In a move that nobody saw coming, Remedy Entertainment has just dropped a massive free update (patch 1.30) for Control: Ultimate Edition, fundamentally overhauling the game for current-gen consoles. This isn’t just a minor bug fix; it’s the biggest upgrade the game has seen since its 2020 re-release. Thanks to a brilliant technical breakdown from the experts at Digital Foundry, we now know that this patch unlocks a whole new level of performance, especially for those with a PS5 Pro.
What’s New for Everyone?
First, let’s cover the upgrades that benefit all current-gen players on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S. The patch brings several features over from the PC version, including long-awaited HDR support and an upgrade to 10-bit color in SDR to reduce color banding.
The most significant new feature is support for 120Hz displays. A new toggle in the menu allows players with a capable TV to unlock the game’s framerate. This means the 60fps Performance Mode can now push beyond 60fps, taking advantage of VRR for an even smoother experience. But the real magic happens in the game’s beautiful but demanding Graphics Mode.
The New 40FPS Ray-Tracing Mode (PS5 & Series X)
Until now, playing with ray tracing on consoles meant you were locked to a 30fps experience. With patch 1.30, that’s no longer the only option. If you have a 120Hz display and enable the ‘unlock FPS’ toggle, the Graphics Mode on both the standard PS5 and Xbox Series X now targets a much smoother 40fps.
However, Digital Foundry’s testing revealed a clear winner between the two. The Xbox Series X holds a much more stable 40fps lock, even during heavy combat scenes filled with physics-based destruction. The PS5, while still a huge improvement over 30fps, tends to struggle more in these moments, with performance dipping closer to the old 30fps target.
The PS5 Pro’s Secret Weapon: 60FPS Ray Tracing and PSSR
This update is, without a doubt, a secret showcase for the PlayStation 5 Pro. Unannounced on the store page, the Pro gets two massive advantages that change the game completely.
First is the holy grail: ray tracing at 60fps. By enabling the 120Hz output and the unlock toggle, the Graphics Mode on the PS5 Pro now targets a silky-smooth 60fps. According to Digital Foundry, it’s not a perfect lock-heavy combat can see dips into the mid-40s-but for the most part, it hovers between 50-60fps, making for a transformative experience.
Second, the patch adds a toggle for Sony’s powerful new upscaling technology, PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution). This feature provides a significant boost to image quality, resulting in a cleaner and sharper picture. Combined with other Pro-specific enhancements like updated textures and shadows, this makes the PS5 Pro the definitive console to play Control on.
What About the Xbox Series S?
Unfortunately, the update is less of a revolution for Xbox Series S owners. While the console does now support 120Hz output and VRR, the ‘unlock FPS’ toggle has no effect on the framerate cap, which remains at 60fps. The console still lacks the ray-traced Graphics Mode, making this a much smaller update overall.
FAQs
What is Control Patch 1.30?
It’s a free update for Control: Ultimate Edition that adds HDR, 120Hz support, and new performance modes for PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X.
What’s the biggest feature for the PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro can now run the game’s ray-tracing Graphics Mode at 60fps (when using a 120Hz display) and utilizes Sony’s PSSR upscaling for improved image quality.
Can I play with ray tracing at 60fps on a standard PS5 or Xbox Series X?
No. On those consoles, the ray-tracing mode is boosted to a 40fps target if you have a 120Hz display enabled. 60fps with ray tracing is exclusive to the PS5 Pro.
Which is better for the 40fps mode, PS5 or Series X?
According to Digital Foundry’s analysis, the Xbox Series X provides a more stable and consistent 40fps performance than the standard PS5.
Do I need a 120Hz TV to use these new modes?
Yes. The higher framerate targets for the Graphics Mode (40fps on PS5/Series X and 60fps on PS5 Pro) are only enabled when the console is connected to a 120Hz display.
What does the update add for Xbox Series S?
The update is minor for the Series S, adding 120Hz and VRR support but no change to the 60fps cap or the lack of a ray-tracing mode.
Conclusion
Remedy’s surprise patch is a gift to console players and one of the best post-launch upgrades we’ve ever seen. It breathes new life into an already fantastic game and serves as the first true technical showcase for what the PS5 Pro is capable of. It’s a testament to the developers’ commitment to their craft and a fantastic reason to dive back into the weird and wonderful world of the Federal Bureau of Control. It’s time to regain control, now at a much higher framerate.