A computer is a universal platform on which any game, application, or program can run. However, there is software that was not initially created for the PC, so it is impossible to use it. Usually, users have problems with games from smartphones or retro consoles. In this case, emulators come to the rescue. In this article, we will tell you about emulators of Android games, which one is better to choose, and how to customize them.
What are Android Emulators?
An emulator is a program that allows you to simulate the Android system inside Windows or macOS. It runs Android in a separate window that is entirely identical to what you would see if you unlocked your smartphone. This makes Android games run on your computer. Sometimes, you need this to run mobile apps on a PC, but gamers use emulators the most.
The emulator allows you to play your favorite game on a big screen. In addition, some projects are better perceived on a computer than on a smartphone. And others require a lot of power, which is often not available on the phone. But the performance of even an average PC is enough for most mobile games. Some project developers use emulators when testing because the PC system is more flexible and allows you to find bugs and problems faster.
An important advantage of Android emulators is the ability to customize controls. Most games on phones are controlled by tapping on the screen sensors, but on a PC it is impossible to realize such a function. Emulators allow you to customize different actions on different mouse or keyboard buttons in detail.
The Best Android Games Emulators for PC and Mac
| Windows: LDPlayer | |
| Mac: BlueStacks |
There are quite a few emulators that allow you to run Android games on Windows or MacOS. Of can be divided into 3 types:
- For gamers. A simple interface distinguishes them. They emphasize maximum convenience in setting the control so that the player can comfortably spend time on any project. Such emulators differ in terms of supported Android versions and the PC power they require. BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, or LDPlayer fall into this category;
- For developers. The primary purpose is to simulate different versions of Android systems under various conditions to make it easier for developers to test the game. It also usually includes options to change settings, preferences, and more. Often, you have an integrated development environment that allows you to change the game’s code via PC. Genymotion or Android Studio fall into this category;
- Specific. Some emulators are developed for particular tasks. A good example would be the Gameloop program. It is explicitly made to run two games: PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile. The developers ensure that they work perfectly on the emulator, but it is not designed for other projects.
Emulator Customization
Running the emulator, you will encounter inconvenient control in games, especially if you plan to run little-known projects. The thing is that the program must be preconfigured. Selectable parameters depend on the game you are interested in. For example, in some projects, it is better to play from a gamepad, and in others, it is better to play from the keyboard. It is also recommended that the buttons for each game be reassigned. Next, let’s look at the customization process using the LDPlayer emulator as an example.
Control Settings
LDPlayer emulator is universal, allowing you to play with a gamepad, mouse, and keyboard, and is optimized for most Android games. However, it’s still recommended to check the settings every time and reassign the buttons to something more convenient for you. To find out what control is currently set, press F12. All actions with buttons assigned to them will appear on the screen. However, you cannot change the control through this menu.
To change the settings, click on the keyboard icon on the sidebar of the emulator. In this case, you will also see all assigned keys. Please select the desired action and then click the key you want to assign to it. On the right side you will see the symbols of different actions, for example, the bullet icon indicates shooting in the shooter, and the scope – switching to mouse view. Having changed all the buttons to the convenient ones, click “Save”.
Other Useful Settings
In addition to controls, LDPlayer allows you to customize other settings. To go to them, click on the icon with three lines at the top and then select “Settings”. Next, open the “Gaming” tab. The following options will be helpful here:
- Right-click. If you enable this feature, 2 keys will perform one action. For example, in shooters, you will be able to shoot on both PCM and LKM;
- Resolution. It is set individually for games that support its change, for example, for PUBG Mobile. Next to the options, you will see the power requirements of the PC;
- Mouse acceleration. The option disables the cursor acceleration built into Windows. Thanks to this, it moves slowly, allowing you to aim more accurately;
- Hotkeys. In addition to controlling the game, buttons that allow you to change the interface of the emulator are configurable. For example, select a key to record the screen or return to the desktop.
You will configure other options in the menu, such as determining the sound quality or customizing the desktop of the virtual Android device.
Gamepad Customizing
Usually, games in LDPlayer accept the gamepad when it is connected, but sometimes, there are difficulties. To fix the error, go to the control settings menu and switch the mode to “Gamepad.” Then, reassign all keys to the most convenient for you.
Conclusion
The correct setting of the emulator will allow you to play projects on Android via PC with the same convenience as on a smartphone. Some players even specifically use the software to gain an advantage in games, thanks to convenient control from the mouse and keyboard. The main thing is to assign keys and test their work correctly.
