For enthusiasts chasing buttery-smooth visuals in the competitive arena of console gaming, the pursuit of 120 frames per second is a constant priority. The Xbox One S, while often viewed as a legacy system in the shadow of its successors, offers a pathway to this heightened responsiveness that many players overlook. Understanding how to coax 120 Hz output from this hardware requires specific knowledge regarding display compatibility, game support, and peripheral configuration, transforming an older console into a finely-tuned machine for competitive play.
Decoding 120 Hz: What It Means for Your Xbox One S
The number 120 refers to the refresh rate, measured in Hertz, at which your television updates the image on the screen. A 120 Hz display can refresh its image 120 times per second, effectively doubling the standard 60 Hz rate. This technical upgrade reduces motion blur, ensures smoother camera pans, and provides a distinct advantage in fast-paced shooters where split-second reactions are critical. However, it is vital to remember that the console must output a 120 Hz signal, and the game itself must render at that frame rate for the benefits to be realized.
Hardware Requirements and Connectivity
To achieve 120 fps on Xbox One S, you must ensure your entire setup supports the technology. This begins with the High-Speed HDMI cable that should be included with your console; standard cables often cannot transmit the necessary bandwidth. Furthermore, your television must specifically feature a 120 Hz mode, which is distinct from a 120 Hz backlight scanning feature found on some budget models. Checking your TV’s specifications for native 120 Hz support in the 1080p or 4K resolution ranges is the essential first step before adjusting any settings.
Supported Televisions and Monitors
Not all modern televisions are created equal when it comes to console gaming. Many "120 Hz" TVs only support the mode in specific, lower resolutions like 1080p, rather than in 4K. For the best results with an Xbox One S, look for a TV that explicitly states it supports 120 Hz at 1080p or 4K resolution. High-end TVs from the last several years typically handle this, but verifying the exact compatibility in the user manual prevents frustration when the option does not appear in the system settings.
Enabling the Setting on Your Console
Once your display is confirmed ready, the configuration must happen on the Xbox One S itself. Navigate to the System menu, then select Display and sound. Within the Video output section, you will find the Advanced settings option. Here, you will unlock the television refresh rate, allowing the console to bypass the standard 60 Hz cap. Activating this toggle is the direct trigger that allows the console to communicate with your monitor in the high-speed language of 120 Hz.
Game Library and Performance Variance
Perhaps the most significant limitation in the quest for 120 fps is not the hardware, but the software titles available. The Xbox One S library is vast, but only a select handful of games are optimized to run at this elevated frame rate. These titles are almost exclusively competitive multiplayer experiences where responsiveness is paramount. Players should not expect cinematic single-player adventures to magically run at 120 Hz, as those games prioritize visual fidelity over raw speed, instead locking at 30 or 60 frames.
Titles That Deliver the Experience
For those looking to maximize their setup, focusing on specific shooters and sports games is the strategy. Titles such as *Fortnite*, *Call of Duty*, and *Rocket League* have historically supported 120 Hz modes on console. Enabling the setting within the game’s specific options menu is usually required, as the system-level change only unlocks the capability. When both the console and the game align, the difference in smoothness is immediately apparent to the player.
