The Xbox Series S is a great console. It has changed how we play games. A top feature is playing games at 120 frames per second (FPS). This makes games feel very smooth and fast. It can help you win. But making it work is not so simple. If you want to learn how to get 120 fps on xbox series s, you are in the right place. You need the right TV or monitor. You also need the right cables and settings. This guide will show you every step. You will learn how to get that smooth 120 FPS gameplay.
Why is 120 FPS a Game Changer for Your Xbox?
First, let’s talk about why 120 FPS is good. For a long time, 60 FPS was the best for console games. It was a big step up from 30 FPS. Making it 120 FPS has two big benefits.
First, games are smoother. At 120 FPS, your game shows you 120 pictures each second. Things on screen move very smoothly. Action looks clear, not blurry. Going back to 60 FPS can feel slow after you try it.
Second, there is less input lag. This is key for competitive players. Input lag is the delay when you press a button. With more frames, your actions show up on screen faster. This can help you win in games like Call of Duty or Fortnite. Your aim feels better and you react faster.
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What Hardware Do You Need to Get Started?
You need the right gear for 120 FPS. Your console is ready, but your TV and cables must also be ready. This is often the first problem when figuring out how to get 120 fps on xbox series s.
Does My TV or Monitor Actually Support a 120Hz Refresh Rate?
This is the most important question. Your screen’s refresh rate is key. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). It’s how many times the screen shows a new picture each second. You need a 120Hz screen to see 120 FPS.
- How to Check Your Display’s Specs: Check your TV or monitor model online. The maker’s site or a review site will list the specs. Find “Refresh Rate” and check for 120Hz or higher.
- Be Careful with Marketing Terms: Some TVs use fake terms like “Motion Rate 240.” These are just for marketing. They are not a true 120Hz refresh rate. You must find the “Native Refresh Rate.”
If your screen is only 60Hz, you cannot get 120 FPS. It does not matter what settings you change.
Is the Included HDMI Cable Good Enough?
The Xbox Series S has a High Speed HDMI cable. This cable works fine for most uses. The Series S aims for 120 FPS at 1080p or 1440p. A normal High Speed HDMI cable can do that.
But for the best signal, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is better. This is also called an HDMI 2.1 cable. The Series X has one, but the Series S does not. It’s not needed for the Series S. But an HDMI 2.1 cable makes sure all features work well with 120Hz.
How Do I Know Which HDMI Port to Use on My TV?
Many people miss this step. On a 120Hz TV, not all HDMI ports are the same. Often, only one or two ports support the full 120Hz signal.
- Check the Port Labels: Check the HDMI ports on your TV. They are often labeled. You might see a label like “HDMI (4K @ 120Hz).” Use that port.
- Consult Your TV’s Manual: If there are no labels, check your TV’s manual. It will tell you which ports to use. Using the wrong port is a common problem.
How to Get 120 FPS on Xbox Series S: The Console Settings
After your hardware is ready, go to the Xbox settings. Here you will tell the console to use a high frame rate.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Xbox Display Options
Here is what to do on your Xbox.
- Open Settings: Press the Xbox button. Go to Profile & system, then pick Settings.
- Go to TV & display options: In the General tab, pick TV & display options.
- Set the Refresh Rate: Find the Refresh rate menu. Change it from 60Hz to 120Hz.
- Set the Resolution: The Series S is for 1080p and 1440p games. Pick one of these. You cannot run 4K games at 120 FPS on the Series S. The console may lower the resolution for you. Pick the best one for your screen that works with 120Hz.
- Confirm the Change: Your screen will go black. The Xbox will ask if you want to keep the change. If it looks good, pick Yes, keep.
How to Check if 120Hz is Working Correctly on Your Xbox
How do you know it worked? The Xbox has a screen to check this.
- In the TV & display options menu, pick 4K TV details.
- This screen shows you a full report. You should see green checks next to “Your TV setup supports up to 120Hz.” It tells you what is working. ✅
How to Get 120 FPS on Xbox Series S if the Option is Missing
What if the 120Hz option is missing? This is usually a hardware problem.
- Check Your Hardware Again: Check that you have a 120Hz screen. Also check that you used the right HDMI port.
- Change Display Override Settings: In the TV & display options menu, go to Video fidelity & overscan. Change the Display setting from Auto-detect to HDMI. This can force the console to see your screen’s features. Then check if the 120Hz option is there.
