If you love going through your old games and cracking open some classics, you're likely familiar with how well the Xbox line handles backwards compatibility. However, did you know that the Xbox Series X|S can enhance older games to run even better using FPS Boost?

Let's explore what the Xbox FPS Boost feature does, and how you can use it to give those old games a fresh lick of paint.

What Is the FPS Boost Feature on Xbox Series X|S?

The Xbox FPS Boost feature allows you to squeeze out that extra bit of performance when you play backwards compatible games on Xbox Series X|S. You don't need to re-buy the game, nor do you need to subscribe to any premium plans or buy anything to unlock FPS Boost.

FPS Boost exists because of the big jump in hardware specifications between the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X|S. With all that new and powerful hardware, Xbox can render older games at a higher quality than the developers originally programmed them for.

A photograph of an Xbox Series X console and controller in front of a green background

Unfortunately, to get some games to run better, Microsoft has had to reduce the resolution of some titles. Here, FPS Boost won't work by default, so you can still enjoy the original resolution if you want to. However, if FPS Boost improves performance with no detrimental effects, FPS Boost will be the default setting.

So if you're playing old Xbox games on your Xbox Series X|S, utilizing the free FPS Boost feature for your games could give them a brand-new feel, but only if they support the feature.

What Xbox Series X|S Games Can Be Played With FPS Boost Enabled?

Unfortunately, FPS Boost doesn't support every backwards compatible Xbox game available on Xbox Series X|S. However, it is working hard to bring as many classic Xbox games onto FPS Boost.

Increasing the performance of an older game is not as easy as just giving it to newer hardware. The increased system power may push the game to limits developers didn't program it to handle, which causes glitches and bugs that don't exist in the non-boosted version.

A promotional image taken from Xbox Wire for the FPS Boost feature available on Xbox Series X|S
Image Credit: Xbox Wire 

Microsoft has to ensure that the game doesn't break after it applies the boost to it. This means a lot of testing and bug-finding before confirming that the game runs as stable as the original release. To double-check whether a game is compatible with FPS Boost, see all the games currently supported via Xbox Wire.

Even if you don't see your favorite game on the list, be sure to bookmark the webpage and check in every so often, as Xbox updates the table every time new entries get a next-gen makeover.

Is the FPS Boost Feature Weaker on the Xbox Series S?

You may be wondering if the FPS Boost feature works the same on both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Unfortunately, because of key differences related to power, there is a difference when it comes to the FPS Boost feature on Xbox Series S.

When comparing the Xbox Series X to the Xbox Series S, it's undeniable that the Xbox Series X is the better console regarding raw power and specifications. This unfortunately means that the FPS boost feature is weaker for some backwards compatible games on the Xbox Series S.

A photograph sowing a top down view of an Xbox Series S console resting on a counter

Even though the majority of the FPS-boosted games run the same on Xbox Series X|S, some entries fall by the wayside and will only reach 60Hz on the Series S, while the Series X version can hit 120Hz.

And in some cases, resource-intensive games on the Xbox Series S won't have an FPS Boost option at all. These are labeled as "not available" under the Xbox Series S category in the Xbox Wire list above.

How to Enable FPS Boost for Your Games on Xbox Series X|S

Now you know what games are supported by the FPS Boost on Xbox Series X|S and some of the differences between Xbox Series X|S and the feature, you're ready to start enabling FPS Boost for your Xbox Games.

To enable FPS Boost for a backwards compatible game that supports it on Xbox Series X|S, ensure you have the Xbox game installed and follow these steps:

  • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu.
  • Select My games & apps, followed by See all.
A screenshot of the Guide Menu for an Xbox Series X with My Games and Apps highlighted
  • Highlight Games, and find the game you want to enable FPS Boost for.
A screenshot of the Games library on an Xbox Series X highlighting installed Xbox games
  • Press the Menu button to open the options for your chosen game and select Manage game and add-ons.
A screenshot of the available options for an installed game on Xbox Series X highlighting Manage Game And Add Ons
  • From here, choose Compatibility options.
A screenshot of the Manage Game and Add Ons settings on Xbox Series X for an installed Xbox Game highlighting Compatibility Options
  • Ensure that the setting for FPS boost is enabled.
A screenshot of the Compatibility Options for an installed game on Xbox Series X showcasing the FPS Boost setting

With FPS boost enabled, you're ready to start playing your chosen Xbox game with heightened FPS, but you may need to restart the game before playing for the first time to ensure the feature is enabled.

A Little Extra Boost at No Extra Cost

Xbox consoles have always been fantastic for backward compatibility, but the Xbox Series X|S take it up a notch. Some of the old classics from the previous generation now have enhanced graphics, and the list will only expand as time goes on.

For a while, the Xbox was the only console that had such a feature. However, Sony has since stepped up to the plate with its own version called "Game Boost."