Halo: The Master Chief Collection targets up to 4K, 120 FPS on Xbox Series X, Series S

Halo 3
Halo 3 (Image credit: Bungie)

What you need to know

  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection receives a free upgrade for the next-generation Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles on November 17, 2020.
  • The update adds 120 FPS support across campaign and multiplayer, adjustable field of view (FOV) support, and improvements to local split-screen sessions.
  • Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S launch on November 10, 2020.

Microsoft has outlined its plans to upgrade Halo: The Master Chief Collection for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, bringing its now six-strong compilation to the next generation of Xbox consoles. Its upgraded version launches as a free upgrade to existing Xbox One owners, including Xbox Game Pass subscribers, on November 17, one week following the console's worldwide debut on November 10.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection's Xbox Series X and Series S upgrade brings support for up to 120 frames-per-second (FPS), doubling the framerate over the existing Xbox One version. The game will also include adjustable field of view (FOV) support, a luxury currently exclusive to the PC version.

The changes impact both campaign and multiplayer modes, with enhancements also planned for local split-screen multiplayer. Microsoft boasts "up to 4K" resolution on Xbox Series X, suggestive of a dynamic solution to ensure a stable framerate. While Xbox Series S details remain unclear at this time, expect resolution to fall in line or below its 1440p target when running at 120 FPS.

The announcement adds six Halo classics to the growing lineup of titles upgraded to Xbox Series X and Series S, providing Microsoft's hit shooter with an early presence on the new consoles. The update should help fill the void left by the delay of Halo Infinite, which pushed the next series entry from a release this holiday, now targeting sometime in 2021.

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The upgrade comes amid a recent resurgence for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, with developer 343 Industries recently scaling up work on free content updates following its PC release. The bundle now includes all mainline Halo entries, accompanied by Halo Reach and Halo 3: ODST, with recent content releases adding new cosmetics to over decade-old experiences.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is now available on Xbox One and PC, both for standalone purchase at $40, or through its Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.