Snapdragon X Elite PCs are stepping up their game with a new beta v31.0.96.0 graphics driver that not only addresses performance hiccups but also brings a host of popular titles to Windows on ARM64. Qualcomm’s latest update is a breath of fresh air for gamers and creators alike, as it promises enhanced gameplay on ARM-powered laptops and improved stability for key creative applications.
Key game support added in this update includes:
• Kingdom Come Deliverance II
• Helldivers
• Palworld
• Jagged Alliance 3
• World War Z
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• BodyCam
• Cities: Skylines II
• Forge of Empires
• Core Keeper
• Satisfactory
• Tiny Glade
• Genshin Impact
For titles already available on the platform, improvements have been noted for games like Left 4 Dead 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, The Sims 4, and Borderlands 3. This broad spectrum of support indicates Qualcomm’s robust plan to cover both the AAA gaming sphere and niche indie titles.
Among the key fixes detailed in the patch notes are:
• Correction of corruption issues affecting WPS during zoom sessions
• Resolution of Adobe Scene Edit Detection corruption
• Enhanced performance in Adobe Photoshop
• Crash fixes for Adobe Lightroom on 16GB devices
• Corrections to cube rendering issues in Blender
• Addressing crashes during screen recording in Football Manager 2022
• Fixes for AV1E MVHV failures
• Elimination of VLC Player’s black screen issue during video playback
For creative professionals using Snapdragon X Elite PCs, these enhancements could spell a marked improvement in workflow efficiency. The convergence of improved gaming support with professional-grade performance fixes is an encouraging signal for users who require a multifunctional device.
The driver update serves as a noteworthy attempt to bridge these gaps, offering not only better gaming performance but also reinforcing Snapdragon X Elite’s viability as a flagship Windows on ARM64 platform. The tangible improvements in both emulation and native ARM64 applications highlight Qualcomm’s dedication to pushing the envelope for portable, performance-efficient devices.
A notable element in this evolving narrative is Qualcomm’s partnership with Epic Games. The collaboration aims to iron out missing anti-cheat support, a significant barrier preventing the full potential of popular titles like Fortnite on ARM64 platforms. Should this partnership succeed, it could signal a sea change in PC gaming for ARM devices, reminiscent of the leaps seen in other markets.
• Adobe suite applications become more stable and responsive, enabling smoother photo and video editing.
• Gamers can now experience titles that were previously unsupported or only nominally playable, potentially making these laptops a dual-purpose solution.
• The robustness of gaming remarks—from mainstream hits to niche indie surprises—bolsters the case for ARM-powered devices in a market historically dominated by x86 chips.
Competition in the space continues to heat up as technologies like Intel's platform-agnostic XeSS 2 upscaling technology set high benchmarks. Qualcomm’s ability to keep pace with, or even surpass, these advancements will be critical in carving out a larger share of the ultra-portable, low-power gaming niche. The road ahead is challenging, especially as Microsoft and its partners continue to push the boundaries of Windows on ARM capabilities.
This latest update is a statement of intent. Qualcomm is not only addressing the criticisms and early shortcomings associated with Snapdragon X Elite hardware but is also laying a stronger foundation for a versatile computing experience. For gamers, creatives, and tech enthusiasts, the timing couldn’t be better—a driver update that rejuvenates both work and play on Windows 11 ARM devices.
Only time—and further updates—will tell. For now, this update stands as a beacon of progress, signaling that Qualcomm is keen to balance performance improvements with user needs across a diverse range of applications. Windows users with Snapdragon X Elite PCs can now look forward to an enriched entertainment and productivity experience, bridging the gap between traditional x86 dominance and an exciting, energy-efficient ARM future.
Source: Windows Central Snapdragon X Elite PCs now support Palworld and Helldivers 2, thanks to new "upgraded graphics drivers."
Upgraded Driver Unleashes New Gaming Titles
Qualcomm’s commitment to refining the user experience is clearly visible in this latest driver. The beta release now supports a trio of highly anticipated games—Palworld, Helldivers 2, and the “perfect sequel” Kingdom Come Deliverance II—along with several other titles. For gamers who have historically had a mixed bag of experiences on Snapdragon X Elite laptops, this update marks a significant turning point.Key game support added in this update includes:
• Kingdom Come Deliverance II
• Helldivers
• Palworld
• Jagged Alliance 3
• World War Z
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• BodyCam
• Cities: Skylines II
• Forge of Empires
• Core Keeper
• Satisfactory
• Tiny Glade
• Genshin Impact
For titles already available on the platform, improvements have been noted for games like Left 4 Dead 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, The Sims 4, and Borderlands 3. This broad spectrum of support indicates Qualcomm’s robust plan to cover both the AAA gaming sphere and niche indie titles.
