Madden NFL 22 Performance Mode vs. Image Quality Mode: Which to Choose?

The new Madden NFL 22 Performance Mode feature has a lot of players in the community wondering about it now that the game has just been released.

When taking a stroll around the graphics settings menus this year, some players will have the option to set their game's Performance Mode between Performance and Image Quality. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about this feature, from its two choices to who can benefit from this new feature in the first place.

Madden NFL 22 Performance Mode vs. Image Quality Mode: Which to Choose?

As it currently stands, Madden NFL 22's new Performance Mode feature allows Xbox Series X players the ability to choose between running the game at a higher frame rate or a higher resolution.

This is due to the game being, as advertised, optimized specifically for Microsoft's next-gen flagship console. Unfortunately, it seems this choice is not available to those on last-gen consoles such as the Xbox One and PS4, or on the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5.

Here's how Madden NFL 22 officially describes the two choices in-game:

• Performance Mode: ensures the highest possible frame rate for your gameplay experience
• Image Quality Mode: allows for the highest possible graphic quality

Essentially, Image Quality Mode is the default Madden setting, as it will cap the game at 60 FPS while allowing players with higher resolution screens (e.g. 4K) to have the game's graphics look as aesthetically pleasing as can be.

Meanwhile, for those with an Xbox Series X and a high refresh rate monitor or TV lying around, Performance Mode is a great option. For those who haven't played a game at a FPS higher than 60 with a compatible display, this is one of the biggest competitive advantages that more expensive hardware can offer.

In any game where anticipating movement and pressing a button faster than your opponent is relevant, frame rate will play a vital role, as those on higher, smoother FPS counts will be able to feel more in tune and precise with their character. Although this will mean playing at 1080p, those simply looking to secure the W won't need to think twice about the decision.

For those looking to see for the Performance Mode setting in game:

1. Select "Options"
2. Select "Settings"
3. Select "Graphics"
4. Choose between "Performance" and "Image Quality" for the game's "Performance Mode"

For more on Madden NFL 22, feel free to check out our coverage of the changes made to its Dual Entitlement program for those on PlayStation.

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