Microsoft has released the Xbox app for Windows 11 PCs powered by Arm chips, marking a significant expansion of its gaming capabilities on this platform.
Release and Compatibility
The Xbox app is now accessible on all Windows 11 PCs with Snapdragon X Arm chips. Over 85% of Game Pass titles are compatible with Arm, and games that don't run natively can be accessed through Xbox Cloud Gaming. This public release follows a period of testing through the Xbox Insider program. Additionally, Microsoft's Prism emulator now supports AVX and AVX2, allowing more modern games to be played on Arm-based systems.
Expanded Features and Availability
The new Xbox app features Game Save Sync, which shows when game saves are uploaded to the cloud across devices, enhancing user experience for those playing on both PCs and handhelds. In a move to extend their reach, Microsoft will roll out the Xbox app to selected Hisense and VHomeOS smart TVs in 2026, enabling cloud streaming of Game Pass titles. This feature comes as part of a broader strategy to bring console-quality gaming to more platforms.
Market Dynamics
The launch of the Xbox app aligns with market reports of NVIDIA's potential introduction of N1 Arm chips later this year, which could further propel Arm-based gaming. The introduction of this app appears strategically timed to take advantage of the increasing interest and development in the Arm chip market, potentially positioning Microsoft to capture a larger share of the PC gaming market. Game Pass continues to offer tiered options with pricing ranging from $10 to $30, catering to diverse user preferences and broadening accessibility.
