New app runs Steam games on Android

A new application called DroidDeck allows users to run the Steam client and its Windows game library directly on Android smartphones without requiring changes to the operating system, complicated installations, or bootloader updates.

Games run locally with ARM64 support

The app enables games to run locally on tablets or smartphones using ARM64 Proton and the translation of essential x86 instructions, rather than streaming content from a PC as with Steam Link. This means games are processed on the device itself rather than being streamed from a separate computer.

No root access or OS replacement needed

DroidDeck does not require root access on the device or replacing the operating system. It is based on the ARM64 Steam client developed by Valve and operates in Big Picture mode, providing an interface similar to that of the Steam Deck.

Proton and FEX handle game compatibility

Windows games run via Proton, while FEX handles x86 instruction translation. The app also includes features such as management of Steam Input, hardware monitoring, graphics driver management, and an optional frame generation feature.

Limited to specific processors

DroidDeck only works on Snapdragon processors equipped with an Adreno 730 or higher iGPU (740, 750...). A YouTuber named ETA Prime tested the app using a REDMAGIC 11 Pro smartphone with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 16 GB of RAM.

Performance varies by game and settings

In the test, Cyberpunk 2077 ran at 60 frames per second with graphics details set to "medium," Skyrim Special Edition reached 60 frames per second in 720p "medium," and Left 4 Dead 2 achieved 120 frames per second in 720p with details set to "high." Hogwarts Legacy ran at 40 frames per second with reduced graphical details and FSR activation.

Android 9 or newer required

DroidDeck requires Android 9 or newer to function and does not support devices with iGPU Mali, PowerVR, or Xclipse. Even Adreno 710 is not supported.