How to Enable 120Hz Output on Xbox Series S

Unlocking smoother gameplay on your Xbox Series S requires specific hardware and settings adjustments to achieve high frame rates. This guide walks you through the necessary steps to activate 120Hz output, ensuring your display and console are configured correctly for high-frame-rate gaming without unnecessary troubleshooting.

Check Your Hardware Requirements

Before adjusting console settings, verify that your display and connection equipment support high refresh rates. Your TV or monitor must be capable of displaying 120Hz at the resolution you intend to use. Additionally, you should use the High-Speed HDMI cable included with your Xbox Series S or a certified Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable to ensure sufficient bandwidth for 120fps gameplay.

Navigate to TV & Display Options

Turn on your Xbox Series S and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Navigate to the Profile & system tab and select Settings. From the General menu, choose TV & display options. Here you will see your current resolution and refresh rate settings. If your TV supports 120Hz, you may see 120Hz listed in the Refresh rate dropdown menu.

Enable 120Hz in Video Modes

If the refresh rate dropdown does not show 120Hz, you need to enable the capability in the video modes menu. Select Video modes under the TV & display options menu. Look for the checkbox labeled Allow 120Hz and ensure it is ticked. If this option is grayed out, your display or HDMI cable may not support the required bandwidth, or you may need to lower your resolution to 1440p or 1080p.

Adjust Resolution for Compatibility

The Xbox Series S often requires a resolution adjustment to output 120Hz on displays that do not support 4K at 120Hz. Go back to the TV & display options main menu and change the Resolution setting to 1440p or 1080p. Once the resolution is lowered, return to the Refresh rate setting and select 120Hz. The screen may flicker briefly as the console applies the new display settings.

Verify Game Support

Enabling 120Hz on the console does not guarantee every game will run at 120 frames per second. Developers must optimize their titles to support high frame rates. Check the specific game details on the Microsoft Store or the in-game display settings to confirm 120fps support. When playing a supported title, you can verify the output by pressing the Xbox button and checking the current refresh rate in the overlay.