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This video explores how to run Steam games natively on Android devices using two applications, GameHub and Game Native, comparing their features, compatibility, and user experience.

Android Handhelds and Emulation Limitations #

• Android handhelds and phones are becoming powerful.
• Traditionally used for console emulation, primarily retro games.
• Nintendo Switch emulation is the peak, but still has limitations.
• Emulation has a ceiling; playing only retro games limits improvements.
• Wish for more PC-like functionality to access Steam libraries.
• Native, on-device Steam gameplay is possible without cloud streaming or remote play.

Introduction to GameHub and Game Native #

• Two main methods for porting PC games to Android: Game Native and GameHub.
• Both streamline the porting process: download app, log into Steam, download games.
• Offer surprising compatibility, like a mini Steam Deck for some games.
• Expand the usability of Android devices and allow playing more of a Steam library.
• Great for Android phone users and handhelds (e.g., Odin 2 Mini for portability).

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Devices Used for Testing #

• Can be done on almost any modern Android device.
• Tested on In Odin 2 Mini and In Odin 2 Portal.
• Attempted with Retroid Pocket Classic (4x3 games didn't work) and Retroid Pocket 5 (Wi-Fi issues).
• Retroid Pocket eventually worked with Wi-Fi despite initial issues.
• Odin 2 Mini and Odin 2 Portal have identical internals.

GameHub Review #

• Controversies:
  • Developers allegedly stole code from Yuzu for a paid Nintendo Switch emulator.
  • Chinese origin raises fears of Steam data theft upon login (dismissed as similar to other companies like Razer or ASUS).
• Setup:
  • Download APK from the website.
  • Requires creating a GameHub account.
  • Requires logging into Steam (manual game porting is possible but less user-friendly).
• Ease of Use:
  • Extremely easy to browse and download Steam games.
  • Shockingly simple to get Steam games on Android.
• 2D Game Compatibility:
  • Ninja Gaiden Ragebound: Downloaded necessary drivers and ran perfectly out of the box.
  • Gravity Circuit: Ran perfectly.
• UFO 50: Ran great with minor frame dips.
• Hollow Knight Silksong: Ran awesome after switching to high-performance mode (60 FPS).
  • Cutscenes did not work; required skipping.
• 3D Game Compatibility:
  • GameHub has a compatibility checkmark for games (Steam Deck verified-like).
  • Neon White: Ran amazingly, around 70 FPS uncapped.
  • Bomb Rush Cyberfunk: Ran alright, stable 30 FPS.
  • Half-Life 2: Loaded, but lacked Steam input compatibility for controller support.
  • Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil 4, Marvel Rivals (launcher issue): Did not work.
  • Guilty Gear Strive (perfect compatibility claimed): Wouldn't even download.
  • Grand Theft Auto 5 (viral claim of easy native play): Did not work; allegedly requires a pirated version.
• Limitations/Gripes:
  • Best compatibility with smaller games.
  • Not all games will work; don't buy an Android device just for GameHub.
  • No Steam Cloud Save compatibility (major drawback for continuous play across devices).
    • Can attempt to run Steam client through GameHub, but difficult to set up.
  • Rough download process (frequent restarts needed).
  • PC game file sizes can be large for Android phones.
  • Initial enthusiasm for ease of use was soured by promised compatibility not being met.
  • Still valuable for smaller indie games.

Game Native Review #

• Setup:
  • Download APK directly from the browser.
  • Does not require an account, but requires linking Steam.
  • Also easy to set up.
• Game Configuration:
  • Games are not "plug-and-play."
  • Requires tweaking settings for each game individually (no global default).
  • Example settings for Ninja Gaiden Ragebound:
    • 720p resolution.
    • DX wrapper (VKD3D or DX).
    • DX version 2.3.1.
    • GPU: AMD Van Go.
    • Video memory size: 4GB.
    • Frame limit: 60 FPS.
    • Box64 preset: Performance.
    • Startup selection: Aggressive.
  • More for "tinkerers."
• Compatibility:
  • Generally runs slightly worse than GameHub with default settings.
  • Ninja Gaiden: Ran well, comparable to GameHub.
  • Blasphemous 2: Ran perfect.
  • UFO 50: Ran slightly better, same minor frame dips.
  • Gravity Circuit: Ran worse, but playable.
  • Neon White: Crashed (even with Vulcan or Wine compatibility layers).
  • Guilty Gear: Wouldn't download.
  • Resident Evil 4: DLL error.
  • Skyrim (only 3D game that worked): Ran under 30 FPS at 720p, off-center window, Japanese language. "Runs like the Switch version, but it works."
• Advantages:
  • Steam Cloud Save compatibility (major feature that sets it apart).
  • Allows playing games across multiple devices without losing progress.
• Disadvantages:
  • Significantly worse compatibility overall.
  • Requires extensive tweaking for each game.

Comparison and Future Outlook #

• Despite Game Native's lower compatibility and required tweaking, cloud save support makes it preferable.
• Importance of cross-save for portable PC gaming.
• Both apps require internet access for authentication (minimal data usage).
• Frequent updates expected for both apps; compatibility could change rapidly.
• Both apps are based on Winlator, so improvements in one may benefit the other.
• Anticipation of increased 3D game compatibility in the future.
• This technology turns Android devices into mini Steam Decks, enabling modern PC games on retro handhelds.
• Excited for the future of playing modern games on various portable devices.
• Encourages viewers to try it on their Android phones and share experiences.

Summary #

The video explores the exciting prospect of running Steam games natively on Android devices using GameHub and Game Native. While GameHub offers easier initial setup and better compatibility for 2D and some lighter 3D games, it critically lacks Steam Cloud Save functionality, making game progression tethered to a single device. Game Native, though requiring more extensive per-game tweaking and demonstrating lower overall compatibility for 3D titles, is preferred due to its crucial Steam Cloud Save support. Both applications face challenges with large 3D games and require online authentication. Despite their current limitations, these apps signify a promising future for playing modern PC games on portable Android hardware, with frequent updates expected to enhance compatibility and user experience across both platforms.