cheat support Archives

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

Epic Games Store to get an official Linux version, which could mean a native app for Steam Deck and Machine

Epic Games is developing a Linux version of its storefront for the Epic Games Store, as revealed by an Epic staff member during an AMA session. This development aims to streamline access for gamers using devices like the Steam Deck, who currently rely on third-party launchers. However, there is no confirmed timeline for its release, and it remains unclear if individual games, including Fortnite, will be available on SteamOS or if anti-cheat support will be included. Additionally, a job listing from June indicates that Epic is looking for a candidate to develop a Linux-friendly anti-cheat solution related to its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC).

Winsage

May 15, 2026

I can’t shake the feeling Xbox’s Project Helix has a major flaw, and Windows K2 might decide its future

In April 2026, Zac Bowden reported on Windows K2, an initiative by Microsoft aimed at improving Windows for gaming, with a focus on surpassing Valve's SteamOS in performance. Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox console platform, will be built on Windows 11 but has faced criticism due to SteamOS outperforming Windows 11 in gaming tests. Users have noted that SteamOS provides a more polished user experience compared to Windows 11, which currently has limitations for gaming handhelds. Windows K2 is intended to address issues such as reducing bloat, enhancing UI responsiveness, and optimizing gaming performance. The success of Windows K2 is seen as crucial for the future of Xbox, as it aims to create a seamless integration between Windows and Xbox products.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

“Gaming compatibility on Snapdragon X has come such a long way”: What 200 tested games tell us about Surface Pro 11

Qualcomm and Microsoft are marketing their Snapdragon X-powered PCs without emphasizing gaming, despite Qualcomm claiming that 90% of top Windows games are compatible with Snapdragon X2 laptops. The Snapdragon X2 chip announcement does not mention gaming, contrasting with ASUS's promotion of the Zenbook A16 for gaming. YouTuber Ghobso Gaming has tested 200 games on a Surface Pro 11 with a Snapdragon X Plus, sharing a list of ten well-performing games, including Fortnite, which became playable after Easy Anti-Cheat support was introduced. The performance of Snapdragon X PCs has improved significantly, and there is potential for gaming handhelds powered by Snapdragon X chips to compete with Intel and AMD devices.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

“Average Steam Deck framerate” graph shows PC game developers how their Verified titles really run on Valve’s handheld — Will users ever see this data

Valve has introduced new beta Steamworks tools for game developers as part of its Steam Deck Verified Games initiative. These tools allow developers to monitor average framerates over the past 30 days and access user survey results regarding the Verified status of their games. Participation in data collection is opt-in, ensuring user privacy. The user survey appears after at least ten minutes of gameplay, allowing users to agree or disagree with a game's Verified status and provide feedback on various criteria. The Steam Deck Verified program assesses game compatibility based on four criteria: Controller input, Display, Seamlessness, and System support. Games are rated as Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown, with these ratings displayed in the Steam store. Valve may potentially make the collected data accessible to the public in the future.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

“What else were Steam Deck users to do but create their own solutions?”: I watched Valve’s Linux-first handheld turn into a Windows 11 experiment in its community

Valve's Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received positive reviews for its custom Linux operating system, SteamOS. Initially competing with the Nintendo Switch, it now faces competition from new handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, which run Windows 11. Although not originally designed for Windows 11, users found ways to install it, leading Valve to release official drivers for easier installation. Running Windows 11 on the Steam Deck allows access to Xbox Game Pass and other game launchers, but it introduces challenges like performance issues due to additional telemetry and bloat. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, has formed to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing resources and guides. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become an unexpected Windows gaming handheld, sustained by community enthusiasm.

