Unlock 120 FPS On Xbox Series S: Your Ultimate Guide

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Unlock the Smoothness: Activating 120 FPS on Your Xbox Series S

Hey guys! Are you ready to experience gaming on your Xbox Series S like never before? One of the coolest features of the Series S is its ability to support a 120 frames per second (FPS) refresh rate, which translates to incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay. But, before you dive in, you might be wondering, "How do I actually turn this on?" Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about activating 120 FPS on your Xbox Series S, from checking your TV's capabilities to adjusting your console settings. Get ready to say goodbye to choppy gameplay and hello to a silky-smooth gaming experience. Let's get started, shall we?

Checking Your Equipment: The Foundation for 120 FPS

Alright, before we get too deep into the settings, let's make sure you've got the right gear. Because, you know, you can't have a party without the right ingredients. First and foremost, to enjoy that glorious 120 FPS, you'll need a TV or monitor that actually supports it. Many modern TVs and monitors are designed for this, but it's crucial to confirm that yours is one of them. Check your TV's specifications to see if it supports a 120Hz refresh rate at 1080p or 1440p resolution. Often, this information is readily available on the manufacturer's website or in the user manual. Look for terms like "120Hz," "120 FPS," or "120 refresh rate" in the specifications. Remember, your TV or monitor is the gatekeeper here; if it can't handle 120Hz, you won't be seeing those super-smooth frames, no matter how much you tweak the Xbox settings.

Next up, you'll need a compatible HDMI cable. The Xbox Series S comes with a high-speed HDMI cable, but it's always a good idea to double-check that it's the one you're using. Make sure it's plugged directly into the HDMI port on your TV or monitor that supports the highest refresh rate. Typically, this is labeled as HDMI 2.1 or is the specific port recommended for gaming. If you are not using the provided cable or suspect it might be faulty, consider using a premium HDMI cable certified for high-speed data transfer. Using an older HDMI cable could limit your refresh rate. The connection is essential, and this is the next key component to ensure your console can communicate with your display at the speed needed for 120 FPS. If you have both the correct equipment, you have already won half the battle. So, go check the equipment right now!

Finally, it's also worth noting that not all games support 120 FPS on the Xbox Series S. Game developers have to optimize their games to take advantage of this feature. Many popular titles, however, have been updated to support it. Make sure the game you're playing actually offers a 120 FPS mode. You can usually find this information in the game's settings or through a quick online search. When all this is settled, move on to the next chapter to make sure all is well.

Configuring Your Xbox Series S for 120 FPS

Now that you've confirmed that your TV and HDMI cable are up to the task, it's time to dive into the Xbox Series S settings. This part is pretty straightforward, but you'll need to follow a few steps to make sure everything is configured correctly. First, go to your Xbox's settings menu. You can access this by pressing the Xbox button on your controller, which will bring up the guide. Then, navigate to "Settings," which is usually represented by a gear icon. After selecting settings, move on to the "General" tab. This is where you will find the display options. Within the "General" section, select "TV & display options." This is where the magic happens!

Here, you'll find a few important settings to check. First, under "Resolution," make sure it's set to either 1080p or 1440p. While the Xbox Series S can support 4K, it is not able to display 120 FPS at that resolution. 1080p and 1440p are the resolutions that will allow you to experience the smooth framerates you're after. Then, check the "Refresh rate" setting. If your TV and the game you are playing support 120 FPS, you should be able to select "120Hz" here. If you don't see 120Hz as an option, double-check your TV settings and the HDMI cable connection. Make sure that your TV is also set to its "Game Mode" and this should increase the refresh rate, which will provide you with a boost in your overall gaming experience.

Another setting to consider is "Allow variable refresh rate." This feature, also known as VRR, can help reduce screen tearing by synchronizing the refresh rate of your console with your TV. VRR is especially useful, as it can adapt to the game's frame rate. If you have a TV that supports VRR, it's generally a good idea to enable this setting. Some games, in particular, will benefit from VRR. This is a must-try feature!

Once you've made these changes, you may need to restart your Xbox or the game you are playing for the changes to take effect. If everything is set up correctly, you should now be enjoying the buttery-smooth gameplay of 120 FPS on your Xbox Series S. Congratulations, you did it!

Troubleshooting Common 120 FPS Issues

Sometimes, even after following all the steps, you might encounter issues getting 120 FPS to work. Don't worry, these problems are often fixable! One of the most common issues is not seeing the 120Hz option in the display settings. If this happens, here's what you can do. First, double-check that your TV or monitor actually supports 120Hz at the resolution you're using (1080p or 1440p). Some TVs only support 120Hz on certain HDMI ports, so make sure your console is plugged into the correct one. Next, make sure the HDMI cable is securely connected and capable of supporting high-speed data transfer. As mentioned earlier, the cable that comes with the Series S is generally up to the task, but using an older cable can be the source of the problem. Also, make sure that the TV's game mode is enabled, as this setting often unlocks the higher refresh rates.

