Apex Legends Console Update Boosts Play
3–5 minutes
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The Apex Legends console update gives PS5 and Xbox Series X|S gamers a better version of the game with sharper visuals, HDR support, and smoother performance options. The original upgrade launched back in 2022, so this is no longer fresh news, but it still matters if you are installing Apex Legends today or checking which version your console is running.
The big thing to know is simple: PS5 and Xbox Series X get the strongest visual upgrades, Xbox Series S still gets key performance features, and 120Hz support was added later for gamers with supported displays.
🎮 Apex Legends Console Update: What 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 basic backward compatibility and gave current consoles their own version.
The main 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
That means the game should look cleaner, hold detail better at a distance, and feel more stable than the older console versions.
🕹️ PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S Features
Here is the simple console breakdown:
| Console | 4K Output | HDR | 60Hz Gameplay | 120Hz Performance Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Series X | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Series S | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Xbox Series S does not get 4K output, but it still supports HDR, 60Hz gameplay, and 120Hz Performance Mode if your display supports it.
🧭 How to Get the PS5 Version
If you already had Apex Legends installed on PS5, you may need to make sure you are using the PS5 version and not the PS4 version.
EA’s original steps were:
- 🎮 Go to the Apex Legends game hub on your 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 you can switch between PS4 and PS5 versions from Game Library by selecting the game, opening the options menu, and choosing the version you want.
🤖 Xbox Handles the Upgrade Automatically
Xbox gamers have less to worry about. Apex Legends uses Smart Delivery on Xbox Series X|S, which means the console should automatically install the best version for your hardware. EA confirmed that no extra steps are required on Xbox.
That makes the Xbox process cleaner. Install the game, keep it updated, and the console handles the version.
⚡ 120Hz Performance Mode Came Later
One of the biggest updates came after the original console upgrade. EA added 120Hz Performance Mode in the Breakout update on February 12, 2024. This option is available on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S for gamers with 120Hz displays.
EA says this mode targets 120 FPS, but it uses content changes and lower visual quality to reach that frame rate. That tradeoff matters.
Use 120Hz Performance Mode if:
- ⚡ You have a 120Hz TV or monitor
- 🎯 You care more about response than visual detail
- 🕹️ You play ranked or fast matches often
Stick with the standard mode if:
- 🖼️ You prefer sharper visuals
- 📺 Your display does not support 120Hz
- 🎮 You play more casually and want the game to look better
📷 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. PS5 and Xbox Series X get the strongest visual setup, Xbox Series S still gets smooth current-gen support, and 120Hz mode is worth trying if your screen can handle it.
Do you play Apex Legends in 120Hz Performance Mode, or do you prefer sharper visuals?
