Android users now have the option to run Windows applications on their mobile devices thanks to the new Winlator app. This emulator allows users to access numerous PC functions that may not have satisfactory Android equivalents, with the most impressive feature being the ability to enable Windows gaming on phones or tablets without streaming.
A recent video from YouTuber ETA Prime demonstrates how users can run the PC version of Fallout 4 on various Android devices using Winlator. The emulator allows for a locked 30fps gameplay experience on low settings in 720p, supporting controllers, external keyboards, and mice, and transferring saved files from a PC.
However, Winlator does come with a significant caveat – it does not support PC games with DRM, meaning that most prominent Steam games may not be playable. Users can opt to download DRM-free installation packages from GOG, which can be transferred to the internal storage of an Android device running Winlator.
While Winlator offers a more complex solution compared to using a Steam Deck for portable PC gaming, it may save money for users who already own Android devices. Emulation on mobile devices has seen significant advancements recently, with Apple allowing retro game emulators on the App Store, giving iPhone and iPad owners access to games from old Nintendo consoles and the original PlayStation. With Winlator bridging the gap between Windows and Android, the possibilities for mobile gaming continue to expand.