Microsoft Expands Xbox App Functionality on ARM-Based PCs
In a significant update for gamers, Microsoft has announced that its Xbox app on Windows 11 now allows game downloads on all ARM-based PCs. Previously, users with Qualcomm-powered devices were limited to cloud gaming through a Game Pass subscription. This shift marks a notable enhancement in accessibility and functionality for gamers using ARM architecture.
The journey towards this update began in August when Microsoft introduced game downloads and local play for Xbox Insiders on ARM-based Windows 11 PCs. That same month, Epic Games made strides by ensuring its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) system was compatible with Windows on ARM, paving the way for popular titles like Fortnite to run on these devices.
While many games on the Xbox app are designed for the x64 architecture, Microsoft has been proactive in enhancing the experience for ARM users. The Prism emulator, which facilitates the running of x86 games on ARM devices, received an update in December. This update included support for the AVX and AVX2 x86 instruction set architecture extensions, broadening the range of x86-based games that can be played on Windows on ARM. Additionally, the Windows Performance Fit feature within the Xbox app now provides insights into how well a game will perform based on the hardware specifications of the device.
According to Microsoft, “Today, more than 85% of the Game Pass catalog is compatible with these PCs, and we’re actively working with partners to expand support even further. For titles not yet supported running locally, Xbox Cloud Gaming remains an easy way to jump in while we work with partners to broaden compatibility.”
Despite these advancements, recommending an ARM-based Windows 11 PC for gaming still poses challenges. However, emulation performance has shown promising improvements on devices equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series chips. Looking ahead, performance is expected to enhance further with the introduction of Qualcomm’s upcoming X2 series chips. Nevertheless, it may take some time before developers begin releasing native ARM64 versions of their games, leaving gamers in a state of anticipation.
