Microsoft launched the Xbox app natively on Arm-based Windows 11 laptops this week, removing a key barrier for gaming on battery-efficient devices. The expansion gives Arm-powered laptops and tablets access to the same Xbox PC experience previously limited to traditional x86 systems.
More than 85 percent of the Xbox Game Pass catalog now runs on Arm hardware, Microsoft confirmed. The company's Prism emulator received critical updates in December, adding support for AVX and AVX2 instruction sets used by modern games.
Anti-cheat system compatibility, previously a major obstacle for non-x86 platforms, now works on Windows on Arm. This enables multiplayer titles like Fortnite and Gears of War: Reloaded to function as intended on Arm hardware.
Users can download, play, and manage Xbox games directly through the Xbox app on Arm-based Windows 11 devices. Titles not yet supported for native play remain accessible through Xbox Cloud Gaming while Microsoft expands compatibility.
The timing aligns with the arrival of new ultra-thin, long-battery-life Windows laptops in 2025 and 2026. Many of these devices feature Arm architecture, including Copilot+ PCs built around Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.
Microsoft has pursued Windows on Arm gaming for years, but improved silicon, better emulation, and first-party software support indicate the strategy is gaining traction. The company continues to blur lines between PC, console, and cloud platforms.
Industry reports suggest Microsoft's next Xbox console may actually be a Windows 11 PC rather than a traditional console. Xbox president Sarah Bond described the next-gen device as "a very premium, very high-end curated experience" in October 2025.
Arm-based Windows gaming handhelds could emerge as Microsoft expands cross-platform compatibility. The company works with OEMs, silicon innovators, and game studios to deliver consistent gaming experiences across desktop, handheld, and Arm-based laptops.
