shader delivery Archives

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices are now available in 45 countries, developed in collaboration with ASUS and AMD. These devices integrate the Xbox experience with Windows, allowing players to access their Xbox library, progress, friends, and achievements. Pre-orders are available through Xbox.com in the U.S. and through the ASUS eShop for other regions. The Xbox Ally features ergonomic grips and a new Xbox Full Screen Experience, with resources like a Getting Started guide and Gaming Copilot (Beta) for assistance. The Handheld Compatibility program includes titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Players can enjoy over 1000 games via Xbox Play Anywhere, with over 55 new titles added last month. Select markets will receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass with their purchase. The devices are optimized for accessibility, catering to players with disabilities. Future updates will include Default Game Profiles for better performance and battery life, enhancements to the docking experience, and AI-powered features. Many innovations will be applicable across all Windows devices, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery aims for a ‘console-quality’ experience on Windows

Microsoft has 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 feature aims to deliver a console-quality experience on Windows by distributing precompiled shaders during game downloads, eliminating in-game shader compilation stutter and long load times. Gamers who own the ROG Xbox Ally devices will receive precompiled shaders at download time for select titles, allowing them to start gaming faster. The feature is expected to enable players to enter games up to ten times faster, enjoy smoother gameplay, and benefit from improved battery life. Precompiled shaders will be updated whenever players download games or install new drivers.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Microsoft is working on a fix for PC shader stutter

Microsoft is introducing an "advanced shader delivery" feature for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, aimed at reducing loading times and minimizing stutter in games. This system preloads game shaders during download, potentially allowing games to launch up to ten times faster and operate more smoothly. The feature may require collaboration with developers for full benefits at launch. Additionally, Microsoft is improving user experience on Windows 11 for gaming by enhancing access to features like the Game Bar and minimizing background activity to allocate more resources to gaming.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Microsoft wants to soothe a big pain for PC gamers: Shaders

Microsoft is introducing "advanced shader delivery" to improve the gaming experience for PC users by standardizing shader packaging. This involves creating a State Object Database (SODB) that collects shader data, which is then paired with a cloud-based compiler to form a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB). This PSDB will be downloaded with the game, allowing for quick access to shaders without additional compilation. The feature is currently available on the Xbox gaming store, the Xbox PC app, and devices with AMD processors. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to other storefronts and game developers, and existing games will also benefit in the future. The shader cache will refresh automatically after driver updates. Further details are expected to be shared in September.