Another common problem is screen tearing, where the image appears to split or tear horizontally. This can happen even if you have 120 FPS enabled. To address this, make sure the "Allow variable refresh rate" (VRR) setting is enabled in your Xbox settings, provided your TV supports it. VRR synchronizes the console's output with the TV's refresh rate. If VRR is already enabled and you're still experiencing tearing, try disabling it to see if that resolves the issue. Lastly, remember that some games don't support 120 FPS. Check the game's settings or online resources to confirm whether it has a 120 FPS mode and that it is enabled in-game. If the game doesn't have a 120 FPS option, that's why it will be capped at a lower frame rate.

If you're still running into problems after trying these troubleshooting steps, consider performing a factory reset on your Xbox Series S. You can do this in the settings menu. However, be aware that this will erase all your game saves and settings, so make sure to back them up first, if possible. If all else fails, it might be a hardware issue. In this case, you may need to contact Xbox support or a qualified technician for further assistance. Keep calm, there are always solutions!

Games That Shine at 120 FPS on Xbox Series S

Okay, so you've got your Xbox Series S all set up for 120 FPS – awesome! But what games should you play to really take advantage of that smooth, responsive gameplay? The good news is that many popular titles have been optimized to run at 120 FPS on the Series S, delivering a fantastic gaming experience. Here's a quick rundown of some games that are known to perform exceptionally well with 120 FPS enabled:

Fortnite: This incredibly popular battle royale title benefits greatly from the increased frame rate, offering smoother aiming and quicker reactions. The action will be much better, and you will enjoy it much more.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare/Warzone: The fast-paced action of Call of Duty becomes even more immersive and responsive with 120 FPS. The gameplay is the star of the show!
Apex Legends: Another highly popular battle royale game that gains a competitive edge with 120 FPS. The increased responsiveness can give you a real advantage in intense firefights.
Rocket League: This fast-paced, physics-based game feels incredibly smooth at 120 FPS, making it easier to control your car and pull off impressive moves. The precision of every shot will make you a better player.
Halo Infinite: The latest installment in the iconic Halo franchise offers a 120 FPS mode, delivering an incredibly smooth and fluid experience, especially in multiplayer. Get ready to have a blast!
Overwatch 2: The fast-paced hero shooter benefits significantly from the smoother frame rates, providing a more immersive and competitive experience. Each match will become an adventure.

Keep in mind that the availability of 120 FPS support can vary depending on the game, so it's always a good idea to check the game's settings or online resources to confirm. Many other games also support 120 FPS, so be sure to explore and see what other titles you can enjoy with enhanced smoothness. The list is always growing, so you are always in for a new experience!

Maximizing Your 120 FPS Experience: Pro Tips

Want to get the most out of your 120 FPS gaming experience? Here are a few pro tips to help you maximize your enjoyment and ensure you're getting the best possible performance:

Prioritize Performance Mode: In many games that support both graphics and performance modes, the performance mode is the one that will enable 120 FPS. Always prioritize this mode if you're aiming for the smoothest gameplay possible. The graphics will be set to a low level, but the gameplay will be fantastic, and it is a must-try.
Adjust In-Game Settings: Even if a game supports 120 FPS, you may need to adjust the in-game settings to achieve it. This might involve lowering graphical details like shadows, textures, or effects. Don't worry, the visual trade-off is often worth it for the increased smoothness. Try it right now! It will be worth it!
Monitor Your Frame Rate: Some games offer a frame rate counter that you can enable in the settings. This is a great way to monitor your performance and ensure that you're actually hitting 120 FPS. This can help you identify any potential bottlenecks or issues. This is also a must-try!
Keep Your Console Clean: Over time, dust can accumulate inside your Xbox Series S, potentially leading to overheating and performance issues. Make sure to keep your console clean and well-ventilated to ensure optimal performance. Just clean it from time to time. This is also important!
Stay Updated: Game developers frequently release updates that optimize performance and add new features. Make sure your games are always updated to the latest version to ensure you're getting the best possible experience, including 120 FPS support and fixes for any known issues. Stay always up-to-date!

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the smoothest, most responsive gaming experience possible on your Xbox Series S. Enjoy the game, and have fun!

Conclusion: Embrace the Smoothness

Well, there you have it, guys! Activating 120 FPS on your Xbox Series S is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your gaming experience. By ensuring your TV or monitor supports the refresh rate, configuring your console settings correctly, and choosing the right games, you can unlock a whole new level of smoothness and responsiveness. Remember to double-check your equipment, configure your Xbox settings, and select games that support 120 FPS, and you'll be gaming like a pro in no time. So, go forth, explore, and enjoy the buttery-smooth gameplay that 120 FPS has to offer. Happy gaming, and may your frames always be high!