Apex Legends Console Update Adds 4K, HDR, and 120Hz Support

The Apex Legends console update gives PS5 and Xbox Series X|S gamers native versions of the game with sharper visuals, HDR support, and smoother performance options.

EA first released the upgrade in 2022. It still matters for gamers installing Apex Legends or checking whether their console is running the correct version.

PS5 and Xbox Series X receive the strongest visual upgrades. Xbox Series S still supports HDR and key performance features, including the 120Hz mode added later.

🎮 What the Apex Legends Console Update Changed

EA launched the native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Apex Legends on March 29, 2022, alongside the Warriors Collection Event.

The update moved the game beyond backward compatibility and gave each current console its own native version.

The upgrades include:

• 🎮 Native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions
• 🖥️ 4K output on PS5 and Xbox Series X
• 🌈 HDR on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S
• 🧱 Higher-resolution shadow maps on PS5 and Xbox Series X
• 🌍 Greater LOD distances on PS5 and Xbox Series X
• ⚡ Full 60Hz gameplay across PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S

These changes give PS5 and Xbox Series X gamers a cleaner image with more detail visible at longer distances, and our 4K and HDR TV guide can help you make sure your display is set up to show those gains.

🕹️ PS5 and Xbox Series X|S Feature Comparison

Xbox Series S does not support 4K output, but it still supports HDR, 60Hz gameplay, and 120Hz Performance Mode when connected to a supported display.

🧭 How to Download the PS5 Version

Gamers who already had Apex Legends installed may need to check that they are using the PS5 version instead of the PS4 version.

EA’s original upgrade steps were:

• 🎮 Go to the Apex Legends game hub on the PS5 dashboard
• ⚙️ Press the Options button next to Play Game
• 📥 Choose the PS5 version and download it
• 🧹 Delete the PS4 version after the PS5 version installs to free up space

PlayStation also says gamers can switch between PS4 and PS5 versions through Game Library. Select the game, open the options menu, and choose the version you want.

🤖 Xbox Installs the Correct Version Automatically

Apex Legends uses Smart Delivery on Xbox Series X|S.

This means the console automatically installs the best version for its hardware. EA confirmed that Xbox gamers do not need to complete any extra upgrade steps.

Install the game, keep it updated, and the console handles the version automatically.

⚡ 120Hz Performance Mode Arrived Later

EA added 120Hz Performance Mode through the Breakout update on February 12, 2024.

The option is available on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S for gamers using a 120Hz display.

EA says the mode targets 120 FPS, but it lowers visual quality and makes content changes to reach the higher frame rate; our guide to Performance and Quality modes on consoles breaks down that trade-off.

Use 120Hz Performance Mode if:

• ⚡ You have a 120Hz TV or monitor
• 🎯 You care more about response than visual detail
• 🕹️ You regularly play ranked or fast matches

Stick with the standard mode if:

• 🖼️ You prefer sharper visuals
• 📺 Your display does not support 120Hz
• 🎮 You play more casually and want stronger image quality

📷 Suggested Media Element

Use a comparison graphic with three columns: PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. Show which systems support 4K, HDR, 60Hz, and 120Hz Performance Mode.

Image alt text: Apex Legends console update comparison for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

🔗 Sources

• EA Warriors Collection Event console update details
• EA Breakout Patch Notes for 120Hz Performance Mode
• PlayStation Support PS5 version switching guide

The best version of Apex Legends depends on your console and display, and our console input lag fixes guide covers the settings worth checking before you jump into ranked matches.

Do you play Apex Legends in 120Hz Performance Mode, or do you prefer sharper visuals?