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windows on arm is now ready for Qualcomm has made significant strides in enhancing the gaming experience on Windows on Arm devices, addressing previous shortcomings and introducing new features aimed at gamers.

windows on arm is now ready for

Background on Windows on Arm Gaming

When Qualcomm first introduced its Snapdragon X Elite laptops, the promise was clear: games would “just work.” However, early adopters quickly discovered that this was not the case. Many games either failed to run or experienced significant performance issues. This led to skepticism about the viability of Windows on Arm as a gaming platform. The initial lack of support for popular gaming titles and the limitations of emulation left many gamers frustrated.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed considerably. Qualcomm and Microsoft have collaborated to implement a series of updates and improvements that aim to make gaming on Windows on Arm not just feasible, but enjoyable. The introduction of the Snapdragon Control Panel is a pivotal development in this ongoing effort.

Snapdragon Control Panel: A Game-Changer

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Control Panel, set to be released this week, is designed to optimize the gaming experience on Snapdragon X Elite laptops. This tool automatically detects installed games and adjusts settings to enhance performance. The Control Panel functions similarly to optimization apps provided by AMD and Nvidia for their GPUs, offering users the ability to tweak various settings such as:

Frame rate caps
Anti-aliasing
Texture filtering
Resolution settings

These adjustments can significantly improve gameplay, allowing for smoother graphics and more responsive controls. Additionally, the Control Panel facilitates the installation of the latest Adreno GPU drivers, which are specifically optimized for contemporary gaming titles. Qualcomm has reported that it has made fixes and improvements for over 100 games since the launch of the Snapdragon X Elite, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing support and enhancement.

Emulator Improvements and Compatibility

Another critical aspect of the gaming experience on Windows on Arm is the emulator support. Microsoft has made substantial updates to its Prism emulator, which now supports x86 Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX). This is particularly important as many games and creative applications rely on AVX for optimal performance. The latest Snapdragon X2 Elite chips also support AVX2 emulation, ensuring that existing Snapdragon X series devices will receive this update in the coming weeks.

This enhancement in emulator capabilities means that a broader range of games can run more efficiently on Windows on Arm devices. The ability to emulate AVX significantly increases compatibility with popular titles that previously faced challenges on this platform. As a result, gamers can expect a more extensive library of playable games, reducing the frustration of encountering compatibility issues.

Updates to the Xbox App

In tandem with the hardware and emulator improvements, Microsoft has also updated its Xbox app on Windows on Arm. Previously, the app served primarily as a portal for Xbox Cloud Gaming, lacking essential features such as game library access and store options. However, recent updates have introduced the ability to download ARM64 compatible games directly from the app.

This change is significant for gamers who utilize PC Game Pass, as it now allows them to install games directly onto their devices rather than relying solely on cloud gaming. The enhanced Xbox app experience not only improves accessibility but also enriches the overall gaming ecosystem on Windows on Arm.

Collaboration with Epic Games

Qualcomm’s partnership with Epic Games has yielded another noteworthy development: the successful implementation of Fortnite on Windows on Arm. This marks a significant milestone, as Fortnite is one of the most popular games globally. The addition of full kernel-level anti-cheat support is crucial for maintaining a fair gaming environment, especially in competitive multiplayer settings.

To run Fortnite on Windows on Arm, users will need to ensure they have the latest Adreno GPU driver installed. Qualcomm is also collaborating with other anti-cheat providers, including:

Tencent’s Anti-Cheat Expert
Roblox’s Hyperion
Denuvo
InProtect GameGuard
Uncheater
BattleEye

This collaborative effort aims to expand the range of multiplayer games available on Windows on Arm, further solidifying its position as a viable gaming platform. The arrival of Fortnite on the platform coincides with its debut on the Xbox PC store, marking the first time Epic Games has released the title on another PC store or launcher. This move is part of a broader strategy to bring Fortnite Crew to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, enhancing the value proposition for gamers.

Current Limitations and Future Prospects

Despite the numerous improvements, it is essential to acknowledge that gaming performance and compatibility on Windows on Arm are still not perfect. While many titles now run more smoothly, there are still games that may not be compatible or may experience performance issues. Gamers are encouraged to check the compatibility of their favorite titles, as some may still require emulation or may not run at all on the platform.

The gaming community’s feedback will be crucial as Qualcomm and Microsoft continue to refine their offerings. The ongoing development of the Snapdragon Control Panel, emulator updates, and collaboration with game developers will play a vital role in shaping the future of gaming on Windows on Arm.

Implications for Gamers and Developers

The enhancements made to Windows on Arm have significant implications for both gamers and developers. For gamers, the ability to run a broader range of titles with improved performance opens up new possibilities. The integration of popular games like Fortnite and the support for anti-cheat systems will likely attract more users to the platform.

For developers, the increased compatibility and performance improvements mean that creating games for Windows on Arm could become more appealing. As the platform matures, developers may find it worthwhile to invest time and resources into optimizing their games for this ecosystem, potentially leading to a more diverse gaming library.

Conclusion

Qualcomm’s recent advancements in gaming on Windows on Arm represent a significant step forward for the platform. With the launch of the Snapdragon Control Panel, improvements in emulator support, and collaborations with major game developers, the landscape for gaming on Windows on Arm is becoming increasingly promising. While challenges remain, the commitment to enhancing performance and compatibility suggests a bright future for gamers on this platform.

Source: Original report