Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme promise power and efficiency that set a new bar for Windows laptops. The latter "could be the most significant leap for high-end Windows PCs in a decade," according to our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino. Those chips could redefine mobile computing, even for those who game on PCs.
Benchmarks run in real time by the press proved promising. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is particularly interesting due to its single-core, multi-core, and GPU performance numbers. Rubino shared an in-depth breakdown, which is worth diving into. The main takeaway is that these chips could be outstanding.
But benchmarks and even real-world performance mean very little if your favorite games and programs are unavailable. Microsoft and Qualcomm have worked for years to improve Windows on ARM (also known as Windows on Snapdragon). The results of those efforts are obvious when it comes to apps. Now, gaming is catching up.
According to Qualcomm, as reported by VideoCardz, more than 90% of the most played Windows games will run at launch on laptops powered by the new Snapdragon X processors. Those games will take advantage of the up to 2.3x higher gaming performance of the chips, as well as platform improvements.
Qualcomm just released its Snapdragon Control Panel, which helps optimize the performance of games and keep drivers up to date.
The Snapdragon X2 Elite supports AVX2 emulation, which is essential for certain games to run through Microsoft's Prism Emulator.
Qualcomm has also worked with developers and Microsoft to provide kernel-level anti-cheat support on Windows on Snapdragon. Qualcomm is also working with anti-cheat providers to add support for more games.
Back in September, Microsoft said 90% of the time users spend on Windows 11 on Arm is on native applications. For a growing number of users, compatibility is no longer an issue, and PCs powered by Snapdragon chips can be presented alongside competing products powered by Intel or AMD.
That's great for creators and general users, but gaming on Windows 11 on Arm has been a different story. Driver releases have been inconsistent, integrated graphics have been underpowered, and many of the most popular games have not been available at launch — until recently.
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme could be the most significant leap for high-end Windows PCs in a decade — not just catching up to Apple, but setting a new bar for what portable computing can be.
Daniel Rubino — Editor-in-Chief, Windows Central
Between graphics improvements seen in the Snapdragon X2 chips, growing anti-cheat support, better driver updates, and expanded emulation, Windows on Snapdragon could be at a turning point for gaming. The joint efforts of Microsoft, Qualcomm, and game developers have opened the doors for new types of gaming devices.
Our Gaming and News Editor, Rebecca Spear, said she wouldn't be surprised if we see a Snapdragon-powered gaming handheld sometime in the next year or two. In the immediate future, gamers will have some new laptops to enjoy. The Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme are expected in the "first half" of 2026, though we could see some devices shown off at CES in January.
FAQ
What are the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme?
The Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme are the newest processors from Qualcomm. They promise greatly improved graphical performance, power per watt, and overall performance. If benchmarks translate to real-world performance, the chips could rival the latest processors from Intel, AMD, and Apple.
Do Snapdragon X laptops support anti-cheat in games
Qualcomm has worked with Microsoft and game developers to deliver kernel level anti-cheat for games. Fortnite now has improved anti-cheat compatabilitiy on Snapdragon X Series devices. Qualcomm is also working to support Tencent’s Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE), Roblox’s Hyperion, Denuvo by Irdeto, InProtect GameGuard, BattleEye, and Uncheater.
When will Snapdragon X2 laptops be available
PCs powered by Snapdragon X2 processors are expected in the first half of 2026. We could see a preview of some hardware at CES in January.
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