On January 21, Xiaomi announced the launch of internal testing for its WinPlay engine, igniting fresh discussions in the console gaming community. This innovation reportedly enables Xiaomi tablets equipped with ARM architecture system-on-chips (SoCs) to install Steam and run console games. The initial testing phase is limited to the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4.
Zhang Guoquan, director of Xiaomi’s smartphone system software department, said that the WinPlay engine remains a nascent technology under development. Using a three-layer virtualization system, the engine enables HyperOS to support Windows games across platforms. As a result, users can install and play Steam games locally with peripherals like controllers, keyboards, and mice.
According to Zhang, GPU performance loss after virtualization on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is only 2.9%. The tablet can run the 2013 title Tomb Raider at an average of 45 frames per second, delivering performance comparable to native mobile games. This tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, with 16 gigabytes of RAM and 1 TB of storage, and is priced at approximately RMB 4,000 (USD 560) on JD.com. For most lightweight and indie PC games, its processing power is more than sufficient.
Currently, the WinPlay engine is available for internal testing exclusively for Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 users in Xiaomi’s community. The company has not announced plans for a formal public release.
For users looking to play PC games on mobile devices, existing solutions include cloud gaming and Windows handheld devices.
NetEase, for example, offers cloud gaming for PC titles at around RMB 1.8 (USD 0.25) per hour without membership, though its library is limited. While early adoption discounts attract users, high server costs and technology expenses suggest future price increases are inevitable.
In 2024, Mihoyo scaled back its investment in the cloud-based version of Genshin Impact, despite strong initial traction. The company attributed this shift to advancements in mobile device performance, which now allow many players to run the game natively. Cost and stability also remain key challenges for cloud platforms.
Meanwhile, Windows handheld gaming devices provide unrestricted game access and PC-grade processors that outpace the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, their high prices—RMB 4,000–5,000 (USD 560–700)—and limited functionality for tasks like studying or office work make them less versatile. Their primary advantage lies in optimized gaming experiences.
Xiaomi’s WinPlay engine could fill a gap between cloud gaming and expensive handheld consoles. If the engine proves reliable, it may carve out a niche in mobile gaming and generate new revenue for Xiaomi’s tablet ecosystem.
Rather than directly competing with handheld gaming consoles, the WinPlay engine would complement existing gaming scenarios, expanding the functionality of mobile devices. For tablet owners, this means gaming may no longer be limited to AAA titles—indie favorites such as It Takes Two and Stardew Valley, previously confined to PCs or consoles, could also become playable on tablets.
The evolution of mobile gaming over the past decade has coincided with significant advances in the ARM-based software ecosystem. Chip manufacturers have responded by releasing increasingly powerful products. Apple’s A- and M-series chips, known for their industry-leading graphical performance, exemplify this trend. The iPad Pro has emerged as a popular tool for productivity that doubles as a gaming device. Apple’s product launches routinely spotlight game development, using open-world titles to set GPU performance benchmarks.
On the Android and HarmonyOS fronts, flagship processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and Huawei’s Kirin prioritize GPU upgrades. While Xiaomi’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered Pad 6S Pro supports the WinPlay engine, it lags behind newer chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite in GPU performance and features like ray tracing.
If Xiaomi’s testing on the 6S Pro proves successful, other manufacturers could follow suit. After all, for users who already own a tablet, the ability to purchase a game on Steam once and play it on both PC and tablet platforms offers significant value without incurring additional costs.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Xue Dexing for 36Kr.