Microsoft just announced that you can now install the Xbox app on all Arm-based Windows 11 devices. The Windows Experience Blog said that more than 85% of the Game Pass catalog is compatible with Windows 11 devices that run on Arm-based processors, and that it’s continuing to expand compatibility with the remaining titles. This news comes as Nvidia is reportedly debuting Arm-based N1X gaming laptops this quarter, challenging the established x86 architecture that still dominates the gaming PC industry and offering an alternative to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X SoCs.
“Players can now download and enjoy a wide range of titles from the Xbox PC app game catalog on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs,” the company said in its blog post. “Today, more than 85% of the Game Pass catalog is compatible with these PCs, and we’re actively working with partners to expand support even further. For titles not yet supported running locally, Xbox Cloud Gaming remains an easy way to jump in while we work with partners to broaden compatibility.”
The company achieved this with the continued development of Prism, an emulator designed to run x86/x64 apps on Arm hardware. The addition of AVX and AVX2 support has expanded its compatibility with several modern games, while Epic Anti-Cheat support means that you can continue playing popular multiplayer titles on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs.
This is going to be excellent news for gamers, as it will allow them to have more hardware options when it comes to gaming. Even though many feel that x86 processors still deliver more raw horsepower, the efficiency of Arm-based chips is certainly attractive to those who prefer gaming on the go. Handheld console maker Ayaneo has been making Arm-based devices for several years now with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2-powered Pocket S, but the lack of PC titles for Arm SoCs meant that it’s designed for Android gaming. This announcement would likely push handheld gaming console manufacturers to develop Arm-powered options, giving us the option to play PC games on battery for much longer than what we usually get from x86-powered devices.
Arm’s threat to x86’s dominance has got long-time rivals Intel and AMD cooperating, with the two companies forming the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group in 2024. By the time of its first anniversary, we’ve already seen AMD and Intel agreeing to support some technologies, like the Advanced Matrix Extension, AVX10, Flexible Return and Event Delivery, and x86 Memory Tagging, for upcoming and future processors.
The Xbox app’s support for gaming on Arm-based processors will pose a threat to x86, especially now that a lot of games are compatible with the system. Even Steam is experimenting with Arm compatibility, with the client app adding native support for Apple silicon in 2025. But while this might make Intel and AMD nervous about their duopoly, especially in the gaming PC space, this is just going to be good news for gamers and consumers, as it drives competition between different ISAs and could even be the engine that would lead to more innovations in processors.
Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He’s been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he’s been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics.
