This Copilot+ PC gaming feature promises Steam Deck-level performance on Snapdragon X PCs
Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips will support Auto Super Resolution, Microsoft’s equivalent to NVIDIA DLSS.
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What you need to know
Copilot+ PCshave several AI features to enhance the computing experience. Those features rely on theSnapdragon X Eliteor aSnapdragon X Plus, which include an NPU optimized for AI. One such AI feature is Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), which is Microsoft’s equivalent toNVIDIA DLSS,AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, orIntel XeSS.
Regardless of the upscaling technology you use, the general principles are the same. Upscaling features allow you to lower the resolution a PC renders a game. Then, the feature upscales the visuals. This process boosts frame rates, since a PC doesn’t need to use all its might to power high frame rates and a high resolution.
A recently updatedMicrosoft support documentoutlines Auto SR and answers some questions about the feature, including which games will be able to utilize the feature.
“Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) seamlessly integrates with Windows on a Copilot+ PC with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor to automatically enhance a set of existing games by default, and boosts frame rates while maintaining detailed visuals,” explains Microsoft.
“Auto SR functions by automatically lowering the game’s rendering resolution to increase framerate, then employs sophisticated AI technology to provide enhanced high-definition visuals. This results in a smoother, more detailed gaming experience.”
A default set of games will have Auto SR enabled by default, including Borderlands 3, God of War, and The Witcher 3.
In order to use Auto SR, your PC needs to meet the following requirements, as outlined by Microsoft:
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To some extent, only the first bullet point is necessary, asall Copilot+ PCsseem to meet the other requirements.
If you head over towww.worksonwoa.com, a third-party website that keeps track of Windows on Arm compatibility, you’ll see two filtering options related to Auto SR. First, there is a way to see games that support Auto SR “out of the box.” Presently, that list is rather short, but it should expand over time. But even if a game doesn’t support Auto SR out of the box, many titles can be enhanced with Auto SR if you opt-in.
If you opt in to use Auto SR on a game that doesn’t support the feature out of the box, you may run into some issues, such as extending the altered resolution to other applications when you use Alt+Tab to switch apps.
Are Copilot+ PCs good for gaming?
-I want a Windows 11 on Arm version of a Mac Mini-What is a Copilot+ PC?-Can Snapdragon X Elite PCs run games?-Hands-on with Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7-Check out every Copilot+ PC
I wouldn’t call any of the newly announced Copilot+ PCs “gaming PCs,” and neither would the makers of those devices. But PCs like the newSurface ProandSurface Laptopcan run some games. Some apps and games have to run through emulation when used on Windows 11 on Arm, but performance should be “just fine,” according to Microsoft.
Microsoft showedBaldur’s Gate 3 running at around 30 FPSunlocked on a PC similar to the Surface Pro 11 last week. While that performance will not rival thebest gaming laptops, it would be enough to compete with handhelds like theASUS ROG Allyor theSteam Deck.
The handhelds on the market currently struggle with battery life. If Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips inside can deliver similar performance while getting better battery life, it could push the handheld market forward and give gamers more options. Perhaps an Arm processor could power the oft-requestedXbox-branded handheld.
This is Borderlands 3 running on the just announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kit. Runs pretty smoothly! pic.twitter.com/bGRDZ5WahcMay 21, 2024
Microsoft claims that over 1,000 games should be able to run at 1080p at 30 FPS.
Borderlands was also shown running on Windows on Arm with Auto SR enabled, giving us a glimpse of Microsoft’s new upscaling tech in action.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition |From $999.99 at Best Buy
Microsoft’s new flagship 2-in-1 is here, and it ushers in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro is available with an OLED panel and Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X processors.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition |From 999.99 at Best Buy
The new Surface Laptop is a more traditional PC with a clamshell design. It is also one of the first Copilot+ PCs featuring a Snapdragon X processor and the latest AI features in Windows. The Surface Laptop 7th Edition is available in two sizes: 13.8-inch or 15-inch.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
