what you should Know
- Microsoft has just introduced its own Copilot+ PCs, and almost every major PC manufacturer has followed suit.
- Copilot+ computers are powered by Snapdragon X processors that power exclusive AI features.
- Among these features is Auto Super Resolution, which is an upscaling technology that helps increase frame rates.
Copilot+ computers have several AI features to enhance the computing experience. These features rely on the Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus, which include an AI-optimized NPU. One such AI feature is Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), which is Microsoft’s equivalent of NVIDIA DLSS, AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, or Intel XeSS.
Regardless of the scaling technology you use, the general principles are the same. Scaling features allow you to reduce the resolution at which the computer renders a game. The feature then enhances the visual effects. This process increases the frame rate because the computer does not have to use all its power to provide a high frame rate and high resolution.
A recently updated Microsoft support document outlines Auto SR and answers some questions about the feature, including which games will be able to use the feature.
“Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) integrates seamlessly with Windows on a Copilot+ PC with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor to automatically upscale a set of existing games by default and boost frame rates while maintaining detailed visuals,” Microsoft explains.
“Auto SR works by automatically lowering the game’s rendering resolution to increase the frame rate, then uses advanced AI technology to provide enhanced high-resolution visuals. This results in a smoother and more detailed gaming experience.”
A set of games will have Auto SR enabled by default, including Borderlands 3, God of War, and The Witcher 3.
To use Auto SR, your computer must meet the following requirements as specified by Microsoft:
- Copilot+ PC with Qualcomm® Snapdragon® X processor with Hexagon NPU and integrated GPU.
- Windows 11, version 24H2 or later.
- The latest graphics drivers and neural processors. To manually check for updates, go to Get started > Settings > Windows Updatethen select Check for updates.
- Display resolution 1080p or higher.
To some extent, only the first point is necessary, as all Copilot+ computers seem to meet the other requirements.
If you go to www.worksonwoa.com, a third-party website that monitors Windows on Arm compatibility, you will see two filtering options related to Auto SR. First, there’s a way to see games that support Auto SR “out of the box”. This list is currently quite short, but should expand over time. But even if a game doesn’t support Auto SR right away, many titles can be enhanced with Auto SR if you opt in.
If you choose to use Auto SR in a game that doesn’t support the feature right away, you may encounter some issues, such as extending the changed resolution to other apps when you use Alt+Tab to switch apps.
Are Copilot+ PCs good for gaming?
I wouldn’t call any of the newly announced Copilot+ PCs “gaming PCs,” and neither would the makers of these devices. But computers like the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop can run some games. Some apps and games must run through emulation when used on Windows 11 on Arm, but performance should be “quite good,” according to Microsoft.
Microsoft showed off Baldur’s Gate 3 running at around 30 FPS unlocked on a Surface Pro 11-like PC last week. While this performance won’t rival the best gaming laptops, it would be enough to compete with notebooks like the ASUS ROG Ally or Steam Deck.
Handheld computers on the market right now 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 portable market forward and give gamers more options. Perhaps an Arm processor could power the in-demand Xbox-branded handheld.
This is Borderlands 3 running on the just announced Qualcomm Snapdragon dev kit. It works 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 scaling technology in action.