Default game profiles were one of three big features Microsoft placed on the ROG Xbox Ally roadmap last month, following the new handhelds’ launch. The other two we look forward to are Automatic Super Resolution and highlight reels, though the latter will be exclusive to the Xbox Ally X model, and not the cheaper non-X variant powered by the Ryzen Z2 A chip.

Microsoft has fully unveiled Default Game Profiles, which are now available in the Preview mode, accessible if you’re on the latest Armoury Crate SE, Xbox PC App, and Windows 11 versions. Being in the Windows/Xbox Insider programs wouldn’t hurt, either. In any case, we now know that 40 games are supported as of this feature’s launch, with more to come.

Which games have Default Game Profiles for ROG Xbox Ally?

The full list of 40 games with support is yet to be revealed. However, Microsoft did give us a list of fourteen support games in Preview mode so far. You may notice that these are all first-party games, so we can hope to expect day-one support for future Microsoft (or its subsidiaries)-published games in the future.

You can experience Default Game Profiles in preview mode for supported games, including these first party games, and more: 

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• DOOM Eternal
• DOOM: The Dark Ages
• Forza Horizon 5
• Gears 5
• Gears of War: Reloaded
• Gears Tactics
• Halo: The Master Chief Collection
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
• Minecraft
• Sea of Thieves
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

Source: Xbox

The program follows in the footsteps of the Steam Deck verification process, which also includes default game profiles, otherwise known as the default configuration set by the game’s developer(s). Microsoft has also been rolling out handheld compatibility ratings on the Xbox Store. Microsoft says the default game profiles are “hand-crafted per-game” and are only applied if you’re running the game in battery mode.

• If the game falls short of its target FPS, the game profile is designed to boost power to help reach the target FPS, trading a bit of battery life for a smoother gameplay experience. 
• If a game is performing above the target FPS, the game profile is designed to limit FPS at the target rate to save power. 

Source: Xbox

If you don’t want your game settings to automatically change on startup, you can always turn the option off. This is also on a per-game basis, and can be toggled off in the Armoury Crate Command Center Game Bar widget. Along with this update, Microsoft has also made more overall improvements, including quicker library loading times, improved gamepad response, and more.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.