Apparently, the ARM-based PC market is seeing a period of rapid expansion, particularly within the entry-level consumer and gaming laptop segments. According a recent analysis by Jon Peddie Research (JPR) covering the second half of 2025, ARM-powered hardware has gone beyond a niche enterprise solution become a major growth driver in the computer industry in general.
The report highlights the “explosive growth” of ARM-based laptops and desktops. Projections indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% for laptops and an even more substantial 49% for desktops through 2028. By that year, the ARM-based PC sector is expected to represent approximately $1.5 billion in market value. While current adoption is primarily driven by users seeking efficiency for basic computing tasks, the high number of units suggests a fundamental change that could eventually disrupt the traditional x86 gaming landscape.
Currently, ARM-powered devices, which heavily use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series, are positioned as ideal for “light” gaming or cloud-based streaming services rather than high-end enthusiast gaming. However, the ecosystem is maturing. Microsoft recently updated the Xbox app for PC to include native support for Windows on ARM, noting that about 85% of Game Pass titles now run through the Prism emulation layer.
The industry is also anticipating a significant jump in performance with NVIDIA’s rumored “N1X” System-on-Chip (SoC). Early leaks suggest that this 20-core ARM processor, combined with RTX-level integrated graphics, could provide performance levels comparable to a mid- to high-range discrete GPU like the RTX 5070.
Future prospects
ARM’s success in the core gaming category depends on continued development of ARM-optimized software; If developers adopt the architecture, it could provide a much-needed resurgence of affordable gaming PCs. As specialized chips from Qualcomm and potentially NVIDIA hit the market, ARM is positioned to move from a productivity-focused platform to a viable alternative for budget-conscious gamers in the United States and beyond.
