The iPhone in your pocket is probably more powerful than a Nintendo Switch, one of the world’s most popular game consoles. So why not use all that power to power up and play some games, just like you would on a handheld?
Use your existing controllers
One of the main differences between mobile games and console titles lies in the control schemes. It’s hard to get the same responsive feel out of a smartphone using touch controls, which is why Apple has added controller support to the iPhone and iPad.
This means you can use your Xbox One, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 and PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers with your iPhone, simply by pairing them via Bluetooth. There’s no need to configure anything once paired, as these controllers “just work” in games optimized for Apple’s “Made for iPhone” (MFi) controller schemes.
This is the best way to get started with a controller on your iPhone, as it requires little to no investment on your part in most cases. One thing you’ll probably want to buy is a controller clip so you can mount your smartphone on your controller for a true “handheld” experience.
Xbox controller clip
Make sure your clip matches your controller (and is compatible with your iPhone, ideally in case you’re using one). For Xbox owners, the PowerA MOGA is a cheap and cheerful option. PS4 DualShock 4 owners can grab Nyko’s Smart Clip, while PS5 DualSense owners can grab an Orzly DualSense Controller Mount instead.
Nyko Smart Clip
Nyko Smart Clip – PlayStation DUALSHOCK 4 Controller Clip on Mount for Android Phones, Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, Edge, Note 8, Note 9, iPhone 6/S/+, iPhone 7/S/+, iPhone 8 / S/+, iPhone X/XS/ XS Max/+, Max Clamp 6 inch
Clamp your DualShock 4 and your iPhone together to play native iOS titles, stream games over the web, or control your PlayStation remotely over the local network.
Keep in mind that there may be a certain amount of “wobble” while playing which may take some getting used to, and you’ll have to move your device around until you get the “feel” just right. It’s mainly a matter of getting used to playing games this way, and that will come with time.
If you’re not a fan of the clipping method, you can always use some sort of kickstand (made from just about anything) and play a la Tabletop Mode on a Nintendo Switch, but that overrides the definition of “handheld” in our book.
Or buy a Made for iPhone controller
You can buy so-called “Made for iPhone” (MFi) controllers, such as the SteelSeries Nimbus, but these are just as expensive (if not more) than standard Xbox or PlayStation controllers. They’re not necessarily better, and they won’t be natively compatible with Sony or Microsoft consoles if you pick one up later.
You can also get Xbox and PlayStation controllers relatively cheaply on the second-hand market. The last generation PS4 and Xbox One controllers often go on sale as they have since been replaced with updated models, so you might as well grab one of these if you go the “controller-mount” route.
Razer Kishi for iPhone
A better purchase is a controller like the Razer Kishi or GameSir X2 that allows you to center mount your iPhone. This gives your iPhone a handheld form factor, much like a Nintendo Switch or Valve Steam Deck. It’s arguably more comfortable than using a controller clip, though you’ll need to take your device out of the case to play.
GameSir X2
If you’re going this route, be sure to buy the “for iPhone” version, as an Android version is also available.
Download games from the App Store
With your controller ready, it’s time to grab some games. The most obvious place to go first is the App Store, where you can download mobile originals like ocean hornconsole ports like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreasfree to play big budget titles like Diablo Immortaland indie darlings like Stardew Valley-all of which have native MFi controller support.
Controller support is now widespread on iPhone, especially with new releases. Many games you already own and play can benefit from being played with a controller instead. You can browse a full list of games with appropriate controller support at controller.wtf.
Get an Apple Arcade subscription
Another great option for anyone looking to play games on their iPhone is Apple’s subscription service. Apple Arcade is like Game Pass for your iPhone, where you pay $4.99 per month to access over 200 games. You can also use the service with an Apple One subscription.
The best thing about Apple Arcade is that there are no microtransactions, trials, or free-to-play mechanics to be found. A full range of games are offered, including casual pick-and-play puzzles such as sharpening stoneextended RPGs like Guildlingshectic racing games like Sonic Racingand crazy sports titles like Cricket by the ages. By the way, all of the above titles have full controller support.
