Borderlands 3 analysis on PS5, Xbox Series X and S – will the next generation be able to deliver 60fps?
As we previously reported, Gearbox Software has added two modes to Borderlands 3 on PS5 and Xbox Series X with a special update – with support for 60 fps and 120 fps, respectively. But how close is the game to the stated bar, and how does the Xbox Series S handle the shooter? The staff of the Eurogamer digital laboratory decided to check this.
Focusing on 4K 60fps performance is the main goal of the new version of the game, which has received many tweaks to improve performance, in addition to harnessing the raw power of new systems. The collision detection system, for example, has been significantly redesigned, but Gearbox also relies on more traditional optimizations like dynamic resolution change (DRS), where the game engine draws fewer pixels under heavy load. But this doesn’t show up too often – almost always on Xbox Series X and PS5, the game is played at its native resolution of 3840×2160, even when it drops frames, and the lowest recorded resolution was 2016p.
The update is a huge advantage for next-gen consoles: instead of focusing on 1800p @ 30fps on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, it’s 4K @ 60fps. Unfortunately, there are problems. The initial stage of the game runs almost perfectly, but in larger worlds, performance can sometimes drop to 50 fps. In addition, most videos are still locked at 30fps. Both consoles work in about the same way.
The same issues are observed in performance mode on PS5 and Series X in Borderlands 3: if the player initially gets a solid 120fps, then in more complex worlds the frame rate can drop to 80fps, especially in scenes using technology. In general, 120Hz mode works well, but some hesitation can be observed with full vertical sync. This is where the Xbox Series X has an advantage – variable refresh rate (VRR) support. On a compatible TV, the technology works wonders for a much smoother gaming experience. PS5 doesn’t have VRR support yet.
Xbox Series S, on the other hand, focuses on a maximum resolution of 1440p, and sometimes the resolution drops to 2112 × 1188. However, this version of the game supports 60 frames per second, just like the versions for PS5 and Series X, and sometimes even smoothness is higher. The Series S lacks a performance mode and thus 120fps support.
The big advantage of the PS5 and Series X is the ability to use high refresh rate displays. In performance mode and when connected to 120Hz screens, Borderland 3 focuses on 1080p @ 120fps performance. Using DRS can sometimes lead to a drop in resolution to 1440 × 810.
The update, in addition to increasing the frame rate, provided increased shadow rendering distance and better dynamic shadows on new consoles. Interestingly, the vegetation density on the Sony system is higher – as it was before when comparing versions for PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. In addition to the reduced resolution, the overall quality of textures, effects, and filtering on the Series S is not inferior to more powerful consoles.
One of the advantages the PS5 has over the Xbox Series X and S is download speed. In Borderlands 3, fast movement between levels is not uncommon, and the PS5 confidently and consistently demonstrates an advantage in this regard: loading takes about 12 seconds versus 14-15 seconds on Xbox machines.
