One of Android’s best PC gaming tools just got a big usability upgrade
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- GameNative 0.8.0 pre‑release introduces a major UI overhaul with full controller navigation.
- The update also adds support for Amazon Games, alongside improvements to Steam, GOG, and Epic integrations.
- The experimental build is now available as an APK on the project’s GitHub page.
Background
Running PC games on Android is still a bit of a frontier, but the tools that make it possible are improving quickly. One of those tools, GameNative, just received a sizeable new update. The developers released GameNative 0.8.0 as a pre‑release build, bringing a major UI overhaul and support for another PC game storefront.
The update was announced by one of the developers on Reddit (source) alongside a new build posted on the project’s GitHub page. A significant addition is Amazon Games support, which expands the number of PC libraries you can access through the launcher.
If you haven’t come across it before, GameNative is an open‑source Android app that lets you run and manage PC games locally on your device. It integrates with storefronts like Steam and GOG, letting you browse, download, and launch games directly from your phone or Android gaming handheld. It also recently added support for Epic Games titles (article).
New Features and Improvements
Usability Overhaul
- Completely redesigned interface.
- Full controller navigation, eliminating the need to tap the screen for most actions—crucial for Android handhelds where touch isn’t always ideal.
Offline Mode for Steam
- Allows Steam games to launch without contacting servers, preventing unnecessary online checks.
Touch Controls Revamp
- Dynamic on‑screen joysticks.
- New portrait controller support for devices such as the 8BitDo FlipPad.
Storefront Integrations
- Added Amazon Games support.
- Continued improvements to GOG and Epic integrations.
Miscellaneous
- Long list of bug fixes and stability tweaks.
Availability
As the name suggests, 0.8.0 is still a pre‑release build, so it isn’t considered fully stable yet. If you’re interested in trying it, the APK can be downloaded from the project’s GitHub release page: