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Locking fps to 30 on xbox series x: is it possible?

Xbox Gamers Push for 30 FPS Lock on Series X | Backward Compatibility Issues Roil Community

By

Maya Thompson

Jul 18, 2025, 10:53 AM

Edited By

James Lee

2 minutes of duration

An Xbox Series X console displaying a frame rate lock option for 30 FPS while playing a backward-compatible Xbox 360 game.
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A segment of Xbox gamers is clamoring for a way to lock frame rates to 30 FPS on the Xbox Series X when playing backward-compatible titles. This comes as many users find 60 FPS speeds detrimental to gameplay experience, particularly for older games like GTA IV.

Gaming at 30 FPS: A Call to Action

The core of the issue lies in speedrunning older Xbox 360 titles where players report that 60 FPS alters the game mechanics drastically. A user lamented:

"GTA IV has uncapped FPS, which means it runs at 60 FPS. It messes up everything: bike handling, car turns, and even helicopter landings."

As it stands, the lowest frame rate players can set is 60, causing frustration among speedrunners who argue that older games were designed to run at 30 FPS, impacting performance significantly.

User Perspectives on Frame Rate

Feedback from forums reflects mixed feelings:

  • Some gamers argue that a 30 FPS lock is essential for proper gameplay. One user stated, "30 FPS is how the game was supposed to be played."

  • Others wonder why a lower frame rate might be faster, sparking a conversation on whether players are stuck in nostalgia or if there's more to it. One comment asked, "Why do you feel it is faster to play on 30?"

The Backward Compatibility Debate Intensifies

Amidst this controversy, Xbox insiders have noted technical limitations with backward compatibility. Players wanting a frame rate adjustment might have to look elsewhere, or even consider older hardware.

As one user told the forum, "I would love to be able to play it at 30 FPS without needing to buy a 360." This sentiment captures a growing frustration in the community.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿค” Many gamers argue that older titles were always meant to play at 30 FPS.

  • ๐Ÿšฆ Concerns over 60 FPS affecting game physics are common among speedrunners.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Users are calling for potential features that would allow FPS locks to be more user-friendly.

This developing story highlights the underlying tension in gaming communities as players grapple with modern hardware limitations against a backdrop of beloved classic titles.

As the conversation unfolds, will Xbox respond? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Xbox Gamers

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Xbox will eventually listen to community feedback concerning frame rates for backward-compatible games. With the growing frustration among gamers, experts estimate around a 60% probability that Microsoft will introduce a feature to lock FPS at 30. This move could help retain the integrity of classic games that were designed for lower frame rates. The company has a history of responding to user demands, so it's likely they will explore technical adjustments or software updates to bridge this gap without sacrificing the game's original experience.

A Tale from the Archives of Tech

The situation echoes the early days of DVD players when enthusiasts debated the merits of widescreen versus standard formats. Initially, many believed that the wider format wasn't right for older films crafted for a traditional aspect ratio. Just as those conversations eventually led to new options for viewing preferences, the ongoing debate among Xbox gamers may shape the future of backward compatibility and frame rate decisions. This parallel highlights how technology evolves in ways that honor user experiences while adapting to modern standards.