You get a free trial of Apple Arcade with a new iPhone, so be sure to give it a shot. We recommend that you set a reminder to cancel on the last day of your trial so that you can make a last minute decision, as if you cancel your trial early, access will be revoked immediately.
Using cloud streaming services
If you have a solid internet connection that doesn’t suffer from bad latency, you can try streaming through services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now.
Xbox Cloud Gaming requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription which costs $14.99 per month and gives you access to over 100 titles to stream directly to your iPhone. You can also play these games natively on an Xbox console and PC, or remotely via the cloud on Windows and other desktop devices. Progress is transferred between cloud, PC and Xbox, but you are limited to the selection of games curated by Microsoft.
GeForce Now works a little differently. It’s a free tier subscription service that plugs into existing storefronts like Steam and the Epic Game Store instead. You can then play your own games via the cloud using NVIDIA’s servers, with different quality settings. The free tier is a great way to test out the service, but there are some great benefits to a premium plan.
Cloud gaming is not for everyone, especially if your internet connection is not in order. Some games are not suitable, especially games that require quick reactions such as beat ’em ups and multiplayer shooters.
Stream from your Xbox, PlayStation or PC
All major gaming platforms support local streaming over a wireless network, ideal for playing games in a room other than your PC. You need to make sure you have a fast enough wireless connection for this to work. Some of these services also support streaming over the internet, but keep in mind that the closer you are to home, the better your experience will be.
Steam Link for iPhone lets you stream locally over your home network. The app has mediocre ratings, with inconsistent performance often reported, even on high-speed networks. If you’re using Steam as your primary gaming platform, it’s probably worth a try, but don’t expect miracles.
Moonlight is an alternative for NVIDIA users with a sufficiently powerful graphics card. It works over the internet or a local network connection and even lets you stream your entire PC desktop. The service is free and open source, with a dedicated iPhone app available.
Console gamers can use the official Xbox app or PS Remote Play app to accomplish the same thing both over local networks and over the internet. Both apps are relatively easy to set up once you’ve enabled the service on your console, and you can even use Sony controllers with Microsoft hardware (and vice versa) thanks to Apple’s MFi controller considerations.
If you can’t get the performance you need from your local streaming setup, consider upgrading your network equipment with a powerful router.
There are some drawbacks
Despite being a powerful pocket-sized computer, the iPhone has some drawbacks when it comes to gaming. The first is battery life, as your device does many things at once. This includes talking to wireless and cellular networks, receiving notifications, checking email, and communicating with nearby devices.
This takes its toll on your battery, which you can solve by plugging in the charging cord for a less elegant solution. Unfortunately, plugging in speeds up another problem you may encounter: heat. While even an iPhone 11 has more brute force than a Nintendo Switch, thermals are passively regulated. The Switch, by comparison, has a fan to keep the console running at full power.
An iPhone is much more likely to suffer from thermal throttling, where clock speeds are reduced to limit heat dissipation and cool the device. It’s even worse if you use an iPhone in a case or in a hot environment. This can lead to performance issues if your device gets hot.
You’re also prone to interruptions in notifications and phone calls when using your iPhone for gaming. You can always turn on airplane mode (which would also save battery), but for most of us, that’s not always an option. An iPhone is primarily a communication device, and leaving it in airplane mode for hours on end isn’t exactly a desirable solution if you want to be reachable.
Finally, mobile gaming in general has its drawbacks. Services like Apple Arcade help buck the trend, but all too often mobile games are full of microtransactions and free-to-play paywalls that get in the way of your enjoyment.
Also consider a Nintendo Switch
The iPhone may have the power, but the Switch has the games. Nintendo’s portable console is a great buy for anyone tempted by the iPhone form factor, who wants access to “triple-A” experiences like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. It’s also a great console for indie gaming.
Follow our Nintendo Switch beginner’s guide to get started.
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