Steam Deck becoming obsolete? Android gaming tablet runs PC games thanks to emulator
Gaming handhelds are currently in high demand after the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck kicked off a revival of portable gaming platforms, even though they have existed in this form since devices like Game & Watch or the Game Boy.
No Steam Deck needed?
But is a dedicated handheld even necessary? That is the question raised by the Lenovo Legion Tab 5, which is sold in some regions of the world directly with a PC emulator that makes Steam or Epic Store games playable directly on the tablet.
Even when buying the tablet in Europe, GameHub can simply be downloaded from the website, allowing users to play their own Steam library or Epic Store games, including cloud saves, on the Android tablet. The emulator is free, so there is no risk in trying it out.
We tested how well PC gaming on Android works in practice with a current high-end tablet like the Legion Tab 5.
GameHub version 6.0 (beta) tested
The emulator's interface is not especially self-explanatory at first, but after a short adjustment period, it is easy to reliably find what is needed. The Steam library can be linked fairly quickly and easily, and downloads start quickly.
However, we noticed a few quirks in beta version 6.0. Cloud save syncs sometimes do not work, it may be necessary to restart the game after downloading an app before the next game can be downloaded, and loading times are very long, even on an otherwise very fast tablet like the Legion Tab 5.
Mouse control via the touchscreen, on-screen buttons, or, of course, a connected gamepad can be used for controls.
Vampire Crawlers and Slay the Spire 2 run reasonably well
Our first two test candidates are not especially demanding in terms of performance. Current Steam hits Vampire Crawlers and Slay the Spire 2 run fairly reliably, although there are long loading times from time to time.
Next, we wanted to try something more demanding and installed the graphics-heavy Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the tablet. Interestingly, loading times are shortest here.
Once the game has launched, it runs at a reasonably playable level at about 30 frames. Occasional stuttering is visible. The game's visual quality is still impressive.
Verdict: GameHub on the Lenovo Legion Tab 5
Our roughly two-hour test session with the Legion Tab 5 and GameHub left us with mixed impressions. It is impressive that even demanding PC games can be played on an Android tablet through the emulator. In-game performance is decent, although load times could be shorter in some games.
There is also some uncertainty. In Slay the Spire 2, for example, a cloud save could not be synced. Game downloads showed highly inconsistent speeds, and there was the occasional crash. That said, GameHub 6.0 is still a beta, so some of these issues may still be improved.
The Steam Deck or a Windows handheld will likely still offer the more seamless experience. But those who already own a powerful Android tablet and want to play simpler titles from their Steam library on the go can try the emulator without much risk.
More on the Lenovo Legion Tab 5 is available in our full review.
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