The Best Apps and Programs to Play PC Games on Android

The Best Apps and Programs to Play PC Games on Android

With the evolution of streaming technology and powerful apps, playing PC games on your Android device has become easier and more efficient. Here are some of the top programs and apps that allow you to stream and play your PC games on Android without compromising performance or quality.

1. Parsec

Parsec is one of the best options for those looking to stream PC games to an Android device with low latency and high-quality graphics. It enables smooth remote access to your PC, allowing you to play games seamlessly.

• How it works: Install Parsec on both your PC and Android, connect the two devices, and stream games directly from your PC to your Android device.
• Requirements: A stable internet connection (preferably 5 GHz Wi-Fi) and a capable PC.
• Availability: Free, with optional paid features.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

2. Steam Link

Steam Link is the official app from Valve that allows you to stream games from your Steam library to Android devices. It's a great choice for those with an extensive Steam game collection.

• How it works: Connect your PC and Android device to the same Wi-Fi network, then use the Steam Link app to stream your Steam games.
• Requirements: Steam must be installed on your PC, and a good internet connection is needed to avoid latency.
• Availability: Free.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

3. NVIDIA GeForce Now

GeForce Now is a cloud gaming service by NVIDIA that allows you to play PC games on Android without needing a high-performance PC. The processing is done on NVIDIA's servers.

• How it works: Log in to your NVIDIA account and stream games you already own on platforms like Steam or Epic Games, directly from the cloud.
• Requirements: A strong internet connection is essential, and it’s best for users with NVIDIA GPUs.
• Availability: Free with a premium option for priority access.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

4. Moonlight Game Streaming

Moonlight is an open-source app that streams PC games to Android devices. It works with NVIDIA's GameStream technology, making it ideal for those with NVIDIA GPUs.

• How it works: Enable GameStream on your PC (with an NVIDIA GPU) and install the Moonlight app on your Android device to stream your games.
• Requirements: Requires an NVIDIA GPU that supports GameStream and a fast internet connection.
• Availability: Free.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

5. Rainway

Rainway is an app that lets you stream PC games to various devices, including Android. It is easy to set up and doesn't require specific hardware, like NVIDIA GPUs.

• How it works: Install Rainway on your PC and Android device, and the app will automatically detect your game library for streaming.
• Requirements: Works on any PC, but a strong internet connection is necessary to avoid delays.
• Availability: Free.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

6. Remotr

Remotr allows you to play your PC games on Android with an easy-to-use interface and customizable controls. It also supports local multiplayer streaming.

• How it works: Install the Remotr app on both your PC and Android device, then stream games over Wi-Fi.
• Requirements: A stable internet connection is crucial for smooth gameplay.
• Availability: Free.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

7. Vortex Cloud Gaming

Vortex is a cloud gaming service that lets you play PC games directly on your Android without needing a powerful PC. It's similar to GeForce Now but supports a different game library.

• How it works: Access your Vortex account and stream PC games from the cloud, without needing them installed on your PC.
• Requirements: A reliable internet connection, as the games are processed in the cloud.
• Availability: Paid, with monthly subscription plans.
• Download: Available on the Google Play Store.

Tips for Improving Your Gaming Experience

• Fast Internet Connection: To reduce latency and ensure smooth gameplay, use a fast, stable internet connection, ideally 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth Controller: Using a Bluetooth controller can greatly improve your gameplay compared to on-screen controls.
• Low Latency: Apps like Parsec and Steam Link are designed for low-latency gameplay, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience.

With these apps and programs, you can easily transform your Android device into a powerful gaming platform, allowing you to play your favorite PC games anytime and anywhere!

How to Install Parsec on Windows

How to Install Parsec on Windows

Parsec is a popular remote streaming tool optimized for gaming and other high-performance tasks. To use it on Windows, follow the steps below to download and install the program on your computer.

Step 1: Access the Official Parsec Website

1. Open your internet browser on your Windows computer.
2. Go to the official Parsec website: https://parsec.app.

Step 2: Download Parsec

1. On the Parsec homepage, click the Download Now button.
2. Select the version for Windows, and the installer download will begin automatically.

Step 3: Install Parsec

1. Once the download is complete, locate the ParsecSetup.exe file in your Downloads folder and double-click to start the installation.
2. Follow the installation steps:
   • Click Next to proceed through the installation steps.
   • Accept the terms of use for Parsec.
   • Choose the installation folder (you can leave the default folder if preferred).
   • Click Install to begin the installation.

