Mafia III: Definitive Edition has received a free Xbox Series X|S upgrade that raises the frame rate target to 60 FPS while making smaller improvements to lighting, textures and vegetation streaming.
The new version is available as a separate game rather than an update applied directly to the existing Xbox One release. If you already own Mafia III: Definitive Edition digitally, the Xbox Series X|S edition should appear as a free download through the Microsoft Store.
The upgraded version is listed separately as "Mafia III: Definitive Edition for XBOX Series X|S."
Players buying Mafia III: Definitive Edition now receive the new version as part of the package alongside the Xbox One edition.
Series X and Series S Both Target 60 FPS
The most noticeable improvement is performance.
Mafia III originally ran at 30 FPS on Xbox, while the new Series X|S version targets 60 FPS. Early testing suggests both consoles hold that target well in most situations.
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Frame rate target | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Visual improvements | Lighting, texture rendering, vegetation streaming | Similar improvements |
| Resolution | Higher of the two versions | Slightly lower |
| Upgrade cost for digital owners | Free | Free |
| Achievement list | Separate | Separate |
On Xbox Series X, the visual presentation remains close to the previous version. The upgrade does not transform the game's graphics, but adjustments have been made to several rendering systems.
The difference is much easier to notice in motion because doubling the target from 30 FPS to 60 FPS makes driving, camera movement and combat feel smoother.
Xbox Series S receives a similar update, although its resolution appears to be somewhat lower than the Series X version.
Performance still seems close to a locked 60 FPS for much of the game, making the Series S edition a significant improvement over the original Xbox One release as well.
The Upgrade Is Treated as a Separate Xbox Game
One important detail is that the Series X|S release is not simply the same Xbox One executable running with new settings.
It appears in your library as a separate title.
That also means the Xbox One and Series X|S editions have independent achievement lists.
Players who previously completed the Xbox One version can therefore earn achievements again in the upgraded release.
The newer version also includes changes intended to improve achievement and trophy tracking. Reported problems with progress tracking from the original release have been addressed so accomplishments should register more reliably.
Visual Changes Are Relatively Modest
Anyone expecting a major graphical remaster may be disappointed.
The Series X|S version retains much of the appearance of the previous release, and side by side differences can be difficult to notice during ordinary gameplay.
The development team has adjusted lighting, texture rendering and vegetation streaming, but these changes are more subtle than the frame rate upgrade.
The main reason to return to the game is therefore the smoother 60 FPS presentation rather than significantly redesigned graphics.
For a game with frequent driving and third person gunplay, however, that performance increase can have a meaningful impact on how responsive the experience feels.
Existing Digital Owners Can Upgrade for Free
If you already own Mafia III: Definitive Edition digitally on Xbox, you should not need to purchase the Series X|S version again.
You can search the Microsoft Store for the dedicated Series X|S listing and download it separately.
The source also suggests that Xbox's disc to digital system may provide another route for eligible physical owners, although that availability was not directly confirmed.
For anyone who does not own the game, Mafia III: Definitive Edition is currently discounted to £4.99 or $5.99, making the upgraded version relatively inexpensive to add to an Xbox library.
The update does not dramatically change New Bordeaux visually, but the move from 30 FPS to a mostly smooth 60 FPS gives the game a much more modern feel on current Xbox hardware.
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