Digital Foundry has shared technical insights regarding the recent shadow drop of Final Fantasy XVI for Xbox Series X|S, revealing notable differences in performance and visual quality when compared to the PlayStation 5 version. According to their initial analysis, the Xbox Series X version runs at a consistently lower resolution across both its Graphics and Frame Rate modes, resulting in softer image quality and a range of visual inconsistencies not present in its PS5 counterpart.
In Graphics mode, the PlayStation 5 renders scenes at approximately 1440p, while the Xbox Series X lags behind at roughly 1224p. This gap in resolution is unusually large for these competing consoles, as such a difference is rarely seen in cross-platform titles. Both versions employ Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) alongside AMD’s FSR1 upscaling, but the Xbox output remains softer, displaying pronounced edge stair-stepping and minor detail degradation. Digital Foundry also noted disparities in brightness and shadow depth, with the Xbox version appearing less vibrant and suffering from occasional lifted shadows. Furthermore, environmental details such as grass shadows and foliage rendering were inconsistent on the Xbox version, causing certain objects like trees and bushes to look incorrect or incomplete.
When switching to Frame Rate mode, the differences become even more significant. In one examined scene, the PS5 maintained a resolution of 1080p, whereas the Xbox Series X dropped as low as 720p. The Series X also implemented further visual cutbacks, including simplified geometry in structures like archways and reduced environmental detail. This aggressive reduction allows the Xbox version to lock at a stable 60 frames per second during exploration and combat, a feat the PS5 version struggles to match, often fluctuating between 45 and 60 FPS when not engaged in combat sequences.
The Xbox Series S, by contrast, only offers a single mode running at approximately 792p resolution with even greater reductions in detail, targeting 30 FPS. This performance profile falls more in line with expectations for the less powerful Series S hardware.
Digital Foundry’s analysis also addressed contrast calibration, confirming that these visual discrepancies are specific to Final Fantasy XVI rather than a broader platform-level issue. Other games, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, displayed identical brightness and contrast across both systems.
These unusual findings have led to speculation regarding the origin of the Xbox port. Some of the issues suggest that the version may have been derived from the PC release rather than the original PS5 build, which could explain the unexpected technical adjustments. The port’s focus on securing a smooth 60 FPS experience on Xbox Series X, even at the expense of image clarity and fine detail, seems deliberate but comes at a visible cost.
While the PS5 version maintains superior resolution and visual fidelity, it cannot consistently deliver the same frame rate stability, especially in its Performance mode. Even the more powerful PS5 Pro struggles to keep frame rates within its VRR window when the action intensifies.
For players who prioritize performance above visual quality, the Xbox Series X version may offer appeal due to its stable frame rate. However, those seeking the best graphical presentation may find the lower resolution and various graphical compromises on Xbox a drawback. Digital Foundry concluded that while the port is serviceable in its current form, several issues, such as broken foliage rendering and contrast imbalance, remain in need of technical refinement.
