YouTube finally enables support for HDR on Microsoft’s Xbox consoles. HDR support works across existing Xbox One S/X devices and new consoles such as Xbox Series X and Series S. As long as you have a TV or monitor capable of displaying HDR videos, the YouTube app will now automatically switch to output HDR content.
The YouTube app on Xbox has never previously supported HDR, despite the fact that HDR has been available on PlayStation 4 since 2019. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X were launched in November without YouTube HDR support and are still not available on the PS5—a step back from what was available on the PS4.
Engadget notes that you can confirm that HDR outputs correctly from the Xbox YouTube app by enabling the “Nerd Stats” panel. Many TVs will also display an HDR prompt or switch to HDR mode when content is played.
Now we just need more HDR content to be available on YouTube. Some of the best HDR content on YouTube is still a test video that was uploaded years ago. We’re starting to see more trailers and videos coming with HDR options, but the vast majority of creators don’t upload HDR content.
