Well first I am going to try and get and Android app working on the pi (I think getting the app to boot at start up will be the most complicated part, but I am going to try Emteria, whose free tier product includes a “kiosk mode”). So that really is a useful tip. If that doesn’t work, I will get a celeron mini-pc and either use it with windows or, if possible, linux.
update:
OK! I have installed Lineage OS and managed to get my app running!! I formally retract my previous statements about the power of Raspberry Pi.
I have one huge challenge remaining: I can’t get my gamepad (generic USB gamepad, a PlayerX PCB from pimoroni) to work. I am investigating now, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Update 2:
I have now got most of the buttons working on the pi with lineage on gamepadtester.com. I can rewire the buttons to get all of the buttons I need, but I still need to get the input into defold. I’ll check how android works with gamepads as I haven’t read the manual on this yet.
Update 3:
Project complete!
I ditched the playerX and i am now using a reprogrammed makey makey, which works like a normal keyboard, so the pi picks it up no problem. It also has arrow keys and a space bar, so it’s possible to navigate the UI and open the app, meaning that I don’t need to autorun it on boot. Performance is absolutely perfect (the pi gets nice and hot, too, which I assume is a good sign, right?). Doing it like this- with no hacks, legitimate Android app on a legitimate Android installation on an arm chip - is incredibly satisfying.
@masterneme, without your suggestion, I would never have considered an android installation. Thank you so much for that.