XBOX gamers are testing a new feature that boosts the graphics of their favourite games.
An update recently rolled out to a handful of users on Xbox Series X and Series S offers more “refined” visuals on some titles, according to reports.
The upgrade looks to be driven by the addition of Dolby Vision HDR gaming to Microsoft’s latest consoles, Forbes reports.
According to Dolby’s website, Dolby vision provides “the most realistic and lifelike visuals” a game has to offer.
Microsoft promised last September to add support for Dolby gaming a little while after the new consoles’ release.
According to Forbes, Dolby Vision only works on a handful of games for now.
The list includes Borderlands 3, Gears 5, Halo: Master Chief Collection and Wreckfest.
It appears to be effective – testers said Dolby picture quality was more “refined” compared to the usual graphics offered by the consoles.
The update has been rolled out to a selection of gamers using the latest version of the Xbox operating system early.
To get it, you have to be a member of the Xbox Insider programme. They test versions of the Xbox OS before they’re released to the public.
The service is invite-only depending on the tier you want to enter. You can find out more at Xbox’s official support page.
Dolby Vision offers better brightness, contrast, colour, and depth to your console’s graphics, according to Dolby.
The company says its visual tech “goes beyond even traditional HDR games.”
If you aren’t eligible for Xbox Insider access, you probably won’t have to wait too long for the update to roll out to the wider Xbox community.
Microsoft launched two new consoles on November 10: The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
The Series X costs £449/$499 while the Series S – which is less powerful and doesn’t come with a disc tray – is priced at £249/$299.
They’re up against Sony’s PlayStation 5, which also hit shelves in November.
The full PS5 costs £449/$499, while a Digital Edition without a disc tray is priced at £359/$399.
The PS5 launched with major exclusive games like Spider-Man Miles Morales and a revamped version of Dark Souls for players to enjoy.
Xbox gamers, on the other hand, have a new Halo title to look forward to later this year.
All four consoles have been sold out around the world, with stock seesawing in and out of availability over the past few weeks.
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan recently offered hope to gamers who wanted a console.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Ryan admitted that stock levels would climb steadily month-on-month.
He added that from July onwards, it will be much easier to get a PS5.
Experts predict that stock of the new Xbox consoles will also rise around this time.
“It will get better every month throughout 2021,” Ryan explained.
“The pace of the improvement in the supply chain will gather through the course of the year.
“So by the time we get to the second half of [2021], you’re going to be seeing really decent numbers indeed.”
In other news, HOAR’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
Grab a VR headset and you’ll be able to play the legendary Beat Saber – like Guitar Hero, but with lightsabers.
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
