Microsoft has launched expanded Dolby Vision support for all Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, bringing the high dynamic range (HDR) standard to games on the platform. The devices mark the first consoles with Dolby Vision for gaming, accompanying existing video support first debuted on Xbox One.
Dolby Vision debuts on Microsoft’s best Xbox consoles on the market, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, with native support across more than 100 games at launch. Microsoft states “nearly all” native HDR titles optimized for Xbox Series X|S support Dolby Vision, including Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Psychonauts 2. Microsoft also promises automatic enhancements to “thousands” of existing HDR and Auto HDR games when outputting to a Dolby Vision display.
While Microsoft’s Xbox consoles gained HDR gaming in 2016, Dolby Vision aims to deliver an upgrade upon the previous HDR10 specification. The technology allows for brighter visuals and richer colors, with dynamic metadata, adapting colors and contrast on a frame-by-frame basis. The technology has already gained popularity in movies, now providing an alternative HDR solution for Xbox owners.
Dolby Vision requires an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console, plus a compatible HDR display compliant with the specification. While increasingly common among the best TVs for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, some brands like Samsung still fail to support the specification. You can check your display via the Xbox Settings app, navigating to Settings > General > TV & display options > 4K TV details on the Xbox console.
Microsoft has also reaffirmed some existing TVs may exhibit issues displaying Dolby Vision at 120Hz. While some popular 4K TVs have seen firmware updates to correct problems, Microsoft and Dolby are working with manufacturers to streamline its rollout.
