Microsoft is adding the ability to download ARM64 compatible games to its Xbox app for Windows on Arm. Windows Insiders can now test a new update to the Xbox app that lets them install games locally, instead of having to rely on Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Currently, the Xbox app on devices like the Qualcomm-powered Surface Pro 12 will only let you play cloud games from Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. This new Xbox update will mean some ARM64 games from PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be available on Qualcomm-powered devices for the first time.
Microsoft says its Windows and Xbox teams are working together on this Xbox app effort to ensure it has compatibility across the Game Pass catalog, and it’s also “developing new features that will enable more games to be played on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs in the coming months.”
Microsoft originally released an ARM64 version of its Xbox app in 2022, but there weren’t enough games natively compiled for Windows on Arm. These days you can just check the Windows on Arm ready site to see which games run well.