Microsoft has officially released Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) for the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally X20, ending the feature’s Xbox Insider preview period. Announced on November 10, 2026, through Microsoft’s DirectX Developer Blog, the release also expands support to select Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen processors. The update enables AI-powered upscaling during handheld gameplay, supports games running at 1080p and introduces an upcoming Performance Mode capable of supporting frame rates up to 120 FPS.
Auto SR is Microsoft’s AI-based game upscaling technology integrated into Windows 11. It uses a neural processing unit (NPU) to help games deliver higher-resolution visuals without requiring them to render every frame at the display’s full resolution. Unlike upscaling technologies that require direct integration by game developers, Auto SR operates through Windows on compatible hardware and supported games.
The biggest immediate change for ROG Xbox Ally owners is support for undocked gameplay. During the earlier Xbox Insider preview, Auto SR required the handheld to be connected to an external display through a dock. Microsoft initially prioritized larger screens, where the visual improvements from upscaling were easier to notice.
With the general release, Auto SR can operate directly on the handheld’s built-in display, including when the device is running on battery power. Players no longer need an external monitor or docking station to use the feature.
Microsoft has also removed another limitation involving games configured to run at 1080p. Previously, players often needed to reduce their game’s resolution before Auto SR would activate. The updated implementation supports games running at 1080p without requiring that additional adjustment.
When connected to a higher-resolution external monitor or television, supported games can also be upscaled to 1440p. Microsoft cautions that using Auto SR with 1080p games on the handheld’s internal display may not provide optimal performance compared with other configurations, although visual improvements can still be noticeable, particularly in older titles.
Another significant addition is Performance Mode, which raises Auto SR’s supported frame-rate ceiling. Until now, the technology generally operated at approximately 60 to 75 FPS. The new mode increases that limit to as much as 120 FPS, potentially making Auto SR more suitable for fast-paced games that benefit from higher refresh rates.
Microsoft demonstrated the difference using Rocket League running on a ROG Xbox Ally X at 720p with high in-game graphics settings. In the company’s demonstration, Auto SR averaged approximately 70 FPS in Quality Mode and 115 FPS in Performance Mode.
These figures come from Microsoft’s own demonstration rather than independent benchmarking, and actual performance will depend on the game, hardware and graphics configuration. The 120 FPS figure represents the mode’s supported upper limit, not a guaranteed frame rate across compatible games.
Players will be able to switch between Quality and Performance modes through Windows Game Bar while playing, allowing them to prioritize image quality or frame rate without leaving their game.
Microsoft is also introducing compatibility between Auto SR and Auto HDR. Previously, the two Windows graphics features could not operate simultaneously. With the updated implementation, supported games can use AI upscaling alongside Auto HDR, which adds HDR-style enhancements to games that lack native HDR support when played on compatible HDR displays.
This change will allow supported hardware, including the ROG Xbox Ally X20, to combine upscaling with enhanced highlights and colors. However, Auto SR does not currently support games running with native HDR content, meaning players must disable Auto SR to use a game’s native HDR implementation.
Importantly, not every announced improvement is available immediately. Microsoft confirmed that handheld operation, 1080p compatibility and expanded AMD Ryzen Copilot+ PC support became available with the November 10 release. Performance Mode and simultaneous Auto HDR functionality are being deployed progressively through Windows updates and may take additional time to appear on individual devices.
To get started, users should install the latest Windows 11 updates, update Game Bar and download or update the Auto Super Resolution Package through the Microsoft Store. Auto SR settings are accessible through Game Bar by opening the Widgets menu and navigating to Display, then Graphics. The Quality and Performance options will become available as the corresponding update reaches supported devices.
Users can also manage Auto SR through Windows Settings under System, Display and Graphics, including enabling the feature globally for supported games or configuring individual applications.
Hardware compatibility remains restricted to supported systems with the necessary AI processing capabilities. Microsoft’s support documentation identifies AMD Ryzen AI-powered Copilot+ PCs, including the ROG Xbox Ally X and X20, among the supported devices. The announcement does not establish compatibility with every Ryzen-powered computer or Windows gaming handheld.
The release comes as gaming handheld platforms continue to receive software improvements, including Bazzite 45's expanded handheld compatibility and ROG Xbox Ally X20 support. Microsoft’s integration of Auto SR into Windows provides another graphics optimization option for owners of compatible hardware.
Auto SR also operates separately from developer-integrated upscaling solutions such as AMD FSR 4.1.2's machine-learning upscaling technology. Rather than requiring individual game implementations, Microsoft’s approach makes supported Windows games eligible for operating-system-level upscaling, subject to hardware, software and game compatibility requirements.
For ROG Xbox Ally X and X20 owners, the immediate benefits are the removal of docking restrictions and easier compatibility with 1080p games. The additional 120 FPS Performance Mode and Auto HDR integration will become available as Microsoft continues distributing the corresponding Windows updates.
