Polygon’s 2023 mobile gaming gift guide
Whether you know it or not, your phone may be the most powerful gaming handheld you own. While the advent of portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally provide excellent solutions for gaming on the go, you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to game without your console or phone. The rise of cloud gaming services, remote game streaming apps and great dedicated mobile games make it easy to turn most phones into powerful and versatile handhelds.
If you're looking for new and interesting ways to enhance your mobile gaming experience, we've rounded up some of our favorite devices, services, and accessories to turn your phone into your new favorite console.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
When you're thinking about gaming, you'll want to use Apple's latest flagship, the iPhone 15Pro or the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max. With the debut of the A17 Pro chipset this year, they can play native games (and play them well), including Resident evil village And Resident Evil 4 — both ports with limited visual cuts.
If you don't want your gaming device to be the same gadget you use for calling and texting, grab the iPad Air 2022 instead of. The 10.9-inch tablet has a more modest storage capacity than current-generation iPhones, but retails for much cheaper, starting at $599. In terms of power, it can handle the same games as the latest iPhones, as it comes equipped with the capable, efficient M1 processor found in some older MacBooks.
Google Pixel 8 or Samsung Galaxy S23
Android is the most popular and prolific mobile operating system on the planet, in part because it's available on countless phones and tablets. It is also the platform where you can find some of the fastest phones. Two such examples of industry leading speed are the Google Pixel8 And Samsung Galaxy S23. Both feature 120Hz screens to display your games smoothly, and their 8GB of RAM means they can all run apps without any problems. If you're splitting hairs, the Galaxy S23 is a bit better in some respects, including the more robust camera array and larger storage configurations. That said, the Pixel 8 has affordability on its side, starting at $759, as well as a slightly larger 6.2-inch screen compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the Galaxy S23.
Of course, you may be looking for a fast Android device with a much larger display. If so, the simple recommendation is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, with an 11-inch 120Hz OLED screen. The Galaxy Tab S9 has more RAM than the latest Samsung phones (12 GB RAM). That can help with gaming performance, especially if you have multiple apps running in parallel. And if those game files leave you running out of storage space, just pop in a microSD card. The Galaxy Tab S9 uses the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU as the Galaxy S23, meaning there's no mobile game this tablet can't handle.
A cloud game streaming subscription
Several platforms already offer apps that allow you to play remote games for free. The Xbox, Steam Link, and PS Remote Play apps let you stream playback from select devices directly to your phone or tablet. However, to do this it is necessary that the source console or PC is turned on at all times and, if possible, remains nearby to keep latency to a minimum.
Alternatively, paid cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce Now let you play a library of games without the need for a console. They require a high-speed internet connection for an optimal experience, and they keep getting better as time goes by.
Apple Arcade is a great option for people who have an iPad or an iPhone. This paid service gives access to some exclusive games that you probably won't find on other platforms (or at least on Android).
Sturdy headphones or earplugs
Investing in a good pair of headphones or earbuds is the easiest way to avoid becoming a social pariah when gaming in public. While they can be a bit expensive, the best earbuds for gaming on your mobile device – or just jamming in general – are the noise-canceling WF-1000XM5 earbuds from Sony. The XM5s provide excellent sound quality and keep out unwanted noise and other distractions.
If over-ear headphones that keep your ears nice and warm are more your style, or you're just looking for something a little cheaper that you can use on multiple platforms, check out the Steel series Arctis Nova 7 wireless headphones. Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity make the Nova 7 a good choice, as they can relay audio from your console and let you make a phone call at the same time. Plus, the retractable microphone ensures you don't reveal your gamer cred to the world when wearing it in public.
A powerful, portable battery
Constant gaming can put a significant strain on your phone or tablet's battery. While there is no shortage of USB-C power banks to choose from to supplement or rescue your mobile device at the 1% line, our personal favorite is the Anker Prime 20,000 mAh power bank, namely for its large capacity and combined output of 200W (the digital readout looks great too). The small screen shows the current charge, how much wattage is being sent to your connected devices, and can even provide an estimate of how long that charge will last.
A reliable snap-on controller for your phone
Touch controls are okay, but they only take you so far, making you feel immersed in console-quality mobile games. If you play games like Dead cells, Call of Duty: Mobile, or perhaps other titles via cloud gaming streaming services, you will need to purchase a special controller. Of the many options available, the most compact and smart option for phones like the Samsung S23 and iPhone 15 (and many more) is the Backbone one. This foldable controller expands around your device and connects to it via a USB-C connection.
If you're using it for gaming, the Backbone One allows passthrough charging, plus it has the most unusual specs in 2023 – a 3.5mm audio jack – which can be used with wired headsets. The controller also allows you to take snapshots, in case you want to share them with friends. Backbone Plus, the paid version of its app that unlocks more features, is free for a year for new buyers. The service enables screen capture and sharing, the ability to use the controller as a wired input for iPads, Mac and PC, plus even more features. After the trial period, it costs $4.17 per month to keep the service running.
Backbone One USB-C phone controller
Prices taken at time of publication.
Whether you have an iPhone 15 or the latest Android phone, the Backbone One is the best gaming controller you can buy for it. It stretches around your phone without taking away your charging and audio port.
If you prefer a cheaper wireless controller that you can use with more devices, it's worth knowing that virtually any Bluetooth-enabled gamepad will work with your mobile device. For mobile gaming, visit the 8BitDo Pro 2. The SNES-inspired controller has the features of a modern controller, features handles for a comfortable grip, is rechargeable via USB-C, and you can remap the inputs using the 8BitDo Ultimate app on your Android or iOS device. 8BitDo also makes one cheaply phone clip especially for the Pro 2 controller which can be adapted to a variety of mobile devices without obstructing the controller's charging port.
An ergonomic holder for your phone or tablet
If you prefer a more flexible mounting solution for your mobile device, this is it $24.99 Gooseneck Stand from Lamicall is a solid option. The stand is perfect for mounting your device where you are most comfortable viewing it, whether it is mounted on a headboard, bedside table, desk or countertop. This 39-inch neck is easy to adjust to the position ideal for your needs.
This particular model fits devices from 4.7 inches to 11 inches wide, making it perfect for most phones, tablets, and some gaming handhelds, as long as they don't weigh more than 5 pounds.