Microsoft has taken a significant step in enhancing its gaming ecosystem by launching an ARM-compatible version of its Xbox App. This development marks a pivotal moment for ARM-based Windows 11 devices, as it integrates the Xbox PC experience into a growing segment of the market. With over 85% of the current Game Pass library already functional on ARM-powered systems, this initiative sets a promising foundation for future growth.
Expanding Game Access
While full compatibility with Game Pass remains a feature exclusive to x86-based Windows 11 systems, gamers can still enjoy titles that are not natively supported on ARM through Xbox Cloud Gaming. This flexibility allows users to access a broader range of games, ensuring that the transition to ARM does not hinder the gaming experience. Microsoft is also actively working with various partners to enhance game compatibility on ARM devices, signaling a commitment to expanding the gaming landscape.
The introduction of Microsoft’s Prism emulation layer has been instrumental in this transition, enabling native x86 and x64 applications to operate seamlessly on ARM-based PCs. Recent updates, including support for AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, have significantly bolstered Game Pass compatibility on these systems. Coupled with the integration of Epic Anti-Cheat’s ARM support, popular titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded and Fortnite can now run smoothly on ARM-powered machines.
A New Era for Gaming Hardware
By broadening support for ARM CPUs, Microsoft is not only enhancing its own offerings but also creating opportunities for industry leaders like Nvidia and Qualcomm to innovate and deliver superior gaming experiences on Windows. Although x86 architecture continues to dominate in terms of game compatibility, the gap is steadily closing, suggesting that ARM-related compatibility issues may soon be a thing of the past. This evolution promises to expand the range of gaming-capable devices available to consumers, fostering healthy competition that ultimately benefits gamers and the hardware market alike.
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