Gaming on a smartphone we’ve been doing for years, but what you may not know is that you can also play really good games. We tell you how to turn your iPhone or Android into a real competitor to the Nintendo Switch.
The best Android and iPhone models today are blazing fast and offer sublime image quality. Especially the top-of-the-line models are ideal for gaming. Still, you can make your experience just a little bit better.
Because how do you turn your iPhone or Android device into a true Nintendo Switch killer? We take you through it.
Gaming on your iPhone and Android like on the Nintendo Switch
Candy Crush probably used to be the highest end of gaming on your smartphone, but these days you can play hefty graphics games just fine as well. The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on some Android devices are powerful enough to also play AAA games like Resident Evil: Village and Death Stranding. In fact, those chips are more powerful than the Nvidia Tegra chip found in the Nintendo Switch.
OK, the performance may be good, but a phone doesn’t sit as comfortably in the hand as a controller. It is possible to connect your PlayStation or Xbox controller with Bluetooth, but there are finer options on the market.
(image: 8BitDo)
So you have controllers that you put your Android or iPhone between or on top of. That way you game exactly like on the Nintendo Switch. Just keep in mind that a controller of a foldable does need to be a bit larger than that of a regular smartphone.
Playing top games on your iPhone and Android
The App Store for iPhone and the Play Store for Android already feature AAA games such as the Resident Evil games. In addition, it is also possible to play games through a streaming service such as Xbox Game Pass. This way you can play newer games in good quality, but thus you need an Internet connection.
In addition, it is also possible to install an emulator on your iPhone or Android. On these, you can play older games that were intended for older consoles. For example, the Delta emulator is available on iPhone and Android has many more options.
Can your iPhone or Android really replace the Nintendo Switch?
Given the controller and powerful chip, it’s certainly possible, although for the best experience you really need the top-of-the-line models. The Nintendo Switch is now quite outdated and the smartphone has better specs. However, there is still a drawback, as many game makers focus mainly on the PC and consoles rather than mobile games. So there are not many big names available on iPhone and Android.
WANT on WhatsApp
We can also be found on WhatsApp. In our channel we share the best stories, videos and exclusive content you won’t get anywhere else. Follow us here.
Xbox Game Pass solves that problem to play via the cloud, but the downside is that you sometimes suffer from hiccups, although the service is becoming more stable.
Still, one thing you will have to miss on your smartphone is the magic of Nintendo games. Although you can play the old titles via an emulator, it is unfortunately impossible to play, for example, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Super Mario: Odyssey. So then you’ll really have to buy that console after all.
