Xbox’s March 2021 update adds toggles for FPS Boost and Auto HDR

Microsoft has detailed Xbox’s March 2021 update, which is rolling out now.

It includes new toggles for FPS Boost and Auto HDR for backward compatible games, updates to the Xbox Accessories app ahead of the launch of the Xbox wireless headset, and the return of Achievements to the Xbox app, among other features.

Announced in February, FPS Boost is a system-level feature that increases performance in select backwards compatible titles without requiring changes to the original game code.

It sees supported Xbox One games run at up to four times their original frame rate, with the first titles to use the feature being Far Cry 4, New Super Lucky’s Tale, Sniper Elite 4, UFC 4 and Watch Dogs 2.

Following March’s update, users will be able to go into the ‘Manage Game’ section for any title, where they’ll be presented with a new ‘Compatibility Options’ button that will allow them to toggle FPS Boost and Auto HDR (which adds HDR enhancements to games which only shipped with standard dynamic range) on or off. Once the game is restarted, the selections will be applied.

The new update also makes changes to the Xbox Accessories app in preparation for the launch of the new Xbox wireless headset on March 16.

Priced at $99.99/£89.99, the first-party accessory promises to deliver “best-in-class audio and chat performance, outstanding design and comfort, and unique experiences that are tailored for each gamer”.

Using the Xbox Accessories app on consoles and PC, players can customise equaliser settings, bass boost, auto-mute sensitivity, mic monitoring and the brightness of the mic’s mute light.

Microsoft has said it plans to evolve the headset over time via wireless updates delivered from Xbox consoles.

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Xbox’s March update also reintroduces Achievements to the Xbox app on mobile, starting with various experiences being made available to a limited number of players before rolling out to everyone.

And a new way to manage Xbox subscriptions will be made available in ‘Settings’ under ‘Account’, making it easier to view plan information including last charge, next charge, end date and more.