Beyond Gaming: Stability Fixes and Creator Tools
While the gaming community stands to gain immediate benefits, the update isn’t just about high-octane play. The driver also delivers crucial stability fixes for ARM64-native Windows 11 applications that are essential for professionals in the creative space. For instance, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, staples in graphic design and photography workflows, see noted performance improvements. Similarly, users of Blender and VLC media player will appreciate the resolved issues affecting rendering and video playback.Among the key fixes detailed in the patch notes are:
• Correction of corruption issues affecting WPS during zoom sessions
• Resolution of Adobe Scene Edit Detection corruption
• Enhanced performance in Adobe Photoshop
• Crash fixes for Adobe Lightroom on 16GB devices
• Corrections to cube rendering issues in Blender
• Addressing crashes during screen recording in Football Manager 2022
• Fixes for AV1E MVHV failures
• Elimination of VLC Player’s black screen issue during video playback
For creative professionals using Snapdragon X Elite PCs, these enhancements could spell a marked improvement in workflow efficiency. The convergence of improved gaming support with professional-grade performance fixes is an encouraging signal for users who require a multifunctional device.
A Look Back: The Snapdragon X Elite Journey
Early adopters of Snapdragon X Elite laptops—widely exemplified by models such as ASUS’ Vivobook S 15 Copilot+—experienced a gamut of performance outcomes. Some performance reviews were modest at best, while others, like Zac Bowden’s in-depth analysis of the Vivobook S15, illuminated the sporadic yet promising benchmarks. These initial inconsistencies have contributed to a cautious optimism among users.The driver update serves as a noteworthy attempt to bridge these gaps, offering not only better gaming performance but also reinforcing Snapdragon X Elite’s viability as a flagship Windows on ARM64 platform. The tangible improvements in both emulation and native ARM64 applications highlight Qualcomm’s dedication to pushing the envelope for portable, performance-efficient devices.
Enhancing the ARM64 Gaming Experience
Qualcomm’s new graphics driver leverages advanced x64 emulation techniques while simultaneously enabling native ARM64 performance improvements. This dual approach is pivotal in bringing demanding, crossplay-enabled titles like Palworld “just fine” to Snapdragon X Elite devices. It’s a balancing act—keeping the legacy x64 support intact while nudging ARM optimization forward—which may hint at a broader strategy.A notable element in this evolving narrative is Qualcomm’s partnership with Epic Games. The collaboration aims to iron out missing anti-cheat support, a significant barrier preventing the full potential of popular titles like Fortnite on ARM64 platforms. Should this partnership succeed, it could signal a sea change in PC gaming for ARM devices, reminiscent of the leaps seen in other markets.
Real-World Implications
Consider the implications for a creative professional who also enjoys gaming on their ultrabook. With the latest driver update:• Adobe suite applications become more stable and responsive, enabling smoother photo and video editing.
• Gamers can now experience titles that were previously unsupported or only nominally playable, potentially making these laptops a dual-purpose solution.
• The robustness of gaming remarks—from mainstream hits to niche indie surprises—bolsters the case for ARM-powered devices in a market historically dominated by x86 chips.
Challenges and Competitive Dynamics
Despite these advancements, the journey toward optimal gaming on ARM devices is far from over. Native ARM64 builds remain the ideal target for performance and efficiency. Nonetheless, driver updates like Qualcomm’s provide a valuable bridge toward this future. The continuous upgrades serve as a stopgap while hardware and software ecosystems gradually align to favor ARM by design.Competition in the space continues to heat up as technologies like Intel's platform-agnostic XeSS 2 upscaling technology set high benchmarks. Qualcomm’s ability to keep pace with, or even surpass, these advancements will be critical in carving out a larger share of the ultra-portable, low-power gaming niche. The road ahead is challenging, especially as Microsoft and its partners continue to push the boundaries of Windows on ARM capabilities.
Bringing It All Together: A New Era for Windows on ARM Gaming
Qualcomm’s upgraded graphics drivers are more than just a set of technical tweaks—they represent a strategic shift toward realizing the full potential of Snapdragon X Elite devices. They underscore the possibility of a future where ultra-portable, ARM-powered laptops can confidently handle both gaming and creative workloads without forcing users to compromise on performance or stability.This latest update is a statement of intent. Qualcomm is not only addressing the criticisms and early shortcomings associated with Snapdragon X Elite hardware but is also laying a stronger foundation for a versatile computing experience. For gamers, creatives, and tech enthusiasts, the timing couldn’t be better—a driver update that rejuvenates both work and play on Windows 11 ARM devices.
Final Thoughts
In an era where the distinction between work and play is increasingly blurred, Qualcomm’s latest driver update is a promising development for the entire Windows on ARM ecosystem. By bolstering support for popular games and ironing out critical stability issues, Qualcomm is steering Snapdragon X Elite devices into a more competitive position. It also raises an important question: as ARM-based Windows devices continue to evolve, how long will it be before they become the go-to platform for both serious gaming and professional creativity?Only time—and further updates—will tell. For now, this update stands as a beacon of progress, signaling that Qualcomm is keen to balance performance improvements with user needs across a diverse range of applications. Windows users with Snapdragon X Elite PCs can now look forward to an enriched entertainment and productivity experience, bridging the gap between traditional x86 dominance and an exciting, energy-efficient ARM future.
Source: Windows Central Snapdragon X Elite PCs now support Palworld and Helldivers 2, thanks to new "upgraded graphics drivers."
