Microsoft’s DLSS Rival Launches on Xbox Ally X Handheld

Microsoft is kicking off tests for its Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) feature on the Xbox Ally X. This technology first appeared on select Copilot Plus PCs nearly two years ago, enhancing visual fidelity and frame rates in certain games. Now, it’s being adapted for docked play on the Xbox Ally X, enabling the 7-inch handheld to upscale resolution and graphical settings for larger TV displays.

“Docked play means larger screens and higher resolutions, where drops in image quality are more noticeable or where some games struggle to maintain smooth FPS,” Microsoft explains in a blog post about Auto SR. “That’s exactly the problem Auto SR was designed to solve, so we’re starting the preview with docked mode where we expect players will see the most value.”

Auto SR functions similarly to Nvidia’s DLSS, rendering games at a lower resolution to enhance frame rates and then upscaling those frames for better image quality. DLSS has gained significant traction recently, with over 80 percent of RTX GPU users enabling it. “It is often a core part of how many modern games render, and players expect it,” Microsoft notes.

Not every game supports DLSS, AMD’s FSR, or Intel’s XeSS, but Microsoft’s Auto SR is integrated into Windows, allowing it to apply super resolution to existing games without needing built-in options. Its effectiveness across various titles remains to be seen. Initially, Auto SR was designed for Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon laptops, which automatically applied it to a select list of 12 games. Now, it’s available on an AMD handheld, and Microsoft states it can be toggled for DirectX 10 or later games with varying results.

Microsoft is showcasing how Auto SR can enhance frame rates and texture details in Forza Horizon 5, utilizing the NPU chip on the Xbox Ally X to prevent any negative impact on GPU performance.

Auto SR will be accessible through the Game Bar on the Xbox Ally X, allowing players to easily toggle it on or off for their games. Microsoft indicates it will be particularly beneficial for titles running below 60fps, helping them achieve smoother performance. To start testing Auto SR on an Xbox Ally X, players just need to join the Xbox Insider program.

In addition to Auto SR, Microsoft and Asus are enhancing the docking experience for the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. When connected to a TV, gameplay will shift to the larger screen, and the handheld display will automatically turn off. The ROG Bulwark will also enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother gameplay on compatible TVs, with plans to extend this feature to other “Designed for Xbox” docks in the future.

A new display widget in the Game Bar will allow players to adjust resolution, refresh rates, and project modes without leaving their game. Microsoft has also disabled the built-in controls on a docked Xbox Ally if an Xbox controller is paired. For easier navigation with a cursor, a new Gamepad Cursor option will help control apps not designed for a controller. Additionally, Microsoft and Asus are introducing “enhanced vibration” haptic feedback to the Xbox Ally devices to align with expectations across Xbox hardware.

Lastly, Microsoft is streamlining the experience of accessing a unified library of games from various PC storefronts on the Xbox Ally devices. “Rolling out this month, you can now add, remove, edit, and launch any installed game or app directly from the Xbox experience — including games from other PC gaming storefronts and launchers,” says Roanne Sones, CVP of gaming devices and ecosystem at Xbox.