FPS Boost and VRR Technologies in Game Consoles: FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible and HDMI 2.1 Explained

🏷️Technology
⏱️23 min read
📅2025-01-01

FPS Boost and VRR Technologies in Game Consoles

Modern gaming consoles focus not only on graphics power but also on delivering smoother gameplay using:

  • FPS Boost
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • FreeSync / G-Sync Compatible
  • HDMI 2.1 VRR
  • 120Hz modes
  • Reduced input lag

This guide explains how these technologies work and how they improve gaming performance.

✔ What Is FPS Boost?

FPS Boost increases the frame rate of older Xbox games without modifying the game code.

Examples:

  • 30 → 60 FPS
  • 30 → 120 FPS
  • 60 → 120 FPS

Benefits:

  • Smoother visuals
  • Lower input lag
  • Improved responsiveness

Drawbacks:

  • Resolution may drop in some titles
  • Only selected games support FPS Boost

✔ What Is VRR?

Variable Refresh Rate synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate.

Benefits:

  • No screen tearing
  • Reduced stutter
  • Smoother gameplay
  • Lower input lag

VRR is now standard via HDMI 2.1.

✔ FreeSync vs G-Sync Compatible vs HDMI 2.1 VRR

FreeSync (AMD)

  • Supported by Xbox
  • Wide VRR range
  • Works over HDMI and DisplayPort

G-Sync Compatible (NVIDIA)

  • FreeSync monitors certified for G-Sync
  • Mostly important for PC users

HDMI 2.1 VRR

  • Core standard for consoles
  • Works with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
  • Supports 4K 120Hz + VRR

✔ VRR Support on PS5 & Xbox Series

PS5

  • HDMI 2.1 VRR
  • 48–120Hz range
  • Motion interpolation works in some modes

Xbox Series X/S

  • FreeSync Premium
  • HDMI 2.1 VRR
  • Wider supported VRR range

Xbox offers the best VRR flexibility.

✔ 120Hz vs FPS Boost

| Feature | FPS Boost | 120Hz Mode | |---------|-----------|-------------| | Goal | Increase FPS | Use high refresh rate | | Works on | Older Xbox games | Modern 120FPS-capable games | | Benefit | Better smoothness | Lowest input lag |

✔ How VRR Works Technically

  1. GPU sends current FPS to the display
  2. Display adjusts its refresh rate to match
  3. Eliminates tearing
  4. Stabilizes frame pacing

Example:

  • 58 FPS → 58Hz
  • 92 FPS → 92Hz

✔ Input Lag Improvements

VRR lowers input lag by removing sync delays.
Combining 120Hz + VRR + Game Mode results in:

  • 5–10 ms input lag
  • Ultra-fast responsiveness

✔ Display Buying Guide for VRR & 120Hz

  • True HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
  • VRR range 48–120Hz
  • FreeSync Premium support (for Xbox)
  • Native 120Hz panel (not fake 120Hz)
  • Low latency Game Mode

✔ Best Console Use Cases

PS5 users

→ HDMI 2.1 + Sony TVs

Xbox Series X

→ FreeSync monitors offer excellent performance

Xbox Series S

→ 1440p 120Hz displays are perfect

✔ FPS Boost + VRR = Ideal Combo

When both features activate:

  • Maximum smoothness
  • Minimum input lag
  • No tearing
  • Smoother FPS fluctuations

Old games feel like new titles.

✔ Conclusion

FPS Boost and VRR technologies dramatically improve console gaming:

  • Higher frame rates
  • More stable visuals
  • Reduced input lag
  • Better responsiveness

Combined with 120Hz displays and HDMI 2.1, modern consoles deliver the smoothest experience ever.