Microsoft has announced a new technology called Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD), which will debut with ASUS’s upcoming ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices. The feature, integrated into DirectX, aims to reduce game loading times by up to 85% while also eliminating stuttering issues that have affected many modern titles. Initially focused on portable gaming hardware, the solution is expected to expand to other platforms in the future.
At the core of this improvement lies the way shaders are handled. Shaders are small programs that define graphical behavior in games, controlling aspects such as lighting, textures, and even certain physics effects. For them to work, they must be compiled to match the specific hardware and software configuration of the player’s system.
This actually is huge news. Initially it will only be on Xbox ALLY and Xbox app, but soon: Steam/GOG/*
“As we expand support across more games and devices, we will collaborate with game developers to integrate the capability directly into game engines”https://t.co/Y6tf7VF8gB https://t.co/pP9UlgFP1V
— Cary Golomb (@carygolomb) August 21, 2025
Currently, developers typically use two approaches: pre-compiling shaders during initial loading screens or compiling them “just-in-time” as the game progresses. Both methods have drawbacks: pre-compilation can take a long time on weaker CPUs, while just-in-time compilation often causes frame drops and gameplay interruptions.
Microsoft’s ASD introduces a new system to address these problems. It begins with a State Object Database (SODB), which stores shader data for each game on Microsoft’s servers. The company, in partnership with AMD, has moved shader compilation out of GPU drivers and onto these servers as well. This process creates a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB), tailored for different hardware setups.
With Advanced Shader Delivery, Microsoft introduces precompiled shaders to games, which is expected to reduce loading times and eliminate stuttering during gameplay (Image: Microsoft).
When a player downloads a game through the Xbox app on PC, the system automatically detects the device specifications and downloads the appropriate PSDB. This approach eliminates the need for local shader compilation, drastically reducing load times and avoiding in-game stuttering. If hardware changes occur, such as a driver update or a new GPU, the Xbox app updates the shader database accordingly. Local compilation remains available as a fallback option in case of issues.
Importantly, developers will not need to modify their games to support ASD, making adoption seamless. Microsoft also plans to collaborate with more hardware vendors, software developers, and online stores to expand compatibility.
The feature will launch in October 2025 alongside the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, marking the first devices to implement this system. Beyond handheld gaming, ASD points to a broader strategy for Xbox, potentially signaling a future with more PC-like flexibility and multiple hardware configurations across the Xbox ecosystem.
