Windows 11 will be optimized for Android games

One of the new features of Windows 11, the new operating system launched by Microsoft in 2021, is the ability to run Android apps or games without having to install a third-party emulator, thanks to an Android subsystem directly integrated into the OS.


However, currently, this feature is not really optimized for games. But the good news is that Microsoft is working on improvements that should make it possible to play Android games with greater comfort on Windows 11.

In the United States, the Redmond firm has just updated the preview version of Windows 11 (the one that allows you to test new features before the rollout to the general public). And among the new features included in this update of the test version, there are improvements that target gamers.


For example, in the list of new features, Microsoft mentions the compatibility of the Android subsystem with video games with joysticks (mapped to WASD). The subsystem also becomes compatible with game controllers. And it will also support the aiming functionality of some titles, using the arrow keys, as well as the ability to swipe using these keys.

In other words, it seems that Microsoft is not only planning this subsystem for light games or puzzles, but it could also support titles such as the PUBG Mobile-like Battle Royale (which can be played on PC using an emulator and a button and joystick mapping system).

Unfortunately, to properly use this Android subsystem of Windows 11, there are hardware requirements. According to Microsoft's website, to use this one, you need to have at least 8 GB of RAM, and at least an 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor, an AMD Ryzen 300 or a Snapdragon 8c.


There is also the question of the catalog. Indeed, Microsoft does not work with Google, but with Amazon. So, officially, the apps and games available are those from a list coming from the Amazon Appstore.

Google is also working on its alternative

However, it should be noted that Google is also working on an alternative solution to offer games designed for Android on Windows PCs. More precisely, the Mountain View firm will offer a Windows version of its Google Play Games.

The beta of this project was launched in January in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. And recently, the firm has extended this beta to new countries: Australia and Thailand.


Google has also already communicated the minimum requirements to use this new service. The user will need to have a Windows 10 PC, have an SSD, 20 GB of available storage, a processor with 8 logical cores, 8 GB of RAM and a "gaming-class" graphics card:

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600, 700, 800, 900 or 10 series
NVIDIA Volta series
NVIDIA GeForce 16, 20 or 30 series
Intel Iris Xe graphics card
AMD Radeon HD 7790, 7850, 7870, 7950, 7970 or 7990
AMD Radeon HD 8970 or 8990
AMD Radeon R9 200 Series
AMD Radeon R7/R9 300 Series
AMD Radeon RX 400 Series
AMD Radeon RX 570, 580 or 890 Series
AMD Radeon RX Vega Series
AMD Radeon VII Series
AMD Radeon RX 5000 or 6000 series
A compatibility test has also been provided to allow the user to easily know if his machine is compatible.