Xbox App Officially Launches for Windows 11 on ARM Systems
Microsoft has officially launched the Xbox app for Windows 11 systems running on ARM architecture. The release enables users of Snapdragon X series devices to access Xbox PC gaming functions, which allow them to download and play Game Pass titles directly on their devices.
Game Compatibility and Emulation Support
At launch, Microsoft confirms that over 85% of the Game Pass catalog is compatible with Windows on ARM PCs. The company stated it is working with partners and development studios to expand this compatibility further. The application provides Xbox Cloud Gaming as a backup option for games which lack both native and emulated support.
The updated Prism emulator enables users to run x86 and x64 software on ARM hardware. The emulator received its major update through the introduction of AVX and AVX2 instruction support, which many current PC games require as a fundamental performance need. The Windows ARM platform now supports Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat system, which allows users to play Fortnite and other popular games on their devices.
Performance Tools and Future Hardware
Microsoft has developed Windows Performance Fit, a new software tool which enables users to predict game performance based on their hardware specifications. Microsoft did not release the specific performance information. The ability to play games on ARM laptops depends on the graphics processing unit specifications of each model. This launch is also seen as a step toward supporting upcoming laptops powered by the more capable Snapdragon X2 chips.
January Xbox Update Highlights
The January update for Xbox includes several other enhancements alongside the ARM app launch:
- Game Save Sync Indicator: A new feature showing the real-time status of cloud saves on desktops and handhelds.
- Cloud Gaming Expansion: Xbox Cloud Gaming is scheduled to arrive on select Hisense and V homeOS-based smart TVs in 2026.
- Library Growth: The update expands Xbox Play Anywhere, the Handheld Compatibility Program, and the Retro Classics library, with nine new titles added to Cloud Gaming and more games joining the Game Pass catalog this month.
A New Path for PC Gaming on ARM
Brynnan Fink and Nicole Allen made their statement through a joint blog post which announced their goal to enhance performance while creating an easier path for users to begin playing games and establish better compatibility with existing systems.
