Microsoft has announced a significant update for the Xbox app that allows users of Qualcomm-powered PCs to download PC games directly from the application. Previously, the Xbox app only displayed cloud-enabled games to Windows on ARM users, effectively limiting their gaming options. This new functionality is now being rolled out to members of the Windows Insider Program, marking a pivotal shift for users of ARM-based devices.
The development is particularly noteworthy as the Xbox app had previously treated Qualcomm-powered PCs as secondary devices, unable to download and run games locally. The main reason behind this limitation was that most games available on the Xbox digital storefront are built using the x64 architecture. Notably, only a few titles, such as Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, have been designed to run natively on ARM64 systems. Although the app does not yet provide a filter for ARM64 titles, users can still run x64 games effectively thanks to Microsoft’s Prism emulator.
Testing the new functionality on a virtual machine running Windows on ARM on an Apple Silicon Mac yielded mixed results. Games like Vampire Survivors and Sea of Stars operated seamlessly, but the recent release of Heretic + Hexen crashed upon launch. Despite this, the update is anticipated to excite owners of Qualcomm-powered PCs, as it opens up a broader range of gaming possibilities.
With this update, users can now install various games, including those purchased from the Xbox app, titles compatible with Xbox Play Anywhere, and games available through the PC Game Pass. The Windows Insider team stated, “Windows and Xbox are working closely together to ensure compatibility across the catalog, and we’re developing new features that will enable more games to be played on Arm®-based Windows 11 PCs in the coming months.”
To take advantage of this new feature, users must be part of the Windows Insider Program and join the PC Gaming Preview via the Xbox Insider Hub app. Additionally, they should ensure they have downloaded version 1001.27.0 of the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store.
This update not only enhances the gaming experience for Qualcomm-powered PC users but also signals Microsoft’s commitment to expanding compatibility and features for ARM-based devices. As more updates are expected in the future, the gaming landscape for Windows on ARM users is poised for significant growth.