Finding and Playing Games at 120 FPS
Setting your console to 120Hz does not mean all games run at 120 FPS. You need to play a game that supports it. You also may need to turn on “performance mode” in the game.
Do All Games Support 120 FPS Automatically?
No. Games must be made or updated to support 120 FPS. Makers have to add settings for this. This often means lower graphics.
For games that support it, you often have to turn it on yourself. In the game’s menu, find Settings or Options. Then find a Graphics or Video tab. You will often see a choice. “Quality Mode” has better graphics. “Performance Mode” aims for 120 FPS. You must pick Performance Mode.
How to Get 120 FPS on Xbox Series S in Fortnite
Fortnite is a popular game that supports 120 FPS. Here is how to turn it on:
- First, turn on 120Hz in your Xbox settings.
- Start Fortnite.
- Open Settings from the main menu.
- Go to the Video tab.
- Find the 120 FPS Mode option. Turn it On.
- You must restart the game.
How to Get 120 FPS on Xbox Series S in Call of Duty
Call of Duty games also support 120 FPS. The steps are much the same:
- First, turn on 120Hz on your console.
- Start the Call of Duty game.
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Find the Graphics tab.
- Find the 120Hz Refresh Rate option. Set it to Enabled.
- The game will save the setting. You can then play at a high frame rate.
What Are Some Other Games That Support 120 FPS?
The list of 120 FPS games is growing. Some popular games are:
- Halo Infinite (Multiplayer)
- Gears 5 (Multiplayer)
- Rocket League
- Overwatch 2
- Destiny 2 (Crucible)
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Sea of Thieves
You can find full lists online. They are updated often. Playing the right games is a key part of how to get 120 fps on xbox series s.
Common Problems and Easy Solutions
You might still have problems. Here are some common problems and fixes.
Why Is the 120Hz Option Grayed Out on My Xbox?
This is usually a hardware problem. It means the Xbox thinks your TV can’t use a 120Hz signal.
- Check the Port: You might be in the wrong HDMI port. Find the one for 120Hz.
- Check the Cable: Try a new HDMI cable. Yours might be old or broken.
- Check TV Settings: Some TVs need you to turn on “Enhanced Format” or “Game Mode” for the HDMI port. Check your TV’s settings.
Does Enabling 120 FPS Lower the Graphics Quality?
Yes, most of the time. This is the trade-off. To get more frames, the console does less work per frame. This means the game might have a lower resolution. Or it might have less detail in shadows and textures. For most players, the smoother feel is worth the small drop in graphics.
Is It Worth Buying a 120Hz TV Just for the Xbox Series S?
If you are a serious gamer, yes. The jump from 60 FPS to 120 FPS is a big upgrade. It makes games feel better. The Xbox Series S is a good console. A 120Hz screen helps it do its best. If you play fast games, you will see the benefit right away. For more info, check the official Xbox Support site.
It’s all about enjoying your games. Follow these steps to unlock a top feature of your console. You can enjoy a new level of smooth gaming. Happy gaming! 🚀
FAQ – How to Get 120 FPS on Xbox Series S

How can I verify if 120Hz is active and working correctly on my Xbox Series S?
You can verify it by navigating to the ‘4K TV details’ in the TV & display options menu, where a report will show if your TV setup supports up to 120Hz with a green checkmark indicating proper support.
What steps should I follow to enable 120Hz in Xbox Series S settings?
You should open Xbox Settings, go to TV & display options, set the refresh rate to 120Hz, and select a compatible resolution such as 1080p or 1440p. Confirm the changes and ensure your display supports 120Hz to enjoy smoother gameplay.
How can I check if my TV supports a 120Hz refresh rate?
To check if your TV supports a 120Hz refresh rate, look up your TV’s model specifications online or consult the manual to find the ‘Refresh Rate’ information, ensuring it lists 120Hz or higher. Be cautious of marketing terms like ‘Motion Rate’ which may not indicate true 120Hz support.
Is the included HDMI cable sufficient for 120 FPS gameplay on Xbox Series S?
The included High Speed HDMI cable is generally sufficient for most uses, supporting 120 FPS at 1080p or 1440p. However, for optimal performance and to ensure all features work correctly with 120Hz, using an Ultra High Speed HDMI (HDMI 2.1) cable is recommended.
What are the benefits of playing games at 120 FPS on Xbox Series S?
Playing games at 120 FPS on Xbox Series S results in smoother gameplay and reduced input lag, which can improve reaction times and the overall gaming experience, especially in fast-paced and competitive games.