Microsoft addressing a significant issue in Windows on Arm, potentially enhancing the feasibility of AAA gaming on Snapdragon PCs.
Microsoft is making significant strides in improving the gaming experience on Arm-based Windows 11 devices. The tech giant is focusing on enhancing the emulation layer that allows x86 Windows games to run on Arm architectures, addressing key issues that have long impeded gaming on these devices.
One of the most notable developments is the update to the Xbox PC app, which now allows Arm users to download and play Xbox PC games natively, rather than just streaming. This update expands the playable game catalog for Arm users, including PC Game Pass titles, directly on their devices. To access these new features, users must enroll in both the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider programs to receive the update through the Xbox Insider Hub.
The update is a significant step towards unlocking a wider range of games for Arm-based PCs, which have been unable to run many popular titles like Halo Infinite, Fortnite, and League of Legends due to anti-cheat issues. Microsoft is working on enabling anti-cheat services to function properly under emulation, a move that would greatly increase game compatibility.
The efforts are part of a broader push to ensure better game compatibility and performance on Arm-based Windows 11 machines, particularly those powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips designed for high-performance and gaming scenarios. This includes collaboration between the Windows and Xbox teams to expand the playable game catalog on Arm and ongoing development of OS-level features to improve the overall gaming experience.
Recent announcements suggest a focus on handheld gaming PCs. Qualcomm recently unveiled the Snapdragon G, an SoC designed specifically for handheld PCs. Microsoft is also building a dedicated UI and experience for handheld gaming PCs running Windows 11, including the recently announced Xbox ROG Ally.
Microsoft has not yet announced any Arm-powered handheld gaming PCs running Windows 11, but rumors suggest that NVIDIA is working on an Arm-based chip for potential release next year. If released, this new chip could power the first Arm-based Windows PCs with a focus on gaming.
In addition to these advancements, Microsoft is working on a number of features and improvements for Windows 11 to further enhance the gaming experience on Arm-based PCs. The company has announced big changes to Windows 11 to improve the platform for gaming as a whole, and a new preview update for the Xbox app on Windows 11.
However, Microsoft has not yet announced any specific plans to address the anti-cheat issues for gaming on Windows on Arm. As these developments unfold, gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a more diverse and seamless gaming experience on Arm-based Windows 11 devices.
[1] Microsoft Tech Community. (2022). Xbox PC app for Windows on Arm. [Online]. Available: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Insider-Program-Blog/Xbox-PC-app-for-Windows-on-Arm/ba-p/2984062
[2] Windows Central. (2022). Microsoft is improving gaming on Windows on Arm. [Online]. Available: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-improving-gaming-windows-arm
[3] Windows Latest. (2022). Microsoft is working to improve gaming on Windows on Arm. [Online]. Available: https://www.windowslatest.com/news/microsoft-improving-gaming-on-windows-on-arm/
[4] Qualcomm. (2021). Snapdragon G3x Gen 1. [Online]. Available: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon-g3x-gen-1
[5] Windows Central. (2022). Xbox ROG Ally: The Windows-based handheld gaming PC is real. [Online]. Available: https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-rog-ally-windows-based-handheld-gaming-pc-real
- The Xbox PC app update for Windows on Arm devices now allows for native play of Xbox PC games, expanding the playable game catalog for Arm users.
- Microsoft is working on enabling anti-cheat services to function properly under emulation, a move aimed at increasing game compatibility on Arm-based PCs.
- The new Snapdragon G SoC, unveiled by Qualcomm, is designed specifically for handheld PCs running Windows 11, suggesting a focus on handheld gaming PCs.
- Microsoft is building a dedicated UI and experience for handheld gaming PCs running Windows 11, such as the Xbox ROG Ally.
- NVIDIA is rumored to be working on an Arm-based chip for potential release next year, which could power the first Arm-based Windows PCs focused on gaming.
- Microsoft is working on various features and improvements for Windows 11 to better the gaming experience on Arm-based PCs, including changes to the platform for gaming as a whole and a new preview update for the Xbox app on Windows 11.
- Despite these advancements, Microsoft has not yet announced any specific plans to address the anti-cheat issues for gaming on Windows on Arm, leaving gamers to anticipate a more diverse and seamless gaming experience as these developments continue.
