Microsoft Flight Simulator Runs Smoothly on Xbox Due to Optimization

The Xbox version is now running smoothly ahead of its release date.

[iplay1up2]

I have Series X, but Microsoft is going to use Xcloud to get this up and running on last gen too. I am curious to see how they do it, and what the performance and visuals will be like.

If that is the case what benefits will Xcloud have for the newer hardware? I am only a little tech savvy, and have very little knowledge, on how exactly that works exactly other than you are streaming some assets of coarse.

[Amplitude]

Basically, on series S/X it's gonna be running natively on the hardware. The map data is still streamed but just ignore that lol. You can kinda predict what kind of performance you're gonna get out of that based off what we've seen this gen already.

Then on the original XB1 it's just streaming the Series X version (like PS Now streaming a PS3 game)- so the same performance and resolution, but with the negatives associated with streaming such as macroblocking, crushed blacks, input lag, stutters, etc

[Sayai jin]

Thenold gen haedware will be streaming on azure xbox servers, which in short, are now Series X consoles.

[JackBNimble]

Flight simulator uses the cloud for real time weather and air traffic.
I believe it is also going to be streamed on xbox one to run the game.

[jukins]

So 2 planes at lax is real time?

[neutralgamer1992]

I have a Xbox one x hopefully it's playable on it

[crazyh0rse]

it's only for the Series X|S

[BrainSyphoned]

For now. They announced plans last month for X1 to cloud stream X|S titles specifically name dropping Flight Simulator.

[iplay1up2]

No it isn't. It will run via Xcloud on last gen Xbox consoles. Already confirmed. The Sim shouldn't, but it will. Not only Flight Simulator, but other upcoming Series Xbox games too. I think that is FANTASTIC! I have a Series X, but Microsoft taking the time to make sure current gen games run on last gen IS UNMATCHED by any console maker.

[DJStotty]

For launch, base xbox one and xbox one X in a few months via xcloud.

[Bender6502]

MS had hinted they want to try and get this running on last gen Xbox via the cloud - Don't hold your breath. I'm more interested in the Steam deck version :) Hehe.

[iplay1up2]

It will be. Just not yet.

[DJStotty]

@neutralgamer1992

"I have a Xbox one x hopefully it's playable on it"

Not at launch, but in a few months it will be via Xcloud buddy.

[WeAreLegion]

I hope so. It's not just pretty. It's a good time. Great for relaxing. You know...once you figure out how to land.

[NeoGamer232]

Ya I found the headline a bit funny.

"Microsoft Flight Simulator Runs Smoothly on Xbox Due to Optimization"...

No duh.... Usually games will run smooth due to optimization. LOL.

[shauzy]

if it is 30fps, it is not smooth, to hell with 30fps when will it fucking die

[Jin_Sakai]

Almost every big game has a 60fps option this generation. I’ll always opt for higher framerate.

[Tacoboto]

30fps with unlocked framerate on VRR.

Show me any PC that runs this game at a locked 60fps

[--Onilink--]

The vast majority of VRR ranged go from 40-120hz or 48-120hz. So 30fps unlocked is not going to benefit from VRR unless its consistently above 40fps

[Tacoboto]

https://mobile.twitter.com/...

Straight from the developer.

[--Onilink--]

Which TV do you know has a range that starts at 30? They are just saying that its unlocked, my point still stands, unless its consistently above 40fps, VRR wont do anything because thats where the range starts on the TVs

[Tacoboto]

You totally know more about the performance of the game and its capability in hitting VRR frame rates than the developers that spent the effort implementing it.

[--Onilink--]

Im literally stating facts about the ranges on the TELEVISIONS… never have I stated anything of the games performance because its not out yet so we dont know

So once again, IF the game is consistently above 40fps in its unlocked mode, then yes VRR will kick in and do its job.
IF its not consistently above 40fps, then everytime it isnt, you will notice stutter and/or screen tearing.

Its as simple as that, VRR isnt some magic cure for unlocked framerates, the game still needs to consistently (ideally ALWAYS) not drop below the VRR range of the display, otherwise the feature loses its purpose the more it happens

Whether the game is able to do it, we shall see in a few days when its out. I was already expecting to only be able to play it at 30fps, so if it can actually do 40+ then all the better since I have a B9 and know VRR is a killer feature

[StoneyYoshi]

https://youtu.be/LO2n8RdSMf...

