Atif Qazi
You’ve landed here because you’re curious. You’re an Xbox Series X owner and are also familiar with the immersive potential of ultrawide monitors.
So you are eager to know – does Xbox Series X Support Ultrawide monitor, and does it support this alluring frontier in gaming visuals?
Well, I won’t keep you in suspense: the short answer is no, it doesn’t. Xbox Series X, like its other next-gen counterparts, DOES NOT support Ultrawide monitors or Ultrawide aspect ratio.
This can be a bummer for avid console gamers given the fact that PC gamers have been enjoying the panoramic view of ultrawide gaming for about a decade or so.
To truly appreciate the full scope of this issue, we need to dive into the details. Why doesn’t the Xbox Series X support ultrawide? What implications does this have for you, the gamer? By the time we’re done here, you won’t just have an answer. You’ll have an understanding.
The Allure of Ultrawide: The Modern Gamer’s Holy Grail?
It is no surprise that gaming technology evolves, and has been evolving, at a rapid pace. There was a time not so long ago (with the previous gen consoles) that 30 FPS gaming was a hallmark feature. But not anymore as gamers are now hungry for so much more.
There was a time when 17-inch 4:3 aspect ratio monitors and TV were enough for gamers, but look at where gaming technology has come from now.
As such it is no surprise that gaming enthusiasts worldwide are always on the hunt for the next innovation that promises a more immersive, more thrilling gaming experience.
Enter the ultrawide monitor, which isn’t really a novelty for PC gamers (it’s been out for a decade or so), but still a far-fetched dream for console gamers.
With their panoramic 21:9 or even 32:9 aspect ratios compared to the standard 16:9, ultrawide monitors promise an unprecedented level of immersion.
They extend your game’s world beyond the confines of a traditional screen, wrapping you in a digital landscape that stretches out to the very corners of your vision.
The idea is mouthwatering, but before you rush out to snag one of these screens, there’s a caveat that every Xbox Series X owner must be aware of:
Xbox Series X DOES NOT SUPPORT Ultrawide Aspect Ratio!
So Does Xbox Series X Support Ultrawide Aspect Ratio?
As mentioned earlier it does NOT.
Even amidst all its technical prowess and cutting-edge features, there’s one domain where the Xbox Series X falls short and that is in the domain of ultrawide monitors.
This might come as a shock to many, but the reality is that while the Xbox Series X can deliver mind-blowing visuals and smooth gameplay, it’s not quite ready to step into the world of ultrawide just yet.
Xbox Series X essentially offers a series of display modes and it is very strict in conforming to them. Unlike with PC where display modes can be changed, that is not a luxury console gamers can have.
The following are the display modes Xbox Series X Supports:
- 1080 @ 30Hz – 30 FPS – 16:9
- 1080 @ 60Hz – 60 FPS – 16:9
- 1080 @ 120Hz – 120FPS – 16:9
- 1440 @ 30Hz – 16:9
- 1440 @ 60Hz – 16:9
- 1440 @ 120Hz – 16:9
- 4k @ 30Hz – 16:9
- 4k @ 60Hz – 16:9
- 4k @ 120Hz – 16:9
No other aspect ratio, resolution or refresh like 144, 165, or 240Hz is supported.
Would Xbox Series X Work on an Ultrawide Monitor AT ALL?
You’ve got your Xbox Series X, and you’re looking at the ultrawide monitor you’ve just brought home.
The anticipation is building. You connect the two, your heart pounding with excitement. But then, something unexpected happens.
Your Xbox Series X powers up, and your game looks… well, not quite as you’d imagined.
Yes, the Xbox Series X will work when connected to an ultrawide monitor. But, there are two likely scenarios that you’ll face and both of them are ugly:
- The game will be hideously stretched
- The game will work at 16:9 aspect ratio
The later is the most likely scenario you’d want to play your games at. But instead of stretching to fill that beautiful, expansive screen, the video output will stubbornly be stuck in a 16:9 aspect ratio.
This means you’re left with unsightly black bars flanking your game on either side of your screen. It’s like being promised a feast and then served a snack.
Sure, it works, but it doesn’t utilize the full potential of the ultrawide monitor.
This can feel like a letdown, a betrayal even. After all, you’ve invested in a high-end console and a premium monitor, only to have a significant part of your screen left in darkness.
Are Ultrawide Monitors a Wasted Investment for Xbox Series X Owners?
Unfortunately, if you’re thinking of purchasing an ultrawide monitor solely for your Xbox Series X then that would not be a good idea.
The fact that the console will not utilize the extra screen space means you won’t get the full value out of your ultrawide monitor.
Until Microsoft decides to offer ultrawide support, your Xbox Series X gaming will be confined to either the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio or to a hideously stretched game.
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