What you need to know

• AYANEO has announced it is pausing the Kickstarter campaign for its first smartphone the Pocket Play.
• This comes as pat of the company's new "Service Improvement Plan," which aims to remedy many complaints within the community.
• Recently, AYANEO has been called out for its inability to fulfill orders from previously fulfilled campaigns, despite devices being made available through third-party channels.

AYANEO is in a bit of hot water for a multitude of reasons, and its reached a boiling point. After continuously being called out by the community, the company announced its "2026 Service Improvement Plan," which starts with the AYANEO Pocket Play Kickstarter campaign being temporarily paused.

As outlined on the r/ayaneo subreddit and in a corresponding blog post, AYANEO's Service Improvement Plan is comprised of five different categories. These include the likes of "Shipping & Crowdfunding," along with the "After-Sales Experience." Within the plan, there are various targets and tasks, such as the new "help@ayaneo.com" email address, a "repair guarantee," and even plans to launch an "overseas warehouse."

For years, AYANEO and other Chinese-based gaming handheld manufacturers have relied on the likes of Kickstarter and Indiegogo as to fund its various products. The way it works is that essentially a product is announced, the campaign is opened, money is received, and the devices are shipped after the campaign reaches its goal and production begins. However, AYANEO has been treating Indiegogo more like a traditional storefront, with the campaigns reaching its goals almost instantly, mostly due to low goals being set.

The problem is that some are waiting months and months to receive a device from AYANEO directly, while others are able to head over to AliExpress or even Best Buy and get one much sooner. One such example is the KONKR Pocket FIT, which was announced in July 2025. Despite a successful campaign, AYANEO has still yet to fulfill all of the orders from backers, while some (including myself) have been able to order one via Best Buy and have it delivered in less than a week. On the flip side, I backed the AYANEO Pocket DS: Retro Power Edition in August 2025, but only just this week received a tracking number.

Just today (January 13), an update was posted to the IGG campaign, stating that "only 128 units of Pocket FIT G3 remain unshipped" while "a few hundred pre-orders" from the website remain unfulfilled. Not only that, but the Pocket FIT was expected to be arrive around the same time as the Odin 3, making it one of just two handhelds powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Unfortunately, that model has been removed entirely, with current shipments now expected to commence "within March."

Ultimately, this has been a problem in the space for some time, but with AYANEO specifically, it wasn't until creators within the community became more vocal. Zu Reviews from Retro Handhelds was one of the first, with Russ from Retro Game Corps following suit in both his Pocket Vert review and a YouTube Community post. Others, such as Kei's Retro Gaming have also voiced their issues and concerns on the matter, effectively "putting the pressure" on AYANEO to make drastic and meaningful changes.

Although there are some who will claim they've always called out AYANEO for its practices, it's really amounted to nothing until more creators and community members united together. Regardless of why, what's clear now is that the company is finally ready to make changes. Now, we just have to hope AYANEO follows through on the plan it outlined, and that this doesn't just end up as being a bunch of smoke and mirrors.

What you need to know

• Foldy Bird is a Flappy Bird clone that uses a folding phone's hinge as a mobile game controller.
• The game requires you to fold your phone to start, play, and retry.
• Each fold keeps your Foldy Bird flying, adding a new twist to an iconic and addictive mobile game.

Foldable phones provide greater utility than a traditional slab phone, because when you open them up, you're greeted with a display that's double the size. But what if the hinge mechanism itself became a feature?

With a new web game developed by user Rebane on X (formerly Twitter), it is one. "Foldy Bird," a Flappy Bird clone, uses the hinge on your foldable phone as a mobile game controller. You keep folding your phone to fly the Foldy Bird, avoiding the green pipes to earn a high score. It takes a game concept that was already addictive and obsessive and makes it even more so — rather than tapping the screen, players need to physically fold their display to keep their bird alive.

The game is a clever project, and it's one Rebane says was built in an hour without using AI. You can see the game's full source code here, and play it for yourself here. However, it requires a foldable phone to play, and only works in the Chrome browser for Android. The game doesn't require any tapping — users need to fold their device to start, play, and retry.

The game's instructions warn to "play this game at your own risk and only on your own devices." That's because, as fun as this creation is, it probably puts you on a fast track to breaking your phone. Foldables are rated to survive a few hundred thousand folds, but they're not designed for forceful and quick folds in rapid succession. If your foldable doesn't break from playing the game, it might break from rage when you inevitably crash your bird into a pipe.

If you have a foldable, Foldy Bird is certainly worth trying. It's hard to think of a more clever use of a folding display mechanism than as a mobile game controller.

What you need to know

• Epic Games' battle royale, Fortnite, has returned to the Google Play Store after pulling it during its antitrust case against the latter.
• Epic's founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney, announced its return via X this afternoon (Dec 11), as well as the official Fortnite account.
• Epic v Google was an antitrust case over the anticompetitive practices of the Play Store since 2020, which finally saw the former achieve victory back in August.

Where we droppin'? It's a phrase Android users have missed out on with Fortnite's Play Store disappearance, but that ends today.

It's been a long road, and Android fans of Epic Games' Fortnite can drop in again, as the battle royale returns to the Play Store (via 9to5Google). This afternoon (Dec 11), Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney announced that Fortnite has officially returned to Android users via the Play Store for the U.S. Sweeney's post adds that the game will remain available through the Epic Games store on Android worldwide, as well.

The post adds, "Thanks to Google for all of their awesome support; this is the beginning of a new, open world of mobile gaming!"

Even the Fortnite X account got involved, highlighting the newest season beginning today, O.G. Chapter 1 Season 7. Its post reads, "So many reasons to drop in this month... and now we're on Google Play in the U.S. too!" The post then reiterates Fortnite's availability on the Apple Store, from which it was also removed during Epic's court battles. Fortnite returned to iPhones earlier this year, and now Android phones are getting their turn.

Sweeney mentions that, since Fortnite's return to the Apple Store, it's jumped into second place under "most downloaded U.S. iOS game" for 2025. This speaks volumes to users' enjoyment of the game, especially on another platform.

Victory Royale

Epic's battles with Google began back in 2020 when it kicked off an antitrust case against the latter over its Play Store practices. Since then, key figures, such as Judge James Donato, have ruled in favor of Epic Games as it sought to bring change to how Google operates its app store. In 2024, Judge Donato issued an injunction to make sweeping changes across the Play Store.

It was found that Google was guilty of illegally monopolizing "Android app distribution" and "in-app billing." What we're seeing now is the result of a "total victory," according to Sweeney, that Epic achieved in August, which enabled it to bring its game store to Google's app space. The Epic Store on Android was previously the only way users could play Fortnite, though it was a side-loading process that Epic said others made difficult.

Now, with Fortnite's return on the Play Store menu, Android users can have a much easier time getting back on the battle bus.

It's no secret that phone controllers are a dime a dozen, with so many options to choose from that it's enough to make your head spin. So when you come across a deal like seeing the Razer Kishi Ultra for 50% off for Black Friday, it makes you wonder whether you need to add another controller to the arsenal.

When it comes to gaming, Razer is one company that practically everyone knows about, and for good reason. The company offers a wide variety of products, but it only recently started taking the mobile gaming scene a bit more seriously, and it started with the Kishi Ultra.

✅Recommended if: You want a controller that is comfortable to use while playing games, and one that works with a variety of devices.

❌Skip this deal if: You're on a budget, or you don't need a controller with all of the bells and whistles that the Kishi Ultra includes.

Frankly, I'm a sucker for controllers, regardless of whether they are meant for traditional gaming or to attach to my various phones and tablets. Needless to say, I picked up the Kishi Ultra for myself shortly after its release, and it's one that keeps making its way into my rotation of controllers.

More than anything else, it's because of the ergonomics, as the Kishi Ultra was designed to feel like a traditional controller, despite being designed for phones and tablets. The Ultra is just very comfortable to use for longer gaming sessions, a trait that is becoming increasingly difficult to find for someone with chronic wrist pain.

However, Razer also made sure to pack a bunch of extra features into the Kishi Ultra. These include things like the Sensa HD Haptics for better haptic feedback in supported games, along with the Chroma RGB, and we all know that having RGB gives you an edge while gaming.

But that's not all, as the Kishi Ultra will work well with larger devices like foldable phones and some small tablets. It was designed to support up to the iPad Mini, which features an 8.3-inch display, and this also makes it great to pair with foldable phones.

So even if you already have a controller that you enjoy and rely upon, I would at least recommend checking out the Kishi Ultra for yourself. You might just be surprised.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

It's an exciting time to be a fan of gaming, as we've seen an abundance of devices released in the past year, with more on the horizon. I mean, Valve just announced the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, while dual-screen handhelds like the AYN Thor and AYANEO Pocket DS are modern versions of the 3DS powered by Android.

However, there's a flip side (get it?) to the entire experience that has, unfortunately, reared its ugly head recently. When I pre-ordered the AYANEO Pocket DS back in August, I did so under the expectation that it would ship in October. Not only is it now the middle of November, but I have no idea when it will show up. Plus, those who have received their pre-orders are reporting a laundry list of issues, and AYANEO is failing to provide substantial communication about any of it.

The waiting game

See, I pre-ordered both the Thor and Pocket DS as soon as I could, making August a rather expensive month for me. The thought was that I'd get both handhelds around the same time, could figure out which I liked more, and then would either return or sell the other.

And while that will still be the case, I currently sit here with just one of the two, as my AYN Thor was delivered a couple of weeks ago. Meanwhile, I have no idea when the Pocket DS will be shipped, let alone when it will arrive on my doorstep.

It's been almost three months since I gave AYANEO my money to secure a Pocket DS pre-order, even springing for the Retro Gray model, as I'm a sucker for retro-themed hardware. Not only that, but during one of the livestreams, AYANEO claimed that those who backed the higher-end models would be prioritized, so I figured it was a "win-win" scenario.

Yet, AYANEO went a full two weeks without shipping any new devices to backers, with only 16 Retro Gray models being included in the list. And no, I wasn't included in the most recent batch of shipments from mid-November.

While the Pocket DS campaign was successfully funded, and orders have shifted to its own online storefront, much of the communication with the company is done through the comments section of the Indiegogo campaign. And if you take just one look, it's an absolute bloodbath between people canceling orders and asking questions about quality control issues, only for AYANEO customer service to provide rather vague answers.

A lack of clear communication

At least when it comes to much of the rest of the tech world, the majority of companies tell you when your pre-orders will arrive. And if something unforeseen takes place, then you'll likely see an update about it, whether via an email, press release, or a post in your RSS feed.

But as I was hopping between different Discord servers, I noticed that someone was keeping a running track of the issues found with the Pocket DS. Here's what the list includes so far:

• High-pitched fan noise
• Sticky buttons
• Non-functional buttons
• Non-functional joysticks
• "Acceptable light bleed"
• SD card slot not working
• SD card ejecting on its own
• Firmware updates result in controller not working
• Faulty lid sensor
• Flipped Gyroscope
• Hinge makes cracking noise when closed
• Strong burning electronics smell when charging
• Boot loader looping (out of the box)

Some of those issues aren't really a big deal, and can likely be solved with a software update, provided that said update doesn't cause other things to break. However, there are others that are inexcusable, such as the electronics smelling when charging, the microSD card auto-ejecting itself, or getting a new handheld only to find that none of the buttons work.

It also doesn't help that AYANEO has not done a very good job in communicating whether there's actually a problem in manufacturing or not. Meaning that if you decide to keep your pre-order, you're basically rolling the dice in hopes that you didn't spend a bunch of money and wait for months, only to get a lemon.

I'd argue that the bigger issue is that it sure seems like AYANEO has its plate full. In just 2025, the company has released eight different handhelds, while announcing or teasing another eight devices, such as the AYANEO Phone, Pocket Vert, and others.

Speaking of which, AYANEO's first tablet, the Gaming Pad, was announced all the way back in March and was expected to be released sometime in May. However, besides making appearances during livestreams, AYANEO made no mention of whether the Gaming Pad is still being released.

Too much, too fast

But I digress. It's clear that AYANEO is trying to do too much too fast, resulting in quality control issues, poor build quality, and shipping delays with seemingly no end in sight. For as fast-paced as the industry moves, it might be time for AYANEO to take a step back and reinforce its foundations first before it's too late.

No, this isn't meant to be a "hit piece" about AYANEO, but it's really a plea for the company to do better. When the company is firing on all cylinders, it makes some of the best hardware that I've ever seen and used. Sadly, it's become apparent that a couple of those cylinders have lost power, and a trip to the mechanic is needed before it's too late.

As the great Ron Swanson once said, "Never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing."

FAQ

What you need to know

• GameSir's GameHub application has officially arrived on the Google Play Store, and is free to download.
• GameHub is a customized fork of Winlator, making it possible to play Windows games from Android devices.
• Specifically, GameHub lets you sign into your personal Steam account in order to download and play Windows games.

There's an emulation revolution taking place and things just got even more promising. GameHub is a new emulator that just landed on the Play Store, bringing with it arguably the easiest way to play Windows games on your favorite Android devices.

Technically, this has been possible for a few years through the likes of Mobox, Vectras, and others. However, Winlator has been taking over the space, quickly becoming the default recommendation for many. The problem with Winlator is that it's far from user-friendly, and can easily trip up those who have a bit more technological knowledge.

Installing one game means hours spent configuring each VM, downloading the necessary game files, transferring them to your phone or tablet, then waiting for the install to finish. And once everything is done, keep your fingers crossed that the game will just load, because of it doesn't, get ready to set aside some time for tinkering.

At one point, Winlator was a fully open-source project, meaning that anyone could clone the GitHub repo and re-release the app on their own. That's where GameSir comes in, as it's done exactly that with GameHub. The emulator also integrates features from similar projects like Pluvia and GameNative, which let you sign into your Steam account and download games.

When going through the process of installing games, GameHub detects what hardware you're using and then downloads the necessary files that are (hopefully) the most compatible. But even if they aren't, or if there's an updated Turnip driver released, you can download and install it right from the app. GameHub ultimately simplifies the entire process, removing a lot of the headache of trying to get Winlator set up.

GameHub was technically first released earlier this year, but until now, the only way to download the emulator was through the dedicated website. Given the current rigmarole surrounding the future of sideloading on Android, it might not be long before this method is no longer viable. Thankfully, GameSir is getting ahead of the curve by releasing GameHub onto the Play Store.

At the same time, it's worth noting that there are two major differences between the Play Store version and the version available directly. The first of which is the removal of external storage support, which is a downright bummer, and we're hoping to see this changed in the future. The other is that you're not able to load Windows games into the GameHub app yourself, so you'll want to wait until you're on a stable network before trying to install any games.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be able to play modern Windows games natively on my Android phones, tablets or gaming handhelds. It's finally possible, and now, it's really easy for anyone to get started.

What you need to know

• Google Play Games' next league competition is here, offering Android users a chance to earn more Play Points.
• The Free Fire League is open now through Nov. 23, and 150 million Play Points are up for grabs.
• Gamers get credit for every elimination, which translates to earning more Play Points.

Google introduced league competitions in Google Play Games in September 2025, and its first one, the Subway Surfers League, concluded last month. Now, the company is partnering with the publisher of Free Fire to open up the Free Fire League, available now through Nov. 23. Free Fire has been downloaded over a billion times on Android, and Google is now giving you a chance to earn rewards for playing the popular survival shooter game.

The way leagues work with Google Play Games is simple. By participating and climbing the league leaderboard, gamers will earn Google Play Points. From there, those points can be exchanged for Google Play Credit, or to unlock special items in apps and games. In other words, you can play Free Fire for a limited time to earn credits to pay for your next mobile game on Google Play.

Here's how Google explains the Free Fire League competition: "Compete against other people in the Play community. Play Free Fire, climb the leaderboard, and eliminate the most players in ranked mode to win."

The Free Fire League is open to everyone with a Google Play Games profile in select markets. There are 150 million Play Points up for grabs, and they'll be distributed based on your leaderboard standing. Every elimination in Free Fire counts, whether it's played on Android or PC (with Google Play Games on PC).

You can view the leaderboard here, with the top spot set to earn 5,000 Google Play Points in one go.

What you can do with earned Google Play Points

Android users can start climbing the leaderboard for a shot at Play Points by opening the Play Points home in the Google Play Store. From there, open the Perks tab and find the Free Fire League. When league play ends later this month, gamers will be able to grab their Play Points and exchange them for rewards.

