What is Xbox FPS Boost?

FPS Boost is a feature exclusive to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles that can significantly improve a game's frame rate. The technique, reserved for older games, was devised by Microsoft's backward compatibility team and can double (and sometimes even quadruple) the original frame rate of a game. This allows for a buttery-smooth gameplay experience, something which might not have been possible previously due to hardware capabilities at the time. FPS Boost doesn't require any extra work from developers, and you won't need to download any updates to see the benefits now or in the future.

FPS Boost is used to improve frame rates in previous-gen games. When FPS Boost was first announced, just five games utilised the feature: Far Cry 4, Sniper Elite 4, Watch Dogs 2, UFC 4, and New Super Lucky's Tale. The list of supported titles has now grown to almost three hundred titles. Here is the full list of Xbox FPS Boost games.

Sadly, it looks like Microsoft is done with the FPS Boost program. Xbox's director of project management, Jason Ronald, said on the Iron Lords podcast that the team is running into limitations with the current FPS Boost technique and that Microsoft will continue to look for new opportunities and new ways to enhance older games, but there's nothing to come in the immediate future.

For most compatible games, FPS Boost is enabled automatically. However, for some, you will need to turn it on. This is because Microsoft needs to reduce a game's resolution to ensure the game runs with a steady frame rate. To check if the game you're playing is running FPS Boost, hit the Xbox button on your controller while in the game, and you should see the FPS Boost overlay indicator in the top right corner of the screen. If you don't see this, you can easily turn on FPS Boost by heading to Compatibility Options in the Manage Game and Add-ons setting.

Unfortunately, FPS Boost does come with a negative. In a certain few games, Microsoft dials back the resolution to achieve a decent and stable frame rate, so while the game will perform better than it did previously, it may not look as good or as defined as it did previously. FPS Boost is turned off by default for these games and must be enabled if you want to use it.