Microsoft is making a push to bridge the gap between traditional x86 gaming and the emerging ARM-based Windows ecosystem. The recent release of a dedicated Arm-compatible Xbox App marks a turning point for the platform, with Microsoft stating that approximately 85% of the current Game Pass library is now playable on Arm-powered machines. This shift is largely due to significant refinements in the Prism translation layer, which serves as the intermediary between legacy code and modern silicon.

As detailed in a Windows Blog, a critical component of this progress is the integration of AVX and AVX2 instruction support within Prism. These extensions are essential for bringing Xbox games to ARM systems, allowing titles previously locked to Intel or AMD hardware to run on Qualcomm Snapdragon X-series chips. The hardware evolution continues as well, with the current Snapdragon lineup paving the way for the upcoming Snapdragon X2 and subsequent generations of ARM SoCs.

Compatibility isn't just about raw processing power; security protocols have historically been a major barrier for ARM adoption in gaming. The landscape is changing as developers implement third-party anti-cheat support for ARM, with Epic's solution now enabling titles such as Fortnite and Gears of War: Reloaded to run locally. To help users navigate the varying performance tiers of these devices, Microsoft has introduced the Windows Performance Fit tool. This utility leverages real-world benchmark data from similar hardware configurations to give users a realistic sense of how a title will run.

While the goal is native or translated local play, Microsoft continues to leverage its cloud infrastructure as a secondary option for titles that remain exclusive to x86 environments. This serves as a necessary buffer while the library of compatible games expands. The effectiveness of this approach remains tied to network stability and server proximity, but at least it's a functional alternative for those who meet the requirements.

KitGuru says: Do you own an ARM-based PC? Do you game on it? Will you do so more now that more Xbox games are supported?

The post Xbox App is now available on ARM-based PCs first appeared on KitGuru.

Today's review is certainly unique. We are looking at the AOC Agon Pro CS24A, a monitor designed specifically for Counter-Strike gamers, with an eye-catching stand design and custom themed OSD. It's not just a skin, though, as the panel spec is clearly geared towards esports, packing in no less than a 600Hz refresh rate, using a 24in 1080p TN panel. AOC's MBR+ technology is also present, promising better-than-ever motion clarity, so let's see if this screen really is as good as it sounds.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:51 CS24A pricing + alternatives
01:57 Design and custom CS skin
02:53 I/O + OSD
04:35 Out of the box testing
06:51 sRGB mode and calibration results
07:26 Backlight bleed, viewing angles, coating grain
08:00 Response time results
09:30 Motion clarity examples
11:14 Real-world gaming experience
12:28 Closing thoughts

Just before we get into the review itself, it is worth clarifying that although we are looking at the AOC Agon Pro CS24A, with the product name identifying this as the Counter-Strike version, there is also the standard Agon Pro AG246FK6 available. It's essentially the exact same monitor but just without the CS2 livery, so if you're interested in an esports-grade screen but play anything other than Counter-Strike, that's something to keep in mind.

The other thing to keep in mind is the pricing. The CS24A is listed at just under £600 here in the UK, which is a little eye-watering considering it's a 24in 1080p screen. In theory the AG246FK6 has the same MSRP, though at the time of writing it's on offer for £500. Either way, it's a lot of money to pay for a FHD screen in this day and age, but considering it also packs in one of the fastest refresh rates we've ever seen, could it be worth buying?

Specification:

• Screen size (inch): 24.1
• Screen size (cm): 61.21
• Flat / Curved: Flat
• Panel treatment: Antiglare (AG)
• Pixels per inch: 91.41
• Panel resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Resolution name: FHD
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Panel type: Ultra-Fast TN eSports
• Backlight type: WLED
• Max refresh rate: 610Hz (OC, 600Hz native)
• Response time (GtG): 0.5 ms
• Response time (MPRT): 0.3 ms
• Static contrast ratio: 1000:1
• Dynamic contrast ratio: 80M:1
• Viewing angle (CR10): 176 / 170
• Display colours: 16.7 Million
• Brightness in nits: 500 cd/m²
• Panel haze value: 25%
• VESA wallmount: 100 x 100
• Tilt: -5° ~ 23°
• Height adjust: 150 mm
• Swivel: -28° ±2° ~ 28° ±2°
• Pivot: -90° ±2° ~ 90° ±2°
• HDMI: HDMI 2.1 x 2
• Digital HDCP (HDMI): HDCP 2.3
• DisplayPort: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1
• USB hub: ✓
• USB generation: USB 3.2 (Gen 1), 5 Gbit/s
• USB type downstream: 4 x USB-A
• USB fast charge port: ✓
• Audio output: 1x Audio out
• HDMI cable: 1.8 m
• DisplayPort cable: 1.8 m
• USB-B upstream cable: 1x USB-B to A (1.8 m)
• Power cable: ✓
• Warranty period: 3 years
• Firmware update (OTA) support: ✓

Firmware tested: V1.04

The post AOC CS24A Review (1080p/600Hz TN) first appeared on KitGuru.