Aside from in-game items and credits, gamers can climb Play Points levels to get extra perks. There are five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Reaching higher tiers adds access to exclusive perks, like weekly prize giveaways and premium support.

Free Fire is free to play with in-app purchases, and you can get started earning eliminations and Google Play Points now.

When the Steam Deck originally launched, it blew the rest of the competition away. Not because of its power, but because it struck the perfect balance between price and performance. The Steam Deck released with a $399 price tag, which was $300 less than the original AYANEO Windows handheld, and $250 cheaper than the ROG Ally that arrived in 2023. In the nearly four years since then, the gaming handheld landscape has undergone significant changes.

The price of x86 handhelds just continues to climb, with the GPD Win 5 arriving on Kickstarter, starting at ~$1450 and topping out at ~$2120. Those prices make the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X's $999 price tag look like an absolute steal. But what if I told you that your next (or first) gaming handheld should run Android and is about 81% cheaper?

Recently, both AYANEO and AYN announced the first two Android gaming handhelds to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Until now, the most powerful chip available in a handheld device was the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, which is essentially a modified version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from last year.

That's not even the best part, as not only are we getting the 8 Elite in dedicated handhelds, but both the KONKR Pocket FIT and AYN Odin 3 start for less than $300. And if you wanted to get the top spec model with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the Pocket FIT is currently $499, while the Odin 3 comes in at $519. It's still something that I can't quite wrap my head around, even with Qualcomm's next flagship chip set to be unveiled soon.

"But Andrew," you're probably asking, "this is like comparing a Prius to a Ferrari." Not so fast. Sure, you won't be able to play the latest AAA games like Battlefield 6 or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, you might be surprised at the different kinds of games that you are capable of playing, and I'm not talking about digging through the slop in the Play Store.

That's right, I'm talking about Winlator again, and its never-ending list of forks. As a quick debrief, Winlator brings Windows emulation to Android. Over the past year, it has evolved from being an overly complicated emulator for the most dedicated of enthusiasts to offering significantly more.

One such example, and arguably one of the most popular options currently in the community, is GameSir GameHub. I've written about it a few times, but this takes Winlator, puts it in a user-friendly wrapper, and lets you download compatible games right from your Steam library. Recently, I was able to go from installing GameHub to running Hollow Knight: Silksong within 15-20 minutes, without fiddling with any settings besides signing into my Steam account.

Some of that speed can also be attributed to GameHub's ability to identify the device you're using and the game you're trying to play, and automatically apply settings known to work. Whereas, if you were to fire up Winlator, you'll probably be spending quite a bit of time trying to find the right settings, only for the game to not load or work properly.

Plus, we already know that the Snapdragon 8 Elite is more than capable of emulating other consoles, including Switch games. Eden and Citron have both recently released major updates to their respective emulators, introducing better performance and compatibility. It's just about reached the point that these are set to dethrone Yuzu and Ryujinx for the majority of people. We just have to hope that development continues to flourish, uninterrupted.

With all of that in mind, how did I manage to perform the mental gymnastics of comparing these two Android-based handhelds to the Steam Deck, an x86 handheld? It's actually quite simple. Both AYANEO and AYN are releasing handhelds that look to offer the same price-to-performance ratio that the Steam Deck still does to this day.

You could even toss the Retroid Pocket G2 into the mix, with its Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, offering excellent emulation and gaming performance for around $200. Ultimately, the point is that the Steam Deck revolutionized the x86 handheld space by lowering the price barrier, and now AYANEO, AYN, and Retroid are doing the same.

You can always fall back on using the phone or tablet you already own to play games on the go. But doing so introduces additional barriers while removing the convenience of a dedicated gaming device.

FAQ

What you need to know

• AYANEO provided its first look at the Pocket Vert, an upcoming Game Boy-styled handheld.
• It also shared a few specs, such as the 3.5-inch LCD display, with a 1600 x 1440 resolution.
• There are still a few details left unknown, but AYANEO promises more will be "revealed soon."

The fun never stops for AYANEO, as just last week, the company's first smartphone was teased, and now there's another new handheld being shown off. We first heard about the AYANEO Pocket Vert back in July during the company's "Strategy Sharing Session" livestream. Now, we're getting our first look at the handheld, along with a few other key details.

The Pocket Vert will be AYANEO's first vertical handheld to be released since the Pocket DMG, which arrived in 2023. Since its release, the DMG quickly became a favorite in the community, even with its higher asking price. AYANEO is hoping to recapture some of that magic with the Vert, but in a completely different way.

What made the Pocket DMG so enticing was its clear homage to the original Game Boy, especially with the Retro Power color. Not only that, but the DMG is powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, giving you flagship gaming power in a vertical-styled handheld, which is something we never thought we'd see.

With the Pocket Vert, AYANEO is taking a slightly different course of action, focusing on a refined and ultra-premium design. AYANEO is ditching the plastic in favor of a "CNC-milled Unibody," complete with what it's calling "Diamond-cut shoulder buttons."

However, the aluminum build and "diamond-like" buttons aren't the only reason why the Pocket Vert stands out. The 3.5-inch IPS display might just be the sharpest display we've ever seen on an Android device. The panel features a 1600 x 1440 resolution, equating to a 615 PPI. This also means that you'll be able to play original Game Boy games at a 10x pixel perfect resolution.

Since AYANEO's video gave us a look at the entire design, there's no denying that it's definitely going to stand out. Unlike the Pocket DMG which featured one joystick and then a "touchpad," you'll find no such thing on the Pocket Vert.

This is probably due to the aluminum build, but all we have are the standard ABXY and D-Pad buttons along with, presumably, Start and Select. There is a third, longer, button at the bottom, but that's likely just going to be a way to quickly bring up the AYASpace software.

There are still plenty of unanswered questions about the Pocket Vert, such as what kind of chip will be used. Perhaps more importantly, we have no idea how much this handheld is going to cost.

AYANEO has traditionally been on the more expensive side when it comes to gaming handhelds, and only recently did it open pre-orders for its first sub-$100 device with the Pocket AIR Mini. However, with a CNC aluminum unibody design and a 1440p screen, we wouldn't be surprised to see this priced between $200 and $300, at least.

What you need to know

• After teasing it for over a month, the Anbernic RG DS has officially been revealed in its entirety.
• It features a design reminiscent of the Nintendo DS Lite, and even sports dual touchscreen displays.
• The Anbernic RG DS can be pre-ordered from either Anbernic directly or via AliExpress, and is on sale for $93.99 for a limited time.

It's probably safe to say that 2025 is the year of the clamshell gaming handheld, at least in the Android space. Earlier this year, we saw the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 released, then the AYN Thor and AYANEO Pocket DS were introduced. Now, Anbernic is joining in on the fun with the Anbernic RG DS.

At first glance, the RG DS looks almost identical to the original Nintendo DS Lite, as it's even available in a couple of the same colorways. However, no matter how hard you look for one, you won't actually be able to use those original DS cartridges. Obviously, that's not really the point, as you can download those games to your computer, transfer them to a microSD card, then put that in the RG DS.

The RG DS is equipped with dual touchscreen displays, with both the top and bottom screens measuring in at 4-inches, and coming with a 640 x 480 resolution. These are both larger than the original Nintendo DS, DS Lite, or DSi handhelds, and just a smidge smaller than the DSi XL (4.2-inches.)

Obviously the big benefit here is that unlike the original hardware, Anbernic's RG DS is running Android. This means that you're not limited to just playing DS or DSi games, and have access to so much more. That said, we'd recommend tempering your expectations, as you'll likely start running into problems if you venture into the 3DS library of games.

This is because Anbernic opted to rely on the RockChip RK3568, the first time we're seeing this chip in a gaming handheld. It's using practically the same CPU as the RK3566 found in the Anbernic RG353V, but with a slightly more powerful GPU.

If you're curious as to why we don't have something like the Unisoc T820 from the recently-released RG476H, it's for good reason. Instead of trying to shoot for the moon, Anbernic went the opposite route, and managed to price this dual-screen Android-powered handheld at under $100.

Pre-orders are now open for the RG DS, and you can get one for $93.99 from Anbernic directly, or $96.99 at AliExpress (with code USCD12). Anbernic says it plans to ship RG DS pre-orders "before December 15," which leads us to believe it might begin arriving sooner rather than later. And when that happens, the pre-order discounts will vanish, with the $99.99 retail price taking its place.

What you need to know

• Retroid has announced the Pocket G2 and the Pocket 6.
• The Pocket G2 is already available for purchase, and is on sale for the next two weeks.
• After initially announcing the Pocket 6, Retroid reversed course due to community feedback.

Surprisingly enough, it's been about a year since the Retroid Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini were announced by Retroid. Both handhelds were powered by the Snapdragon 865, marking them as the two most powerful gaming handhelds to come from the company. And earlier this week, two new devices were introduced, as the Pocket G2 and Pocket 6 are slated to be the next Retroid flagships.

Starting with the Pocket G2, this is essentially just the Retroid Pocket 5, but with a fresh coat of paint and some upgraded internals. Namely, the Snapdragon 865 is being replaced by the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, which was announced at GDC 2025 alongside the G3 Gen 3, and G1 Gen 2. In terms of performance, it seems that the the G2 Gen 2 falls between the Snapdragon 865 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Some of the other Pocket G2 specs include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a 5,000mAh battery. Arguably the best part about this, besides getting a brand new chip, is that Retroid is sticking with the same 5.5-inch AMOLED display from the Pocket 5, which is an absolute delight.

What makes this so exciting is that you can get a brand new chip, in a brand new handheld that sports an AMOLED display, all for under $200. The Pocket G2 retails for $219, but for the next two weeks, Retroid is dropping the price down to $199.

And then there's the Retroid Pocket 6.

Getting the fun stuff out of the way first, the Pocket 6 will be Retroid's new flagship handheld, as it's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This is the "darling" of the emulation community, as it powered the AYN Odin 2, Odin 2 Mini, and Odin 2 Portal, three of the most popular Android handhelds over the past few years.

However, in true Retroid fashion, not everyone was happy with the Pocket 6, and it had nothing to do with the spec sheet. Especially considering that the 8GB/128GB model was priced at $229 with a 12GB/256GB variant coming in at $279. Instead, this time around, it was all about the design.

It was pretty immediately apparent that Retroid was trying to do something a bit different, while also trying to appeal to as broad of an audience as possible. To some, myself included, Retroid nailed it, as the design was reminscent of a modern PSP or PS Vita, just with better ergonomics and a unique set of buttons below the screen.

Sadly, the community did not agree. It reached a tipping point, as the polls were posted to both the Retroid Discord and X accounts, in an attempt to figure out what the community wanted. In the poll, renders of the original Pocket 6 were shared, alongside what a potential redesign would look like.

With almost 10,000 votes just on the X Poll, almost 70% voted in favor of the redesign. As such, this redesign removed the buttons from below the screen, placing two of them below the left and right joysticks, and the other two on the back.

The potential problem here is that ultimately, the Retroid Pocket 6 looks pretty similar to both the AYN Odin 3 and Retroid Pocket 5. So instead of getting a handheld that stands out from the pack, the community decided to opt for more of a cookie-cutter design.

While disappointing, this entire saga did result in Retroid doing something it hasn't done before. Once pre-orders re-open for the Pocket 6, in addition to the redesign, Retroid is also letting you choose the layout for the left D-Pad and joystick. This is a first for the company, and is actually a pretty great idea when you think about it.

It's also already been confirmed that customer service will reach out to those who pre-ordered based on the original design, while some have already been refunded. And as luck would have it, just as we were getting ready to publish this piece, the Pocket 6 landing page has returned and the banner across the top of the Retroid website has been updated with a countdown.

Pre-orders for the Pocket 6 will re-open on Monday, November 3, at 9 PM ET.

What you need to know

• Retroid has started teasing its next device, assumed to be the Retroid Pocket 6.
• According to the teaser image, more details will be revealed on October 27.
• Unfortunately, the image doesn't provide any hint of what kind of device it will be.

It's a fun time to be enthralled in the world of gaming handhelds, and it's about to get even more fun. This morning, Retroid dropped a teaser image saying that "The Future is Now!"

Unlike what we see with various smartphone teasers, there's really not much to discern from the image shared by Retroid. However, it's probably safe to assume that this is the company gearing up to launch its next flagship handheld, the Retroid Pocket 6.

Retroid already confirmed its "next generation device" back at GDC 2025, at the same time as the Retroid Pocket Classic was introduced. The announcement was made in partnership with Qualcomm, with Retroid confirming it will be powered by the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2. Qualcomm claims it offers more than 2x faster CPU performance and almost 4x better GPU performance over the G2 Gen 1.

Beyond that, we really have no idea what Retroid's next handheld could even look like. On one hand, it's probably safe to assume that it will sport a traditional horizontal design. However, given the popularity of clamshell devices in 2025, we wouldn't put it past Retroid to release a more powerful version of the Pocket Flip 2.

It's not even outside the realm of possibility that Retroid could even go so far as to release both a new clamshell and a candybar handheld. But no matter what Retroid has planned, competition in the sub-$300 space has grown quite fierce in recent months.

AYANEO unveiled its KONKR branding, headlined by the Pocket FIT, which is powered by either the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 or 8 Elite, and starts at $239. Not to mention that the Pocket AIR Mini is now available for pre-order for less than $70. AYN released its first dual-screen handheld with the Thor, and the Odin 3 is expected to begin shipping sometime in November.

More recently, Anbernic has started teasing its own Nintendo DS Lite-styled handheld with the RG DS. Although we haven't learned much in the way of specs, Anbernic did confirm that it will cost under $100, which is simply insane.

Needless to say, if Retroid wants to maintain its grasp on the mid-range handheld space, it needs to come out swinging. Thankfully, we only have to wait another week to learn more about what Retroid's definition is of "The Future."

It's one thing being able to play games on your phone, but it's an entirely different experience if you have a dedicated device. And with deals like saving $150 on the AYANEO Pocket S, you get a flagship gaming experience without too much compromise.

What helps separate the Pocket S from the pack is simply the design. It's a slim and modern handheld, giving off some serious Apple vibes thanks to the aluminum and glass combination.

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✅Recommended if: You want a premium Android gaming experience, and don't mind not having the latest and greatest specs.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer devices with OLED displays, better ergonomics, or are waiting for either the AYN Odin 3 or KONKR Pocket FIT.

After being announced in late 2023, the Pocket S finally arrived in June 2024. It's available in several different configurations, with this deal specifically being for the 12GB/128GB model in the Retro Power colorway.

That's part of what makes this deal so enticing, as AYANEO's Retro Power colorway is usually highly sought after and difficult to acquire. This has been a continuing trend for years, including the upcoming dual-screen AYANEO Pocket DS, which shares the same chip as the Pocket S.

Since reviewing the Pocket S, it remains a staple in my arsenal of Android gaming handhelds, as the premium design is genuinely enjoyable to use. If anything, my biggest complaint is that I wish the ergonomics were a bit better, but AYANEO does offer a grip case that alleviates some of those issues.

In the event that you really want handheld with better ergonomics and an OLED panel, the AYANEO Pocket EVO is also on sale. The 8GB/128GB model is down to $429, which is even less than what the Pocket S is going for.

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Back in June, Anbernic decided to kick off the summer with a bang, as the Anbernic RG Slide was released. This marked the first time that we had seen a modern mobile gaming device with a sliding mechanism since the Sony Xperia Play. Such a device comes with a steep asking price, but you can currently save $100 on the RG Slide from Amazon, as it's down to $199 for a limited time.

With that, you're not only getting a dedicated gaming device with a nostalgic design, but it's also equipped with a 4.7-inch LTPS display, complete with a 120Hz refresh rate. Not only that, but Anbernic managed to squeeze in a 5,000mAh battery that will last for up to six hours on a single charge.

✅Recommended if: You're a sucker for nostalgia and want a gaming handheld that looks like the PSP Go but plays many of your favorite retro and Android games.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a gaming handheld that offers a bit more power than what the Unisoc T820 in the RG Slide can provide, or you need something a bit more lightweight and pocketable.

As you'd expect, there's more than one way for you to play some games on the RG Slide, as you can just stick to the touchscreen if you really wanted to. But after you push the screen upwards, you're immediately greeted with a full set of controls, including dual low-profile joysticks.

