8K TVs are becoming more common and slightly more affordable than they used to be. While they remain pricey, the cost has significantly dropped since their initial release, which might leave you wondering does the Xbox Series X support 8K yet?
The situation with 8K support on the Xbox Series X, and even PS5 8K support, is somewhat unclear because the consoles have features that are not yet fully utilized. However, don't worry; we're here to clarify everything for you, especially if you own one of the best TVs around.
Does the Xbox Series X support 8K?
The Xbox Series X is fully capable of 8K output, but the feature is currently restricted. Similar to the PS5, which looks unlikely to ever fully support 8K now with the PS5 Pro, the Xbox Series X hasn't been 'unlocked' for 8K functionality, and there’s a good reason for this.
Only a small fraction of consumers own 8K TVs or monitors, leading many companies to prioritize 4K content instead. This focus does make sense, as 8K TVs are often prohibitively expensive, costing tens of thousands of dollars, and 8K monitors remain exceptionally rare at the time of writing.
By concentrating on 4K, the Xbox fits a broader audience while the 8K market continues to develop. However, the switch to 8K is still something that could happen at some stage in the console's life span...
When will the Xbox Series X support 8K?
The Xbox Series X already supports 8K resolution, so it's just a matter of when the feature will be fully activated. However, the widespread adoption of 8K isn't here yet, so gamers are unlikely to see the feature become available any time soon.
Steps are being made towards 8K support, though, as Sony made sure to mention the PS5 Pro supports 8K resolution during its launch. However, for 8K to become mainstream, TV prices need to drop significantly, and companies must start creating 8K-compatible content. This shift will be challenging, as it requires additional complexity, time, and resources for what might initially be a niche market.
Opinion: What's so good about 8K anyway?
8K resolution is undoubtedly impressive, showcasing stunning detail, especially on larger screens. However, is this what gamers truly want? In the current gaming landscape, high frames-per-second (fps) are essential for popular titles like Warzone, Fortnite, and EA FC. Running these games in 8K might diminish fps, potentially compromising competitive performance.
Moreover, 8K technology seems more prevalent in TVs than monitors, often on massive screens that are a mixed bag for gaming. While these large displays enhance immersion in story-driven games like Ghost of Tsushima, they aren't always the best choice for all gaming scenarios, as bigger isn’t always better for gameplay.
There's also an ongoing debate about whether the human eye can even perceive 8K resolution. For now, the focus should remain on HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz TVs or monitors, which truly showcase the capabilities of the Xbox Series X and PS5.
So, while 8K offers incredible visuals, its practical benefits for gamers are debatable. High fps and responsive gameplay remain paramount, making HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz displays the current gold standard for an optimal gaming experience. Don't completely discount 8K if you're looking for the crispest, clearest visuals around—use the button below to browse some of the newest and most popular 8K TVs on the market.
Hopefully that clears up everything you need to know about the Xbox Series X and whether or not it supports 8K. Stay tuned for more guides like this at Gfinity.
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