Google’s newly released Pixel 11 series has been hit by a major gaming compatibility problem, with owners reporting that Genshin Impact is effectively unplayable on the flagship phones.

Tests of the Pixel 11 Pro have produced severe graphical corruption, including a purple screen that prevents normal gameplay. Other users have reported the same issue directly to Google.

The failure affects a phone range starting at A$1,499 for the 256GB Pixel 11, while the Pixel 11 Pro starts at A$1,849. The Pro XL costs from A$2,099 and the Pro Fold begins at A$2,799. Australian pricing ranges from A$1,499 to A$3,349.

Every Pixel 11 model uses Google’s new Tensor G6 processor paired with a PowerVR graphics processor.

One player who contacted Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse was reportedly told that PowerVR GPUs did not meet the game’s minimum requirements. However, the explanation came through customer support rather than an official technical statement from the developer.

Google has instead described the fault as an optimisation problem and said it was working directly with HoYoverse on a fix. The company expects the issue to be addressed through a future Genshin Impact update, although no release date has been confirmed.

The problem is particularly embarrassing for Google because its Pixel 10 series suffered similar PowerVR compatibility and driver issues following the introduction of the Tensor G5.

It also adds to broader concerns surrounding the Pixel 11’s gaming performance.

Separate testing found the A$1,499 handset struggled to run Fortnite at low graphical settings and 30 frames per second, despite less demanding titles running without serious trouble.

The results suggest the Genshin Impact failure is primarily a compatibility problem rather than proof that the Tensor G6 cannot run demanding games.

However, buyers paying flagship prices may still question why Google failed to ensure one of Android’s biggest games worked correctly before launch.