Xbox One S and One X get FreeSync support in the Spring Update

The Xbox One S and One X will receive support for AMD’s FreeSync variable refresh rate technology in the spring. This should ensure that these consoles also produce the smoothest possible-looking image at lower frame rates in games.

In last Saturday’s Inside Xbox stream, AMD marketing manager Antal Tungler reveals that the latest two Xbox One consoles will support FreeSync 2. That means there will be support not only for variable game refresh rates, but also for things like HDR. However, this functionality requires a FreeSync-capable monitor. In all likelihood, FreeSync 1 monitors will work too. FreeSync is about HDMI for the Xbox One.

In addition, Microsoft announces that all Xbox One consoles will use auto low latency mode, a function that is laid down in the hdmi 2.1 spec. The console will monitor when it starts up a game and then signal the television to enable game mode or such a low-latency mode to enhance gameplay. In this mode, TV post-processing effects, such as frame interpolation, are disabled. The first HDMI 2.1 displays are expected in the course of 2018.

It is striking that within the topic of hdmi 2.1 there is no mention of the support for Game Mode Variable Refresh Rate, also one of the functions of that new hdmi spec. If support for this were also in the pipeline, then gamers who want support for variable refresh rates wouldn’t be required to use a FreeSync monitor. There are no TVs that support FreeSync.

Earlier this month, it was also announced that all Xbox One consoles with the Spring Update will receive support for 1440p resolutions. It is unknown when the Spring Update will be released for all Xbox One owners. In any case, the Spring Update will come to the alpha ring of the Xbox Insiders program in a week.