You can play 4k @ 120Hz on your Xbox series S, but you’ll need the right cable

Upscaled 1440p can’t compare to native 4K but works

2 min. read

Published onFebruary 2, 2024

published onFebruary 2, 2024

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

You can use Xbox Series S on 4K at 120Hz with a 2.1 HDMI cable. However, what you’ll see is not really 4K. On the contrary, it is an upscale resolution that matches 4K. After all, Series X doesn’t support native 4K. So, if you want to identify the difference, try playing on an Xbox Series X.

Explanations and caveats

Can Xbox Series S do 120Hz at 4K?

Xbox Series S can do 120 Hz at 4K. But, keep in mind that the games you play on Series S are meant for 1440p. So, even if your console can stream media files at 4K, do not expect your frame rate to match your monitor’s refresh rate while playing games due to upscaling.

Does HDMI 2.0 support 120Hz Xbox Series S?

If you want to experience 4K, know that the HDMI 2.0 cable that comes with Xbox Series S doesn’t support 4K on 120Hz. For that, you will need acertified HDMI 2.1 cable. Also, to make sure that it is an authentic cable, look for the certification sticker on the box.

From personal experience, we can tell you that a certified cable will make a difference even if you are playing on 1440p. After all, it will facilitate better data transfer.

A HDMI 2.1 cable isn’t the only requirement to run games on 4K on Series S. Moreover, you need to ensure that your monitor supports 4K UHD at 120Hz.

All in all, you can use an Xbox Series S to play on 4K at 120Hz. But, you might notice some minor texture blurs from the upscaling or zoomed-in aspects of the UI. Also, keep in mind that Xbox Series S can’t fully use the monitor at full capacity, and a 1440p 120 Hz monitor would be a better choice for gaming.

If you are interested, you can discover more about the differences between4K and 1080pgaming on Xbox.

What are your thoughts? Will you go an extra mile to use an Xbox Series S to play on 4K at 120Hz? Do you think of compromising and playing on 1440p? Let us know in the comments below.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

You can play 4k @ 120Hz on your Xbox series S, but you’ll need the right cable#

Explanations and caveats#

Can Xbox Series S do 120Hz at 4K?#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

You can play 4k @ 120Hz on your Xbox series S, but you’ll need the right cable

Explanations and caveats

Can Xbox Series S do 120Hz at 4K?