Beneath the intricate sliding mechanism and controls, we have a rather familiar set of specs, starting with the Unisoc T820. This chip was featured in last year's RG406H and RG406V, but has actually been bouncing around since 2022.

The T820 is joined by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, giving you plenty of wiggle room to enjoy a lot of the best Android games. And as for emulation, the T820 is capable of playing up to GameCube, Wii, and PS2, along with a tiny bit of Switch emulation if you're playing lighter titles.

The most enticing reason to pick up the RG Slide is also the biggest reason why you might want to avoid this handheld. In order to provide a gaming handheld with a sliding mechanism that won't falter, it has to be made of metal, which is exactly what Anbernic has done. On one hand, it's great knowing that you can slide the screen up and down without worrying about it breaking. On the other, this results in a device that is almost twice as heavy as the Pixel 10.

Even still, the RG Slide, especially for $100 off, is worth checking out if you have any interest in a modern PSP Go that runs Android and even has a 120Hz display. Plus, we expected other companies to follow Anbernic's suit after the Sony patent expired, but at the time of this writing, the RG Slide remains the only option.

What you need to know

• After teases began about a month ago, the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini has been revealed in its entirety.
• This is slated to become AYANEO's first gaming handheld released for under $100.
• It's powered by the MediaTek Helio G90T, a chip we first saw made available in 2019, and it's paired with with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM.

If there's one thing that AYANEO is known for, it's that the company produces some of the most premium gaming handhelds. However, the company is now dipping its toes into the budget market with the announcement of the Pocket AIR Mini.

We first learned about the handheld in early September, with only a handful of details being shared. Until now, we knew that it would share the same design as the Pocket AIR, an Android gaming handheld from 2023. AYANEO also touted the Mini as being the "world's first handheld with a brand-new 4:3 retro display."

With the launches of the Pocket DS and KONKR Pocket FIT out of the way, AYANEO pulled back the curtains on what the Pocket AIR Mini aims to offer. More than anything else, the most surprising aspect of the reveal was that the AIR Mini will start at just $89 for the base model. But for a limited time once pre-orders open, you'll be able to snag one for just $69.

When you take a look at the other AYANEO handhelds announced this year, it's immediately apparent why this is a big deal. For reference, the Pocket S2, powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, starts at $499. The Pocket ACE, with its G3x Gen 2 chip, retails for $389 in its base configuration, and of course, the Pocket DS will set you back $519 once its released.

However, AYANEO is apparently setting out to change the narrative as we get closer to the end of the year. The company's most recent Android handheld, the KONKR Pocket FIT, is actually the first from a new "budget-minded lineup. It's powered by either the G3 Gen 3, or the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and starts at either $299 or $329.

That said, the Pocket AIR Mini is an even further drop down the price bracket, and we mostly have the processor to thank. AYANEO is dipping back into the MediaTek well and pulling out an oldie, as the Helio G90T will power the AIR Mini. This offers slightly less performance than even the Helio G99, the same SoC found in the Pocket Micro and Pocket Micro Classic.

Here's how the rest of the specs shake out:

As you can see, the specs aren't really all that impressive at first glance. However, once you start looking at other sub-$100 handhelds, AYANEO might actually be onto something here.

Anbernic, arguably the leader in the sub-$100 space, hasn't released a budget Android handheld in at least the past year. It does have handhelds such as the Anbernic RG34XXSP, RG CubeXX, and RG40XXV, but those are all running custom firmware based on Linux. Meanwhile, it's cheapest Android handheld released in the past year is a tie between the RG406V from last November, and the forthcoming RG476H, both retailing for $165.

From there, AYANEO's next biggest competition comes from the Retroid Pocket Classic. This arrived alongside the Pocket Flip 2, is powered by the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2. However, this is modeled after the Game Boy Color, and while it features a gorgeous AMOLED display, it lacks any joystick controls.

Based on that, it would appear that AYANEO is putting more of a focus on the budget market. And frankly, it comes at the perfect time, as we're seeing the cost of high-end handhelds skyrocket for a variety of reasons. In doing so, AYANEO might also be positioning itself as a "one-stop-shop" for all of your gaming handheld needs, regardless of what price bracket you're shopping in.

Those interested in the Pocket AIR Mini can head over to the landing page and sign up to be notified as to when it will be made available. Surprisingly, there's no Indiegogo page, leaving us to wonder if this will just magically appear one day.

What you need to know

• Anbernic has revealed all of the final details about its upcoming handheld, the RG476H.
• It features a 4.7-inch 120Hz display, Unisoc T820, 5,000mAh battery, housed in a glass and plastic shell.
• The RG476H will retail for $164.99, but when pre-orders open on September 19, it'll be available for $149.99 for a limited time.

The end of the year is fast approaching, with the leaves starting to change and the NFL season in full swing. Almost as exciting is the barrage of Android handhelds that have been announced over the past month, all slated to arrive starting next month. Not to be left out in the cold, we've been learning more about the Anbernic RG476H over the past few weeks, and now, we know the final details.

When the RG Slide was introduced, Anbernic also introduced a custom 4.7-inch LTPS display sporting a 1280x960 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Since then, the same screen has appeared in the RG477M and is also being used in the RG476H.

While AYANEO and AYN are battling it out with clamshell designs and Snapdragon 8 Elite chips, Anbernic took a different route, opting to go with the Unisoc T820 for the RG476H. That's a step below the RG477M, which is powered by the Dimensity 8300, but for good reason. Whereas the RG477M retails for around $280, the RG476H comes in at $165, with pre-orders dropping that down to $150 for the first three days.

No, the RG476H won't win you any performance awards, but it still offers a great gaming experience, provided that you understand the limitations. This isn't Anbernic's first rodeo with the T820, as it also powered the RG556, RG406V, and RG406H from last year, and is also found in the RG Slide from earlier this year.

What that means in terms of emulation is that you'll be able to play a lot of the respective PS2 and GameCube libraries. However, you might run into issues playing some games that either require a bit of tinkering around, or just won't work at all. You can even squeeze a bit of Switch emulation out the T820, provided that you're playing games that aren't very graphics intensive.

In addition to the 4.7-inch, 120Hz display and the Unisoc T820, the rest of the Anbernic RG476H specs can be found below:

Considering that pre-orders for the KONKR Pocket FIT and AYN Odin 3 are still available, giving you a Snapdragon 8 Elite for under $300, Anbernic had to tread carefully. In order to do so, the T820 was the logical choice, along with ditching the all-aluminum build of the RG477M in favor of the glass and plastic combo of the RG476H.

Ignoring budget constraints, you could end up with the perfect "superfecta" of handhelds, one for every kind of gaming and emulation scenario. For example, the RG34XXSP could serve as your "everyday carry", with the RG476H offering a few steps up in performance.

Then, either the Pocket FIT or Odin 3 for the Snapdragon 8 Elite power, before rounding out with the Lenovo Legion Go 2 or ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X for high-end gaming. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty gosh darn incredible to me.

What you need to know

• AYANEO revealed pricing information regarding its upcoming KONKR Pocket Fit.
• It also introduced the previously unannounced KONKR Pocket Fit Elite, with speculation suggesting it's the first Snapdragon 8 Elite handheld.
• Pricing for the Pocket Fit will come in under $329, while the Pocket Fit Elite will be available for less than $399.

The past week has been absolutely wild with the various phone and gaming handheld announcements. After revealing its new KONKR "budget" brand and the Pocket Fit handheld in early August, the company had more to share during a recent livestream.

It turns out that the Pocket Fit won't be the only new handheld coming from KONKR, as the Pocket Fit Elite made its official debut. As expected, AYANEO stopped short of revealing everything about the Pocket Fit Elite, but just going by the name, this might be the first handheld to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

For reference, the KONKR Pocket Fit makes use of the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, which is the same chip found in the AYANEO Pocket S2 and the ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1. It's based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, found in many of the best Android phones of last year, but with higher clock speeds for better performance.

If we assume that AYANEO is following the same pattern as the Pocket S2 and S2 Pro, there aren't going to be very many differences between the Pocket Fit and Pocket Fit Elite. Frankly, we wouldn't be surprised if the only actual differences are in the processor, RAM options, and, of course, the price.

Speaking of which, AYANEO has finally shared how much both the Pocket Fit and Pocket Fit Elite will cost. Initially, teaser images suggested the former would be priced around $369. Subsequent posts have continued lowering that number, as it now sits at $329. Meanwhile, AYANEO hasn't been messing around with the Elite variant, as that's expected to cost around $399.

Unfortunately, we'll have to wait even longer before we can actually pre-order either of these handhelds. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), AYANEO shared that "final preparations for the launch are underway" with "This September" highlighted on the graphic.

What will be interesting is to see how this whole situation plays out, as the AYN Odin 3 has already been confirmed. AYN is likely holding off on revealing any information in regards to its next handheld until after pre-orders of the AYN Thor have opened. Nevertheless, it's exciting to see AYANEO and AYN battle it out, not to mention that Anbernic could jump in and join the party at any time.

What you need to know

• AYN revealed pricing and pre-order details about its first clamshell handheld, Thor.
• There will be two versions available, one with the Snapdragon 865 and the other with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
• Retail pricing starts at $249 and $299, with pre-orders set to kick off tonight at 9:30 PM ET.

After starting the week off with a bang, AYN followed it up by slowly dropping more and more details about its first clamshell handheld, the AYN Thor. Now, the curtains have been fully pulled back, as we know everything the upcoming handheld brings to the market, and how much it will cost.

Surprisingly, AYN is actually offering two different models, with the AYN Thor Lite being powered by the Snapdragon 865. This is the same chip found in the Retroid Pocket 5 and Pocket Flip 2, managing to perform quite admirably, years after its original release. The 865 is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while also being the only config available with this chip.

From there, AYN moves back into even more familiar territory as we see the return of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for the other AYN Thor models. As we've seen with the Odin 2, Odin 2 Mini, and Odin 2 Portal, you have your choice of up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, while AYN is surprisingly skipping a 512GB option. Check out the full list of specs below:

Where the real story comes in, however, is the price. When the AYN Thor goes up for pre-order starting tonight at 9:30 PM ET, the Thor Lite will cost $249, a $10 savings over the retail price. Meanwhile, the 8GB/128GB Thor costs $299, the 12GB/256GB comes in at $349, and the 16GB/1TB model tops out at $429.

In comparison, the AYANEO Pocket DS Indiegogo campaign started last Monday, with Early Bird pricing starting at $399 for the 8GB/128GB model. And if you wanted the top-end model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, it'll cost either $599 for the Starry Yellow or $639 for the "Limited Edition" Retro Gray version.

What's wild about this isn't just that we're getting dual-screen clamshell handhelds powered by Android, but that they are actually relatively affordable. The Thor Lite, at $249 with two screens, pushes the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 out of the space with its single screen and $229 price tag.

If you plan on picking one of these up for yourself, don't forget to set an alarm or reminder, as we don't know how much stock AYN has. Now, I just need to figure out whether to go with the "Rainbow" or "Clear Purple."

Update (Aug 20, 9 a.m. ET): Since making the initial announcement, AYN has revealed a few more details about the AYN Thor, including the displays and some of the specs.

What you need to know

• The AYN Odin 3 and AYN Thor handhelds have been officially announced.
• Few details are known about the Odin 3, besides that it will serve as a successor to the Odin 2 and Odin 2 Portal.
• The AYN Thor is the company's first clamshell handheld, featuring dual-screens and comes in response to the AYANEO Pocket DS.

Just yesterday, AYANEO opened up pre-orders via Indiegogo for the Pocket DS handheld. Today, AYN is sending waves through the gaming handheld space with its announcement of the AYN Thor and Odin 3.

It started with nothing more than a teaser image over at Instagram, simply confirming that the AYN Odin 3 and Thor were upcoming handhelds. This led to a bunch of excitement and chatter in the community about what "Thor" could possibly be.

As luck would have it, we didn't have to wait too long, as AYN published a video to its YouTube channel confirming that Thor is a dual-screen clamshell Android handheld. In the almost 40-second trailer, besides the design, not too much else is revealed about what Thor might have in store.

We do see that it will feature active cooling and that it will be powered by a Snapdragon processor. However, there's no indication as to what chip this will be. Considering that it's a new product category for AYN, that likely means Thor won't make use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which headlined all three Odin 2 handhelds.

Toss in the fact that we don't know what the Odin 3 will be powered by, and there's just simply no telling what we might end up with. In September 2024, a random rumor appeared suggesting that the Odin 3 "uses 8gen5," and given that the 8 Gen 4 was renamed to the 8 Elite, this could mean the 8 Elite Gen 2. But again, that was almost a year ago, so I wouldn't be surprised if AYN changed its mind since then.

Unfortunately, until AYN reveals more information (or leaks crop up), it's nothing but speculation about either the Odin 3 or Thor. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see AYN hold off until after the AYANEO Pocket DS pricing was revealed.

But if there's one thing that the Pocket DS Indiegogo campaign has made abundantly clear, it's that people want clamshell Android handhelds. AYANEO raised over $500,000 in under 24 hours, and the company "secured an extra 1,000 Early Bird units."

Now I just have to wonder how many orders will be cancelled with AYN announcing its own dual-screen handheld.

Update

It came as a surprise to see not only the Odin 3 announced, but also the AYN Thor as a new handheld category for the company. Following the original announcement and subsequent teaser trailer drop, AYN has revealed a bit more information regarding its Thor gaming handheld.

First, we've learned that Thor features a 6-inch AMOLED top screen, with an FHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. As for the bottom screen, it's another OLED panel measuring 3.92 inches but with a refresh rate capped at 60Hz.

More recently, AYN shared some of the specs, including that Thor will be available with two different processors: the Snapdragon 865 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. These are notable as the former is what's found in the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, while the latter has powered all three models within AYN's Odin 2 lineup.

The AYN Thor is also equipped with a 6,000mAh battery, weighs 380 grams, and will be almost as thin as the New Nintendo 3DS XL from 2014. We suspect more information to trickle out in the coming days, and hopefully, AYN will have more to share about the Odin 3.

What you need to know

• In addition to a variety of other handhelds and mini PCs, AYANEO also introduced KONKR, a budget-minded sub-brand.
• The KONKR Pocket FIT is slated to arrive as the company's "first flagship product" later this year.
• Pricing has yet to be revealed, but we do know it's powered by the latest Snapdragon G3 Gen 3.

It's been quite the week for AYANEO as the company opened Monday by sharing its product roadmap for the near future. As if announcing the AYANEO Pocket DS wasn't enough, CEO Arthur Zhang also introduced a new sub-brand, KONKR.

During the announcement, Zhang explained that KONKR is "redefining what 'value' means in handheld gaming." We also learned about the first device in the lineup, as the KONKR Pocket FIT was introduced.

The idea of a budget-friendly Android handheld from AYANEO is interesting, as it's a space that's already dominated by Retroid and Anbernic. Especially when you take into consideration that the KONKR Pocket FIT is using the Qualcomm's latest flagship gaming chip, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3.

Earlier this year, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic were released, priced at either $179/$229 or $119/$129, respectively. While the Pocket Classic is the first handheld to use the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, the Pocket Flip 2 is available with either the Dimensity 1100 or Snapdragon 865, two SoCs that are at least four years old.

In 2025, Anbernic has been leaning more into the Android side of things with the likes of the RG557, RG Slide, and now the RG477M. The RG557 and RG477M are both powered by the Dimensity 8300, with the former coming in at $250 and the latter retailing at $240.

With that in mind, it's difficult to think that the Pocket FIT will manage to squeeze its way into this price bracket. That's because unlike dual-screened Pocket DS, the Pocket FIT is powered by Qualcomm's latest gaming chip, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3. This is the same chip that debuted at GDC earlier this year, and is currently available in the AYANEO Pocket S2 and Pocket S2 Pro.

The former is currently available through Indiegogo starting at $439 for the 8GB/128GB model, while the S2 Pro starts at $559 for the 16GB/512GB configuration. Shipping has already started for those handhelds, but once the campaign concludes, prices will increase to $499 and $619, respectively.

Initially, you might think that the Pocket S2 and S2 Pro use an OLED screen, and if KONKR opted for an LCD panel, it would be able to reduce the price. Well, that's not the case as both the Pocket S2 and Pocket FIT are equipped with LCD displays. Adding further confusion to the mix is that the FIT's display has a faster 144Hz refresh, compared to the 60Hz panel of the S2.

