Microsoft is launching a new FPS Boost feature for its latest Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, designed to make existing games run better. Although Microsoft has previously focused on improving backward-compatible frame rates for its latest Xbox consoles, FPS Boost was specifically designed to improve older games without the developers having to do any additional work.
Some games almost double frame rates, and Microsoft says it has seen some cases where backward-compatible titles even quadruple frame rates. The first games to support FPS Boost are Far Cry 4, New Super Lucky’s Tale, Sniper Elite 4, UFC 4, and Watch Dogs 2. Improvements vary between games, with New Super Lucky’s Tale now running at up to 120 fps and UFC 4 includes 60fps performance specifically on the Xbox Series S.
Games that work with FPS Boost will include a new indicator when you press the Xbox button on a controller, just like the Quick Resume or automatic HDR indicators appear today on the Xbox Series X and S consoles.
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“This is just the beginning,” explains Paul Eng, Xbox senior program manager. “We will announce and release more titles with FPS Boost soon, as we release new menu icons and system settings in a future system update.” This new panel update will arrive in the spring and will include the ability to toggle game compatibility options. You can deactivate automatic HDR or activate and deactivate this new FPS Boost feature to really see the impact it causes or simply play in its original form.
Microsoft will release FPS Boost more widely soon with this new panel update. Although the initial list is quite limited, Microsoft says it is planning to announce more games that support FPS Boost in the coming months.