Microsoft Expands Xbox App Accessibility on Arm PCs
In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts, Microsoft has officially launched its Xbox app for Windows 11 PCs equipped with Arm chips, specifically those powered by the Snapdragon X processor. This advancement marks a pivotal shift in the perception of Arm-based PCs, which have traditionally not been regarded as gaming powerhouses.
With the new Xbox app, users can now download and install it directly on their devices, granting them access to an extensive library of titles available through Microsoft’s Game Pass. Impressively, over 85% of the games offered on Game Pass are now compatible with Arm architecture. For those titles that remain unplayable natively, Microsoft provides an alternative through Xbox Cloud Gaming, ensuring that gamers can still enjoy their favorite experiences while the company continues to enhance compatibility.
Previously, the Xbox app’s functionality on Arm was limited to cloud streaming, but this update allows for native game execution on the device itself. After months of testing within the Xbox Insider program, the app is now accessible to the general public. Notably, Microsoft has also improved the underlying emulator, Prism, which now supports AVX and AVX2 instructions, thereby broadening the range of modern games that can run on Arm systems.
Nvidia’s Upcoming N1 CPU Series and Its Implications
The timing of the Xbox app’s release coincides with reports suggesting that Nvidia is on the verge of launching its Arm-based N1 CPU series. Among these, the N1X variant is expected to cater specifically to gaming and business laptops, potentially enhancing the overall performance landscape for Arm PCs.
In addition to the native Xbox app, Microsoft has introduced a new feature called Game Save Sync, which seamlessly integrates save data across PC and handheld devices. This feature addresses a common frustration among gamers who switch between platforms, ensuring that their progress is consistently updated in the cloud.
Looking ahead, Microsoft has plans to expand the Xbox app’s reach further by bringing it to select Hisense and V HomeOS-powered smart TVs in 2026. This will enable users to stream Xbox Game Pass titles directly to their televisions, further enhancing accessibility and convenience for gamers.
For those interested in subscription options, Xbox Game Pass offers various tiers: the Essential Tier at per month, the Premium Tier at , and the Ultimate Tier at . The Ultimate Tier provides comprehensive access to both Xbox and PC Game Pass games, including day-one releases for first-party titles from Microsoft.
