Xbox Series X vs. Series S: Is 120FPS Worth the Extra $200?
In the world of competitive shooters like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Halo Infinite, frame rate is king. High frame rates reduce input lag and make motion look fluid, giving you a tangible edge over opponents playing at 60FPS. Both Xbox consoles offer 120Hz support, but the visual cost of hitting those speeds varies wildly.
The 120FPS Reality Check
Xbox Series X
Targets 120FPS at 1440p or 4K (dynamic). You get the speed without sacrificing too much image clarity. Footsteps and distant enemies remain sharp.
Xbox Series S
Targets 120FPS at 720p or 1080p. To hit the speed, the console often has to drop resolution significantly, resulting in a “blurry” image in fast-paced matches.
Performance Comparison in Top Titles
| Game | Series X (120Hz Mode) | Series S (120Hz Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Warzone | ~1440p (Stable 120) | ~800p (Frequent Drops) |
| Fortnite | 1440p (Rock Solid) | 1080p (Mostly Solid) |
| Halo Infinite | 1440p (High Quality) | 720p – 900p (Lower Quality) |
| Gears 5 | 4K (Dynamic) | 1080p (Native) |
Is the “Blur” a Dealbreaker?
For many gamers, the Series S is the ultimate value for 120FPS gaming if they use a small 24-inch 1080p monitor. At that screen size, the drop to 720p or 900p isn’t as distracting. However, if you are playing on a large 55-inch or 65-inch 4K TV, the Series S will look noticeably “soft” or pixelated in 120Hz mode.
The Series X provides the “pro” experience where you get the competitive advantage of high frame rates without losing the ability to see a sniper’s glint across the map.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 4K at 120FPS (Series X), yes. However, for 1080p or 1440p at 120FPS, most standard HDMI 2.0 ports on gaming monitors will work just fine.
Yes. The CPU and GPU work much harder to push twice the frames. You may notice the fan speed fluctuating more (revving up) when 120Hz mode is enabled.