Updated: May 15, 2026 
When 007 First Light was first shown off in September 2025, I think a lot of us had the same reaction: this game looks rough. The frame rate was choppy enough that the internet started calling it "007 FPS", and not in a flattering way. Now, just weeks before launch, IO Interactive has fired back with actual 007 First Light performance modes numbers, and I have to say, things are looking a lot better.
What Frame Rate Does 007 First Light Run At?
IO Interactive dropped a tweet quoting the "007 FPS" nickname before revealing that the game runs at a smooth 60fps on PS5 Pro. They even attached fresh gameplay footage from the same airport mission shown during the State of Play. If you watch the video, it's actually the exact same sequence, but cleaner.
The motion blur is toned down, animations look more polished, and the HUD has been redesigned so the License to Kill prompt now appears at the top of the screen instead of cluttering your view. It's a noticeable upgrade from what people saw last year.
007 First Light PS5 and PS5 Pro Performance Modes
Here's how performance breaks down across Sony's hardware:
| Console | Mode | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 Pro | Standard | 60fps |
| Base PS5 | Performance Mode | 60fps |
| Base PS5 | Quality Mode | 30fps |
If you're on a base PS5, you get to choose. Performance Mode gives you 60fps gameplay, which makes combat and fast action sequences feel much smoother. Quality Mode drops to 30fps but focuses on better graphics and visuals. This will give you sharper textures and better lighting.
On PS5 Pro, you don't have to make that choice. You get 60fps without sacrificing visual quality, which is the whole point of the more expensive hardware.
What About Xbox?
IO Interactive hasn't made a separate announcement for Xbox, but from what I can tell, the base PS5 confirmation suggests that Xbox Series X will have the same Performance and Quality modes available, just like what Forza Horizon 6 is going to have. The Xbox Series S might not get the same range of graphics options, though, so don't expect a clean 60fps guarantee there just yet.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version has already been confirmed as a later release, so performance details for that platform are still coming.
The news about 007 First Light PS5 and PS5 Pro performance modes is actually very great news. Releasing a major action game at 30fps in 2026 would have been a tough sell, and I'm glad that base PS5 owners get a 60fps option, too. Smooth frame rates matter a lot in a game built around fast combat, stealth takedowns, and high-speed chases.
007 First Light releases on May 27, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. You can check out our countdown if you want to know how long you've got left until the game releases. And if you're pre-ordering now, you can even snag the free Obsidian Gold Wheels for Fortnite. Hopefully, this news clears things up before you decide to pull the trigger on 007 First Light.
