doesn't automatically mean every game will run at 120 frames per second (fps). The Xbox Series S is a powerful little console, but it's not quite as beefy as its big brother, the Series X. This means that some games may need to lower their resolution or graphical settings to achieve that sweet 120Hz target. Think of it like this: the console needs to work harder to push out more frames, so sometimes it needs to compromise on visual fidelity to maintain that high refresh rate. Secondly, not all games natively support 120Hz. Some games might require specific settings to be enabled within the game itself or in the Xbox system settings. Always double-check the game's options menu to see if there's a 120Hz mode or performance setting you need to toggle. Games that support 120Hz offer a significantly smoother and more responsive gaming experience. The higher refresh rate reduces input lag, making your actions feel more immediate and precise. This can be especially beneficial in fast-paced games like first-person shooters, racing games, and fighting games, where every millisecond counts. Seeing your games running at 120Hz can be a visual treat, with smoother animations and reduced motion blur. Once you've experienced the difference, it's hard to go back!

The List: Games That Support 120Hz on Xbox Series S

Alright, let's get to the good stuff – the games! Keep in mind that this list is constantly evolving as developers release updates and new games come out. I'll do my best to keep it updated, but always double-check the game's specifications or community forums for the most accurate information. Here's a rundown of some of the games that support 120Hz on the Xbox Series S:

• Halo Infinite: The multiplayer mode of Halo Infinite can hit 120Hz at 1080p, offering a super smooth experience for Spartans.
• Call of Duty: Warzone: Competitive gamers rejoice! Warzone supports 120Hz, giving you an edge in those intense firefights. The improved responsiveness can seriously improve your aiming and reaction times. You'll be dropping into Verdansk (or whatever the current map is) with a significant advantage.
• Gears 5: Experience the gorgeous visuals and intense action of Gears 5 at a blistering 120Hz. It's a visual feast that's also incredibly responsive to play. The Coalition really nailed the optimization here, delivering a stunning and smooth experience on the Series S.
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps: This beautiful Metroidvania game shines at 120Hz, making the fluid movement and stunning visuals even more captivating. It's already a visually stunning game, but the 120Hz mode elevates it to another level of smoothness and responsiveness.
• Rainbow Six Siege: Another tactical shooter that benefits greatly from the increased refresh rate. Expect faster reaction times and a competitive edge. In a game where every millisecond matters, 120Hz can be the difference between victory and defeat.
• Fortnite: The ever-popular battle royale game runs like a dream at 120Hz on the Series S. Build forts and take down opponents with incredible smoothness. The game's vibrant colors and fast-paced action are perfectly complemented by the high refresh rate.
• Rocket League: This high-octane sports game is a perfect fit for 120Hz gaming. Enjoy incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay as you flip, boost, and score goals. The improved responsiveness makes a huge difference in your ability to control your car and pull off those crazy aerial maneuvers.
• DiRT 5: Get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of off-road racing at 120Hz. The improved responsiveness makes navigating those challenging tracks even more enjoyable. The sense of speed is amplified, and you'll feel more connected to the car than ever before.
• DOOM Eternal: Rip and tear through hordes of demons at a blistering 120Hz. The fast-paced action and intense visuals are perfectly suited for high refresh rate gaming. The game already runs incredibly well, and the 120Hz mode is just the icing on the cake.
• Psychonauts 2: Explore the bizarre and imaginative world of Psychonauts 2 at 120Hz, making the platforming and psychic powers feel even more fluid and responsive. The game's unique art style and quirky humor are even more enjoyable when experienced at a high refresh rate.
• The Touryst: Explore vibrant islands and solve puzzles in this charming adventure game, enhanced by the smoothness of 120Hz gameplay. The game's colorful visuals and relaxed pace are a perfect match for the high refresh rate.

This isn't an exhaustive list, and more games are being updated to support 120Hz all the time. Keep an eye out for updates to your favorite games!

How to Enable 120Hz on Xbox Series S

Okay, so you've got a game that supports 120Hz. Now, how do you actually enable it on your Xbox Series S? Here's a quick guide:

1. Make sure your display supports 120Hz: This might sound obvious, but it's the most crucial step! Check your monitor or TV's specifications to confirm that it can handle a 120Hz refresh rate at the resolution you want to play at (usually 1080p or 1440p on the Series S).
2. Use an HDMI 2.1 cable: To get the full benefit of 120Hz gaming, you'll need an HDMI 2.1 cable. This cable has the bandwidth necessary to transmit the higher refresh rate and resolution. Most new TVs and monitors come with one, but it's always a good idea to double-check.
3. Enable 120Hz in Xbox settings: Go to your Xbox Settings, then select "General," then "TV & display options." From there, look for the "Refresh rate" setting and choose "120 Hz." If you don't see the option, it could mean your display isn't being recognized as 120Hz-capable, or your HDMI cable isn't up to snuff.
4. Check in-game settings: Some games require you to enable 120Hz mode within their own settings menus. Look for a "Graphics" or "Video" section in the game's options and see if there's a 120Hz toggle or a "Performance Mode" that prioritizes frame rate.

Once you've followed these steps, you should be good to go! Launch your favorite 120Hz-compatible game and prepare to be amazed by the smoothness.

Optimizing Your Xbox Series S for 120Hz Gaming

To get the best possible 120Hz experience on your Xbox Series S, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Resolution: The Xbox Series S typically targets 1080p or 1440p resolution when running games at 120Hz. Lowering the resolution can sometimes help maintain a stable frame rate, especially in demanding games. Experiment with different resolutions to find the sweet spot between visual quality and performance.
• Graphics Settings: Some games offer adjustable graphics settings that can impact performance. Lowering settings like shadow quality, texture filtering, and anti-aliasing can free up resources and help the console maintain a consistent 120Hz frame rate. Don't be afraid to tweak these settings to find what works best for you.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): If your display supports VRR, make sure it's enabled in both your Xbox settings and your display settings. VRR dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of your display to match the frame rate of the game, reducing screen tearing and stuttering. This can significantly improve the overall smoothness of your gaming experience.
• Keep Your Console Cool: The Xbox Series S can generate heat when running demanding games at high refresh rates. Make sure your console has adequate ventilation and isn't placed in an enclosed space. Overheating can lead to performance issues and even damage your console over time.

The Future of 120Hz Gaming on Xbox Series S

The world of 120Hz gaming on the Xbox Series S is only going to get better. As developers become more familiar with the console's hardware and optimization techniques, we can expect to see even more games supporting high refresh rates. Microsoft is also committed to improving the Xbox platform and adding new features that enhance the gaming experience. Keep an eye out for future updates that may further optimize 120Hz performance. The Xbox Series S is a fantastic console for gamers who want to experience the benefits of high refresh rate gaming without breaking the bank. With a growing library of 120Hz-compatible games and the tips outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a smoother, more responsive, and more immersive gaming experience.

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to 120Hz gaming on the Xbox Series S. Now go forth, enable those high refresh rates, and experience the joy of buttery-smooth gameplay! Happy gaming!