Auto SR hits ROG Xbox Ally X handheld mode, up to 120 FPS

Auto SR is out of preview. Microsoft's upscaler now works in handheld mode on ROG Xbox Ally X, and a new Performance Mode raises the limit to 120 FPS.

FireGhost

November 11, 2026, 09:00 PM5 min read

Contents9 sections

Auto SR now works in handheld mode on the ROG Xbox Ally X. Microsoft's official Auto SR announcement on the DirectX blog says the upscaler is out of preview and is getting a new Performance Mode that runs at up to 120 FPS.

The post went live on the evening of November 10. The update covers the ROG XBOX Ally X and Ally X20, and select Windows Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen also get Auto SR. Microsoft recently opened up another upscaler on Xbox too, as we covered in our FSR 4.1 for Xbox developers story.

Auto SR Quality and Performance mode comparison in Rocket League on ROG Xbox Ally X — Rocket League with Auto SR Quality mode (70 FPS) and Performance mode (115 FPS) (Source: Microsoft)

What has changed in Auto SR?

During the preview, Auto SR only worked while the device was docked. Now it works in handheld mode on the built-in screen, even when you are unplugged and on battery. Microsoft says this was the most requested feature.

Some background helps here. Microsoft first brought Auto SR to select Copilot+ PCs. Its April 30, 2026 Auto SR preview announcement then opened docked play on the ROG Xbox Ally X to Xbox Insiders. In September, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Copilot+ PCs joined the list. Microsoft says Auto SR uses NPU-based upscaling, so the AI work runs on the device's neural processor.

The second change is 1080p support. Many games run at 1080p by default on handhelds, and in the preview you had to lower the resolution yourself before Auto SR would kick in. Now 1080p games are supported, and when docked to a TV or monitor the image can be upscaled to 1440p. Microsoft does warn that 1080p in handheld mode may not perform as well as other setups.

Auto SR update at a glance

Devices: ROG XBOX Ally X, ROG XBOX Ally X20 and select AMD Ryzen Copilot+ PCs
Handheld mode: works undocked and on battery (available now)
1080p support: available now, upscaling up to 1440p when docked
Performance Mode: up to 120 FPS (rolling out with Windows updates)
Auto HDR: now works together with Auto SR (rolling out)
Controls: switch modes on the fly in Game Bar

How many FPS does Performance Mode add?

Until now, Auto SR topped out at around 60 to 75 FPS. The new Performance Mode raises the limit to 120 FPS, almost double what was possible before. Microsoft says this will make fast-paced and competitive games feel smoother.

The company shared Rocket League as an example, tested on the ROG XBOX Ally X at 720p on high settings. Quality Mode averaged 70 FPS, while Performance Mode averaged 115 FPS. Players can switch between the modes in Game Bar and watch the frame rate change in real time.

Auto SR Performance Mode setting in Game Bar on ROG Xbox Ally X — The Auto SR Performance Mode setting in Game Bar (Source: Microsoft)

There is also an Auto HDR change. Auto HDR is a Windows feature that adds brighter, richer colours to games without native HDR. Until now, players had to choose between Auto SR and Auto HDR. Now the two work together. Performance Mode and Auto HDR support are rolling out with Windows updates, though, so they may take a while to reach some devices.

What does it mean for players?

Windows Central's report on the Auto SR launch notes that Auto SR has similar goals to DLSS and FSR. It also points out that Xbox Ally X owners can now use the recent AMD FSR 4.1 beta drivers, so handheld players have two options. For the NVIDIA side, see our DLSS 5 support in new games story.

The handheld space is moving quickly. Valve recently added device performance data to Steam store pages, as we covered in our Steam Deck average FPS data report. Microsoft also sped up its Xbox PC app, which you can read about in our Xbox PC app 60 percent faster launch story. Microsoft is collecting Auto SR feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Frequently asked questions

What is Auto SR?

Auto SR (Automatic Super Resolution) is Microsoft's AI-powered upscaling technology. It renders a game at a lower resolution and shows it at a higher one, with similar goals to NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR.

Which devices support Auto SR?

Microsoft says Auto SR is now out of preview on the ROG XBOX Ally X and ROG XBOX Ally X20. It is also available on select Windows Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen.

When is the Auto SR Performance Mode coming?

Microsoft says the Performance Mode, which runs at up to 120 FPS, and Auto HDR support are rolling out with Windows updates. They may take a little time to reach every device.