The Surface RT, a tablet designed by Microsoft, was released in 2012 as a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro. Although it was marketed as a device capable of running Windows 8 apps, many users were left wondering if it could handle more demanding applications like Minecraft. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Surface RT and explore its capabilities, particularly when it comes to running Minecraft.
Understanding The Surface RT’s Hardware And Software Limitations
The Surface RT is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, which provides a balance between performance and power efficiency. However, this processor is not as powerful as the Intel Core processors found in the Surface Pro. The Surface RT also comes with 2GB of RAM, which is relatively limited compared to modern devices.
In terms of software, the Surface RT runs on Windows RT, a stripped-down version of Windows 8 designed specifically for ARM-based devices. Windows RT is limited to running apps from the Windows Store, which means that users cannot install traditional desktop applications like Minecraft.
Why Minecraft Is Not Available On The Windows Store
Minecraft is a popular sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2014. Although Minecraft is available on various platforms, including Windows, it is not available on the Windows Store for ARM-based devices like the Surface RT.
The reason for this is that Minecraft requires a more powerful processor and more RAM than what the Surface RT can offer. Additionally, Minecraft is a Java-based game, which means that it requires a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run. However, the Surface RT does not support Java, which makes it impossible to run Minecraft on the device.
Workarounds And Alternatives
Although Minecraft is not available on the Surface RT, there are some workarounds and alternatives that users can explore:
Using A Cloud Gaming Service
One way to play Minecraft on the Surface RT is to use a cloud gaming service like GamePass or NVIDIA GeForce Now. These services allow users to stream games from remote servers, which means that the game is not actually running on the Surface RT. Instead, the game is running on a powerful server, and the video feed is streamed to the device.
This approach requires a stable internet connection, and the quality of the gameplay may vary depending on the connection speed. However, it’s a viable option for users who want to play Minecraft on their Surface RT without having to upgrade their hardware.
Using An Android Emulator
Another option is to use an Android emulator like BlueStacks or NoxPlayer. These emulators allow users to run Android apps on their Windows device, including Minecraft. However, this approach requires a powerful processor and a lot of RAM, which the Surface RT does not have.
Additionally, using an Android emulator can be complex and may require technical expertise. It’s also worth noting that Minecraft may not run smoothly on an emulator, and the gameplay experience may be affected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface RT is not capable of running Minecraft due to its hardware and software limitations. However, there are workarounds and alternatives that users can explore, such as using a cloud gaming service or an Android emulator.
If you’re looking to play Minecraft on a tablet, it’s recommended to consider a more powerful device like the Surface Pro or an iPad. These devices offer more powerful processors and more RAM, which makes them better suited for running demanding applications like Minecraft.
Ultimately, the Surface RT is a device that’s best suited for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and running Windows Store apps. While it’s not capable of running Minecraft, it’s still a great device for users who want a affordable and portable Windows tablet.
| Device | Processor | RAM | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface RT | NVIDIA Tegra 3 | 2GB | Windows RT |
| Surface Pro | Intel Core i5 | 4GB | Windows 8 |
| iPad | Apple A12X | 6GB | iOS |
Note: The specifications listed in the table are for the base models of each device and may vary depending on the configuration.
Can Surface RT Run Minecraft?
The Surface RT can run Minecraft, but with some limitations. The device’s ARM-based processor and Windows RT operating system restrict the types of applications that can be installed, and Minecraft is not available in the Windows Store for Windows RT. However, there are some workarounds that can allow you to play Minecraft on your Surface RT.
One way to play Minecraft on Surface RT is by using a third-party launcher or emulator. These tools can allow you to run the Java version of Minecraft on your device, but they may require some technical expertise to set up and may not provide the best gaming experience. Another option is to use a cloud gaming service that allows you to play Minecraft on a remote server and stream the game to your Surface RT.
What Are The System Requirements For Running Minecraft On Surface RT?
To run Minecraft on Surface RT, you’ll need to ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements. These include a 1.6 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a 32 GB hard drive. You’ll also need to have the latest version of Windows RT installed on your device. Additionally, you may need to install additional software or tools to enable Minecraft to run on your Surface RT.
It’s worth noting that the Surface RT’s hardware may not be powerful enough to run Minecraft smoothly, especially if you’re playing the game with high graphics settings or in multiplayer mode. You may need to adjust the game’s settings or use a lower-resolution display to get the best performance.
How Do I Install Minecraft On Surface RT?
Installing Minecraft on Surface RT can be a bit tricky, as the game is not available in the Windows Store for Windows RT. However, you can use a third-party launcher or emulator to install and run the Java version of Minecraft on your device. You’ll need to download the launcher or emulator from a reputable source and follow the installation instructions carefully.
Once you’ve installed the launcher or emulator, you can download the Minecraft game files and install them on your device. You may need to configure the launcher or emulator to work with your Surface RT’s hardware and software, and you may need to adjust the game’s settings to get the best performance.
Can I Play Minecraft On Surface RT With A Keyboard And Mouse?
Yes, you can play Minecraft on Surface RT with a keyboard and mouse. The device supports USB keyboards and mice, and you can connect these devices to your Surface RT using a USB port or a Bluetooth connection. This can make it easier to play Minecraft, especially if you’re used to playing the game with a keyboard and mouse on a PC.
However, keep in mind that the Surface RT’s touchscreen display may not be optimized for keyboard and mouse input, and you may need to adjust the game’s settings to get the best performance. You may also need to use a third-party launcher or emulator to enable keyboard and mouse support in Minecraft.
Is Minecraft On Surface RT Compatible With Other Minecraft Versions?
Minecraft on Surface RT may not be compatible with other Minecraft versions, especially if you’re using a third-party launcher or emulator to run the game. The Java version of Minecraft that runs on Surface RT may not be compatible with the Windows 10 version of Minecraft, for example, and you may not be able to play multiplayer games with players who are using different versions of the game.
However, some third-party launchers or emulators may offer compatibility with other Minecraft versions, and you may be able to play multiplayer games with players who are using different devices or operating systems. Be sure to check the compatibility of your launcher or emulator before playing Minecraft on your Surface RT.
Can I Update Minecraft On Surface RT To The Latest Version?
Updating Minecraft on Surface RT can be a bit tricky, as the game is not available in the Windows Store for Windows RT. However, if you’re using a third-party launcher or emulator to run the game, you may be able to update Minecraft to the latest version by downloading the latest game files and installing them on your device.
Keep in mind that updating Minecraft on Surface RT may require some technical expertise, and you may need to configure the launcher or emulator to work with the latest version of the game. Be sure to follow the update instructions carefully to avoid any issues or errors.
Is Playing Minecraft On Surface RT Worth It?
Whether or not playing Minecraft on Surface RT is worth it depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a portable device that can run Minecraft, the Surface RT may be a good option, especially if you’re already invested in the Windows ecosystem. However, keep in mind that the device’s hardware may not be powerful enough to run Minecraft smoothly, and you may need to adjust the game’s settings to get the best performance.
Additionally, the Surface RT’s limitations and the need to use a third-party launcher or emulator to run Minecraft may be a drawback for some players. However, if you’re willing to work around these limitations, you can still have a fun and enjoyable Minecraft experience on your Surface RT.