Qualcomm says 90% of top Windows games will run on Snapdragon X2 laptops — is Windows on Arm gaming finally here?

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Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme processors are poised to dramatically improve Windows laptops, offering a significant boost in both power and efficiency. Our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, believes the X2 Elite Extreme could be the biggest advancement in high-end Windows PCs for ten years. These chips have the potential to change how we use computers on the go, even for gamers.

Recent tests by tech reviewers show the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is performing very well. It’s especially notable for its speed in single tasks, when handling multiple tasks at once, and in graphics performance. An analysis by Rubino provides a detailed look at the results, and the key finding is that these new chips have the potential to be excellent.

Even if a device performs well in tests and everyday use, it’s not very useful if you can’t run the games and programs you enjoy. Microsoft and Qualcomm have been working for a long time to make Windows run better on ARM processors (often called Windows on Snapdragon), and we’re finally seeing improvements with apps. Now, gaming on these devices is also starting to get better.

As an analyst, I’m seeing really promising numbers from Qualcomm. They’re claiming that over 90% of the most popular Windows games will be immediately playable on laptops using their new Snapdragon X processors. What’s even more exciting is that these games should see up to a 2.3x performance boost thanks to the new chips and overall platform enhancements. This could be a significant step forward for gaming on Windows laptops.

Qualcomm has launched a new tool called the Snapdragon Control Panel. It’s designed to boost game performance and automatically update your drivers.

The Snapdragon X2 Elite can mimic AVX2 instructions, a necessary feature for playing some games using Microsoft’s Prism Emulator.

Qualcomm has teamed up with developers and Microsoft to offer advanced cheat prevention technology directly within the Windows operating system on Snapdragon devices. They’re also collaborating with anti-cheat companies to expand support to a wider range of games.

As I’ve been tracking, Microsoft reported back in September that 90% of time spent using Windows 11 on Arm-based devices is with native apps. This is a significant shift – it suggests compatibility isn’t a major hurdle for a growing segment of users, and we’re now at a point where Snapdragon-powered PCs can genuinely compete with those running Intel or AMD processors.

Windows 11 has been a positive experience for most creators and users, but gaming on Arm-based Windows 11 devices has faced challenges. There have been issues with drivers, weak graphics performance, and a lack of available games – that is, until recently when things have started to improve.

The new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor has the potential to dramatically improve high-end Windows PCs – possibly more than anything we’ve seen in ten years. It doesn’t just aim to match Apple’s performance, but to redefine what’s possible with portable computers.

Daniel Rubino — Editor-in-Chief, Windows Central

Thanks to upgrades in graphics processing with the Snapdragon X2 chips, improved anti-cheat measures, more reliable driver updates, and better emulation capabilities, gaming on Windows on Snapdragon is showing a lot of promise. Collaboration between Microsoft, Qualcomm, and game developers is paving the way for innovative new gaming devices.

According to our Gaming and News Editor, Rebecca Spear, a gaming handheld powered by a Snapdragon processor could arrive within the next year or two. For now, gamers can look forward to new laptops featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, which are expected to launch in the first half of 2026. We might even get a sneak peek at some of these devices at CES in January.

FAQ

What are the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme?

Qualcomm has released its newest processors, the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme. These chips are designed to deliver significantly better graphics, efficiency, and overall speed. Early testing suggests they could compete with the latest processors from companies like Intel, AMD, and Apple when used in everyday tasks.

Do Snapdragon X laptops support anti-cheat in games

I’ve been following the advancements in mobile gaming, and it’s interesting to see how Qualcomm is tackling cheating. They’ve partnered with Microsoft and game studios to build anti-cheat technology right into the core of the system. I noticed that Fortnite now works better at preventing cheating on Snapdragon X Series devices thanks to this. Beyond that, Qualcomm is actively working to support a wide range of popular anti-cheat solutions, including Tencent’s ACE, Roblox’s Hyperion, and others like Denuvo, InProtect GameGuard, BattleEye, and Uncheater. It seems they’re aiming for broad compatibility to keep mobile games fair for everyone.

When will Snapdragon X2 laptops be available

Computers with the new Snapdragon X2 processor should be available starting in the first six months of 2026. We might get a first look at some of these computers at the CES tech show in January.

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2025-11-20 17:40