So frankly, I'm not exactly sure what AYANEO's move is here with the KONKR brand. Of everything that the company announced this week, only the Pocket DS has me more excited. But if we end up seeing a starting price around the $250 to $300 mark, for a handheld with the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, AYANEO KONKR could flip the game on its head.

What you need to know

• AYANEO hosted a Sharing Session livestream, providing more details about the Pocket DS.
• Most of the specs have been revealed, as the Pocket DS will feature the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, not the G3 Gen 3.
• We don't yet know what the price will be or when it will become available.

It's been a busy week for the AYANEO team already, but so far, the Pocket DS has piqued our interest the most. During a recent livestream, AYANEO CEO Arthur Zhang revealed the specs that the Pocket DS will have once released.

What makes the Pocket DS stand out the most is obviously the clamshell form factor. However, unlike the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, the Pocket DS actually has both a top and bottom screen, giving it a distinct advantage for DS and 3DS emulation.

Both screens sport a 1080p resolution, but the main 7-inch display is an OLED panel with a variable refresh rate up to 165Hz. Meanwhile, the 5-inch lower screen is your standard LCD panel and lacks faster refresh rates beyond 60Hz.

That's not to say that the bottom screen should be ignored, as the 4:3 aspect ratio makes it perfect for a lot of retro gaming. AYANEO has also implemented a few tricks in the software to enhance the versatility, such as being able to use a "three-finger swipe" gesture to swap what's shown between the top and bottom screens.

Pretty much everything about the Pocket DS looks incredible, including the 8,000mAh battery and ergonomic design. However, I was a bit surprised to see that AYANEO opted to implement the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, as opposed to the G3 Gen 3.

The former was announced in late 2023, before debuting in the AYANEO Pocket S in early 2024. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 was introduced earlier this year at GDC 2025, with the Pocket S2 and Pocket S2 Pro being the first two devices to utilize the chip.

The logical conclusion I could come up with is that the Pocket DS was already deep into development before the G3 Gen 3 was announced. As such, the company likely decided to "stay the current course," instead of making any potential changes to accommodate a new SoC.

If that's the case, it would give AYANEO the flexibility to confirm that the Pocket DS is already in mass production. Usually, when a new AYANEO handheld is announced, it's at least a few months before it's actually released.

The decision to use the G3x Gen 2 might pay off in more ways than one, as we suspect (or hope) that the Pocket DS won't be too expensive. For reference, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3-powered Pocket S2 starts at $499, with the S2 Pro coming in at $619.

Nevertheless, we'll be paying close attention to see exactly what AYANEO has planned for the price. There's already a sign-up page for the Indiegogo campaign, so you can be notified once it's live. From there, we can only hope that the Pocket DS will land on our doorsteps before the 2025 holiday season is underway.

Despite being such a big cheerleader for foldable phones, my infatuation with the form factor is largely focused on book-style foldables. There's just something about the idea of having both a phone and tablet with me wherever I go that makes me swoon. That being said, I do understand the appeal of flip phones, like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Moto Razr Ultra.

However, I have to admit that with the two aforementioned flip phones, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't at least considering one. Until recently, the last time that I had spent any meaningful time with a flip phone was the Vivo X Flip, and before that, it was the Galaxy Z Flip 3.

Leading up to Galaxy Unpacked, I've been messing around with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 off and on, trying to see if a flip phone would supplant a foldable for me. Unlike some of my counterparts here at Android Central, I don't think that's in the cards for the near future. But I did happen to find one particular use case that keeps drawing me in.

Growing up, my handheld gaming experience was limited to a Game Boy Color, which ended up getting lost while on a family vacation. After that, I had a brief stint with the Nintendo DS before moving on to the PSP and then the PS Vita. That's to say that I never messed around with a Game Boy Advance or the SP variant.

And that's where the idea of a flip phone comes, as I've entrenched myself in the world of gaming handhelds. Last year, Anbernic released the RG35XXSP, and the Miyoo Flip arrived right around the end of December. In 2025, even more clamshells have been added to my collection, with the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, Anbernic RG34XXSP, and, more recently, Powkiddy V90S arriving on my doorstep.

If you can't tell by now, I have a bit of an affinity for clamshell handhelds at the moment. With the exception of the Pocket Flip 2, the others are all custom Linux-based devices, which is great for the early days of consoles, but not so much with anything more modern. So while I was using the Flip 6, it dawned on me to see if I could replace all of those with a clamshell that was much more powerful.

The obvious benefit to a clamshell is that it's more compact, as you can just slide it in and out of your pocket with ease. Not only that, but there's less of a chance of messing up the screen as you just close it when you're done using it. I know this wasn't always the case with flip phones, but the hinge technology has vastly improved to the point that it's not really too much of a concern for most.

And while there are customization options with those Linux handhelds, your options are fairly limited when compared to Android, even with custom firmware options. With that in mind, I set out to try and turn the Galaxy Z Flip 6 into an ultimate Game Boy Advance SP.

It all starts with finding the right emulator, and thankfully, there is no shortage of those on Android. For Game Boy Advance alone, these are just a few of the options available:

• Pizza Boy A
• RetroArch
• My Boy!
• GBA.emu

While there are a few more, I really only stick to two, swapping back and forth between Pizza Boy A and RetroArch. You might be wondering why, and the answer's pretty straightforward — Pizza Boy on the main screen, RetroArch on the Cover Screen. I've even gone so far as to set RetroArch as my default "lock screen" shortcut for when the Flip 6 is closed.

And the fun doesn't stop there, as you can actually apply various skins from Pizza Boy, making the Flip 6 look even more like a Game Boy Advance SP. With a lot of research, a little bit of time, and a smidge of patience, I've practically turned the Z Flip 6 into the ultimate gaming clamshell.

Unfortunately, there is just one problem with this setup — touchscreen controls are awful. If it's anything more than playing a puzzle game, Balatro, or for testing emulators, I usually won't actually play games using the touchscreen. Instead, I had to get a bit creative, as there aren't too many solutions. Thankfully, I have a 3D printer, so it was just a matter of finding something similar to what I had in mind.

After finding the print, less than an hour later, I could ditch the touchscreen controls. Admittedly, this isn't the perfect solution, as I'd prefer something that would use capacitive buttons to interact with the screen, thus providing something more portable. That might be something I explore down the line, but it wasn't really necessary at the time.

With this 3D print, I just slot the Z Flip 6 in and attach a set of Joy Cons. Or, if you have third-party Joy Cons that support Bluetooth, those would work just fine too. No matter what you end up with, it's still going to be more enjoyable than tapping on the screen.

Once the dust had settled a bit on this project, I found myself rather torn, but ultimately decided to stick with the Galaxy Fold 7 as my main phone. That said, with the Flip 7 now available, I've been keeping a close watch on deals for either the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or one of the latest Moto Razr phones. If I play my cards right, there's a decent chance I'll end up making a more permanent decision, even if it means teaching myself how to create 3D prints and adding yet another phone to my daily carry.

What you need to know

• AYANEO announced the Pocket DS during a "Strategy Sharing Session" livestream.
• This is the world's first dual-screen Android handheld, largely resembling the Nintendo 3DS XL.
• More details will be revealed in another livestream that is taking place tomorrow.

We can probably go ahead and say that it's definitely the year of the clamshell form factor. During a livestream, the AYANEO Pocket DS was officially announced, making it the world's first dual-screen Android gaming handheld.

This comes after we saw the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 released earlier this year, along with Game Boy Advance SP clones such as the Anbernic RG34XXSP, Miyoo Flip, and Powkiddy V90S. AYANEO itself is no stranger to clamshells, as the company's Flip DS and KB were released last year, and the 1S DS recently began shipping to backers.

As for the Pocket DS, it's essentially a Nintendo 3DS XXL, featuring huge screens on both the top and bottom. But in lieu of cartridges, we presume there will be a microSD card slot; otherwise, all of your games will be housed on the internal storage.

AYANEO CEO, Arthur Zhang, didn't reveal much in the way of specs, but did confirm a dedicated livestream is taking place tomorrow in order to do so. What we know so far is that the Pocket DS has been in the works for almost a year, and more importantly, it's already in production. Hopefully, this means we'll be able to get one in our hands soon.

Currently, ChinaJoy is taking place in Shanghai, and the Pocket DS is being shown off at the Qualcomm booth. We can only assume that AYANEO will lean on the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, which was announced back in March with the Pocket S2 and S2 Pro.

Rest assured, we'll be watching tomorrow's livestream to learn more about what the AYANEO Pocket DS has to offer. Here's to hoping that it'll be both powerful and affordable.

What you need to know

• In a brief video, Anbernic announced its latest gaming handheld, the RG477M.
• This marks the first Anbernic handheld with a metal shell to be released since the RG405M in 2023.
• Other details are scarce, but there's a good chance it features similar specs to the RG557.

In the time that Anbernic last launched a handheld with a metal shell, the company has released 22 different retro and Android gaming handhelds. That streak will soon be broken, as the RG477M was announced in a 21-second video published to Anbernic's YouTube channel.

The company didn't provide any further details besides showing off some quick B-roll footage. This confirmed the metal shell along with the button, joystick, and D-pad placement. And although it wasn't mentioned, it's safe to assume that the joysticks will have RGB lighting, based on the close-up shots in the video.

However, based on Anbernic's history, there are a few gaps we can try to fill just from the name. With only a couple of exceptions, the majority of Anbernic handhelds carry a naming scheme of "RGXXYZZ," and are broken down as such:

• XX - Screen Size
• Y - Processor
• ZZ - Version

So, looking at the RG477M, Anbernic's next handheld will feature a 4.7-inch screen. The "7" likely denotes a more powerful chip, such as the RG557, making use of the MediaTek Dimensity 8300. And the "M" simply denotes that it will feature a metal shell.

Provided that Anbernic doesn't throw a curveball, it's pretty safe to assume that the RG477M will feature similar internals to those of the RG557. In addition to the Dimensity 8300, the RG557 includes 12GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage.

One interesting tidbit to note is that the Anbernic RG Slide from June features a 4.7-inch IPS display, complete with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1280x960 resolution. It wouldn't come as any surprise if Anbernic ended up using the same panel from the RG Slide in the forthcoming RG477M.

That being said, we probably won't have to wait very long to learn more about what Anbernic has been working on. Once the initial teaser video is released, the company usually trickles out more information on a semi-rapid pace, leading up to pre-orders being made available. Given that retro and Android handhelds with metal shells don't come around very often, I'll be keeping a close eye on the launch of the RG477M.

What you need to know

• The AYANEO Pocket S2 has officially launched on Indiegogo.
• AYANEO also announced the Pocket S2 Pro, offering more RAM, storage, and a larger battery.
• Pricing starts at $439 for the Pocket S2 or $559 Pocket S2 Pro during the Indiegogo campaign.

During a YouTube livestream, AYANEO announced the remaining unknown specs for the Pocket S2, launched its Indiegogo campaign, and even had a surprise. Pre-orders kicked off shortly after the livestream concluded, and as expected, AYANEO has already met the "target goal" for its latest handheld.

Unlike the original Pocket S, AYANEO is taking a different route with its offerings this time around. We still have the Pocket S2, with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. However, AYANEO surprised everyone by also announcing the Pocket S2 Pro.

Most of the specs remain the same across the board, including the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 powering these devices. However, the S2 Pro will sport a larger 10,000mAh battery (compared to 8,000mAh), support up to 60W PD charging, come in a 16GB/512GB configuration, and sport a detachable D-pad.

The last bit was even more surprising than AYANEO introducing a "Pro" version, as it's not often we see easily interchangeable parts on handhelds. However, the company has a bit of experience in this area, as the AYANEO 3 launched earlier this year, featuring swappable control modules. The Pocket S2 Pro doesn't go that far, but it's still cool to see nevertheless.

Lastly, AYANEO announced two "Limited Edition" models of the S2 Pro with the Retro Power and B.Duck color options. The former has become a staple across AYANEO's lineup of handhelds and is only available with higher-end configurations.

As for the B.Duck version, this actually isn't the first time that AYANEO and B.Duck have partnered for a handheld launch. However, this is the first time we've seen an Android handheld feature the B.Duck branding. For the unaware, B.Duck is a popular toy brand for children and toddlers, with all of its products focused on toy ducks.

Pricing for the AYANEO Pocket S2 lineup starts at $499 for the base configuration, but during the Indiegogo campaign, you can snag one for $439. Meanwhile, the Pocket S2 Pro can be had for $559 during the campaign, before it jumps back up to its retail price of $619. As it currently stands, AYANEO expects to begin shipping pre-orders sometime in "late June," so we expect that to get underway any day now.

Do you remember the days of needing to go to the store to pick up a game guide because you couldn't figure out how to beat it? Yeah, that still happens to me, except I don't have to go to the store, as the answer is just a Google search away. But I'm not always playing games on my computer, and even if I'm playing a handheld connected to the internet, I don't want to sift through a bunch of links that may or may not have what I'm looking for.

Last month, the Anbernic RG557 was released, and a recent update introduced "Anbernic AI." Essentially, it's a chatbot that resides on your gaming handheld, designed to provide answers and even translations. After a bit of digging, I found that it's reliant on either Deepseek or Alibaba's Qwen LLMs. That doesn't leave me feeling great, but it got me wondering if I could just make one myself.

With tools like Gemini Gems and ChatGPT GPTs, I set out trying to replicate what Anbernic did, but using AI chatbots that I trust a bit more and trying to get them working on the handheld. It didn't quite work out how I had hoped, but fortunately, that's where NotebookLM came to my rescue.

My failed attempts

No, I didn't use Gemini to build a website or even an app. Instead, I decided now would be a good time to create a Gemini Gem. These were introduced last year, with Google describing them as being "your custom AI experts."

My original idea was that I'd be able to create a Gem and then, when I needed some help or had a question, I could talk to it using Gemini Live. With the recent addition of screen recording, it seems like a no-brainer, as I don't have to try and describe what I'm seeing, I can just show Gemini. Or so I thought.

Unfortunately, you can't yet use Gems with Gemini Live, which is a bummer. Instead, you're stuck with "regular" Gemini for the time being, and while it's fine, I liked the idea of having a Gemini experience dedicated to gaming.

Initially, this is where the story would've ended, as I was able to get Gemini running on my aforementioned RG557. However, curiosity got the better of me, so I wanted to see if the same thing could be achieved with ChatGPT. The app won't run on the RG557, as it's technically rooted, despite having a locked bootloader, and there is no current way around this hurdle.

Naturally, the next thing I did was fire up the ChatGPT app on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. After a bit of poking around, I found that OpenAI offers a similar feature to Gemini Live, and it even told me it would share some lore about the Star Wars universe when I opened KOTOR II.

Sadly, it's the same story as Gemini, as you aren't able to use the "Live" experience with created GPTs. Hopefully, this won't be the case forever, as it would be nice to see the feature parity between Gemini and ChatGPT continue.

NotebookLM to the rescue

Then came along another tangentially related idea. Google has been super-charging NotebookLM, but it's one of those tools that I always seem to forget about. There are a few projects that I have in which NotebookLM could be useful for me, but first, I was curious about how it would do as a gaming encyclopedia of sorts.

There are limitations with NotebookLM, as you can upload only 50 "sources" to one notebook. However, thanks to being subscribed to Google One AI Pro, I'm able to add 300 sources. I say "only" because the idea is to source and upload strategy guides for a variety of retro games.

Needless to say, there are many more than 300 out there, so I opted to take a different approach. Instead, I decided to create notebooks based on the series of games, meaning I'll have one for Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Fallout, and so on.

Thanks to the gaming community, a lot of those old Nintendo Power and Prima strategy guides have been archived. It was simply a matter of sourcing, downloading, and uploading them all to NotebookLM.

However, there was the small problem that many of these old strategy guides are stored in either a CBR or CBZ format. This is no good, as NotebookLM only recognizes PDF, TXT, Markdown, or Audio files when uploading. On the bright side, some quick research revealed that you can convert those CBR or CBZ files to PDF using Calibre. And it's much faster than trying to use any of the "free" online conversion tools.

With that out of the way, I started uploading a few files and then just waited for that to finish. You'd be surprised at how large some of these PDF files can be, and NotebookLM has a size limit of 200MB per file, so keep that in mind.

A little while later, I had a one-stop shop for resources pertaining to a few of the Super Mario games that I've played over the years. Now, whenever I can't remember how to get past Bowser, I can just pull up NotebookLM and ask.

