Summary
- Users are pushing the capabilities of smartwatches by installing games like Asphalt 8 and GTA through PSP emulators.
- Gaming on smartwatches is not common but possible, with some titles being successfully running using ADB commands.
- Despite limited processing power, Asphalt 8 runs smoothly on a Galaxy Watch Ultra with gyro control, showing potential for more engaging games.
Smartwatches are not known for packing the most powerful internals in consumer tech, but they are loaded with sensors that enable a slew of health-tracking features. As such, most of the apps available for them also have a similar theme. Absurd as it may seem, games for your smartwatch may exist, but you could probably count the titles at your fingertips. However, users with an adventurous streak often unlock the capabilities of these devices, and one user on Reddit just pushed a Galaxy Watch to run the popular arcade racing title Asphalt 8.
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Earlier this year, one Reddit user unshackled a Galaxy Watch 5 by installing GTA and God of War on it through a PSP emulator sideloaded onto the watch. These wearables usually have enough storage to handle games, but the round display isn’t ideal for an enjoyable experience. This didn’t seem to deter another Redditor from going down the same path and install the popular Android arcade racing title Asphalt 8 on a Samsung Galaxy Watch.
This is a relatively simpler install than God of War, since it only entails enabling ADB, and then sideloading the Android-ready APK for Asphalt on the watch. Although the user’s flair claims they have a 46mm Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, a comment from them clarified this feat was achieved on a Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Controls and app UI adapt effortlessly
Gaming on a watch should be a thing already
Interestingly, the app controls and touchscreen elements seemed to scale well to fit on the watch display. It’s worth noting that this tinkerer installed the version of Asphalt that allows gyro control instead of the on-screen buttons for simplicity, and even that worked rather well. Given the limited processing power of the smartwatch, a little input latency may be pardonable.
On the bright side, the Reddit user confirmed the watch only got slightly warm to the touch after gaming for a while, but the game didn’t crash. Using a flagship watch might have helped matters here, but such experiments are evidence enough that if Samsung or indie developers wanted to, they could make some really fun titles for smartwatches, even if they start by porting older PC or Android games over to your wearables.
