The Best Console and PC Games on Android

Thanks to hardware such as Shield TV and Android compatible game controllers, it's easier than ever to play PC and console games on your Android device. Since Google Play started allowing games that require controllers, the official Android app store has become home to hundreds of titles originally released on Windows, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, and other platforms.

How Can You Play Console Games on Android?

While iOS devices could theoretically power some of the games on this list, only Android users can play them on their smartphones, tablets, or Android TV. That said, you'll need a higher-end device to run games with HD graphics, and most console titles require a controller to play. If you have the right hardware, the following games are worth a download on Android.

Portal

What We Like

Excellent writing and voice acting.
Creative level designs.

What We Don't Like

Uninspired visuals.
A little too easy.

This game is an absolute gaming classic. It's brief, but it doesn't overstay its welcome as you quickly discover the secrets of Aperture Science and its Portal Testing Initiative. GLaDOS, the omniscient and malicious super AI, remains one of the great villains in gaming. The puzzles and atmosphere are still ingeniously done. This game is a must-play for anyone, and if you've yet to try it out, why not grab an Android device and play it now? And if you want some more Valve classics, Half-Life 2 (based on Half-Life 2 for PC) and its first and second episodes are on Android as well, though Portal 2 has yet to release on Android.

Super Meat Boy

What We Like

Hundreds of challenging levels.
Pays homage to other games yet still looks unique.

What We Don't Like

Absurdly difficult at times.
Requires lots of trial and error.

The trial platformer genre has become popular on mobile, and many of the games owe a significant debt to Team Meat's take on the genre. Nvidia helped port it over to Android, and you can see many of the elements that helped make other games in this genre so popular. You will need a controller; the game would be way too difficult without one. The challenges are brutal yet plentiful and rewarding, so if you succeed at this, you have truly proven your skills as a gamer.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

What We Like

Well written original story.
Tons of unique skills to experiment with.

What We Don't Like

Unevenly paced story.
Not very different from other games in the series.

The original game in this series helped popularize the loot-and-shoot genre for which Destiny and other games have since taken up the mantle. This "pre-sequel" taking place after Borderlands 1 and before 2 wasn't developed by Gearbox proper, but it allows you to collect billions of guns and do stomps on the moon. And for only $15, it's hard to turn this one down. We just need the other 2 games to show up on Android.

XCOM: Enemy Within

What We Like

Diverse battle maps.
Rewards risk taking.
Innovative new skills and mechanics.

What We Don't Like

Easier endgame than Enemy Unknown.
Too similar to its source material in other regards.

While many of the games here require controllers, XCOM: Enemy Within is a turn-based strategy game that makes great use of the touchscreen. It's also an incredibly deep strategy game that can be extremely punishing if you play on its hardest difficulties. You'll have to be smart and careful as you play, but it can be extremely rewarding. Enemy Within is an expanded version of Enemy Unknown, which is a remake of the 1994 cult classic UFO: Enemy Unknown.

Hotline Miami

What We Like

Nice balance of action and strategy elements.
Simple yet engaging control scheme.

What We Don't Like

Tedious stealth sections.
Brutal boss fights.

Dennaton's top-down action game is all about brutal violence and its impact. Your mysterious protagonist is sent on missions to kill large numbers of people, and it's up to you to discover why. Survival is not guaranteed, and one mistake will mess you up. The game is an interesting contradiction as it presents ultraviolence to you while not letting you feel good about it. It's a fascinating concept for a game and incredibly captivating, much like many Devolver Digital titles. The soundtrack is well worth it to plug headphones into your device. The electronic tracks help add to the mood and the devastating nature of the entire product. The sequel Hotline Miami 2 can also be played on Android.

Shovel Knight

What We Like

Charming presentation.
Classic platforming gameplay.

What We Don't Like

Too short.
Nothing original.

This is the best retro-inspired platformer you can get right now. Inspired by Mega Man, Castlevania, DuckTales, and all manner of 8-bit era games, you play as the shovel-wielding hero as you try to defeat the Order of the No Quarter, including the mysterious Enchantress. The levels have some neat platforming tricks up their sleeves, along with secrets to discover. This game feels a lot like it could have been made in the 80s and become an all-time classic, but it came out in the mid-2010s. Virt's soundtrack is wonderful, too. The catch here is that the game is currently an Amazon exclusive, so you'll need a Fire TV to play it. But if you do, then you need to, as it's one of the finest platformers out there. The Plague of Shadows expansion dramatically changes the game enough to justify the extra purchase.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

What We Like

Exciting, fast-paced swordplay.
Cool main character.

What We Don't Like

Obnoxious camera angles.
Predictable plot.

Stylistic violence experts Platinum Games pair up with Kojima Productions on this 3D action game. You play as the sword-wielding Raiden, and you get to do all sorts of acrobatic stunts to engage in some crazy combat. The combat isn't just mindless chaos: The game rewards you for smart kills, and you can use a free-swinging sword mode to precisely cut your enemies in a way to absorb more energy and get more points. Giant boss fights are part of the fun too. If you enjoy verbose dialogue, but maybe not on the par of the overly-verbose Metal Gear Solid 4, you'll love Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Right now, this one is only available on Nvidia Shield TV. The game looks fantastic and clearly pushes the device to its limits.

Super Mega Baseball

What We Like

Funny character designs.
Intriguing leveling system.

What We Don't Like

No online or multiplayer modes.
Mediocre graphics.

It may not be a licensed MLB simulation, but Super Mega Baseball is an amazing baseball game nonetheless. The hitting and pitching systems are simple enough for anyone to pick up and play, but they provide enough complexity for players to feel truly in control. Friendly enough for beginners to get, but deep enough for baseball fans to enjoy, this is one of the best games in its genre for Android or on any platform.

Super Slam Dunk Touchdown

What We Like

Wide variety of playable characters and gameplay modes.
Combines the best elements of multiple sports genres.

What We Don't Like

Lacks the complexity of more serious sports games.
No online multiplayer.

It's common for people who don't understand sports to mix up terminology. Thanks to Super Slam Dunk Touchdown, they will finally be vindicated. This multiplayer sports game is all about combining all sorts of sports into one massive amalgamation of a game. It's goofy fun with several different scoring mechanisms and ways that you can play based on the type of athlete you choose. Grab some controllers, some friends, and have a great time.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Tell us why!