I know that this took a bit of a left turn, considering my original goal, but the overall point is to demonstrate that AI tools can be useful in ways you might not have considered. I don't even know where the idea to create these guides came from, but I'm sure glad it came to me.

No, you aren't able to use it while you're playing like you can with Gemini or ChatGPT. But I have to wonder whether that functionality will be implemented in the near future. I'd really love it if there were a way to create a Gem or GPT that could be used with Gemini Live, but used NotebookLM as the source.

Nevertheless, who knows what these companies are going to bring next? Maybe something else will come along that takes all of this to the next level, and we just don't know it yet.

What you need to know

• In a recent "Sharing Session," AYANEO provided more details about its upcoming Pocket S2 handheld.
• This included a better look at the design, along with some of the various features and capabilities.
• The AYANEO Pocket S2 will soon be available for pre-order from Indiegogo, but pricing has yet to be revealed.

It's been about two and a half months since we first caught wind of the AYANEO Pocket S2, when it was announced at GDC 2025. Now, we're finally learning more about what the handheld is expected to offer in terms of both the design and performance.

The original announcement came alongside Qualcomm's introduction of three new gaming-focused chipsets, headlined by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3. This is the successor to the G3x Gen 2 that was announced in August 2023, with AYANEO being the only company to actually use it in a device. After it initially arrived with the Pocket S, AYANEO has since used the G3x Gen 2 in four different handhelds, most recently, the upcoming Pocket ACE.

Much like its predecessor and the Gen 2, the Pocket S2 will be the first device to make use of the G3 Gen 3. During the Sharing Session, we got a better look at the aluminum and glass chassis, complete with sides that are more rounded. This should hopefully quell any issues for those, like myself, who found the original Pocket S to be uncomfortable during longer playing sessions.

The Pocket S2 remedies another problem from the original, thanks to the fan cutout on the back plate. This, paired with the "fishbone biomimetic air outlet" along the top, will hopefully prevent any potential thermal throttling.

One of the more impressive aspects of the Pocket S2 is the battery, as AYANEO managed to pack an 8,000mAh battery into this sleek chassis. It's not completely unheard of, as AYN's Odin 2 and Odin 2 Portal both feature batteries of the same size. However, both of those handhelds are larger and thicker than the S2.

Something else that was rather intriguing is that the Pocket S2 apparently "supports Turnip Driver Out of the Box." For the unaware, these are graphics created by the community that are designed to improve performance and compatibility in a variety of emulators.

I'm interested to see just how AYANEO is implementing this into the software of the Pocket S2. Not every emulator includes support for third-party drivers, so I can't help but wonder if that means we'll run into issues if the drivers are implemented on a system level.

Sadly, AYANEO didn't provide any details regarding the price of the Pocket S2, so we'll have to see how much of a dent this will put in our wallets. However, we do have a landing page for the Indiegogo campaign, where you can register to be notified when pre-orders are live. As a bonus, those who "pledge within the first seven days when the campaign is live will receive a special gift pack as our thanks for ordering early."

I'm an absolute sucker for new hardware, especially if it's paired with something else new and shiny, such as a recently launched processor. That same passion has trickled beyond the confines of phones, tablets, and Chromebooks and into the world of dedicated gaming handhelds. They come in all shapes and sizes, with varying levels of emulation power and form factors.

While I've written about why I prefer using gaming handhelds over my phone, recent events have, ahem, affected the market. Even Linux-driven handhelds that were once cheap are seeing price increases that don't exactly justify a recommendation. With that in mind, I figured now would be a great time to revisit emulation and gaming on your phone.

Obviously, you'll want a controller

If we're going to go all out, you'll need one more piece before turning your phone into a mobile gaming station. Gone are the days when we had to only rely on console controllers, as there are so many different phone controllers, it's enough to make your head spin.

With so many options, it can be difficult to actually make a decision on what to get, so you'll want to figure out the features and options that you want. If you don't care about bulk or have a device with a larger screen, then the GameSir G8 Plus is my first recommendation. It relies on Bluetooth, but can be expanded to fit the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, without much hassle.

Do you need something that is more compact? Check out the ASUS ROG Tessen, which is one that I keep in my bag whenever I'm going to be away from home for more than just a day or two. It connects via USB-C, offers passthrough charging, and features programmable rear paddle buttons.

More recently, I've fallen back in love with the Backbone One, but more specifically, the Xbox Edition. It's not quite as ergonomic as the others, but it simply looks awesome, and I like the way that the buttons feel. That being said, I'm definitely keen on checking out the new Backbone One Pro, which was just recently announced and has a few unique tricks up its sleeve.

What if you're on a budget or just don't want to spend a bunch of money on a phone controller? There are plenty of options there, too, starting with just getting a phone clip for your DualSense or Xbox controller. Until fairly recently, the only options we had were to clip onto the controller on one end and phones on the other. However, we're starting to see more magnetic mounts, which is excellent.

But if you like the idea of having a dedicated controller for your phone, then something like the budget-friendly GameSir X5 Lite will be up your alley. It's priced at just $35, connects via USB-C, and is designed to work with devices like the iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display.

Don't sleep on the Play Store, specifically, Play Pass

I've been pretty critical about the Play Store when it comes to how it functions as a central place to discover and download new apps on Android. However, I don't share that same sentiment in regards to games, even if the top charts are overflowing with "Gacha" games. Thankfully, I very rarely ever actually look at the top charts, and it's all thanks to Google Play Pass.

It helps that there's a dedicated tab at the bottom of the app, which lets me avoid the wasteland of regular Play Store games. That's not to say that every game available through Play Pass is a banger. But I will say that if Google separated it out of my Google One plan, I'd add another monthly subscription to my bills.

Seriously, Play Pass includes Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, Terraria, and Thimbleweed Park, just to name a few. If I were to buy just those four games, it'd cost me almost $30. Which just so happens to be what it costs to sign up for Play Pass for an entire year. Plus, if you have Verizon, there's a chance that you can get six months for free, and you didn't even know it.

Play PC, Xbox, and PS5 games on your phone

Before getting to my favorite part, what if you're a console or PC gamer, and want to be able to play from anywhere? There are actually quite a few options, starting off with the obvious ones like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Amazon Luna. While dedicated first-party apps are available for those services, you might want to take XBPlay or chiaki-ng for a spin, as I've found these to offer much better experiences.

From there, we have the likes of GeForce Now and Boosteroid, which tie into multiple platforms and make your games accessible over the cloud. GeForce Now is another one of those subscriptions that you'll have to rip from me, as I've been signed up for as long as I can remember. It's been the best cloud gaming service that I've ever used, and quickly filled the void left when Stadia was retired.

While I have no plans to ditch my GeForce Now subscription, there is another solution that has been slowly becoming a favorite of mine. Apollo and Artemis are community-built forks for Moonlight and Sunshine. Basically, think of it like GeForce Now, but with ALL of your games. Instead of relying on NVIDIA's servers, which do have various restraints, Apollo and Artemis have no limitations, as you can install and manage everything.

Get the right emulators

Now for the fun part — emulation. Even the best budget phones are more capable than you might think. For example, the Snapdragon 865, which is now more than five years old, is still capable of emulating Switch and PS3 games on Android. That's probably more of an outlier than a rule, but it still proves my point.

When it comes to the emulators that make all of this possible, there are a couple of different routes to take. The first of which is to download a separate emulator for each console that you want to play. However, that can be annoying and cumbersome on a good day, so it's not really something that I'd recommend.

Instead, I've compiled a list of the various emulators that I would recommend, starting with RetroArch. This single app can handle all the way up to PS2, and includes a bunch of extra features such as built-in shader support and the ability to rack up your RetroAchievements. Another great aspect of RetroArch is that it can run on basically anything besides a literal potato, but even then, you might find some luck.

You'll also notice that I've listed a few options for different consoles. Much of this can simply be attributed to some emulators working better with certain processors and devices than others. It's really just about doing a bit of trial runs to see what doesn't work while having alternatives if you need them.

Turn your phone into a console

It's great that you have all of your games, streaming apps, and emulators downloaded. But even if you throw everything into one folder, it doesn't really give you that true gaming experience. That's where launchers come into play, of which I rotate between three different ones.

ES-DE is the Android version of the popular EmulationStation launcher available on x86 devices. It includes support for more than 150 different systems and makes it easy to scrape your games to show the artwork and download different themes based on your style.

Console Launcher is a newcomer to my arsenal, but I've been using it on and off for the six months or so. While ES-DE might seem a bit more polished, Console Launcher feels better suited for Android, designed for the platform from the ground up. There are a bunch of features, including a dedicated "Samsung DeX" mode, which avoids any potential issues faced by Samsung's limitations on launchers.

Although this isn't the definitive list, the last one that I've primarily used is Daijisho. It has most, if not all, of the same features as the other two but simply offers a different design. Like ES-DE or Console Launcher, there are a variety of themes that you can download and apply if you want to change things up.

Don't underestimate what your phone can do

As I said before, you don't need a dedicated gaming handheld just to play games on the go. The phone in your pocket is more than capable of playing thousands upon thousands of games. And that includes those who want to dip their toes into the world of emulation, provided that you understand the potential limitations.

Nevertheless, I hope this has helped give you some sense of direction as to how you can set up a phone or tablet to become the mobile gaming beast that it's capable of being. It'll definitely take a bit of time to get everything set up, but that hard work will pay off when you can just turn on your phone and start playing.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

To put things bluntly, last year sucked for the emulation community. Nintendo swept through and took away two of the best emulators that we've ever seen, leaving a massive void that has yet to be truly filled. However, it's usually not the massive corporations that are detrimental to the progression of emulators; it's the community.

Earlier this week, the development of Winlator was officially put on pause, following a barrage of harassment. The catalyst for it all was that after Winlator 10.0 was released, someone found a Trojan that was raising flags in Windows Defender when the APK was downloaded to a computer.

After further inspection, it was the "TestD3D.exe" file, which was created and included by the developer as a way to offer benchmarking capabilities from within the container. This was later backed up, as people began running the APK through a variety of virus checkers. It sure didn't take long for the news to spread like wildfire within the community, with many suggesting that brunodev85, the developer, was trying to cause harm.

From what I've been able to surmise, if you opened an application or game in the same container as one with the infected .exe, it too would become infected, wreaking havoc. However, the catch here is that all of that "havoc" would only be wreaked within the container. Similar issues would occur if you were to just create a different container, but that's it.

The only way that this Trojan could cause actual problems is if you were to transfer infected files from your phone to your computer. This isn't something that many are likely to even consider, as it's usually just the other way around. But this also means that if you wanted to transfer a save file from your gaming handheld to finish the game on your desktop PC, you'd probably end up not having a great day.

This is part of what makes Winlator special, as it's basically like running containerized virtual machines, but with the primary focus of being able to install and play PC games from an Android device. It's absolutely wild that this is something that our devices are capable of, even though there's a lot of trial and error that comes with getting games to work.

Since Winlator burst onto the scene, we've seen a variety of "forks," or alternative iterations created, all while Bruno continued working on the "main branch." It's even reached the point that GameSir adopted Winlator as the backend for its GameHub app, which is essentially just a wrapper for Winlator, with a bunch of extra GameSir stuff thrown in.

As such, the developer made the project closed-source with the release of version 7.1, meaning that the entire codebase is no longer available for everyone to see. This is important, as the Trojan could have been spotted sooner, avoiding the entire situation.

At the same time, comments and questions have been previously brought up as to why Winlator would be flagged by antivirus software, only for the developer to claim it's a "false positive" or for the GitHub issue to be closed without any comment. So, to an extent, at least some of the backlash is warranted, but not to the extent that we saw.

I'm not here to debate whether Winlator should have remained open source or not, but what I do want to circle back to is the toxicity of the community. For one, this isn't the first time that we've seen a developer of a popular emulator leave the scene entirely. A similar situation happened with the popular PS2 emulator, AetherSX2.

That project closed up shop in early 2023, with the developer stating that the reasons include "never-ending impersonating, complaints, demands, and now death threats." That situation came to a head after the AetherSX2 developer released an update that included an ad banner in the app. Previously, the developer was known for being staunchly against paid emulators, only to turn around and do the same thing.

However, when it comes to emulation, especially with higher-end consoles, people come out of the woodwork. Sometimes, a question gets asked and answered, and that's the end of it. But then, there are a few different scenarios that usually play out, no matter the emulator:

• Someone downloads the emulator and wants free ROMs or BIOS files.
• People want to know why it can't run on lower-end hardware.
• People want the developer to add a specific feature, despite it already being in the roadmap or confirmed that it won't be coming.
• Impatience in the development process.

Unfortunately, often times when the developer(s) give a response that isn't favorable, that's when the backlash kicks in. And again, it's relentless to the point that some just stay away from emulation entirely, while others try to just enjoy what we have. If you need a good example as to why the community doesn't do itself any favors, just look at the announcement post for when RPCS3 gained arm64 support.

"We have no intention of porting RPCS3 to these platforms at this time, so no discussion on these topics is needed. Unfortunately, this blanket decision is ultimately needed due to the high toxicity of several individuals in the Android community, who refuse to take no for an answer, some of which have already been banned from our communities."

At the time, it felt like a punch in the gut to the Android emulation scene, especially given what happened earlier in 2024 with Yuzu and Ryujinx. This is just the reality of the space, where people want to do anything they can to cause problems if a developer (or team of devs) isn't giving them what they want.

Basically, the temper tantrum-like responses have just become meme fodder within the space. Everyone who pays attention knows what's going to happen whenever a major change is made or a brand-new emulator is released. Frankly, it's sad, as many of these emulators get started by just a single person, and are doing so out of love for the console, development, or whatever reasons they want.

Let me put it this way: there's enough hate, negativity, and vitriol in the rest of the world. It doesn't need to spread even further into our various hobbies and niches just because of an app or emulator.

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For years, the word "emulation" has been synonymous with "piracy." It doesn't help when you have bad actors leaking games before they're even released, only for others to livestream those same games, while telling people how to also illegally obtain the necessary files.

But for me, retro gaming and emulation are so much more than just seeing someone try and "stick it to the man." This is a topic that I could probably write enough to fill a short novel, but I won't be doing that here. Instead, I picked four reasons why being able to play a game from 1985 in 2025 is so important to me.

Re-living the past

Admittedly, I didn't really dive deep into gaming until about 10 years ago or so. I would go through phases when I was addicted to heading over to a friend's house with my Xbox to have a Halo LAN party. Which later transformed into playing Call of Duty with friends for countless hours. But for the most part, I just enjoyed going outside, touching grass, and playing sports.

To this day, there's nothing quite like being able to fire up Super Mario Bros. for the millionth time or Link's Awakening DX on one of my retro gaming handhelds. And if I'm in a particularly foul mood, there's always The Lion King for the Sega Genesis, which I've still never actually beaten.

It's crazy to think about the number of classic games that are now just a couple of taps away. There are literally thousands upon thousands of games that can be stored and played from the slab of glass in your pocket. Of course, it doesn't feel exactly the same compared to playing on the original hardware. But there are things you can do to replicate the feeling of a CRT, as long as you're willing to spend some time tinkering.

Discover all new experiences

Throughout the years, my family primarily stuck to Nintendo and Microsoft, with a bit of Sega thrown in the middle. The first Sony console any of us had was a PSP, and then later a PS Vita. Because of that, the only time I ever could play anything PlayStation was if I were to head over to a friend's house.

There are even some Nintendo consoles that I missed out on, such as the 3DS, GameCube, Wii, and Wii U. There are a whole lot of incredible games that I didn't get to enjoy firsthand. But now, all it takes is a few taps on my phone, and I'm piloting an X-wing alongside Luke Skywalker as part of Rogue Squadron.

Thanks to emulation, I'm able to dive into the library of PS1, PS2, and PS3 games that I never had the chance to play before. And until recently, PS3 emulation on Android was thought to be a pipe dream. That's no longer the case courtesy of RPCS3-Android, which has been merged into a newer RPCSX project.

If you had told me that I would be able to play PS3 games on a smartphone with an almost 8-inch screen that folds in half, I would've thought you lost your marbles. But that's exactly what I'm able to do, and it's just absolutely mind-boggling and incredible.

