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For competitive FPS play, start with a game’s Performance or 120 FPS mode if that specific title offers one. First confirm that the game, console, display, HDMI input and cable all support the target refresh rate; then enable the option in the game itself. A console set to 120 Hz does not make an unsupported game run at 120 FPS, and choosing a higher frame rate can involve a resolution or visual-quality trade-off.
What to check before changing settings
120 FPS is a game feature, not a system-wide switch. Microsoft describes optimized Xbox Series X|S titles as capable of higher, steadier frame rates up to 120 FPS; that is a capability ceiling, not a promise for every game (Xbox optimized games). Check support for the exact game and console version in its current settings or official help page.
- Game: Look for a Performance, 120 FPS, or similar option. Menu labels and availability vary by title.
- Display: Verify the exact HDMI input supports the resolution and refresh-rate combination you want. Also check VRR support and range if you plan to use it.
- Signal path: Confirm the console is connected to a suitable display input with a cable that supports the target mode. A new cable is only necessary if the existing connection is inadequate.
- Trade-off: Decide whether you prioritize frame rate, resolution, HDR, or visual detail. No single balance is best for every game and display.
Set the console’s video output
PlayStation 5
Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Check the connected-device information, including resolution, VRR, and HDR capabilities, and review 120 Hz Output, VRR, ALLM, and Video Transfer Rate as relevant. Sony says PS5 detects a TV’s capabilities and selects the best available resolution automatically; these settings let you inspect or adjust output. Its 1440p output test can check SDR or HDR, 60 or 120 Hz, and VRR where supported (Sony’s PS5 resolution guide).
PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120 Hz video output, but that describes console output capability—not a guarantee that a game renders at native 4K and 120 FPS. Sony notes that support varies by market and that some setups may have issues. Check the display manual for the specific input and mode rather than relying only on a general “120 Hz” label.
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#1 Best Overall
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Xbox Series X|S
Open Settings > General > TV & display options and set Refresh rate to 120 Hz if the connected display and input support it. If they do not, select a supported resolution and refresh rate instead. The game still needs its own 120 FPS or Performance option; enabling 120 Hz at the console does not add that feature to a title.
Enable the setting in the game
Apex Legends
Electronic Arts says PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can enable 120 FPS mode with a 120 Hz display and an HDMI cable that supports 120 Hz. After configuring the console, open Apex’s video settings, choose Graphics Mode > Performance, and apply the change (EA’s Apex Legends 120 FPS instructions). These are Apex-specific steps, not a universal menu path for other shooters.
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Fortnite
Epic’s instructions differ by platform:
- PS5: Set the console’s Game Preset to Performance Mode, then enable 120 FPS in Fortnite’s Video settings.
- Xbox Series X|S: Set the console refresh rate to 120 Hz under Settings > General > TV & display options, then enable Fortnite’s 120 FPS toggle in the game’s Video settings.
Epic says that if the 120 FPS option does not appear, it is not available for that setup. Enabling Performance mode makes Save the World unavailable. Epic also warns that the PS5 performance preset may affect in-game output resolution if the TV and AV setup do not support 4K at 120 Hz (Epic’s Fortnite 120 FPS instructions).
Use VRR when the game and display support it
Variable refresh rate (VRR) synchronizes a compatible display’s refresh rate with the console’s graphics output. Sony says it can minimize or eliminate screen tearing and frame-pacing artifacts, but the result varies by display, game, and selected visual mode (Sony’s VRR announcement). Test it with the game you play rather than assuming it will improve every setup. PS5 can apply VRR to unsupported games, but Sony advises turning that setting off if unexpected visual effects occur.
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ALLM, or Auto Low Latency Mode, can switch a compatible display into a low-latency mode. Check the exact display’s support: Sony notes that not all displays with HDMI 2.1 support ALLM.
Troubleshoot a missing 120 Hz or 4K 120 Hz signal
- Confirm the display’s exact capability. Check its manual for the resolution and refresh rate supported by the specific HDMI input in use, and verify any VRR requirements.
- Use the compatible HDMI port. Some displays offer higher-bandwidth features on particular inputs. Connect the console to the input specified by the display maker.
- Check firmware. Sony recommends updating the display firmware when troubleshooting PS5 4K 120 Hz output.
- Check the cable and connection. For PS5 4K 120 Hz troubleshooting, Sony recommends the cable included with the console or an Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cable rated for 4K 120 Hz. Connect directly to the display where possible, bypassing receivers or other devices that might limit the signal.
- Review console output settings. On PS5, check resolution and Video Transfer Rate under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. On Xbox, confirm the selected resolution and refresh rate under Settings > General > TV & display options.
- Check the game menu again. The game must support the mode for that console and setup. If Fortnite’s 120 FPS option is absent, Epic says it is unavailable for that setup.
Choose a display by the modes it supports
Compare display options using the specific combinations that matter to your games and console, not a headline refresh-rate figure alone.
Rank #4
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- Refresh rate at the resolution you plan to use, and whether the console and game support that output.
- VRR compatibility and supported range for the exact display model.
- Which HDMI input supports the required resolution, refresh rate, and VRR features.
- ALLM support if automatic low-latency switching matters.
- Firmware and signal-chain requirements, including whether the supplied HDMI cable is sufficient.
- Your preference among frame rate, resolution, HDR, and image quality.
Settings that need game-specific advice
There is no supported universal numerical recommendation here for field of view, motion blur, HDR, aim, or sensitivity across FPS games. Their options and trade-offs vary by title, patch, preference, and accessibility needs. Check the current game’s settings and documentation before applying exact values; the console-level output steps above do not determine those choices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
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- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
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