Qualcomm and Microsoft have opted for a subtle approach when it comes to marketing their Snapdragon X-powered PCs, steering clear of the gaming-centric narrative. Despite Qualcomm’s assertion that an impressive 90 percent of top Windows games are compatible with Snapdragon X2 laptops, the official announcement of the Snapdragon X2 chips notably omits any direct reference to gaming. This contrasts sharply with ASUS’s promotional material for the Zenbook A16, which boldly claims that the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme “enables ultra-smooth gaming.”
In an intriguing twist, YouTuber Ghobso Gaming has taken the initiative to push the boundaries of what these devices can handle. Over the past 15 months, they have rigorously tested 200 games on a Surface Pro 11 equipped with a Snapdragon X Plus. Just prior to reaching this milestone, Ghobso Gaming shared a curated list of their top ten games that perform admirably on the device.
Testing 200 games on a Surface Pro 11
- Atomfall
- Hades
- Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
- Fortnite
- Stardew Valley
- Halo CE (MCC)
- Lies of P
- South of Midnight
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Alien: Rogue Incursion
This diverse list encompasses both lighter 2D titles and more demanding games, showcasing the capabilities of the Surface Pro 11. While it may not rival the performance of dedicated gaming laptops, the ability to run these games smoothly on such a sleek device is noteworthy. The inclusion of Fortnite is particularly significant, as it was previously unplayable on Snapdragon X PCs until the introduction of Easy Anti-Cheat support last year, which has since opened the floodgates for several popular titles.
Since the release of their initial video, Ghobso Gaming has continued to explore the gaming landscape, even highlighting the performance of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II on the Surface Pro 11. The ongoing advancements in compatibility, particularly through Valve’s Windows-to-Linux translation via Proton, indicate a promising trajectory for gaming on Snapdragon X PCs.
The future of gaming on Snapdragon X PCs
Over the past few years, gaming on Snapdragon X PCs has seen significant enhancements, with a notable leap in performance within the last year alone. However, for Qualcomm to truly capitalize on this momentum, a more decisive commitment to the gaming sector is essential. The groundwork laid by improved processors suggests that many of the remaining challenges can be surmounted, paving the way for a new generation of gaming PCs powered by Snapdragon X technology.
One of the most promising avenues for Snapdragon X chips lies in the development of gaming handhelds. These devices, designed to handle modern gaming demands without necessarily delivering 4K resolution or the highest settings, could carve out a unique niche in the market. With better battery life and sufficient power to run popular titles, Snapdragon X-powered handhelds could eventually stand toe-to-toe with their Intel and AMD counterparts. For now, however, gamers can find enjoyment in playing a variety of titles on business laptops and 2-in-1s equipped with Snapdragon X chips.