Pushing devices to the limit

Whenever I get my hands on a new Android device, one of the first things I do after the initial setup process is load up a few emulators and ROMs. Switch is usually first, as that gives me a pretty good idea of what to expect right out of the box. But that's only part of the fun.

For example, say you picked up something like the AYN Odin 2 or AYANEO Pocket S, and your favorite Switch game isn't running as smoothly as you'd have expected. Well, before giving up the goose entirely, there's actually quite a bit of tinkering that you can do.

To start, play around with the different settings and options that are built into the emulator you're using. The most common culprits are changing the Accuracy Level, turning off VSync, making sure that Docked Mode is enabled, etc. If you go through everything and only see marginal improvements, you're still not out of luck.

That's where Turnip drivers come into play, as these are custom-tuned drivers for the built-in GPU on your device. The problem here is that just because a new driver is available, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will actually resolve your issue. So I always recommend trying out a bunch of different drivers until the game is running the way you hoped.

Even then, there are limitations, as Turnip drivers are only compatible with Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered devices. When it comes to MediaTek, Exynos, or Tensor, then you're relying on a Mali GPU, and emulators won't even let you try to use a Turnip driver with a Mali GPU. Which means, what you see is what you get.

One more thing

In years past, the above reasons served their collective purpose as to why I've been enamored with retro gaming and emulation. However, something rather special happened almost a year and a half ago. At the time of this writing, it's been almost 450 days since I became a father.

He doesn't care one way or another about the teether in the shape of the NES controller, other than the fact that it makes his mouth feel better. Nor does he care about the Fisher Price controller that lights up and plays music, other than that it makes noise.

But more recently, he'll come and crawl up next to me on the couch while I'm playing some Pokémon Ruby on my RG35XX SP or Wind Waker on the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Sure, part of it's the vibrant colors that draw him in, but he also just seems genuinely interested in whatever's happening.

To that end, while I don't want him to grow up any faster (seriously, how has it been 14+ months already?), I also can't wait to introduce him to some of the games that I played. But instead of being huddled around the family CRT, we can sit back and enjoy games on TVs that are much larger, much thinner, and won't have to worry about neck pain.

For the record, I've already started mentally planning how I'll get everything set up. But knowing me, I'll go through a million ideas first, only to figure out a way to connect a handheld, Raspberry Pi, or my phone to a CRT TV.

In about a week and a half, the U.S. will begin imposing much higher tariffs on products and packages purchased from a few countries, namely China. As a result, a myriad of companies have raised prices in an attempt to counteract the higher costs. However, some companies, such as Anbernic, are halting shipments to the U.S. entirely.

Just last week, Retroid announced that despite its best efforts, those in the U.S. who pre-ordered the Pocket Classic in Kiwi, Teal, or Berry would have to either pick a different color or cancel their orders entirely. This is due to an imposed deadline of April 25, at which point "shipping agencies will not accept U.S.-bound packages from China."

This was just the first domino to fall, as Anbernic has recently updated its Shipping Policy landing page. There's a notice at the top of the page that says, "Due to changes in U.S. tariff policies, we will be suspending all orders shipping from China to the United States starting today. We strongly recommend prioritizing products shipped from our U.S. warehouse."

A message recently shared on the AYN Discord channel seemingly confirmed that it, too, will be making changes. The company will continue shipping orders until April 25, "then pause for a week and try to choose a new channel for shipping after May 5th." Currently, AYN offers either DHL or 4PX for shipping, with the customer being able to choose during the checkout process.

Taking a breather and going back to the drawing board seems to be the most logical move. It's something we saw Nintendo do in regards to the Switch 2 launch, after the company delayed pre-orders in the U.S. As a result, many began worrying whether the Switch 2, which is made in Vietnam, would end up being priced even higher than the $449 retail price.

Ultimately, Nintendo decided against raising the price of the Switch 2 itself, but confirmed that "Switch 2 accessories will see price adjustments." However, there's still a chance that the Switch 2 will eventually cost more, depending on how much inventory Nintendo has on hand in its U.S. warehouses.

What does this mean for future releases?

Anbernic's decision to suspend shipments to the U.S. comes at an interesting time, as the company only just recently announced its latest gaming handheld, the RG557. However, pre-orders for the device haven't even opened yet, and we're interested to see how things will play out.

The company has warehouses in both China and the U.S., but given how quickly the tariff situation has developed, we're not sure what inventory levels might look like. Although it's unlikely, there's even a chance that Anbernic wasn't able to get any inventory into the States.

Then there are AYANEO and OneXSugar, two companies that announced devices earlier this year but have yet to provide any availability updates. AYANEO's Pocket ACE looks to be one of the most pocketable and powerful handhelds we've ever seen, utilizing the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 and sporting a 4.5-inch display.

OneXSugar's Sugar1 is set to be one of the first devices to be powered by the new Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, announced at GDC 2025. While flagship power is great, the real story is the dual-screen design, essentially offering a modern (and futuristic) take on the Nintendo DS.

While we're excited to see both of these gaming handhelds launched, we're also expecting to be disappointed. It wouldn't come as a shock if neither of these ended up arriving in the U.S. If they do, I suspect that we're in store for some rather high price tags.

Is there anything you can do?

Unfortunately, this entire situation is out of our hands, meaning we're just at the mercy of OEMs, shipping partners, and retailers. It also means that even if you are (or were) willing to pay the tariffs, you might end up finding an order being canceled just because you live in the U.S.

In the weeks leading up to the deadline, companies have been trying to bring as much inventory into the U.S. as they can. So it's likely that we'll see a bit of a buffer between now and when the inventory runs out. After that, all bets are off, and we simply won't know what the landscape of things will look like until the time has arrived.

Some OEMs and retailers, such as Anbernic and AliExpress, have U.S. warehouses that you can order from. Besides that, Amazon resellers are probably your next best bet. But no matter what, be prepared to pay more than what the original retail price was.

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The tariff and trade war between the U.S. and China has claimed one of its first victims, albeit an unlikely one. In response to the May 2 deadline, Retroid moved up the timeline for shipping the new Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic. Preorders for the Flip 2 began shipping earlier this week, with Retroid ramping up shipments for the Pocket Classic just yesterday.

Even with the Hongkong Post halting any shipments from China to the U.S., we assumed "no news was good news." It turns out that's not the case, as an announcement was made on X (and the Retroid Discord) that the Kiwi, Teal, and Berry colors will not arrive in time to be shipped. The announcement also explains that "All shipping agencies will not accept US-bound packages from China, starting 4/25/25."

I wasn't personally aware of the 4/25 cutoff date for shipments between the two countries. However, it doesn't come as much of a surprise given the hostile nature of the situation. Nevertheless, this doesn't bode well for anyone, not just those who preordered the Retroid Pocket Classic. For now, the only recourse we have is to contact Retroid and request a different color, but who knows how long it will be before those supplies dry up.

If anything, it's a sign of things to come, meaning that even if you were willing to pay the tariff fees for a product, that decision has been taken out of your hands entirely. Instead, the package will either not be accepted at all or will be returned to the sender if it manages to slip through the cracks.

Sure, it's just a gaming handheld, which is confined to a niche anyway. But the bigger question weighing on my mind now is how this will affect 2025 smartphone launches. Practically every phone passes through China at some point, even if it's just for the manufacturing of certain components before going to a factory in Vietnam, India, or elsewhere to be included in the assembly.

Currently, it doesn't appear that other countries are affected, indicating a good chance that this won't impact upcoming device releases. That may not be the case across the board, so it's possible that some devices are delayed or perhaps even outright canceled. And if you don't think phone makers are concerned about what could be on the horizon, look no further than Apple.

Recently, a report surfaced claiming that Apple has flown "at least 10 flights carrying iPhones and other products" from China, in an effort to avoid the tariff wars. According to The Wall Street Journal, there are "throngs of U.S. consumers who have rushed to buy new iPhones over the past week, expecting that new tariffs will prompt Apple to raise prices."

Another report suggests that Apple is relocating the manufacturing of the iPhone 16e to Brazil, a country not affected by the tariff disputes between the U.S. and China. While we haven't seen similar reports about devices from Samsung or Google, we also wouldn't be surprised if they start to appear in the coming weeks.

Shortly after Apple loaded up ten planes of products, the Trump Administration announced that "smartphones and other electronics components will be exempt" from the tariffs. All of this came after companies like Razer and Framework halted shipments of certain devices to the U.S. Meanwhile, other companies, such as Lenovo with the forthcoming Legion Go S, and OnePlus with the Watch 3, raised prices in an attempt to "get ahead" of the storm.

Meanwhile, the majority of Android gaming handhelds are completely designed and manufactured in China. And upon release, it's a DHL or 4PX shipment that might get transferred to USPS before landing on your doorstep. And while Retroid is the one being currently affected, there are other gaming handhelds from the likes of AYANEO and OneXSugar that are expected to be released in the near future.

Given that shipping agencies will apparently no longer be accepting packages, it could spell disaster for some of these companies. Alternatively, it may mean that your package needs to make a stop in a different country before it can be delivered to your front door. The logistics of that idea alone are enough to give me the heebie-jeebies, so I don't even want to imagine what it would actually be like.

The craziest part about the entire situation isn't the back-and-forth between the U.S. and China. It's just how fluid everything is, and that by this time tomorrow, another frustrating layer is peeled back. Hell, it could just all be gone, and we go back to the way things were before January. Sadly, I don't think that's going to be in the cards.

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When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, its custom NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip was already pretty outdated. Over the past eight years, many Android and x86 gaming handhelds offer more than enough horsepower to emulate even the most graphically intensive Switch games thanks to the likes of Ryujinx and Yuzu. But after years of mostly being quiet, Nintendo went on a DMCA spree last year, taking down the best Switch emulators, and now we know why.

Following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company published a series of articles and videos titled "Ask the Developers." As it turns out, Nintendo is doing the exact thing that it's trying to stop everyone else from doing — well, not exactly the same thing, but pretty darn close.

In one of the interviews published, Nintendo's Kouichi Kawamoto and Takuirho Dohta were asked about backward compatibility with original Switch games. This might seem like an odd question, but it's because the Switch 2 is reliant upon a completely different architecture compared to its predecessor. As a result, it's not exactly as simple as taking your original Breath of the Wild cartridge, putting it in the Switch 2, and start playing.

When asked, "Does that mean the Switch and Switch 2 aren't compatible at a hardware level?" Dohta responded, "If we tried to use technology like software emulators, we'd have to run Switch 2 at full capacity, but that would mean the battery wouldn't last so long, so we did something that’s somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility."

Reading between the lines a bit, it sounds to me like Nintendo wanted to just use an emulator to run Switch 1 games on the Switch 2. However, there isn't enough power in the upcoming NVIDIA chip to allow for that without severely sacrificing battery life. It's a common problem with Android and x86 handhelds as newer consoles just chew through battery like there's no tomorrow.

To combat this problem, Nintendo took a slightly different approach, introducing something like a translation layer to relieve some of the pressure. This isn't unheard of, as Apple's M-series processors rely on Rosetta, and just last year, Microsoft introduced its Prism layer to accompany the Snapdragon Arm chips found in the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models.

However, there's another layer (pun intended) to how we're going to be able to play Switch 2 games, and I have a feeling it's Nintendo's way of trying to prevent, or at least slow down, Switch 2 emulation.

Currently, when you buy a physical Switch game, all of the game data and information is held on that cartridge. Slot it into your Switch, and it might need to install an update, but generally, you can just start playing.

For certain Switch 2 games, that won't be the case, as the physical cartridge is nothing more than a "Game Key Card." This means that you'll spend your hard-earned money, put the Game Cart into your Switch 2, and then wait until the game is actually downloaded from the cloud. It's sure to be a frustrating solution for some, but it's practically identical to what we've dealt with on Xbox and PlayStation consoles for years.

Opting for this Game Key Card method isn't solely an attempt to curb emulation. There are other reasons, too, as the Switch 2 cartridges are limited to a 64GB capacity. This is double the amount of the original Switch, but still might not be enough, which helps explain why the Switch 2 features 256GB of built-in storage, compared to the 8GB from the original.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes to Switch 2 emulation on non-Nintendo hardware like Android handhelds.

Now that the cat's out of the bag, Nintendo's warpath on emulators makes a lot more sense. And it's definitely a shame, as I love being able to play my favorite games using whatever device I want.

Ultimately, I think that we're going to experience a bit of a lull when it comes to Switch emulation. There have been quite a few attempts by others to pick up where Ryujinx and Yuzu left off, but it's just not the same vibe anymore. Thankfully, the Switch 2 release isn't too long of a wait, just long enough for me to still turn to my various Android gaming handhelds when the mood to play Switch games strikes.

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What you need to know

• The AYANEO Pocket ACE has been officially announced.
• It features a 4.5-inch LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 1620 x 1080 resolution.
• The Pocket ACE is powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, the same SoC as the Pocket S, EVO, and DMG.

It's been quite a busy month for AYANEO, as the company kicked things off by unveiling the Pocket Micro Classic. That was followed up by a joint announcement with Qualcomm where several new devices and handhelds were announced. Now, AYANEO is closing the month out with the introduction of the Pocket ACE.

The company actually began teasing the ACE right after the Micro Classic was announced. However, we're only now learning more about what this latest Android gaming handheld has to offer.

If you like the idea of a retro handheld but want something more portable than the Pocket EVO, then the 4.5-inch Pocket ACE might be the one for you. AYANEO is using an LCD panel, complete with a 1620 x 1080 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio.

There was something I noticed about the Pocket ACE, and that it's design looked kind of familiar. It took a few minutes, but then I realized that the Pocket ACE looks fairly similar to the Retroid Pocket 2S.

Of course, it's not exactly the same, but it's pretty darn close. And while the Pocket 2S was one of my favorite handhelds, it was just a bit too small for me. I'm hoping that the Pocket ACE will be able to help me avoid hand cramps even when playing games for longer sessions.

At the helm is the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, making this the most powerful handheld at this size that we've seen. And even with that amount of horsepower, we're hoping the Pocket ACE will last for days thanks to the 6,000mAh battery. Plus, there's 40W fast charging onboard to get you juiced back up to 100% in no time.

Notably, AYANEO's main focus isn't on how powerful it is, but instead, it is that the Pocket ACE is the "first retro handheld with a 0916B flagship-grade linear motor." The company claims this will deliver "realistic, nuanced vibrations...deepening immersion."

So far, it looks like AYANEO might have another winner on its hands. Some bits of information have yet to be shared about the Pocket ACE, including RAM, storage, and of course, the price.

Nevertheless, you can head over to the Indiegogo campaign page and sign up to be notified when the Pocket ACE goes live. AYANEO is offering a $10 discount for those who sign up, which will come in the form of a "secret perk" that will be emailed to you. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long before being able to get our hands on this.

It seems as though mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity every year. And while it's great being able to play games right on your phone, it's not the most comfortable experience. Even just playing games for a few minutes usually ends up with me either being annoyed that my fingers are in the way or my wrists start to bother me. Thankfully, I have the GameSir G8 Plus at my disposal, and now you can get one too, as it's dropped to its lowest price ever as part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

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Heading into 2025, things were looking pretty bleak for the Android emulation scene. Nintendo took down multiple Switch emulators, and there just wasn't much progress being made for other platforms. Fast forward to today, and while things are looking slightly better on the Switch front, it's also now possible to play PS3 AND Windows games right on your phone.

Of course, after you get everything set up, using the on-screen controls isn't exactly ideal. This is just one of the reasons why I always recommend picking up a game controller that you can use to create a Switch-like mobile gaming experience.

While there's definitely no shortage of options to choose from, the GameSir G8 Plus is always the first controller I recommend. For one, it works with practically every device that I have, including the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra with its enormous 14.6-inch display.

Of course, not everyone is going to use a tablet of that size to play games, but it does speak to the versatility offered by the G8 Plus. Speaking of which, one of the big reasons why I prefer the G8 Plus over the G8 Galileo (which is also on sale) is that I don't have to worry about the USB-C port getting in the way. This way, I can slot in my phone, start playing, and then stop playing just as quickly.

Although the Game Developers Conference isn't until next week, Google made a surprising announcement anyway, introducing Vulkan as the new default graphics API for Android. Until now, developers could rely on either Vulkan or OpenGL, although the latter has been around for quite a long time.

This move to Vulkan as the default opens up a world of advanced rendering features for developers, such as ray tracing and multithreading. This can help enable richer, more immersive visuals for games that utilize it.

