Microsoft connects Xbox Game Pass, Windows on Arm PCs for local gaming

Microsoft is testing a new update for the Xbox app on Windows on Arm PCs, allowing users to download and play games locally through the Windows Store and Xbox Game Pass for PC. This is a significant development as previously, Windows on Arm users were limited to cloud gaming or had to use Valve's Steam platform. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor inside these Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, however, still struggles to run top-tier games at high frame rates, with most games running at single-digit frame rates or unplayable levels. The Adreno GPU simply lacks the horsepower to handle the demands of modern games. While the update is good news for providing more gaming options for Windows on Arm users, the performance limitations of the current Snapdragon hardware remain a concern. Microsoft and Qualcomm are expected to address these issues with the launch of a next-generation Snapdragon chip at the upcoming Snapdragon Technology Summit.