Sim Update 5 compared to Sim Update 4 shows 60fps vs 30-40fps. Might not be locked but its damn close!
And it's not even on the best rig you can have. this is shown on a i7 9700k and a 2060 super

[TheColbertinator]

MFS is an intense demanding game. 30 FPS on S for sure. As for X I don't know but anything is possible.

[Aussiesummer]

30 fps is what's possible. That's it.

[DJStotty]

Series X is 4K @ 30fps (unlocked using VRR 30fps+)

https://twitter.com/MSFSoff...

[DJStotty]

Like it, or don't like it, the Series X version runs at 4K @ 30fps, and with monitors that support VRR, will run at 4K @ 30fps+.

Here's a source

https://www.theverge.com/20...

And i quote :-

"On the Series X, Flight Simulator runs at 4K resolution and targets 30 frames per second."

and

https://www.engadget.com/mi...

Quote : "In a Twitter response spotted by Eurogamer, Microsoft confirmed the Series X and S would target a base 30 frames per second. However, if you happen to own a relatively recent TV set that features an HDMI 2.1 connection and support for a variable refresh rate, the game will go above 30 fps."

Oh, and also the devs themselves confirming 30+ fps when using VRR!!!

https://twitter.com/MSFSoff...

#factualdata

[ajax17]

i mean, it's not like it's a twitch shooter, or something

[iplay1up2]

Flight Simulator is the most advanced Sim ever created! Real time everything! If it runs at 30fps, so be it. It is absolutely STUNNING on Series X!

Haters gonna hate.

[Destiny1080]

they optimized it for 30fps

is this a joke

[Orchard]

Have you played MSFS before? It's a miracle this thing even runs on console.

[DJStotty]

I remember playing it when it had a max of about 6 colours or something like that lol

https://www.retrogamer.net/...

Graphics were stellar at the time lol

[DJStotty]

Good looking joke if it is.....

[rakentaja]

Appreciate their efforts and the scope of the game. This game would not work on the PS5 at all because their servers are as they are ....

[whitbyfox]

Looks amazing too, saw a few youtube videos from people who got the game sent early. Microsoft are hiding nothing.
30fps is more than enough for a flight sim

[Fntastic]

60fps on PC with the newer update, even with a low end 2060 Super GPU. https://youtu.be/3j6M-S6Dp9...

[Orchard]

MSFS has always been heavily CPU bound. They're using a 9700K that boosts up to 5GHz.... that's a lot more capable than any current games console.

Anyway, it's impressive that they got this game running on a console at all, never mind this well.

[derek]

Beautiful looking gaming but at the same time incredibly boring looking to play. I just don't get the appeal unless your into flight simulation specifically.

[AKR]

It's kind of in the name.

[--Onilink--]

I mean, that kind of complaining that Fifa is boring unless you are into soccer… its what the game is about haha

[DJStotty]

Formula 1 2021 is boring if your not into Formula 1 /s

Gotta be the most ridiculous comment of the day lol. N4G should create a leaderboard of ridiculous comments and create a "comedy" section.

derek may as well have said "simulation games are boring, unless you like simulation games"

[derek]

@Onilink Nope soccer I get the appeal, this not so much. I'm positive it would be fun to plan a trip to a place you have been before, after giving it some thought. But 8-12 hr flights? Nah

[derek]

@DJStotty relax lol. You can't grasp how a game like flight simulator can seem boring to someone? Don't be purposely dense.

[yeahokwhatever]

@derek
Well, I get the appeal of flying and don't get the appeal of soccer.

[DJStotty]

"Beautiful looking gaming but at the same time incredibly boring looking to play. I just don't get the appeal unless your into flight simulation specifically."

That is the same for ANY simulation game lmao, you sound salty, say, what is the performance of that flight simulator on the PS5? wait.....

[boing1]

That headline, though. It sounds like they've changed their mind about optimization and decided to do it after all.

- Runs like crap.
- Maybe we should optimize it?
- Good idea.

[Spenok]

Hwaaaaat!?!??!??!?

Optimization is why games run smoothly? I'd have NEVER guessed!

Good grief what an article title/subject.

[joaovictorop]

PS5 started the year way better than Microsoft, but now this end of year, XBOX has returned to the fray with force. Lots of quality triple A exclusives and sensational indies games. And it's all free if you subscribe to the Game Pass.

[yeahokwhatever]

they should optimize it on the flippin' PC