Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 1 hr ago
Microsoft brings Auto SR upscaling to Xbox Ally handhelds
Microsoft is rolling out Auto SR for the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally X20 handhelds, as well as select Windows Copilot+ PCs.
The upscaling feature can now be used while playing handheld and on battery, rather than only when the device is docked.
It can also work with games running at 1080p, and a new Performance mode supports frame rates of up to 120fps.
Auto SR uses an onboard neural processing unit to upscale images, freeing the graphics processor for other work.
It may help with games that lack AMD’s FSR upscaling or where FSR does not work well, but FSR remains the preferred choice when available for image quality.
Microsoft says handheld play at 1080p may not perform as well as other settings, though it can improve visuals, especially in older games.
Microsoft has officially launched Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) for the ROG Xbox Ally X and X20 handhelds.
The upscaling technology now works in handheld mode, including when the devices run on battery power.
Auto SR supports games running at 1080p, while a new Performance Mode offering up to 120 frames per second and Auto HDR support are due through Windows updates.
Microsoft says handheld play at 1080p may not perform as well as other configurations, though it can improve visuals, especially in older games.
- Who
- Microsoft and users of the ROG Xbox Ally X and X20 handhelds.
- What
- Microsoft has officially launched Auto SR, its AI-powered upscaling technology, for the handhelds.
- When
- Announced on November 11, 2026.
- Where
- On the ROG Xbox Ally X and X20, including in handheld mode; it is also rolling out to select Windows Copilot+ PCs with compatible AMD Ryzen processors.
- Why
- To upscale games and improve visual quality and frame rates. Microsoft said it added handheld support in response to popular demand.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Microsoft began testing Auto SR on the ROG Xbox Ally X, initially for use while docked.
Microsoft announced the official rollout of Auto SR, including handheld and battery-powered use.
Microsoft said Performance Mode and Auto HDR support would roll out through Windows updates.
- Devices
- ROG Xbox Ally X and X20
- Resolution support
- Games running at 1080p
- Performance Mode
- Up to 120 frames per second
- Additional PC support
- Select Windows Copilot+ PCs with compatible AMD Ryzen processors
- Earlier preview frame-rate limit
- Around 60 to 75 frames per second
4 sources
ROG Xbox Ally X gets Auto SR in handheld mode, with 120 FPS 'Performance Mode' on the way
Microsoft's Automatic Super Resolution is now officially out for the ROG Xbox Ally X
Microsoft’s own upscaler and alternative to FSR just landed on Xbox Ally X handhelds - actually uses an NPU for something useful
Microsoft’s DLSS competitor is out for the Xbox Ally X and works in handheld mode
What people are saying
Auto SR can "smooth things out" if a demanding game "feels a little choppy on the go,
using 1080p in handheld mode (internal screen), performance may not be as optimal as other configurations, but you’ll still see visual quality improvements especially in older games
may not be as optimal as other configurations