Playing Android games on a PC has its own advantages and drawbacks, including a larger screen and enhanced graphics. While this option is not universally accessible due to specific hardware requirements, this blog focuses on the practical aspects of how to play Android games on a PC.
Google provides a free service known as Google Play Games for PC, enabling you to enjoy Android games on your Windows computer. This service lets you play select games on a more extensive screen using a keyboard and mouse. Moreover, it ensures that your game progress synchronises across devices, facilitating a seamless transition between your computer and smartphone.
A Step-by-Step Free Guide on Playing Android Games on PC: Who Is Eligible?
To utilize this free service from Google, ensure that your system meets the following PC requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (v2004)
- Storage: Solid-state drive (SSD) with 10 GB of available storage space
- Memory: 8 GB of RAM
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU or comparable
- Processor: 4 CPU physical cores (some games may require an Intel CPU)
- Other Requirements: Windows admin account, Hardware virtualization must be turn on
Recommended Requirements for Better Gameplay Performance:
- OS: Windows 10 (v2004)
- Storage: Solid-state drive (SSD) with 10 GB of available storage space
- Memory: 8 GB of RAM
- Graphics: Gaming-class GPU, like Nvidia GeForce MX450
- Processor: 8 logical cores (some games may require an Intel CPU.)
- Other Requirements: Windows admin account, Hardware virtualization must be turn on
It’s worth noting that even the minimum requirements provide the potential for an improved gameplay experience, except for the graphics and processor specifications.
To download Google Play Games for PC, follow these straightforward steps:
- Visit play.google.com/googleplaygames using your Windows computer.
- Click the “Download” button.
- Open the downloaded file and adhere to the on-screen instructions for app installation.
- The installation process may take a few minutes.
Note: If your computer falls short of the minimum requirements, you’ll receive a notification, and the installation won’t proceed.
Helpful Tips For Playing Android Games on PC
To enjoy mobile games on your PC, make sure that Windows virtualization settings are enable.
- If the Windows Hypervisor Platform is disabled, you’ll be prompted to enable it during installation. To implement this modification, restart your computer.
- If the Windows Hypervisor Platform is already enabled, you won’t encounter this prompt.
- Prior to installing Google Play Games Beta, activate CPU virtualization in your computer’s BIOS settings.
Note: If you have other emulators installed, they may not function properly when the Windows Hypervisor Platform is turned on.
How to Play Across Devices
Cross-device gaming, sign in with the same account on both your mobile device and PC. Please be aware that only the initial user who installed Google Play Games Beta on the PC can launch and play games.
Top Google Play Games for PC
The Google Play Games for PC service is free, but it comes with certain limitations. It provides access to a limited collection of over 200 Android games. By signing in with your Google account used on your Android phone, you’ll find compatible games in your library listed on the right side of the game hub. You can use the magnifying glass on the left to search for games or filter them by genre. Some examples of available games include:
- Fallout Shelter
- Infinity Loop
- Looper!
- Kingdom Rush
- Cut the Rope 2
- Grimvalor
- Hungry Shark Evolution
- Asphalt 9: Legends
- Alto’s Odyssey
- Badland
- Summoners War.
The Google Play Games for PC Experience
The Google Play Games for PC service is seamlessly integrat with Google Play Points, allowing you to earn points for various purchases, including subscriptions and in-app purchases.
In the Play Store, accumulat points can be exchanged for gift cards and exclusive game deals. While playing a game, pressing Shift and Tab opens a menu for adjusting settings like screen resolution and volume or remapping controls. It’s worth noting that playing with only a keyboard and mouse is currently supported, and mobile controllers are not yet an option.
All available Android games on Google Play Games for PC are currently free, though some may contain ads or in-app purchases. However, Google Play Pass titles aren’t available for PC yet, but more games are continually being added.
Users are encouraged to share their experiences. Despite games being optimized for PC, those initially designed for handheld screens may feel unusual on an ultrawide display with keyboard and mouse controls.
