Because mobile devices have become a major source of income for game developers, many of these titles, if not all, they never end up reaching other operating systems, either consoles or computer equipment. As I always say, fortunately for any technology-related problem, there is always a solution.
The simplest solution to be able to enjoy games available on mobile platforms on a PC is to install Android. If we want to install Android on a computer, we have two options that go through use an Android emulator or install Android directly on a PC.
What allows us to do Android on a PC
The most similar experience that we will find installing Android on a PC is the same that we can find today in Chromebooks. Chromebooks are portable computers managed by ChomeOS, operating system that has full access to the Play Store, so we can install any application or game available in the Google store on the computer and enjoy it with keyboard and mouse.
Unless you have the need to renew your laptop or if you are considering buying one, a Chromebook may be able to meet your needs, as long as base your entire ecosystem on Google. If so, on Amazon we can find a large number of models starting at 290 euros, even a little less.
How to install Android on PC
The best solution to install Android on the PC and make it work as its own operating system is through the Android-x86 project. Android-x86 is a standalone project that allows you to install Android on any computer. As of today, the latest version available is Android 9. Being a non-profit project, development is slower than you might expect.
The steps are the following:
- The first thing to do is download ISO image available through SourceForge o FossHUB. In both links we can find the 32 and 64 bit versions. If we do not want to have operating problems with the applications we want to install, it is best to download the 64-bit version.
- In the next step, we must use an application to create an Android 9 installation USB or DVD. One of the best applications to do so is Rufus, a tool that allows us create installation media from ISO images.
- To carry out this process, we must select the ISO file (Android 9 image that we have downloaded) as the source and the type of drive we want to create, either USB or DVD as the destination and where the files necessary to create the unit will be unzipped. boot that will allow us to install Android on a PC.
- Once we have created the USB or installation DVD, we must connect it (USB) / insert it into the reader unit (DVD) and restart the computer. We must first make sure that the BIOS is configured so that the first drive to read is either the USB or the DVD so that it can start the installation process.
- Then, we must select Instalation, select the unit where we want to install it.
- Next, it will ask us if we want to install GRUB, the menu that allows us choose with which operating system we want to boot.
- Once the installation is finished, we can directly run the operating system or restart.
Once we have installed Android on our computer, we must follow the same steps as with an Android terminal, that is, establish what Wi-Fi connection we want to connect and enter the data of our Google account.
Recommended Android Emulators for PC
Android Studio
Android Studio is the tool that Google makes available to the developer community so that they can test your apps before releasing them to the Play Store.
While it is true that it is not an emulator intended to be used for enjoy games on a PCIt works perfectly since it is also compatible with the latest features that Google has introduced in Android.
BlueStacks
BlueStacks It is one of the oldest Android emulators that we can currently find on the market. It is not only available for Windows, but it is also available for Mac. One of the main problems with this emulator is that requires a moderately powerful team, so if you were thinking of using an old computer to install Android, you can forget about it.
BlueStaks offers us direct access to the Play Store, mouse and keyboard support and is one of the best emulators to enjoy shooters. It integrates a macro system to perform various actions together (macros that are considered hacks by most games). Other advantages of this emulator is that it allows us enjoy in HD quality and modify the refresh rate to offer a smoother gaming experience.
BlueStacks requirements
- Operating system: Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10.
- Processor: More than 2 GHz speed.
- RAM: 2 GB
- Free hard disk space: 4 GB.
ME Mu Play
An interesting alternative to BlueStacks is found in ME Mu Play, an emulator that offers us access to the Play Store and that in addition to being compatible with mouse and keyboard, it also allows us use a joystick to enjoy our favorite games in a much more comfortable way.
It also incorporates a macro system similar to that offered by BlueStacks, it allows us to enjoy games in HD quality and adjust the fps rate. With MEmu Play you can enjoy titles such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Fornite, Brawl Stars as well as using any application also available on the Play Store.
The requirements of this emulator are inferior to those of BlueStacks, so it is the best option if our team has a few years behind it.
MEmu Play requirements
- Operating System: Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10.
- Processor: AMD (x86) or Intel.
- RAM: 1 GB.
- Free hard disk space: 2 GB.
Problems associated with playing with an Android emulator
The comfort offered by playing from a PC with a keyboard or a control knob we will never find it on a mobile device. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, developers are only betting on mobile platforms due to their profitability and not thinking about the comfort of their users (the comfort of the users does not give money).
Depending on the type of game, the users who play with emulator they are paired with others who also use emulator so that they have a clear advantage over us. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty with two clear examples of this type of pairings.
However, not all games offer this type of matchmaking, so it is possible that if you receive a lot of reports from other users, the developer will take a look at your account and check if you are really playing from a mobile device or from an emulator. . Account bans are rarely the case, the possibility is always there.