In the lead-up to Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct, an in-game pop-up appeared for some uses within Forza Horizon 5 claiming that the upcoming sequel would be launching this May. Sure enough, as part of the latest showcase, Forza Horizon 6 was properly shown off for the first time – alongside confirmation of its release date.

As part of the latest edition of the Xbox Developer Direct, Playground Games offered roughly 10 minutes of new footage for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6, showing off the game’s Japan setting; some of its vehicles, game mode and more.

Though not too much of a surprise given the earlier leak, the team officially confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 will launch on the 19th of May for Standard Edition owners and the 15th for those with the Premium Edition (which also includes the Season Pass, additional vehicles, VIP membership and more).

While the game is landing first on Xbox and PC, the team at Playground Games confirmed that a PS5 version is currently in the works and scheduled to release at some point “later this year.”

Given the fact that Forza Horizon 5 only arrived on PS5 last year, it is a pleasant surprise to see its sequel arriving within mere months of the Xbox/PC release. The full gameplay overview for Forza Horizon 6 can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the Xbox Developer Direct? Are you looking forward to Forza Horizon 6? Is the premium edition worth it? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post Forza Horizon 6 officially launches in May first appeared on KitGuru.

One of the most anticipated Xbox titles for quite a few years now has been Playground Games’ Fable, with the reboot of this classic RPG series first being announced all the way back in 2020 (though rumours of its existence had begun as early as 2018). Initially planned to arrive some time in 2025, the upcoming RPG now has a new release window – officially arriving some time in Autumn 2026.

Taking part in the recent Xbox Developer Direct, Playground Games officially gave us our first proper look at the upcoming Fable.

While we have gotten teasers before and even some slight gameplay snippets, the latest showcase offered a much deeper look at the game and its systems, confirming that many of the series’ staples (house building, marriage, a morality system and more) will be present in the reboot.

In the 5+ years since the project was first announced, the Xbox ecosystem has gone through a ton of changes, and so while Fable was originally planned to be an Xbox console exclusive, Microsoft have now officially confirmed that the game will be launching day-and-date on the PS5 alongside its Series X|S and PC counterparts.

What date that will be however is currently unknown, with us only being given a release window of Autumn 2026.

So far, what has been shown off regarding Fable is looking quite positive, with Playground Games seemingly successfully taking on the mantle from Lionhead Studios. That said, we will have to wait and see how it all comes together when the game finally arrives later this year.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the Xbox Developer Direct? Do you have more or less confidence in Fable now? When do you think the game will actually come out? Let us know down below.

The post Fable comes to Xbox, PlayStation and PC later this Autumn first appeared on KitGuru.

AMD has officially confirmed that the Ryzen 7 9850X3D will hit retail shelves on January 29th, carrying a suggested price tag of $499. This move positions the new 8-core processor as the premium choice within Team Red's Zen 5 3D V-Cache lineup, sitting just above the current Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

The announcement comes directly from David McAfee, AMD's VP and GM of the client channel business, who claims this new SKU is the fastest gaming processor currently available. The specifications reveal that while the architecture remains the same, the 9850X3D benefits from improved binning, enabling it to reach a 5.6 GHz clock speed, a 400 MHz boost compared to the 9800X3D. Despite this higher frequency, the 120 W TDP remains unchanged, as does the 104 MB total cache pool, which includes the 96 MB L3 stack that defines the X3D series. AMD's internal benchmarks suggest this clock-speed advantage translates into a 3% to 8% performance uplift over the 9800X3D in CPU-bound scenarios.

The $499 MSRP will likely come as a relief to those following recent industry whispers. Early retail leaks in December had suggested pricing could be a bit higher, especially given the persistent demand for high-end AM5 components.

Availability remains the primary concern for prospective buyers. The previous launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D was marred by severe inventory shortages, leading to inflated prices at third-party retailers and a thriving scalper market. Although reports suggest distribution is well underway for the January 29th release, it remains to be seen whether AMD has secured enough volume to meet demand.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: If stock levels hold, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is poised to become the new default recommendation for high-end gaming builds, effectively squeezing Intel's flagship offerings out of the frame.

The post AMD confirms Ryzen 7 9850X3D for late January release, $499 first appeared on KitGuru.