Overwatch has been enhanced for Xbox Series X/S, but no word on PS5
Native 4K and 120fps modes added
Overwatch has received a new update that adds next-gen support for the Xbox Series X and Series S, but not the PlayStation 5.
The patch notes for yesterday’s update list a new Preferred Mode graphics option which lets Xbox Series X and S players choose between three new presets:
- Resolution – 4K @ 60fps on Series X, 1440p @ 60fps on Series S, with reduced image quality
- Balanced – 1440p @ 60fps on Series X, 1080p @ 60fps on Series S, with improved image quality
- Framerate – 1440p @ 120fps on Series X, 1080p @ 120fps on Series S, with reduced image quality
The patch notes make no mention of any similar graphics modes for the PlayStation 4 version of the game, suggesting the update is only for Xbox consoles at the moment.
This is the latest example of a last-gen multi-platform game receiving better next-gen optimisation on Xbox Series X and S than the PS5. This is likely due to restrictions around how Sony’s console handles backwards compatibility updates.
In January EA released a next-gen optimisation update for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Although this update also improved the PS5 version, its improvements were locked to 1440p postprocessing at 60fps. The Xbox Series X version, meanwhile, gave players the choice of two modes, Performance (60fps and dynamic resolution up to 1440p) or Normal (4K postprocessing).
Since both next-gen consoles launched, a number of games including Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars: Squadrons, Call of Duty: Warzone and Rocket League have received performance updates for those playing on Xbox Series X, but not PS5.
Enabling next-gen performance features such as 120fps reportedly requires a full native port on PS5, while Microsoft allows such features to be added via a backwards compatibility patch.