Microsoft Expands Xbox PC App to Arm-Based Windows, Boosting Gaming on Portable Devices
January 21, 2026
The rollout is expected to continue growing as ARM-native titles expand and platform capabilities improve.
The move positions ARM-based Windows devices against Apple’s ecosystem, with potential for a wider ecosystem of gaming handhelds and Windows tablets in the future.
This ARM-focused update benefits Snapdragon-powered laptops, upcoming NVIDIA ARM laptops, and handheld Windows 11 devices, pushing ARM devices toward mainstream gaming access.
Industry observers see this shift as likely to boost competition by expanding device options for gamers.
Context includes broader gaming trends, such as potential price dynamics for Switch 2 and Bungie’s Marathon with cross‑platform support.
The coverage fits into Xbox’s broader branding and platform expansion strategy, including a non-console focus.
Target devices include the latest Surface models and OEMs like ASUS and Dell, with anticipated benefits in battery life and portable gaming.
A new Game Save Sync Indicator provides real-time cloud save status for both PC and handhelds, helping users track progress across devices.
Xbox now expands mouse-and-keyboard support to select games and apps, with over 230 cloud titles offering this input method alongside touch controls.
Filmogaz.com is cited as a source for ongoing gaming and tech news surrounding these developments.
Microsoft is expanding the Xbox PC app to Arm-based Windows 11 machines, letting users download and play titles from the PC catalog locally, with Game Pass compatibility reaching more than 85% of the library.
Prism, Microsoft’s emulator, now supports running x86 and x64 games on ARM and has updates that add AVX and AVX2 for better compatibility and performance, including compatibility with anti-cheat systems like Easy Anti-Cheat.
Summary based on 12 sources
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Sources

Yahoo! • Jan 21, 2026
Microsoft ports the Xbox app to Arm-based Windows PCs
Digital Trends • Jan 22, 2026
Your ARM Windows laptop just became a gaming machine
Windows Central • Jan 21, 2026
The Xbox PC app is now rolling out publicly for Windows Arm PCs — Microsoft Prism now supports "85%" of…