Xbox App Expands to Arm-Based Windows 11 PCs

Gamers using Arm-based Windows 11 devices can now enjoy the Xbox app, marking a major step toward broader PC gaming compatibility. Microsoft confirms that over 85% of Game Pass titles now run on Snapdragon-powered machines, opening up new possibilities for mobile and lightweight PCs. This update addresses a long-standing challenge for Arm devices: running high-performance games traditionally designed for x86 hardware.

With these improvements, casual players and enthusiasts alike can explore more titles without switching to a traditional gaming PC. Microsoft’s focus on emulator updates, cloud streaming, and hardware testing tools ensures a smoother experience across a variety of Arm systems.

Prism Emulator Update Unlocks More Games

A key part of this Xbox app expansion is the updated Prism emulator, which now supports AVX and AVX2 instructions. These instruction sets are critical for modern games, meaning titles that previously refused to launch on Arm PCs can now run smoothly.

For gamers, this translates into access to a larger library of popular titles without waiting for native Arm ports. Microsoft’s tests indicate that even demanding games are now playable, though performance varies depending on the title and settings.

Game Pass Performance on Snapdragon Devices

Performance testing shows promising results for Snapdragon-powered devices. Popular games like Fortnite achieve frame rates between 78 and 89 FPS on Snapdragon X Elite, offering a near-console experience on mobile-style PCs. More demanding AAA titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077, run around 30 FPS at low settings, suggesting that cloud streaming remains the ideal solution for graphically intensive games.

To help gamers make informed decisions, Microsoft introduced the Windows Performance Fit tool, which evaluates each user’s hardware and predicts how well a game will run. This tool is especially useful for Arm PC owners, where performance can vary significantly between devices.

Cloud Gaming and Compatibility Tools

While native performance is improving, cloud streaming is still a critical option for players with less powerful Arm devices. Microsoft integrates Xbox Cloud Gaming into the app, enabling instant access to titles that may struggle on local hardware.

Additionally, Microsoft is partnering with brands to expand compatibility even further. These collaborations aim to ensure future Arm PCs can handle more titles natively, reducing the reliance on cloud solutions over time.

Open-Source Support Boosts Arm Gaming

The broader Arm gaming ecosystem is also benefiting from open-source initiatives. Valve has contributed to projects designed to run Windows games on Arm devices, helping developers optimize performance and extend compatibility.

These efforts reflect a growing industry push to make PC gaming more flexible, allowing users to enjoy popular titles on non-traditional hardware. As more developers embrace Arm optimization, the distinction between desktop and mobile gaming will continue to blur.

What This Means for Gamers

For Windows 11 users with Arm-based PCs, the Xbox app expansion represents a significant upgrade. Players can now download and play a larger portion of the Game Pass library, test performance before committing to downloads, and leverage cloud streaming when needed.

This update also signals Microsoft’s long-term vision for flexible gaming across multiple device types, from lightweight laptops to high-end Arm systems. Gamers can expect continued improvements in performance, compatibility, and cloud integration throughout 2026 and beyond.