Valve is Potentially Bringing an Android Emulator on Steam

Gaming

July 7, 2024

Ahsan Kabir

In recent developments, Valve is reportedly considering the integration of the Waydroid Android emulator into its Steam service. This information comes from Bradley Lynch, a known leaker and dataminer for SteamVR, who revealed intriguing updates from a recent Steam changelist. According to Lynch, a mysterious package containing five apps was spotted on SteamDB, with two displaying new artwork, notably for Waydroid.

Valve is Potentially Bringing an Android Emulator on Steam

Image Credits: Steam

What is Waydroid: the potential Android emulator on Steam?

Waydroid, a free and open-source emulator, allows GNU/Linux systems to run Android applications by utilizing Linux namespaces. This technology enables a full Android system to operate within a container. It provides native-like performance, especially when used with Wayland, a display server protocol. The complete details were revealed in Lynch’s tweet.

Implications for Steam Deck Users

The focus of this integration seems tilted towards enhancing the capabilities of the Steam Deck, Valve’s portable gaming device, rather than traditional desktop PCs and adding more games to the top played Steam Deck games. Currently, Waydroid supports only Intel and AMD GPUs, leaving Nvidia users to depend on less efficient software rendering.

Additionally, Valve has shown continued interest in improving its hardware offerings. After discontinuing its original Steam controller, the company has collaborated with Hori to introduce a new line of controllers. These are designed with a more conventional layout, reminiscent of Xbox and Nintendo controllers, and feature remappable buttons to enhance customization and gameplay experience.

Future of Gaming with Valve

This potential move to incorporate an Android emulator on steam could significantly expand the Steam Deck’s versatility. It would make it capable of running a broader range of applications and games. This blurs the lines further between mobile and PC gaming platforms, paving the way for more cross-platform play opportunities. The integration will allow users to access a vast library of Android games and apps on more powerful hardware.