Intel has initiated efforts to integrate its Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) upscaling technology into Valve's Proton compatibility layer. This move aims to leverage Intel's dedicated XMX cores for enhanced performance on Linux-based gaming systems, particularly benefiting future handheld gaming PCs powered by Intel processors.
Proton is a crucial component that enables Windows games to run on Linux, playing a significant role in the success of devices like the Steam Deck and the broader adoption of SteamOS. XeSS, Intel's upscaling solution, offers two modes of operation: a widely compatible DP4a mode and a more performant XMX mode that utilizes Intel's proprietary hardware.
An Intel engineer, Damian Tomczak, detailed the integration in a pull request, stating that the update will introduce a built-in libxess.dll. This library will forward XeSS calls made under DirectX 12 to the Linux XeSS library (libxess.so). The primary goal is to enable Proton to utilize the faster XMX upscaling path, rather than relying on a slower fallback. Direct3D 12 objects will be converted to Vulkan through vkd3d-proton's interop interface to facilitate this process.
This development holds the promise of allowing users to switch Windows-based handheld gaming PCs to Linux without experiencing significant performance drops. Valve has recently been enhancing compatibility for both AMD and Intel platforms within SteamOS, indicating a broader commitment to supporting a wider range of hardware. These improvements extend beyond handhelds, also benefiting custom-built Steam Machines.
While many current handheld gaming PCs, such as the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, feature Intel processors, they are primarily designed for Windows. Valve's historical focus has been on AMD chips for SteamOS, but this integration of XeSS support suggests a growing effort to ensure broader hardware compatibility on Linux.