Gaming · Windows & Android
How To Play Android Games on Your PC with a Controller
Original source date
Answer
To enjoy Android games on your computer with a controller, you'll need an Android emulator like BlueStacks. Widely recognized for its exceptional performance, BlueStacks is designed to optimize PC mobile gaming. The download and installation process is straightforward and quick – follow the on-screen instructions provided by the setup wizard. With BlueStacks installed, you'll be all set to experience Android games in a whole new way on your PC or Mac.
Download & Install BlueStacks
To enjoy Android games on your computer with a controller, you'll need an Android emulator like BlueStacks. Widely recognized for its exceptional performance, BlueStacks is designed to optimize PC mobile gaming. The download and installation process is straightforward and quick – follow the on-screen instructions provided by the setup wizard. With BlueStacks installed, you'll be all set to experience Android games in a whole new way on your PC or Mac.
Download Android games
Open your Play Store and log in with your Google account. Search for the game you wish to play on your PC with a controller and download the game to your BlueStacks emulator. This might take a few minutes to complete depending on your network connection.
BlueStacks Controller Settings
While downloading the game, take a moment to review your emulator settings. Click the gear icon to access these options. In the Gamepad section, enable "Gamepad detection" for BlueStacks to recognize and accept input from your controller. Below, set the "Gamepad input settings" to "Automatic" and adjust the "Gamepad vibration" option based on your personal preference, though it may not impact the game you’re looking to play. This will depend on the controller support of that particular game. Once you've connected your controller or gamepad, BlueStacks will recognize it as an alternative input method to your keyboard and mouse, enhancing your gaming experience.
Optimize BlueStacks Performance Settings
In the Performance tab, adjust the settings based on your PC's capabilities. Allocate a high number of CPU cores if you have minimal background applications running. Similarly, consider your Memory allocation; for users with 4GB or less RAM, set this option to Low. Under Performance Mode, select the Balanced option to optimize memory and CPU usage, reducing lag or performance issues. For an enhanced gaming experience, enable the High FPS option and match the emulator's frame rate to your screen's refresh rate, ensuring smooth gameplay.
BlueStacks Display Settings
In your Display settings, set the display orientation to landscape, and choose a proper resolution to play Android games on your monitor. You can also adjust the size of this window by dragging its corners.
After applying your settings, launch the Google Play Store game and enjoy it usin…
After applying your settings, launch the Google Play Store game and enjoy it using your controller. When clicking on the keyboard icon on the right side of your window, you can toggle the “On-Screen Controls” option on or off, which can show you the default button or keyboard layout for Android games on BlueStacks.
More BlueStacks Tutorials & Guides
How To Fix “Device Isn’t Compatible With Bluestacks” Error; Best BlueStacks Settings for Low-End PC - Fix Lag & Boost FPS; How To Fix BlueStacks 5 Not Launching or Loading on Windows; How To Run Android 11 Apps & Games on Windows 11
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- Can I play any Android game on my PC with a controller using BlueStacks?. Yes, BlueStacks supports a wide range of Android games and allows you to use a controller for an enhanced gaming experience. However, compatibility may vary depending on the game and controller.
- Do I need a specific controller to play Android games on my PC with BlueStacks?. BlueStacks is compatible with most standard controllers or gamepads, including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic USB controllers. Simply connect your preferred controller to your PC and enable the gamepad detection option in BlueStacks settings.
- Can I adjust the performance settings in BlueStacks to optimize gameplay on my PC?. Yes, BlueStacks allows you to adjust performance settings such as CPU cores, memory allocation, and performance mode to optimize gameplay based on your PC's specifications and available resources.
- How do I enable high FPS and adjust the frame rate in BlueStacks?. In BlueStacks settings, enable the high FPS option and set the frame rate according to your screen's refresh rate. You can check your refresh rate by right-clicking your desktop, selecting Display Settings, and then clicking on Advanced Display.
- How can I customize the on-screen controls and button layout for Android games in BlueStacks?. Click on the keyboard icon on the right side of your BlueStacks window to access the on-screen controls settings. Toggle the "On-Screen Controls" option on or off to customize your preferred button or keyboard layout for Android games on BlueStacks.