In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts, Microsoft is currently testing a new feature that enables local gaming on Windows on Arm PCs through the Xbox app. This advancement marks a notable shift in the gaming landscape for devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor.
New Update for Windows Insiders
Previously, users of Windows on Arm could only engage in gaming through cloud services, limiting their experience. However, with the latest update (version 2508.1001.27.0 and higher), available to both Windows Insiders and Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview, local gaming is now within reach. This update can be accessed via the Xbox Insider Hub, although the user base for this feature remains relatively small.
The updated Xbox app allows users to explore games available through the Windows Store and Xbox Game Pass for PC. This is particularly noteworthy as Xbox Game Pass offers subscribers access to a diverse library of games, ranging from blockbuster titles to indie gems. Until now, gamers on Windows on Arm have primarily relied on Valve’s Steam platform for their gaming needs.
Despite this promising update, challenges remain. The Adreno GPU integrated within the Snapdragon X Elite has limitations when it comes to running high-end games. For instance, Qualcomm demonstrated the game Control operating at approximately 40 frames per second on low settings, which, while acceptable, highlights the performance constraints. Further analysis revealed that many titles struggle to maintain playable frame rates, often dropping into single digits under heavier loads.
Older games or those featuring simpler graphics tend to perform better. For example, tests indicated that DOTA 2 achieved an average of 52.8 frames per second on low settings, although it could plummet to as low as 9.8 frames per second during intense gameplay scenarios.
Nevertheless, the introduction of the Xbox app provides a more streamlined method for downloading games via Microsoft’s Game Pass, enhancing the overall gaming experience on these devices. As anticipation builds for the next-generation Snapdragon, which is expected to be unveiled at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Technology Summit later this month, there is hope for improved gaming performance on Windows on Arm PCs.
