Xbox Series X Frame Rate: Developers Will Decide, Exec Says

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful console ever. It's capable of delivering frame rates of 120 FPS, but not every game will reach that height. Xbox marketing director Aaron Greenberg said on Twitter that developers will decide how to make the most out of the next-gen console, and there is no frame rate mandate.

"Ultimately, it is up to individual developers to determine how they leverage the power and speed of Xbox Series X," he said.

Greenberg's comment came after a spokesperson for Ubisoft said to Eurogamer Portugal that Assassin's Creed Valhalla will reach "at least 30 FPS" on Xbox Series X. Greenberg said earlier that 60 FPS will be the "standard output" on Xbox Series X, but ultimately, developers will choose what's best for their games.

The official word from Microsoft is that the Xbox Series X will support up to 120 FPS. "Xbox Series X allows developers to exceed standard 60 FPS output in favor of heightened realism or fast-paced action," the company said in a news release.

Frame rate is just one part of the overall graphics and presentation package for a game. The Xbox Series X also has an SSD to help speed up loading times, along with a custom-designed processor that promises "four times the processing power" of the existing Xbox One. The next-gen system also uses a new technology called variable rate shading to help create "more stable frame rates and higher resolution." The console also makes use of ray-tracing, which Microsoft says allows for "more dynamic and realistic environments." This is the first time ray-tracing is coming to console.

The Xbox Series X will release this holiday, with Halo Infinite as a launch title. Microsoft will showcase Halo Infinite, and other first-party exclusives, during an Xbox 20/20 event in July.