With each new smartphone release, mobile gaming gets better and better. Each new generation of smartphones features more powerful chips and bigger memory sizes. Screens boast better quality and faster refresh rates.
Brands now even release gaming smartphones dedicated to those who are serious about mobile gaming. These devices have built-in fans, extra buttons, and even external accessories to improve your gaming experience.
However, the flat candy bar-style smartphone does not lend itself well to playing games. So how can you play better on your mobile device? Here are some other ways to improve your mobile gaming experience.
Mobile Controller Trigger Gamepads
Mobile controller trigger gamepads are controllers that physically touch your screen. These are affordable devices that don’t require power or connection. The triggers on these gamepads act as levers—when you pull one with your finger, it will cause the arms on top of the controller to hit your display.
Since these are physical devices, there’s virtually no latency when you press a trigger. It doesn’t consume any battery power from your phone, and neither does it require charging. There are some models with a built-in fan to help cool down your device, which needs energy, but other than that, it’s fully analog.
Some games, like Call of Duty: Mobile, will match gamepad users with players with the same tools. But since this is an entirely physical device with no software interface, it’s virtually undetectable. That way, you will have a slight edge over other players.
The only downside to this arrangement is that you need to remap your controls. And if the game you’re playing doesn’t allow you to change the control scheme, then you won’t be able to use this at all. Some controllers also can’t take larger phones, so you have to consider that as well.
Bluetooth Controllers
If you have the budget, you could opt for a Bluetooth controller. These controllers typically come in two flavors: the first one is the Xbox or Playstation controller shape with a smartphone mount on top. The other one is more similar to the Nintendo Switch.
In the Switch format, the controller opens up into two halves with the phone set in between. The advantage of these types of devices is that they’re more comfortable to use. This is especially true if you’re used to gaming on consoles.
The Nintendo Switch-type controller has one more advantage: you can place your phone vertically on it, letting you use the controller on vertically formatted games. And since these Bluetooth controllers are wireless, you can use a phone stand to prop your phone on a table so you can play more comfortably.
These controllers have some drawbacks, the first being they’re more expensive than analog controllers. They also require charging or a power source to use. And some games will pair you with players with the same setup—you’ll find that your opponents have similar, or even better, reflexes than you do.
Gaming Using a Keyboard and Mouse on Your Smartphone
The most hardcore of gamers would appreciate a gaming keyboard and mouse setup on their smartphone. You could actually find wired and wireless docks that will let you connect wired peripherals to your Android smartphone.
These controllers will act as a hub so you can connect a gaming keyboard and mouse to your phone. You could even use it to connect a wired headset to get the best gaming audio. A keyboard and mouse combo will give you the ultimate edge—more so if you’re used to playing on PCs.
If you’re matched up against controller users, you could easily best them because mouse movements are finer and faster. And it could even be more ergonomic to play this way since you’re not holding the controller.
However, this control method has massive downsides. First, this could be expensive. You might save a little if you have a gaming keyboard and mouse already. However, we typically buy gaming controllers for gaming purposes only.
Secondly, it’s not a portable setup. It’s not something you could bring around with you and whip out when you’re bored or waiting for something. And most importantly, not all mobile games support a keyboard and mouse input. So if you’re planning to invest in this equipment, you should check first if your favorite game supports this input method.
Gaming Smartphones
When you live for gaming, then it’s prime time to get a gaming smartphone. Manufacturers design these smartphones specially for that one purpose. Currently, there are three gaming mobile phones you can choose from: the Asus ROG Phone 5, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel, and the Nubia Red Magic 5G.
Since brands make these phones for gaming, you’ll find them powerful and ergonomic. They come with unique features, like active cooling built into the phone and shoulder buttons designed for horizontal gaming.
These phones have screens with fast refresh rates; up to 144Hz in some cases. That way, you can play fast-paced games without losing quality. Some of them even have dual charging ports: one at the bottom and one at the side. This facilitates charging even if you’re duking it out with your mates.
However, since these phones focus on gaming, they tend to forget other aspects like photography. That’s why they rarely have the best camera systems onboard. And even if they’re designed for gamers, their “gamer aesthetic” might not be suitable for your taste.
The Future of Mobile Gaming
The increasing power of smartphones has allowed developers to create better games. Gone are the days where the only decent games on the App Store are puzzle and match three games. Nowadays, you can find AAA titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG: Mobile, and Need for Speed on mobile devices.
Even popular computer games like Civilization VI, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Minecraft are available on iOS and Android. And the gaming market has grown so much the developers now make AAA games exclusive to mobile, like Genshin Impact and GRID Autosport.
As smartphones grow more powerful over time, you can expect better games to appear. And when developers make better games, there will be a demand for better smartphone gaming peripherals. Imagine smartphones pocket-powerful enough to give a fully immersive gaming experience. And with every passing year, we get nearer to this goal. The future of mobile gaming is exciting.