Xbox presents the Handheld Compatibility Program: this is how you will know which games work best

The new system will mark the titles optimized for devices like the ROG Xbox Ally.

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During Gamescom 2025, Xbox announced an initiative designed to make life easier for those playing on portable Windows devices, such as the new ROG Xbox Ally. This is the Handheld Compatibility Program, a verification system that will clearly show if a game is ready to run on these devices without the need for complex adjustments.

With this move, Xbox aims to ensure that players can quickly identify the titles that offer the best performance on portable devices, avoiding cumbersome configurations and ensuring a smoother experience from the start.

How the Handheld Compatibility Program works

The program is based on two main labels:

• Handheld Optimized: games that are ready to work directly, with adapted controls, clear text, suitable resolution, and no need to modify settings.

• Mostly Compatible: games that require small changes in configuration, but can still be enjoyed on portable devices with good performance.

In addition, titles will include a Windows Performance Fit indicator, which will show if a game “should run great” or “should run well” on your device. When a title has both seals —Handheld Optimized and “Should Play Great”— the player will be confident that the experience will be optimal.

• The initiative will start with thousands of already verified games and will continue to grow thanks to Xbox’s collaboration with different studios. The goal is for more and more titles from Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC stores to be optimized for playing on portable devices without complications.

With this step, Xbox reinforces its strategy of offering a unified experience on console, PC, and portable devices, giving players more confidence when enjoying their library anywhere.