Normally, this isn't that I would care all that much about, as I usually have one of the latest Android phones running the latest software. However, the move to making Vulkan the default for graphics will kick in when the final version of Android 16 arrives. That's an important point of distinction when you're deciding on what gaming handheld to pick up.

With many of these handhelds, you won't find the latest version of Android at the helm. Instead, companies include anywhere between Android 11 and, on very rare occasions, Android 14. But most of the time, you're getting Android 13 with little to no hope of seeing newer versions.

Some of this can be attributed to compatibility, seeing as something like the Retroid Pocket 5 and its Snapdragon 865 is better suited for older versions of Android. At the same time, some, like the Pimax Portal and Retroid Pocket Mini, ship with Android 10. Pimax no longer sells the Portal, and although the Pocket Mini could be upgraded to Android 13, it comes with the caveat of a drop in performance.

This leads me to why I'm intrigued by Google's decision to switch to the Vulkan API. I doubt devices such as the Pocket Mini will ever even sniff Android 16, but that's using a six-year-old chip. However, it might be a different story with gaming handhelds like the AYN Odin 2 or AYANEO Pocket EVO. The former utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with the latter reliant upon the G3x Gen 2.

Of course, neither of these are the latest and greatest, but both are still quite performant. Not to mention that, in part, thanks to community driver support, they are even better for mobile gaming than the Snapdragon 8 Elite. There's hope that the community shifts its focus to try and unlock the horsepower of Qualcomm's latest chips, but that might not ever happen.

However, this is where I'm wondering if a (relatively) simple software update could provide even better performance and compatibility with newer chips. I'm not so sure that's what will happen, but I'm hopeful that at least one company will release an Android 16 update, even if it's just to see what happens.

There is another side of the coin, and it's that some companies use a heavily skinned version of Android. In doing so, it's able to implement various tools that can take full advantage of the hardware.

AYANEO handhelds, for example, usually have a few extra buttons than even what you'll find on many controllers. Not only that, but when you start up something like the AYANEO Pocket S for the first time, you're not going to be greeted by the traditional Android home screen. Instead, it's a launcher unique to AYANEO handhelds, complete with a fly-out menu that provides more granular profile controls.

Meanwhile, if you were to fire up a Retroid Pocket 5 for the first time, you're taken through a unique setup process that guides you through everything. And when everything is said and done, it's just your basic old Android home screen, giving you the freedom to install any custom launcher that you want. Or, just leave it as is if that's the way you want to roll.

Nevertheless, I'm still pretty excited to see what kind of effect Google's latest announcement has not just on gaming handhelds but also on phones and tablets. I think, in the long run, this will be good for everyone. I just hope that these gaming handheld OEMs don't end up kicking and screaming the entire time.

Over the past few weeks, Retroid has been drip-feeding everyone with little bits of information about its upcoming Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic. With all of the specs and colors revealed, all that was left was price and availability. This morning, Retroid did just that, as it shared how much both of these new gaming handhelds.

As such, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is set to retail for either $229 or $189, depending on whether you want the Dimensity 1100 or Snapdragon 865. Meanwhile, the Retroid Pocket Classic will set you back either $119 for the 4GB+64GB model or $129 for 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Plus, once pre-orders open on March 17, Retroid is offering a $10 discount on the Flip 2 and $5 on the Classic before jumping up to the retail price once these go on sale. However, Retroid is also offering a "Combo," which saves you $30 and includes both the Snapdragon 865-powered Pocket Flip 2 and the 6GB/128GB Pocket Classic.

Sure, it's only $30, but for that, you're getting two Android gaming handhelds. What makes this special isn't the price; you'll have different form factors to enjoy. So, if you're out and about and want to play some retro games, just stick the Classic in your pocket before you leave. And when you're home, sit back and relax with the larger screen and better ergonomics of the Pocket Flip 2.

While the Pocket Flip 2 and its Snapdragon 865 SoC might seem a bit outdated, it still offers plenty of power for both emulation and other Android games. But there's a good chance that it will have another trick up its sleeve, and that's the ability to emulate Xbox and even PS3 games.

No, you won't find an Xbox emulator on the Play Store or hiding in a GitHub repo. However, after the Retroid Pocket 5 was released late last year, it wasn't long before Linux gaming firmware was made available. Both ROCKNIX and Batocera can be downloaded and installed, making it possible to play Xbox games on your "Android" handheld.

That's not even the best part: you don't lose access to Android if you want to try either of these out. The installation steps are fairly tedious, but you're not actually installing the software to the internal storage on the Pocket 5. Instead, you just flash it to a microSD card from your computer.

Once that's done, pop in the microSD card, hold down one of the volume buttons while restarting, and a few minutes later, you'll have a Linux gaming handheld. And if you want to switch back over to play some Android games, all you have to do is take out the microSD card and restart. Then, you'll be right back into the native Android experience that Retroid provides.

All of this is made possible thanks to the Snapdragon 865, which is exactly the same chip that we're getting in the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. While I assume some tweaks will have to be made to account for the clamshell form factor, there's no reason to believe that we won't get ROCKNIX and Batocera on the Flip 2.

Although much of our focus is more on Android gaming handhelds, those only account for a fraction of the market. There are so many more retro gaming handhelds out there, with the majority of them that make use of Linux-based firmware. But with the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and the Pocket Classic, you won't have to pick and choose.

What you need to know

• A far-reaching U.S. court ruling, among other things, will force Google to stop requiring app developers to use Google Play Billing for Android mobile payments.
• Microsoft is one of the first developers to bring new offerings to Android and the Google Play Store now that they're opened up. 
• You'll be able to purchase and play Xbox games on Android starting next in November. 

Android gamers can already play console-quality games on their flagship smartphones with the advent of Xbox Cloud Gaming and the Xbox Game Pass app. However, thanks to a recent U.S. court decision that barred Google from forcing Google Play Billing on developers, Microsoft will introduce new ways to buy and play games on Android. Starting next month, you'll be able to buy an Xbox game and stream it from the cloud on your Android phone — all from the Xbox app.

The move comes following a landmark decision by Judge James Donato in federal court that ruled Google must open up the Android app ecosystem to competitors. The changes stipulate that Google has to make it easy for third-party app stores to exist, distribute apps, and use their own payment systems. Google Play Billing, which was required and forced a revenue-sharing model with Google upon developers, is now optional. 

That'll prop up other app and game marketplaces, like the one that's coming to the Xbox app. Xbox president Sarah Bond briefly shared the brand's plans in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Oct. 10. 

"The court's ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility," said Bond. "Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android."

Microsoft's rivals, like Steam and PlayStation, have long offered mobile purchases. However, it looks like the recent Google antitrust rulings opened the door for Microsoft to offer similar features in the Xbox app. It would seem like the Google Play Store was the issue, though, because Microsoft already allowed users to purchase games on the Xbox Game Pass app through the Samsung Galaxy Store.

It's unclear whether Microsoft plans to make sweeping changes to the Xbox mobile app or simply add mobile purchases to the currently available options. The company previously acknowledged the existence of an Xbox mobile store in August and also continues to develop a web-based store.

Following regulations and court decisions from both the U.S. and E.U., we're already seeing more options become available for Android gamers. The injunction from the U.S. takes effect Nov. 1, and Microsoft says purchases will be possible in the Xbox app sometime after. 

Meanwhile, game developer Epic brought the Epic Games Store to iOS and iPadOS in the E.U. after regulators forced Apple to open up its mobile platforms. It's also available on Android via sideloading. 

Theoretically, there is nothing stopping Epic from officially launching the Epic Games Store on the Google Play Store when these new rules take effect. That's why the recent court decisions hold so much weight.  

Android is open, Xbox is everywhere

It's fitting that the Xbox and Android ecosystems are finally coming together because they've been trending in that direction for a while. Google has been forced to open up Android due to regulations and court decisions, while Microsoft has generally expanded the Xbox ecosystems of its own volition. 

Although the company has continued to acquire publishers, Microsoft seems disinterested in keeping titles exclusive to Xbox hardware. Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Pentiment were the first four Microsoft games to toss their Xbox exclusivity aside. Since then, Microsoft executives have thrown their support behind other hardware, like when Phil Spencer talked about the emergence of PC gaming handhelds (and even teased the potential for an Xbox handheld).

It's hard not to view Microsoft's shift toward an open-ecosystem future as a company failure since Xbox lost this generation of the console wars to PlayStation by just about every metric. It's also hard to deny the fact that this shift benefits consumers. Now, you're able to play the top games coming out of Microsoft studios on more devices. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, the options are even further expanded.

Meanwhile, Google seemingly hasn't been as interested in the idea of opening up Android or the Google Play Store at this level. But it's happening, whether we like it or not. We might start to see regulatory bodies and courts push harder against big tech and its monopolistic practices following this early showing, because it only took a few days for consumers to benefit from the U.S.'s injunction against Google.

Sarah's Scribbles creator Sarah Andersen has partnered with An Infinite Story for a mobile game called "After Owning a Cat," which uses vector art inspired by the popular webcomic to allow you to pinch and zoom to discover hidden details in tiny portions of the canvas.

It's hard to visualize without seeing it for yourself, so I've embedded an IG post from Andersen narrating just one of many potential paths into the depths of the interactive comic. You can also check out the comic for yourself at that link, and start exploring.

An Infinite Story, the team behind the infinite storytelling platform, has shown off demos with Disney art and real-life sports superstars like LeBron James and Tom Brady, but it's looking to partner closely with artists like Andersen to create interactive worlds that go beyond the usual comic-panel format you see with webcomics.

Essentially, any tiny dot or line on the canvas may hold entire art pieces and worlds, so you're encouraged to pinch-and-zoom onto every area to catch all the Easter eggs. For this demo, you must count every single hidden cat, and those that score closest to the correct number are entered into a contest to win prizes like signed books or original art drawn by Andersen.

I had the chance to sit down with Andersen and Infinite Story co-founder Bobby Chiu, an Emmy-winning artist who designed characters for Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland and works on other Hollywood animated movies like Super Mario Bros.

I confirmed that "After Owning a Cat" had no generative AI elements; instead, it takes preexisting art from Sarah's Scribbles with its "original aesthetic and style," then places them in the wider canvas, while adding new art with the same aesthetic style made in collaboration by Andersen, Chiu, and other team members. It's an "expansion on a creative process" that "feels new and innovative,” says Andersen.

Long-time Sarah's Scribbles fans will recognize strips and "characters" like her pets and various body parts, as this experience pays homage to them. But it has an Inception-like theme where the deeper you go, the more the world of Sarah's Scribbles takes on a bizarre feline spin you've never seen before in the comic. 

The "cat takeover" theme offers a unique twist to the usual hidden-art-game formula, and it allowed Andersen to try a different kind of storytelling with a "unifying narrative" than she can normally accomplish with a few comic panels.

Andersen is excited to use this same format for future comic tie-ins. I asked if she might bring in other Sarah's Scribbles themes like cryptids or uterus woes for a hidden-art comic; she laughed at the idea of a whole anatomy-themed experience, but mentioned that she's working on other new comics — including one with a fantasy theme — that could use this format to build backstory and character ideas that'll make their way into the comic.

As for how the Infinite Story platform works, Chiu and fellow engineer Josh Tyler didn't share too many details, except that it's WebGL platform agnostic and is best suited for mobile pinch-and-zoom (though you can experience it with a computer trackpad too).

This Sarah's Scribbles demo is essentially a trial run for them, and they designed it to be "easy" for users to find every hidden nook and cranny, with shining icons that appear if you're stuck. Eventually, they intend to add "new game modes" like "puzzlers, time trials, web comics, and cooperative treasure hunts" that provide more challenge and encourage more free exploration.

Hidden object game companies and webcomic apps like Webtoons would probably jump at the chance to incorporate this tech, so I wouldn't be surprised if An Infinite Story tech ends up in the best Android games of the future, if not hosted on their own app for unique experiences.

Either way, it's an intriguing new gaming/ storytelling format that puts more emphasis on lovingly recreating art instead of "borrowing" it via genAI, and I think that's pretty neat. I'm excited to see what other artists end up using this format.

On Tuesday at GDC 2024, I attended Google's keynote session, "Reimagine the Future of Gaming with Google AI." Glancing at my neighbors' nametags, I saw engineers from Tencent, Epic Games, and other notable devs and publishers, all crammed into uncomfortable chairs to see Google's AI-tinted vision of how Android games can get better.

I'm used to people evangelizing doomed or premature concepts at industry events like GDC. However, this hour-long talk, given by a carousel of Google engineers and execs, sounded more like a helpful warning to the industry that AI-backed games are already happening and that they'd better get on board if they want to keep up. 

Simon Tokumine, director of product management for Google AI, explained how game devs are using generative AIs like Google Gemini today for "ideation" when creating concept art, dialogue, and even early soundtrack treatments. 

The next step, which Google thinks will arrive in the "next few years," is an influx of "living games." These games will have a similar model to live service games like Fortnite and Destiny 2, except that the updates will be "underpinned by generative AI," says Jack Buser, the director of games for Google Cloud.

What does this mean for Android games? Can GenAI really usher in a new era of gaming on par with "CD-ROMs and 3D graphics," as Buser promises? I'll run through the highlights of Google's vision of the future. 

The next era of GenAI video games

Every game developer is looking for its next cash cow. This 2023 Game Development Report shows that 65% of surveyed development studios make live service games, and 30% plan to jump on the bandwagon. However, that same survey suggests that most developers don't have the resources to pull off the live service games that shareholders want. 

Google's solution is to shift focus to living games that constantly update and create new content self-sufficiently, without the same labor demands. 

Buser described how living games would respond to players' "implicit or explicit desires," adapting gameplay to address complaints or to emphasize popular features. He hinted that Google has "something coming very soon on that," possibly a new Gemini feature.

The panel also keyed in on GenAI-based non-playable characters (NPCs), something that other major tech companies like NVIDIA have focused on this week.

These tech companies, eager for a world where no one has to pay creatives like voice actors ever again, have begun showing off these futuristic tech demos that lip-sync to dialogue generated by large language models. 

Buser says these "fully organic" NPCs, in the context of an MMO, will remember what past players asked and adjust their dialogue accordingly. They'll also be able to create LLM "chains" where an NPC can pull from other chatbots for information the player needs but doesn't have. 

Dan Zaratsian, a Google AI/ML solutions architect, later described a vision of hundreds of thousands of GenAI-powered NPCs in a single world with individual character profiles, remembered player interactions, and dialogue with specific rulesets like the game's lore and history.

Without a trace of irony, Tokumine described how these computer-backed NPCs would make video game worlds "much more human, much more alive, and much more complete" than ever — despite the lack of actual people involved in making them.

Humans would need to be involved to ensure that the LLMs don't generate inappropriate or incoherent content, Google assured. But at the automated scale this LLM system describes, it's not entirely clear how any game could have enough editors to avoid any GenAI controversies or "financial issues."

Where Google Gemini fits in

Right now, Google uses its AI to auto-generate Play Store descriptions and improve its game marketing to players. And with the recent launch of Gemini 1.5, the generative AI can now handle up to one million tokens.

The Google team on stage described what this means for developers: You can now upload half an hour of video or three hours of audio to Gemini and "ask it what comes next." You can also upload 10,000 lines of raw code, plus a video of your engineers fixing errors, and have Gemini use that template to catch and fix other errors for you. 

Lei Zhang, Google's director for Play Partnerships and Global GenAI, described how he uploaded "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" to Gemini 1.5 to create a Sherlock Holmes RPG with a story based on the detective's past adventures — something Zhang says the original Gemini 1.0 couldn't handle. 

Beyond Gemini, the panel brought up Google Gemma, the new open-source AI that developers can license commercially. Google wants smaller developers to use Gemma for "rapid prototyping," world-building, dialogue, and other applications that would normally require more resources to implement on a large scale. 

Larger developers are already using Google's Vertex AI, which Buser says can be "tuned" so that its algorithm focuses on the devs' own rules and data, with greater privacy and more powerful applications. 

The problems with Google's GenAI vision

Right now, your favorite roguelikes use procedural generation to create randomized challenges and layouts from human-made templates. And, of course, games like No Man's Sky create vast galaxies of generated planets at a scale humans couldn't achieve by themselves.

If procedural generation expanded to include AI-based NPCs, that could make worlds feel more lived in than ever... but only if the LLMs backing them can become intelligent enough to work unsupervised and avoid hallucinations. 

