# Microsoft Expands Auto SR Upscaling to Xbox Ally X and Copilot Plus PCs Microsoft's DLSS competitor now supports handheld gaming at 1080p and higher frame rates. - **Source:** [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/00e9b404-91e7-456c-a799-83e2bff75320 ## Official Auto SR Launch Microsoft has officially released Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) for the Xbox Ally X, Xbox Ally X20, and specific Windows Copilot Plus PCs. This upscaling technology, designed to compete directly with Nvidia’s DLSS, aims to enhance visual quality. The rollout follows an initial testing phase that began back in April. ## Handheld Mode Support Previously restricted to docked configurations, Auto SR now functions while the device is undocked and running on battery power. Users can utilize this feature while playing games at 1080p resolution. Microsoft cautions that handheld performance may not reach the same optimal levels as other configurations, particularly during intensive gaming sessions. ## Visual Improvements Focus The primary benefit of this update is a noticeable visual enhancement, which Microsoft suggests will be most apparent in older game titles. By leveraging the neural processing unit (NPU) found in high-end models, the system processes graphics more efficiently. This integration finally provides a practical use for the device's specialized hardware. ## Performance Mode Upgrade The update introduces a new Auto SR Performance mode, significantly expanding the frame rate capabilities of supported devices. While previous iterations were limited to a range of approximately 60 to 75 frames per second, this new mode allows users to reach up to 120 frames per second during gameplay. ## Windows Update Integration Both the new Performance mode and added compatibility with Auto HDR are being delivered to users through standard Windows updates. This deployment strategy ensures that owners of the Xbox Ally X and X20 receive the latest software optimizations without needing to manually install separate drivers or complex third-party software packages. ## Hardware Utilization Strategy The reliance on the neural processing unit marks a shift in how Microsoft utilizes silicon in handheld gaming devices. By offloading upscaling tasks to the NPU, the system aims to balance graphical fidelity with power consumption. This approach is critical for maintaining battery life while providing high-resolution gaming experiences on-the-go. ## Competitive Market Positioning By introducing a proprietary upscaling solution, Microsoft is challenging the dominance of Nvidia’s DLSS in the portable gaming sector. The inclusion of Copilot Plus PCs in this rollout indicates a broader strategy to standardize AI-driven graphical enhancements across the Windows ecosystem, rather than limiting the technology to a single device. ## Future Gaming Outlook As handheld gaming hardware continues to evolve, software-based resolution scaling will become increasingly essential for maintaining performance. Users should monitor future Windows updates for further compatibility expansions and stability improvements. The success of this feature will likely depend on how well it balances visual clarity against the thermal constraints. ## Sources covering this story - [The Verge (theverge.com) — Microsoft Launches Auto SR Upscaling for Xbox Ally X Handhelds](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1031446/microsoft-automatic-super-resolution-auto-sr-upscaling) - [The Verge — Microsoft Launches Auto SR Upscaling for Xbox Ally X Handhelds](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1031446/microsoft-automatic-super-resolution-auto-sr-upscaling) - [Gizmodo — Microsoft Launches Auto Super Resolution for ROG Ally X and X20](https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-officially-rolls-out-auto-super-resolution-for-rog-xbox-ally-x-and-x20-2000838170) - [Gizmodo — Microsoft Launches Auto Super Resolution for ROG Ally X and X20](https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-officially-rolls-out-auto-super-resolution-for-rog-xbox-ally-x-and-x20-2000838170) - [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews — Microsoft Launches Auto SR Upscaling for ROG Ally X Handhelds](https://www.engadget.com/2313202/microsoft-automatic-super-resolution-comes-to-rog-xbox-ally-x/) - [Engadget — Microsoft Launches Automatic Super Resolution for ROG Ally X Handhelds](https://www.engadget.com/2313202/microsoft-automatic-super-resolution-comes-to-rog-xbox-ally-x/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._