Microsoft and Arm-based laptops
Qualcomm and Microsoft are dropping hints about the potential of Windows on Arm for PC gaming, particularly for laptops and handheld devices. Microsoft showcased games like Borderlands 3 running on Snapdragon X Elite laptops with a 60% performance boost thanks to Auto Super Resolution tech. Over 1400 games have been tested on Arm-based Windows laptops, with over 700 confirmed to run smoothly at 1080p and 60fps. This could mean a promising future for gaming on portable laptops.
Freeing up space
At the recent Microsoft Build conference, Steven Bathiche demonstrated over 40 AI models running concurrently on a Snapdragon X Elite laptop without using the GPU. This new AI feature cataloged everything, maintaining minimal CPU and GPU usage. The rise of Copilot Plus PCs with powerful NPUs suggests a future where background tasks are handled by the NPU, freeing up CPU and GPU resources for gaming. This could be a game-changer for gamers looking to optimize their laptops for peak performance.
Next-gen chips and Steam Deck rumors
Rumors suggest a next-generation Qualcomm chip arriving in mid-2025, potentially improving handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck. Nvidia is also rumored to enter the AI PC market, launching Arm PC chips in 2025. With these leaks and rumors circulating, 2025 could be a pivotal year for new chips powering these devices. Will Arm PC chips outclass the Steam Deck on its Linux-based SteamOS? Only time will tell.
