While the PlayStation 5 Pro has surpassed it in terms of power, the Xbox Series X is still one of the most powerful and reliable gaming platforms available on the market. Capable of running simultaneously at 4K resolution and 120 Hz, the Series X will ensure you can get every last bit of performance out of any game you play. But how does it fare when it comes to sports games?
Unlike when playing single-player games, sports gamers require a ton in order to be competitive, especially in a multiplayer environment. But how can one achieve
How To Set Up The Xbox Series X For Sports Games
Decrease Input Delay By Any Means Necessary
If you’re playing sports games online, input delay can make or break your performance. This is because every action you take is dependent on your reaction time, and even the tiniest of margins can add up and keep you a step behind the competition. This is why reducing input delay is of the utmost importance.
If you can afford it, the first and best solution to reducing input delay is to buy a low-latency computer monitor with good resolution and a high refresh rate. However, that isn’t feasible for everyone who will come across this article.
If you’re on a TV, the best way to reduce input delay is to toggle off any of the “fluff” settings that many modern TVs have turned on by default. The first way to do this is to enable Game Mode on your TV, which most have. Furthermore, you’ll want to disable things such as motion smoothing, noise reduction, or anything with “dynamic” in its name.
By following those steps, you should be able to eliminate any kind of noticeable input delay and be competitive.
Prioritize Frame Rate Over Resolution
I get it, having your games looking at their glorious best is always something you want, especially if you’re forking out $500+ on a console that promises such visuals. That said, some of the higher resolutions you can use on Xbox Series X don’t accommodate a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is vital to achieving 120 FPS.
With that in mind, it’s important to check your settings and ensure you’re getting the most out of your display. To check these settings, do the following:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller
- Find Settings
- In General, select TV & Display Options
Once you’ve found your display settings, check which resolution enables a 120 Hz refresh rate, as this will give you the most responsiveness when it comes to gaming. If you’re running on a TV with HDMI 2.1 support, you can likely get 120 Hz in 4K. However, many TVs won’t offer that kind of refresh rate unless you’re willing to scale down to 1080p or, in some cases, 1440p. There is also the option to run an HDMI override, but that’s a bit more of a complicated process.
Use A Wired Controller
Yeah, I know — wireless controllers are currently the norm and are way more convenient. However, though it’s slight, there is a small delay that occurs when using a wireless control. To get rid of said delay, playing with a wired controller is essential.
While controllers are pretty costly these days — about as much as a triple-A game at full price — wireless controllers typically go for a bit less. On top of that, they don’t require external gear such as batteries, whether chargeable or disposable. I personally play on a wired controller, and honestly, I don’t even notice.
These are some handy tips on how to get the most out of sports games on the Xbox Series X. If you have any pointers of your own, let us know!
