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

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 a certified 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 between 4K and 1080p gaming 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.