Android Arcade
In Android Arcade, Senior Editor Android Myrick explores retro gaming, emulation, handheld devices, and more each week.
I’m truly fascinated by fresh hardware, especially when paired with a new and exciting processor. This excitement extends beyond smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks, and into the domain of dedicated gaming handhelds, which come in various sizes and emulation capabilities.
Although I’ve previously discussed my preference for gaming handhelds over smartphones, recent developments have, ahem, impacted the market. Linux-powered handhelds that used to be affordable are now experiencing price hikes that make them less recommendable. Therefore, I believe now is a perfect moment to revisit gaming and emulation on your smartphone.
Naturally, you’ll want a controller
If you’re aiming for an enhanced experience, one more essential item is needed before your phone can transform into a portable gaming hub. Goodbye to the days of solely relying on console controllers; now, a plethora of phone controllers exists, each offering a dizzying array of options.
Given the multitude of choices, deciding on the right one can be daunting. You’ll need to identify the features you want. If you prefer a compact controller and have a larger device, I recommend the GameSir G8 Plus. It connects via Bluetooth and fits devices like the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra without hassle.
Looking for something more portable? Consider the ASUS ROG Tessen, which I always carry when I’m away for more than a couple of days. It connects via USB-C, supports passthrough charging, and has customizable rear paddle buttons.
Recently, I’ve rekindled my fondness for the Backbone One, particularly the Xbox Edition. While it may lack the comfort of other controllers, its aesthetic and button feel are impressive. I’m also eager to try the newly announced Backbone One Pro, which boasts a few unique features.
If you’re on a budget or prefer not to spend much on a gaming controller, several affordable options exist. You can start by purchasing a phone clip for your DualSense or Xbox controller. Although earlier clips attached to both devices, newer magnetic mounts are now available, which offer ease of use.
If you’re interested in a dedicated controller for your smartphone, the affordable GameSir X5 Lite is worth considering. Priced at just $35, it connects via USB-C and is designed to work with devices such as the iPad Mini featuring an 8.3-inch display.
Don’t overlook the Play Store, particularly Play Pass
I’ve often critiqued the Play Store for its app-discovery functions on Android. However, my critique doesn’t extend to gaming, despite the top charts being littered with “Gacha” titles. Thankfully, I rarely glance at the top charts, thanks to Google Play Pass.
A dedicated tab for Play Pass makes it easy to avoid the endless cycle of regular Play Store games. While not every game in Play Pass is a hit, I would certainly subscribe if it were separated from my Google One plan.
Play Pass offers access to acclaimed games like Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, Terraria, and Thimbleweed Park, to name just a few. If you were to purchase those four titles individually, it would cost nearly $30 — exactly what a yearly Play Pass subscription costs. Additionally, if you’re with Verizon, you might get six months for free without realizing it.
Access PC, Xbox, and PS5 games on your phone
If you’re a console or PC gamer seeking to play on the go, several options are available, including Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Amazon Luna. While dedicated apps for these services exist, I’ve found that XBPlay or chiaki-ng provide a superior experience.
Additionally, GeForce Now and Boosteroid allow access to multiple platforms via cloud services. GeForce Now is a subscription I never plan to cancel, as it has become the best cloud gaming service I’ve used, especially after Google Stadia’s discontinuation.
While I remain committed to my GeForce Now subscription, I’ve also discovered a promising alternative: Apollo and Artemis. These are community-driven alternatives to Moonlight and Sunshine, enabling users to handle everything, offering a level of customization that traditional cloud services can’t match.
Choose the right emulators
Now for the exciting part — emulation. Today’s budget smartphones are more capable than you might imagine. For instance, many devices powered by Snapdragon 865, which is now over five years old, can emulate both Switch and PS3 titles on Android. While this may be an exception, it underscores the device’s potential.
For emulation, you can download separate emulators for each console, but that can be cumbersome. Instead, I recommend using RetroArch, which supports up to PS2 and includes features like built-in shader support and RetroAchievements. It runs on almost any device, making it a highly versatile choice.
You’ll also see that I’ve provided several emulator options for diverse consoles. This variability arises from certain emulators performing better on specific processors, requiring some trial and error to find the most suitable setups for your device.
Transform your phone into a gaming console
Though you may have downloaded your games, streaming apps, and emulators, grouping them into a single folder won’t offer the true gaming experience. Launchers are where the transformation occurs, and I alternate among three options.
ES-DE acts as the Android counterpart to the popular EmulationStation, supporting over 150 systems, making it easy to showcase your games’ artwork and download different themes.
The Console Launcher is relatively new to my collection. Although ES-DE appears polished, Console Launcher feels more tailored for Android, built from the ground up for the platform. It comes packed with features, including a specific “Samsung DeX” mode to navigate Samsung’s restrictions seamlessly.
While not exhaustive, Daijisho is another launcher I frequently use. It parallels ES-DE and Console Launcher in features while offering a unique aesthetic. Just like the others, it allows plenty of theme options for personalization.
Don’t underestimate your phone’s capabilities
As previously mentioned, you absolutely don’t need a dedicated gaming handheld to enjoy games on the move. Your smartphone can handle thousands of games, including those interested in the emulation realm, provided you’re aware of potential limitations.
Ultimately, I hope this has provided some guidance on setting up your phone or tablet to become the mobile gaming powerhouse it has the potential to be. While it may take some effort to configure everything, the payoff is substantial once you’re able to simply launch your phone and jump into action.