Step 4: Finish the Installation

1. After the installation is complete, click Finish.
2. Parsec will either open automatically, or you can start it manually by using the shortcut created on your desktop or through the Windows Start menu.

Step 5: Create a Parsec Account

1. When you first open Parsec, you'll be prompted to log in. If you already have an account, simply enter your credentials.
2. If you don’t have an account, click Sign Up and fill in the necessary details to create one.

Step 6: Configure Parsec

1. After logging in, you’ll be taken to the Parsec main interface. Here, you can configure your PC as a host or connect to another computer for streaming games or applications.
2. To use Parsec as a host, go to Settings and enable the Enable Hosting option to allow other devices to connect to your PC.

Now you're ready to use Parsec on your Windows computer! Enjoy streaming your games or high-performance applications remotely.

Parsec: A Remote Access Tool Optimized for High-Performance Gaming and Applications on Android

Parsec: A Remote Access Tool Optimized for High-Performance Gaming and Applications on Android

Parsec is a remote access tool similar to Chrome Remote Desktop, but with a specific focus on low latency and high performance, making it ideal for gaming and other activities that require quick response times and high-quality graphics. Yes, Parsec allows you to remotely use Windows programs on Android, but there are some important differences compared to Chrome Remote Desktop.

How Parsec Works

Originally designed for game streaming, Parsec allows users to play high-performance games on a remote PC and control them from another device, such as an Android smartphone or tablet. Just like Chrome Remote Desktop, Parsec enables you to access and control a Windows PC remotely from an Android device. However, Parsec is specifically optimized to provide a low-latency, high-quality experience, making it a better choice for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.

Key Features of Parsec

1. Remote Access to Windows via Android:
   With Parsec, you can connect to a Windows PC from your Android device, run programs on the remote computer, and control them seamlessly. This includes not only games but also any other software installed on your Windows PC, such as video editors, graphic design tools, or even lighter applications like web browsers or productivity suites (Microsoft Office, for example).

2. Low Latency and High-Quality Streaming:
   Unlike Chrome Remote Desktop, which is more suited for general remote tasks like file access or PC management, Parsec is optimized to offer a smooth and low-latency experience. This is crucial for gaming or any task that requires precision and immediate response, such as real-time video editing or working with 3D modeling software.

3. Support for High-Performance Games and Heavy Applications:
   The key advantage of Parsec is its focus on resource-intensive games and applications. While it is widely used by gamers to play remotely, Parsec can also be an excellent tool for professionals who need to run demanding applications such as AutoCAD, Adobe Premiere, or After Effects on an Android device, without sacrificing performance.

Differences Between Parsec and Chrome Remote Desktop

1. Performance and Latency:
   Parsec provides much lower latency, making it superior for high-demand tasks such as gaming and graphic design. Chrome Remote Desktop is better suited for tasks that do not require extremely low latency, such as file management or administrative work on your PC.

2. Graphics Quality:
   Parsec prioritizes high-quality streaming, using efficient video compression to ensure that the game or graphic-intensive application looks as good as possible. On the other hand, Chrome Remote Desktop is not optimized for maintaining high-quality graphics during remote sessions.

3. Gaming Focus:
   Parsec is highly popular among gamers, while Chrome Remote Desktop is more focused on general remote control of PCs for a variety of tasks, rather than specifically catering to high-performance gaming or graphical work.

Limitations of Parsec

1. Not an Android or Windows Emulator:
   Like Chrome Remote Desktop, Parsec does not allow you to install Windows programs directly on Android. The Windows applications still run on the remote PC, and Parsec only streams the screen to the Android device, enabling you to control the software remotely.

2. Requires a Strong Internet Connection:
   To get the best experience from Parsec, especially for gaming, you will need a fast and stable internet connection. This is also true for other remote access tools, but the low-latency requirement is much more critical here, particularly for tasks like online gaming or real-time video editing.

Summary

Yes, Parsec lets you use Windows programs on Android remotely, but it operates as a game and high-performance application streaming service. It offers superior performance in terms of low latency and graphic quality compared to Chrome Remote Desktop, although both allow remote access to Windows systems.

While Chrome Remote Desktop is ideal for simpler tasks like file access or basic remote control, Parsec is the best choice for gaming or tasks that demand quick response times and high-quality visuals.

If you’re looking for a solution to play games or run graphic-heavy applications remotely on Android, Parsec is an excellent option.