Both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series Xnext-gen consolesare now available. Questions regarding each console’s overall performance levels, as well as how they compare to each other, can now be answered, and developers are also now able to much more transparently discuss their thoughts on the two consoles. Such is the case forRocket Leaguedeveloper Psyonix, which recently made a statement regarding 120hz support being simpler to support on Xbox Series X, but not on PS5.
Rocket Leaguecurrently runs at a similar performance level on both PS5 and Xbox Series X. It runs at 4K resolution with 60 fps on both consoles. However, Pysonix has confirmed that it’s planning to issue an update for the Xbox Series X that will allow it to run at 120 fps with a lesser resolution, a performance mode to the game’s current cinematic mode, so to speak. This patch was not announced for the PS5, however, prompting Psyonix to make a statement on the matter.
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According to Psyonix, enabling the 120 fps option forRocket Leagueon Xbox Series X only requires a “minor patch.” However, enabling it on PS5 is a much more complicated matter.Psyonixdescribes the issue as a problem with “how backwards compatibility is implemented on the console.” Due to the additional work that would be required on the platform to enable a 120 fps mode, Psyonix wasn’t able to add the feature. It simply had other priorities.
The reasoning for thePS5’s backward compatibilitybeing limiting is likely complicated, though it does make some sense at a general level. Xbox has prioritized backward compatibility over the past generation much more significantly than PlayStation. The Xbox Series X’s architecture is also much more similar to the Xbox One’s than the PS5’s is to the PS4. These decisions very likely make changes like this simpler for developers.
Obviously, as great as it would be for all games to have a 120hz mode, it’s not a necessity. Most console gamers don’t even have a television that can support 120hz.Rocket Leaguebeing an esportmakes the opportunity for 120 fps particularly appealing, but it’s unlikely to be a problem for many, if any other games.
For the time being, all PS5 and Xbox Series X Rock League players have access to4K at 60 fps gameplay, which is nothing to be disappointed by in the slightest. When the 120 fps patch hits the Xbox Series X and S, however, some ofRocket League’s most competitive players on console may have to consider picking up a new console.
Rocket Leagueis available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, as well as Ps5 and Xbox Series X via backward compatibility.