Winsage

April 12, 2026

How the Steam Deck became an unlikely Windows 11 handheld — and the community making it work

The Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022, and received a five-star review for its design. It initially ran on SteamOS, a custom Linux version, which introduced many gamers to Linux. The device faced competition from the Nintendo Switch, but as its popularity grew, other manufacturers began releasing their own PC handhelds with Windows 11. Windows 11 offers better game compatibility and access to various platforms, leading some Steam Deck users to seek ways to install it on their devices. Although not originally designed for Windows, early adopters found methods to install it, prompting Valve to release an official Windows driver package. With Windows 11, users gained access to features like anti-cheat support and compatibility with multiple game launchers, though challenges remained. A community on Reddit, r/WindowsOnDeck, emerged to support users dual-booting Windows and SteamOS, providing guides and troubleshooting assistance. Despite the challenges, the Steam Deck has become a notable option for Windows gaming handhelds, aided by community efforts.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Play more: Xbox app is now available on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs

Windows 11 has made significant advancements in gaming, particularly for Arm-based devices. The Xbox app is now available on all Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, with over 85% of the Game Pass catalog compatible. Xbox Cloud Gaming offers an alternative for unsupported titles. The introduction of Prism allows x86/x64 software to run on Arm, supporting AVX and AVX2 for modern games. Epic Anti-Cheat support has enabled popular games like Gears of War: Reloaded and Fortnite on these devices. The Windows Performance Fit feature helps players choose games based on their hardware capabilities. Ongoing collaborations aim to enhance catalog compatibility and improve the gaming experience on various Windows 11 devices. Player feedback is shaping updates and new titles for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows PC gaming in 2025: Handheld innovation, Arm progress and DirectX advances

Windows has been a key platform for PC gaming, evolving significantly by 2025 with advancements in handheld gaming and performance. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, were introduced, enhancing handheld gaming experiences. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was launched for these devices, optimizing gaming interfaces. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) was implemented, reducing load times by over 80% for some titles. System-level performance improvements included tuned power management and lower CPU overhead. Windows also focused on Arm devices, enabling local game installations through the Xbox PC app and expanding compatibility with the Prism emulator. Native anti-cheat support was introduced for Arm devices, enhancing competitive gaming. DirectX 12 advancements included features that improved ray tracing performance by up to 2.3×. Bluetooth LE Audio support was added to enhance audio quality for gamers. Upcoming innovations include expanding FSE to more Windows devices, further ASD support, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution for improved visuals in games.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Qualcomm refines Windows on Arm gaming with broad feature release — platform gets Snapdragon Control Panel, AVX2 emulation, improved anti-cheat support

Qualcomm is enhancing its Snapdragon X and upcoming X2 series chips with new gaming features, including a control panel with four sub-menus for graphics, software, system info, and preferences, allowing customization of driver settings for individual games. The update expands anti-cheat support to include Tencent's Anti-Cheat Expert, Roblox's Hyperion, Denuvo, InProtect GameGuard, BattleEye, and Uncheater, with Epic Games improving its Easy Anti-Cheat software for Snapdragon. Additionally, Qualcomm is integrating AVX2 emulation into its Snapdragon Windows-compatible chips, with the Snapdragon X2 Elite already supporting this feature, enabling better compatibility with AVX2 applications on Windows.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Qualcomm says 90% of top Windows games will run on Snapdragon X2 laptops — is Windows on Arm gaming finally here?

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, which are expected to significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of Windows laptops. Initial benchmarks show that the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme performs well in single-core, multi-core, and GPU metrics, making it suitable for both productivity and gaming. Over 90% of the most played Windows games will be compatible at launch on devices using these new processors, which offer up to 2.3 times higher efficiency than previous models. Qualcomm has also launched the Snapdragon Control Panel to optimize game performance and ensure up-to-date drivers. The Snapdragon X2 Elite supports AVX2 emulation for running certain games via Microsoft's Prism Emulator, and there is ongoing development of kernel-level anti-cheat support for Windows on Snapdragon. Microsoft reports that 90% of user activity on Windows 11 on ARM involves native applications, indicating improved compatibility. New laptops featuring these Snapdragon processors are expected to debut in the first half of 2026, with previews potentially at CES in January.