Xiaomi WinPlay brings Windows gaming support to HyperOS tablets

In a nutshell: Xiaomi is introducing an exclusive gaming technology to its latest Pad 6S Pro tablet. The virtualization software, called WinPlay, enables at least some AAA Windows titles to run on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s customized version of Android, though users should not expect GeForce-level performance.

Xiaomi’s Software Development Director, Zhang Guoquan, recently described WinPlay as a potential turning point for tablet gaming. WinPlay is a new virtualization technology designed to run Windows games on HyperOS, a sophisticated translation layer enabling AAA gaming on mobile devices.

One standout feature of WinPlay is its ability to work entirely offline, removing the need for cloud servers. The system leverages the capabilities of Xiaomi HyperCore, the kernel that powers the HyperOS platform (based on Android 15, though heavily modified by Xiaomi). WinPlay employs “three-layer” virtualization designed exclusively for gaming, meaning it cannot run other Windows applications.

Users can download, install, and run Windows games directly from Steam, according to Guoquan, and the technology reportedly incurs only a 2.9% GPU performance loss. Running the WinPlay Engine for the first time was an “incredible” experience, he claims.

Despite its promise, WinPlay may fall short of hardcore gamers’ expectations. For example, Tomb Raider (2013) runs at an average of 45 frames per second on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, with total device power consumption at just 8.3W. Xiaomi compares the WinPlay experience to running native games on a tablet, but performance levels are far from what gaming PCs or consoles deliver.

Xiaomi had to rewrite HyperCore’s system architecture to make WinPlay run in the kernel space and intelligently allocate resources. The virtualization layer supports dedicated gaming peripherals over Bluetooth, including keyboards, mice, and controllers. However, the company optimized WinPlay for Xbox controllers, which offer additional haptic feedback effects. Multiplayer support is also included, allowing up to four players to game together.

Guoquan acknowledged that WinPlay is still a work-in-progress. Currently available in beta form, it requires users to be on the HyperOS 2 beta and is compatible exclusively with the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4-inch tablet.

Xiaomi has no immediate plans to expand device compatibility or announce a release timeline. However, Guoquan assured users that developers will continue improving WinPlay based on feedback from the beta-testing period.

Image credit: Trusted Reviews

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