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Microsoft is taking big steps to improve the gaming performance of Copilot+ PCs

Anti-cheat software finally work on them
Abdul Haddi
Last Updated on June 21, 2024
Copilot+ PC
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Copilot+ PCs were launched two days ago, on June 18. These new PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. Additionally, they offer impressive battery life and portability. However, these PCs are primarily designed for productivity and business, so their gaming performance is not as strong. But, it seems Microsoft is taking different steps to attract gamers to these laptops.

Recently, in a blog post, Jay DiFuria from Microsoft discussed the steps being taken to “improve the gaming experience on Arm-based Copilot+ PCs.” These initiatives range from a new Prism emulation system to the launch of a compatibility site.

New Prism emulation system

To begin with, Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 24H2 version, previously available only to Insiders, on Copilot+ PCs. While this version isn’t available for regular users, those who purchase a Copilot+ PC will enjoy it straight out of the box. The blog post mentions that this new version “includes many new capabilities that utilize the high-performance hardware of Copilot+ PCs and new software optimizations.” For example, there’s a new emulation engine called Prism, which helps run x86 or x64 apps on the system by converting their code to the Arm64 instruction set. Microsoft also shared an example of Baldur’s Gate 3 running smoothly on a Copilot+ PC, all thanks to Prism and automatic super resolution.

Support for anti-cheat software

Another interesting development is that Microsoft has been working closely with anti-cheat developers, such as BattleEye, Denuvo, and Wellbia, to ensure these software work flawlessly on Arm-based devices. Generally, anti-cheat software don’t work well with emulators like Prism. And without them, competitive gaming can be tough. However, Microsoft has confirmed that all top anti-cheat software now support Windows on Arm, so you won’t have to worry about games that use these software not being compatible with Copilot+ PCs.

New Windows on Arm Ready Software website

Microsoft has also partnered with Linaro to create a Windows on Arm Ready Software website. This is perfect for those wondering about the compatibility of games. It allows users to search for specific games and see their compatibility ratings, which include unplayable, runs, playable, or perfect. The site also provides details like frame rates and driver support, helping you make informed decisions about your game library. Currently, there are more than 1,400 games listed on the site, and this number is only going to increase.

Is Snapdragon X Elite actually good for gaming?

Interestingly, early Snapdragon X Elite reviews suggest that the processor is not strong in gaming. Some titles delivered low FPS, while others failed to launch on the Arm-based laptops. However, it’s crucial to note that these early reviews were of the Asus Vivobook S 15 OLED, and we are yet to see the launch of more Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops. Microsoft also did not specify the device used to run Baldur’s Gate 3, so we’ll need more time to assess the gaming performance of Copilot+ PCs.

Abdul Haddi

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.

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