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| A native version of the Xbox app is now available for Windows on ARM |
In a significant move for PC gamers, Microsoft has launched a new version of its Xbox app fully compatible with ARM-based Windows 11 devices. This means owners of the latest Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus laptops can now directly download and play titles from the extensive Xbox PC library. For games not yet supported locally, Xbox Cloud Gaming remains a seamless fallback, ensuring the catalog stays wide open.
The development marks a pivotal step in Microsoft’s vision for a more flexible and portable Windows gaming ecosystem. “We are committed to working with development studios and partners to broaden compatibility,” a Microsoft spokesperson noted, highlighting the ongoing effort to bridge the gap between traditional x86 systems and the new wave of ARM-powered devices.
The Tech Powering the Play: Prism Emulator Steps Up
The capability to run these games stems from Microsoft’s updated Prism emulation layer, a technology designed to translate x86 and x64 instructions for ARM processors. A critical enhancement for modern gaming is the newly added support for AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, which are essential for many recent, graphically intensive titles.
Furthermore, a major barrier to online play has been lifted. Epic Games’ Easy Anti-Cheat system is now operational on Windows for ARM. This opens the door for popular competitive and co-op games like Fortnite and the upcoming Gears of War: Reloaded to be fully playable on these platforms.
For those curious about how their specific hardware will handle the latest games, Microsoft has introduced Windows Performance Fit. This tool provides a general estimation of gameplay viability, though it stops short of offering detailed frame-rate predictions. As detailed in the official announcement on the Windows blog, this is part of a broader initiative to improve the user experience on new form factors.
Setting Realistic Expectations for ARM Gaming
It’s important to temper expectations. While the Snapdragon X series represents a leap forward for Windows on ARM, gaming performance is still largely dictated by the integrated GPU. These systems are not designed to rival high-end gaming rigs with discrete graphics cards. They are, however, poised to deliver very capable 1080p gaming for a wide range of titles, making them excellent for gaming on the go.
This foundational support is clearly laying the groundwork for the future. The imminent arrival of even more powerful Snapdragon X2 chips later this year promises to further narrow the performance gap, making ARM laptops increasingly compelling for gamers who prioritize battery life and portability.
More Gaming Enhancements in the January Update
The ARM app launch is just one part of a substantial January update for the Xbox ecosystem. Another user-friendly addition is the Game Save Sync Indicator, a small but valuable desktop tool that shows the real-time status of your cloud saves—perfect for peace of mind when switching between a handheld device and a desktop.
Looking ahead, Xbox Cloud Gaming is slated to expand its reach to selected Hisense and V smart TVs running homeOS in 2026. This update also brings an expansion of Xbox Play Anywhere, updates to the Handheld Compatibility Program, nine new titles to Cloud Gaming, and fresh additions to the Retro Classics library.
As confirmed in the broader January update notes, the Game Pass catalogue will also see new additions throughout the month, ensuring there’s always something new to play, whether on ARM, x86, or via the cloud.