Halo: The Master Chief Collection is Now Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In addition to the release of Halo 4 on PC, Microsoft is also releasing an optimized version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection for Xbox Series X|S.

“We’re shipping a full set of optimizations for the Xbox Series X|S to make sure you’re set and ready to dive through the Master Chief’s adventures like you’ve never seen them before,” Microsoft’s Brian Jarrard writes. “Those playing on the new consoles will have a full host of newly Optimized and updated features available to them.”

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Those updated features include:

– 120 FPS in Campaign and Multiplayer on both Xbox Series X and Series S

– 4K resolution on Xbox Series X

– 1080p resolution on Xbox Series S

– Improved split-screen play

– Adjustable field of view (FOV)

Microsoft says that all of these updates will be automatically applied when you launch the games on the new Xbox consoles. So you won’t have to worry about a situation in which you’re running the previous-generation version of the game, as has happened to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War players on the PlayStation 5.

Microsoft also notes that it is not done updating The Master Chief Collection. There will be “new features, updates, and seasons in 2021 with even more customization options,” it vaguely notes.

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  • richardbottiglieri

    Premium Member
    17 November, 2020 - 1:57 pm

    <p>So, in the good news department, I have so far been able to play these optimized games off of external storage (both HDD and SSD based). I had asked the Xbox Support team on Twitter about this, and they say this is by design. However, in order to take advantage of the special, optimized features, it needs to run off of the internal storage or the internal expansion card. Seems like a good approach.</p>

    • IanYates82

      Premium Member
      17 November, 2020 - 3:50 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#593702">In reply to richardbottiglieri:</a></em></blockquote><p>Nice. </p><p><br></p><p>My console arrives next week. I've given up asking reviewers here, and on Twitter, for info about how games like this may or may not work from the external hdd, and can that version then still work back on a regular XB1… Only a few days until I can satisfy my curiosity (more than that though as I hope to keep the XB1 working for some multiplayer gaming with the kids) </p><p><br></p><p>Thanks for posting this tidbit</p>

  • smoothbond

    17 November, 2020 - 3:44 pm

    <p>Anybody else notice how every first party optimised title (except Ori) is running at 1080P on the Series S. So much for the 1440P console</p>

    • Jeremy Turnley

      17 November, 2020 - 6:20 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#593747">In reply to smoothbond:</a></em></blockquote><p>To be fair, most of the 3rd party titles on the (full blown high-end) PS5 are only running at 1440p…</p>

    • thretosix

      18 November, 2020 - 9:53 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#593747">In reply to smoothbond:</a></em></blockquote><p>It is marketed as up to 1440p target, some games do run in 4K like Ori like you've already pointed out. 1440p is more of a monitor resolution although most if not all 4K TVs can upscale. This console is great for the many people who still use 1080p TVs, and there are many who still do, or just simply don't care about maximum resolution, it performs smoothly at the intended resolutions for the unit. Some people have a limited income as well, one could argue why buy a console at all then… The problem with this console is the storage space for the most part, it does get confusing when it's also marketed as a great console for the Game Pass when you can only install so many of the games on the limited internal storage. It has an audience I think people miss the point of this console, it's quite clear if you want higher resolutions the Xbox Series X is the console to buy.</p>

  • sammyg

    17 November, 2020 - 4:05 pm

    <p>So here is an "issue" if you want to call it that. Games that are X|S or enhanced can mean many things. </p><p><br></p><p>For instance, my default drive is my 2TB Samsung SSD attached to via a USB to SATA cable. When I went to install Gears 5 (X|S) version on my XSX it popped and asked me if I wanted to install it on the Internal drive. It also said I could still install it on the external drive but would need to move it to play it. I chose internal and thought that was a nice feature (the warning) and I kept my default install drive to the external so non-enhanced games would go there. The same thing happened when I installed Forza 4.</p><p><br></p><p>Today I did the same with this X|S version of Master Chief collection from Game Pass. I thought it was going to pop up and ask me….but no it installed on the external and runs there just fine. I assume because its not using DX12 Direct storage API, which if fine but confusing from a users perspective, especially a user that does not know about all the details.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

  • faustxd9

    Premium Member
    18 November, 2020 - 1:57 pm

    <p>I had the same issue with COD: BOCW since it kept crashing the console during the airplane scene. Turns out that the Series X version did not install itself on the new console and I was launching the regular Xbox version. It really sucked having to download it all over again, but it does seem to work now. I really wish they would have signed on to "smart delivery"!</p>

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