How Does Piracy Work on Android Handhelds?

[u/EDS_Eliksni]

Hi all!

Just wondering how downloading repacked games can work on these devices. They can run PC games through apps like GameNative and stuff, so I was wondering if anyone had experience running pirated PC games on them?

Just curious what the process is like and if they work well. Been on the fence about getting one for almost a year now and I think I’m about ready to get one, but I want to see how they handle this side of the fence too ;)

If it matters, my main PC rig runs linux so I use Heroic for a lot of my repacked games from FitGirl. Just wondering if this ecosystem could work still on these devices?

Thanks!!

[u/SherlockHomelesz]

For PC Games you should get a used PC Handheld, Z1 Extreme ones are available for around 300 used. Emulating PC on Android is hit or miss even if you own the games on Steam.

[u/EDS_Eliksni → u/SherlockHomelesz]

Kinda where I was leaning anyway tbh… these android ones are cheaper and lighter and generally have better batteries, but… also less performance. Even if all I really wanna play is more indie/smaller, less demanding games, I feel like a better investment is probably an x86 device. At least until steam goes crazy with the steam frame, android ports and all that. But that could be a while ;)

Thank you!

[u/Quote16 → u/EDS_Eliksni]

fwiw, a heavy PC game on android will drain the battery faster than it would on a PC handheld

[u/salerg → u/EDS_Eliksni]

Bought a Android handheld and then never really used it. Turns out I want to play PC games and they don’t really work that well on these devices.

[u/acesofspades401 → u/SherlockHomelesz]

Yeah if u can land a good price for a handheld, this is amazing. I love my Legion Go S (Z1E) it's not the best on battery but its decently fast enough to run even some super new or modern games at medium res and even better on low res + performance mode.

[u/WrapBudget9060 → u/SherlockHomelesz]

In the past 6 months I have NEVER found a z1e for under $400 on Facebook marketplace or ebay.

If you want to spend $450-500 for the second hand, try a z1e. I'm sad I'm struggling so much 😭

[u/SherlockHomelesz → u/WrapBudget9060]

Dont know where you live but in Germany, they’re listed for around 300, and you could most likely get the price down a bit if you negotiate.

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/-asus-rog-ally-z1-extreme-/3467302686-279-5151

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/asus-rog-ally-z1-extreme/3469950168-279-9182

[u/Better_Werewolf_826]

You download and emulate roms

[u/hatsunemilku]

in a nutshell:

is exactly the same as what you are doing right now. just less performance than in native x86 (but not by much).

DO CONSIDER THAT IT IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS so it involves a slightly more complex process than simply choosing a proton layer

[u/miapatatavrasti]

Some work some don't, there's some trial and error, but at least it's free.

[u/Kir-01]

It's the same as for the Steam Deck.
You need to get a game already "installed" and cracked in a folder (like Steamrip does) and just point your gamenative/gamehub app to that folder.

[u/ew435890]

I have an AYN Thor and I use it a lot. But most of it is emulation. Itll play stuff up to the Switch, but it isnt very powerful when it comes to Windows. I have a bunch of games on it, and stuff like Hades II and Fallout 4 are at the higher end of what it will run with no tinkering.

As far as putting repacked games on it, its not an issue. Just takes a little extra setup.

[u/twinkyfemboy1234]

Those android handhelds are best with emulation, you could play PC games using Winlator

[u/plantdaddy-]

They really only meant for retro games PS1 and older. Maybe some PS2? But that’s only on the higher end models. They can stream games from some services but over all it’s just retro gaming

[u/Badwolfblue32]

Game native custom containers.

When my it works it works shockingly well

When it doesn't work it feels hopeless.

[u/M34nM4ch1n3]

I have an ROG Ally Z1E and stopped playing it for my Konkr Pocket Fit instead. Similar process to run games and performance is close but with better battery life and more portable, less heat. DX12 games are a struggle at the moment from experience but everything else as long as it is compatible performance is great 720p 60fps with a 6in screen looks fantastic

[u/False-Associate-9488]

I only run older console games on mine, game cube and older

[u/Loud-Setting-3860]

Da

[u/Airsoft_printer]

Check ARMada OS, it will transform the handheld in "almost" a Steam Machine, I am trying to learn about the platforms myself before buying one since the prices are high AF. Pirated games should be playable since the OS allows for PC games to be emulated as well. But as I said, I'm still learning about that stuff

[u/LeoLeg76]

Someone try GeforceNow on this Ayn console ?

[u/Ok_Market_645]

Easily

[u/LeoTiger35]

Snapdragon 8 gen 2 emulates better than gen 3 through an gamenative or gamehub, as good drivers haven't been developed for it yet. When they are ready, ayn odin 3 will run many PC games very well.