In a recent update on their development blog, Microsoft has officially announced the launch of their Advanced Shader Delivery feature, set to debut on October 16th, coinciding with the release of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. This innovative feature aims to “deliver a console-quality experience on Windows.”
For those who frequently engage in PC gaming, the term ‘Compiling Shaders’ is likely familiar. In essence, this process involves converting a developer’s shader code into a format that can be executed by a player’s GPU. Given the vast array of GPUs available, shader compilation is essential for ensuring that games function across diverse hardware configurations. However, it often leads to performance hiccups, extended loading times, and noticeable stuttering during gameplay—issues that consoles typically avoid due to their standardized hardware. Developers can precompile shaders for these fixed systems, streamlining the gaming experience.
What is ‘Advanced Shader Delivery’?
According to the blog post, “Advanced shader delivery is a new feature that distributes precompiled shaders when downloading a game, eliminating in-game shader compilation stutter and long load times. This solves one of the biggest pain points in PC gaming today, making it easier than ever to deliver a console-quality experience on Windows.”
This feature arrives just in time for the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. Microsoft notes that “Gamers who own these devices receive precompiled shaders at download time on select titles to start gaming faster.” The details shared in the Developer Blog suggest a significant enhancement to the gaming experience. With the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X being the first devices to leverage these capabilities, players can expect to enter games up to ten times faster, enjoy smoother gameplay, and benefit from improved battery life. The collaboration with Team Xbox has resulted in the collection of Shader Object Data Binaries (SODBs) for popular titles, which will be delivered alongside game packages during downloads. Additionally, Xbox will ensure that precompiled shaders are updated whenever players download games or install new drivers, optimizing performance with the latest improvements.
The anticipation surrounding the adoption of these features by developers is palpable, as gamers eagerly await to see the practical benefits unfold in real-world scenarios.
More on the ROG Xbox Ally:
Having had the opportunity to experience both devices firsthand at Gamescom, the team expressed considerable enthusiasm regarding their performance. While personal interest in ownership is high, the deciding factor for many will undoubtedly be the pricing, which has recently been disclosed. For those interested, pre-orders are now available, though availability may be limited. Have you secured your ROG Xbox Ally or Ally X? Join the conversation over at the XboxEra Community Forum or in the Discord Server.
