According to Tom’s Guide, Microsoft has finally launched the Xbox app on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, allowing gamers on devices like those with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite to play about 85% of the titles in the Game Pass catalog. The company also confirmed that Epic Anti-Cheat is now functional, enabling titles like Fortnite and Gears of War: Reloaded. This move comes as Steam’s December 2025 Hardware Survey shows Windows still dominates with 94.23% of the PC gaming market, but Linux is now at 3.58% and macOS at 2.18%. The rise of handhelds like the Steam Deck, which runs on Linux-based SteamOS, is a key factor. Meanwhile, storefront owner Michał Kiciński of GOG.com publicly criticized Windows as “poor-quality software,” echoing growing user frustration.
Is Windows on Arm Just a Stopgap?
So Microsoft is making a big push for gaming on Arm. That’s smart, given the performance and battery life potential. The promise of upcoming Nvidia N1 and N1X chips for Lenovo laptops could give it a real GPU boost, too. But here’s the thing: this feels like Microsoft playing defense. They’re trying to plug a leak by improving compatibility on a new architecture, which is good for the handful of people with these new laptops. The official blog post talks about a “consistently great Windows gaming experience,” but that’s the core issue, isn’t it? For many, that experience has been getting worse, not better. Adding Arm support is necessary, but it doesn’t fix the underlying complaints about Windows itself.
linux-gamer”>The Silent Rise of the Linux Gamer
Look, 3.58% might seem tiny. In the grand scheme, it is. But that number is deceptive. It represents the most vocal, technically adept, and often influential segment of the PC community. They’re the ones building the handheld PCs and evangelizing on forums. The Steam Deck proved Linux gaming isn’t just a hobbyist project anymore; it’s a viable, often more efficient platform. Jason’s testing showed better performance and battery life on the Asus ROG Ally X running Linux—that’s a tangible benefit Windows can’t ignore. And while Linux still has its Achilles’ heel with anti-cheat in games like Destiny 2 or Call of Duty, Valve and the community are chipping away at that wall every day. The momentum is real, and it’s built on user satisfaction, not corporate mandate.
The Core Problem Is “Cruft”
Kiciński’s rant to PC Gamer hits the nail on the head. It’s not really about raw game compatibility anymore. It’s about the feeling that Windows is bloated, unstable, and more interested in shoving Copilot and ads in your face than being a solid foundation for games or work. When a major storefront owner calls your OS “poor-quality software,” you have a perception crisis. The promised Steam Machine, even if delayed, is directly targeting that frustration—offering a “PC-like experience” without the Windows baggage. Microsoft’s AI chase might please shareholders, but it’s alienating its core user base. Gamers notice when updates break things or background processes eat resources.
So, Where Do Gamers Go From Here?
We’re in a weird transition phase. For the vast majority, Windows isn’t going anywhere soon. The library and compatibility are unmatched, especially with this Arm push. If you live in Fortnite or Call of Duty, your path is set. But the trajectory is clear. Linux’s share is climbing, Apple is making a quiet push with its Game Porting Toolkit, and even the console market is looking shaky with predicted price hikes. The monopoly is cracking. For the first time in decades, serious gamers have a legitimate choice. Microsoft’s move to Arm is a necessary step, but it’s a technical one. To truly stem the tide, they need to look in the mirror and fix the core Windows experience. Otherwise, that 3.58% is just the beginning. You can follow more shifts in the tech landscape over on Google News.