That also applies to "living games" that will change based on user feedback. Can future versions of Gemini actually be trusted to come up with updates that'll keep users engaged and on par with the customized, carefully conceived seasons and expansions that gamers have grown used to? Or is Google just taking creativity for granted as something their algorithm can eventually copy?

Google has hired musicians, artists, and lyricists to train its AI to spew out better results, but its AI almost certainly is trained off of unpaid artists' and writers' work found via Google Search. A public-domain Sherlock Holmes RPG is fine, but Google can't monitor if companies start feeding Gemini copyrighted material for "inspiration" that blurs the line with theft.

I couldn't say if the GDC 2024 attendees agreed with Google's vision or not. But like so many other gaming trends—like live service games—it seems like the kind of thing that executives will latch onto regardless of the problems due to the potential for profitable games without having to pay as much for labor.

Other major tech brands like Xbox and NVIDIA have their own AI panels coming up this week at GDC, so don't be surprised if AI becomes a regular fixture of gaming whether or not you want it. 

With Google's partners specifically, don't be surprised if more and more Android games start using GenAI and LLMs to make randomized puzzles or new narrative NPCs at a regular cadence. This will give the best Android phones more games to play, but the level of quality and originality will be another question entirely.

What you need to know

• Epic announced that the Epic Games Store will be available on Android later this year.
• Epic says it will bring the same revenue split offered on PC to Android and iOS, where developers keep 88% of revenue, and Epic takes 12% of revenue. 
• This significantly undercuts the revenue split offered on the Google Play Store, where some developers only have to pay Google a 15% fee, but high earners could give up as much as 30%. 

Epic is bringing the Epic Games Store to Android later this year, it announced during the State of Unreal event at GDC ’24. The move comes after Epic said it would launch an alternative app marketplace on iOS in the European Union. Now, it's confirmed that Android will also be getting the Epic Games Store, though not many details have been finalized yet. 

The company is touting the upcoming Epic Games Store for Android as having the "same fair terms" as its desktop game marketplace. Essentially, this claim is based on the revenue split that Epic will offer to developers. The company will take 12% of the revenue from purchases, while developers get to retain 88% of that revenue. Additionally, Epic will allow apps and games to sell in-app purchases via independent methods, where they can keep 100% of earned revenue. 

It's important to remember that the Epic Games Store coming to Android is different than the Epic Games Launcher. The latter has been available on Android since 2019, and it allows users to download and update games from Epic, such as Fortnite. However, it will have taken five years for the Epic Games Launcher to be joined by a mobile Epic Games Store.

It's not a secret that Epic plans to use the Epic Games Store to compete with the Google Play Store on Android. Google takes a cut of between 15% and 30% of revenue earned on the Play Store, with the highest-grossing developers paying more. Epic will aim to disrupt this arrangement by giving the same 88/12 split to developers of all sizes. At the same time, this split would undercut the Google Play Store's fees entirely. 

Epic also says the Epic Games Store "will become the first ever game-focused, multi-platform store, and will work across Android, iOS, PC, and macOS."

Still, we'll need to wait for more information about the store's features and availability. Though the company included some mockups of what the Epic Games Store might look like on mobile, they are "concepts only."

The world of Android controllers is a large one, with a ton of different options to choose from when it comes to getting your hands on something comfortable for long gaming sessions. While people are often looking to find the best Android gaming controllers, two of the more popular options that often come up are the Nacon MG-X Pro, and the Gamesir X3. 

These two standout options both provide some stellar quality and comfort for gaming on your phone, but which exactly is the better of the two? To find the answer, we're comparing the two, to see which Android gaming controller holds up and is worth picking up as your go-to device. 

Nacon MG-X Pro vs. GameSir X3: design and fit

From the moment you look at them, both the Nacon MG-X Pro and Gamesir X3 are incredibly different in what they aim to do. The Nacon MG-X Pro is modeled after more of a traditional console controller, with corners for your hands to grip jutting out of the ends of each side. 

The Gamesir X3, on the other hand, goes for more of a sleek design, with a rounded body and edge that feels more like you're holding the Nintendo Switch in its handheld mode than a traditional gaming controller. 

Both controllers feature pretty standard "controller" features, like two analog sticks, a D-pad, and face buttons to play, but that's about where their similarities end. 

With the Nacon MG-X Pro, comfort is something you'll notice right away. Not only does the controller feel weighty, but it also feels like you're essentially just holding an Xbox controller. 

The device is mirrored to be one, as well, with colorful A, B, X, and Y buttons, textured analog sticks, and even the Xbox's buttons featured on the device as well. 

The hold of the Nacon MG-X Pro is secure and doesn't ever feel too heavy in one area. Likewise, the layout of the buttons — not too spaced apart but not too close — make for good travel between your fingers while you're playing. This results in a pretty comfortable grip throughout, which is great for long sessions of gaming. 

Opting against a traditional controller design, the Gamesir X3 goes for more of what you'd imagine a mobile controller to look like. Fortunately, the comfort and feel of the controller isn't sacrificed in this regard. 

The Gamesir X3 is a comfortable enough controller, although it might not feel as comfortable as someone with larger grips like the MG-X Pro. Compared to Nacon's entry, the Gamesir X3 also suffers from a problem many other mobile controllers do, which is that their buttons often feel way too close. 

Due to the compact nature of the device, the analog sticks are a bit smaller than someone might prefer. Thankfully, grips are included with the device to mitigate that, but it's still a bit of a hassle. For those that prefer an extremely sleek and minimalist design, however, this takes the cake. 

Nacon MG-X Pro vs. GameSir X3: performance

Performance might not be something you think of when it comes to mobile controllers, but it is a big factor in deciding which might be the right one for you. Thankfully, both of these devices are standout, with speedy response times and great button feel while playing. 

As mentioned earlier, due to the Nacon MG-X Pro imitating an Xbox controller, the feel of the device while playing is also just as great as using an Xbox controller. Unlike a controller with a phone clip attached to the top or something else, the MG-X Pro's design keeps it from feeling top-heavy. 

The weight distribution is perfect, and though the clamp is slightly less forceful than other similar Android controllers of similar natures, it has raised edges to keep your phone secure. The face buttons, thumbsticks, and D-pad are all responsive and snappy as well, and the triggers and bumpers on top are curved and comfortable to press when needing to quickly move up to hit the buttons. 

The Gamesir X3 also performs incredibly well when it comes to how games play on the device. The device does something unique amongst mobile controllers, however, as it comes packed with a built-in fan to keep your device cool while playing. 

While the fan is a great touch and something thoughtful, as phones can get quite hot while playing, even that has its downsides. The fan needs to be plugged in to work, meaning you'll have to be tethered to something to keep it running. Outside of that, the Gamesir X3's battery pulls from your phone, meaning you may have to watch your battery life as you play. 

The Nacon MX-G Pro, on the flip side, boasts a battery that claims it can last up to 20 hours without needing a charge. That's about on par with most wireless mobile controllers, however. 

Nacon MG-X Pro vs. GameSir X3: which is best?

When it comes down to it, both controllers offer an almost polar opposite (yet great) approach to how they tackle mobile gaming. The Gamesir X3 models itself almost after a Nintendo Switch, while the Nacon MX-G Pro opts to treat your play sessions more like a console gaming appointment. For that reason, the Nacon MX-G Pro comes out on top here. 

Combined with its great feel, comfortable design, and sturdy buttons, as well as the fact that its own wireless battery means you won't be losing any extra phone power, it's the go-to choice and gold standard for gamers looking for a new phone controller. 

Over the course of the past month that I’ve been playing, it’s become clear to me that Monopoly GO! is all about expectations. As an avid board gamer, seeing a beloved board game get a good mobile adaption is always a delight. I was so excited to review this game, because I assumed (my mistake), that I would be playing Monopoly on my phone, which sounded like a great time! 

That assumption led to some serious disappointment when I fired up the game for the first time and realized after 5 minutes of “playing” that Monopoly GO! was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, not Monopoly. That’s not to say it’s a bad game, but I want to make it clear now that if you go into Monopoly GO! expecting Monopoly, you’re setting yourself up for a bad time. Alternatively, if you go into it expecting a sleek, shiny, mindless time-waster tap-fest, you will be delighted by what you find. 

That might sound like mean-spirited sarcasm, but it’s not; there’s a time and place for every type of game, even the mindless time-wasters. If that’s not what you’re looking for when you think “mobile board game”, then you can peruse our curated selection of the actual best mobile board games for Android instead.

With that said, let’s dive into the blinding, bustling world of Monopoly GO!

If it's not Monopoly, then what is it?

Originally designed as a way to illustrate the negative impact of concentrating wealth and resources under monopolies, Monopoly, as we know it today, has seen quite a few changes over its storied, nearly 100-year history. The modern version that most folks know and love (or hate...or love to hate) sees 2-4 players traveling around a board lined with properties for sale, jail, chance spaces, and annoying staples like income tax spaces. 

Players all start with the same amount of money, gain $200 every time they loop back around to pass the starting GO space, and lose or make money by buying and trading properties, owing or collecting rent from other players, being blessed or cursed by the random chance spaces, etc. 

The goal of the game is to dominate the board’s real estate by acquiring monopolies of same-colored spaces and then bleeding your competition dry of all their cash when they land on your properties. You win once everyone else is bankrupt.

Monopoly is cutthroat, strategic, and occasionally collaborative — teaming up with your younger sibling to knock your oldest sibling out of the running early on — and derives its fun from petty vengeance, backstabbing, and being the biggest jerk on the board. The rage is what makes it so great!  

And everything I just described is completely absent, or at least fully defanged, in Monopoly GO! From an aesthetic standpoint, Monopoly GO! bears all the stylings of the board game. All of the spaces are identical to the board game and some of them function the same, like the worthless Just Visiting space. The jail space still prevents you from rolling unless your roll doubles within three turns, income tax still sucks, and there are still ways to put houses and hotels on properties. 

The difference lies in how you “acquire” and build up properties, because functionally speaking, you don’t. Monopoly GO! is a single-player experience in a lightly social ecosystem. You travel around your board completely alone and you already own all of the properties at the outset. Your goal then, is to instead build landmarks, the unique addition around which Monopoly GO! revolves. 

As you make your way around the board, you get cash for almost everything. Rolling doubles, landing on any property, passing GO, and landing on railroads all net you cash. You use that money to build up your board’s five available landmarks, which are themed around your current board. For example, if you’re on the Tokyo board, your landmarks are things like Tokyo Tower, a Japanese market, a temple, a sleek hotel, etc.

Each landmark can be upgraded six times (which also puts more houses or hotels on your board) and once you’ve maxed out all upgrades for your six landmarks, you complete that board and move on to the next one. This is Monopoly GO!’s core loop: roll dice, make money, spend money to upgrade landmarks, roll, make more money, upgrade more landmarks, complete the board, move on to the next board, and do it all over again.   

Sprinkled in that loop are mini-events that can gain or lose you money. Notably, landing on any of the railroad spaces will randomly trigger either a Take-Down or Bank Heist event. Take-Downs allow you to damage the landmarks on another player’s board and Bank Heists allow you to steal money directly out of whatever cash reserve they have on hand. Both of these events are massively more profitable than any of the other actions on the board.

Turnabouts are fair play though, and other players can do exactly the same things to your board and your reserves. You might end a day with 250,000 still in your bank but come back the next morning to find that Josh has stolen 80,000 in a heist or bashed up your lovely landmark, which you now have to pay to repair. 

The final clincher on all of this is tied to the game’s energy system: your dice. Monopoly GO!, like any other casual free-to-play title, imposes a daily energy system of X amount of dice per day. You start out with a low dice ceiling, but it naturally increases as you progress through more boards and boost your overall net worth.

You can roll normally and get forty turns out of your dice or you can play smarter and use a dice multiplier to roll more dice at a time, up to a max multiplier of 10 (this is the max I’ve personally made it to, but I believe the multiplier goes higher than this). 

So if I only have forty dice for the day and I put my multiplier at five, then I’ll only get eight turns for that day. However, all rewards on the board have their values multiplied by five as well, so even though I have fewer rolls, I’m gaining far more money in the process. These multipliers affect Take-Downs and Heists too, so using those max multipliers at every chance is the only way to make progress in the game without resorting to in-app purchases. 

Beautiful presentation, excellent sound design

As I said earlier, Monopoly GO! is a mostly brainless tap-fest, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After I got over my initial disappointment of discovering that I wasn’t actually playing Monopoly and adjusted my expectations to the casual free-to-play level, I started having a much better time. 

Casual games play a vital role in our society. After all, what else could I have done while waiting over half an hour in my doctor’s lobby, bored to tears? Read a book? Have thoughts?! Over my cold, dead body. It’s in life’s many trials and tribulations of boredom that the casual game shines and Monopoly GO! is a nearly perfect time-waster. The gameplay loop, which is more observational than counting as actual gameplay, is frantically fast-paced and oversaturated with rewards to trap you into that “just one more turn” mindset. 

The game is also relatively generous in how much cash and dice refills it doles out. The daily energy system isn't nearly as restrictive as in other free-to-play titles, as daily challenges, limited-time events, chance spaces, and more can all generate additional dice for you to burn through. There have been days where I started at sixty dice but earned 200+ dice over the course of playing normally.

On the design and development side, Monopoly GO! runs seamlessly on my OnePlus 10 Pro, with the rare exception of some light stuttering when too many assets are cluttering up the screen. The bright color palettes, toy-like landmarks, and adorable collectible stickers all make for a pleasing, cohesive presentation that gives Monopoly GO! a more playful personality than its business-professional cousin. 

The sound design is where the game really shines, though. The cute tapping sound effects as your classic silver pieces scuttle around the board make things feel surprisingly tactile while smacking your wrecking ball into landmarks and getting a big burst of cash flying into your wallet is extremely satisfying.

Even the non-intrusive background music is pleasant, with just the right light-hearted tone to keep you feeling relaxed, yet entertained. There's actually a lot to like here if you can forgive the game's drawbacks. 

Ruthless drive for profit and mobile gaming go hand in hand

The problems with Monopoly GO! boil down to two things: shallowness and pushy monetization. Truly, the two horsemen of the mobile gaming apocalypse. 

There is no real strategy here beyond optimizing your spending on landmarks and even the social aspect is disappointingly sterile. You never actually interact with the other players in your circle and who you attack, who you steal from, and whose tokens are on your board to collect rent from are all randomly generated. 

There's no impactful choice in Monopoly GO!, you just do what the gods of randomness tell you to and get rewarded for it. There are also precious few pitfalls to increase your level of risk, which serves to further dull the biting edge that Monopoly classic offers. 

Even when another player steals from you, they don't ever really get that much out of your vault. And if you're consistently spending your cash to keep your landmarks upgraded, then there isn't even really anything to steal, making heists against you a non-threat. 

The same thing goes for your landmarks. You can acquire shield tokens by landing on them around your board, which then gives your landmarks a certain amount of armor from opponent Take-Downs. But even if you don't have any shielded landmarks, the cost to repair a landmark is quite low in comparison to the cost you paid to build it in the first place. Another non-issue.

And the ads. Sweet lord, the ads. Monopoly GO! is a heavily monetized game, from its store packed with dice and cash bundles to the absolute flood of special "limited-time" themed promo bundles. The game will throw these promo bundles in your face at every chance, usually at least 2 in a row, sometimes 3-4 in a row, multiple times per play session. Closing out these ads, again and again, is half the tapping you'll do during a session!

For a game that offers so little meaningful gameplay, it's a big ask to force players to slog through the upper-level grind all while battling through an army of in-game IAP ads.

Should you play it?

If you're looking for an easy, casual boredom defender right in the palm of your hand, Monopoly GO! is literally the perfect game for you. It's free, you can make tons of progress without ever touching the in-app purchases, and it's just engaging enough to keep your attention for the 5-15 minutes a day you're likely to play it before your in-game energy runs out. 

It looks good, it plays well, and it sounds great. The problem is that it's abundantly clear that Monopoly GO! is one of the many mobile games designed for the sole purpose of making as much money as it possibly can. It's not really interested in offering up meaningful or interesting gameplay; it just wants you to spend money. Spiritually, that puts it poetically in line with the lessons the original Monopoly game was meant to teach. It's a common problem in both mobile and PC/console gaming these days, but you still hate to see it. 

Considering the source material it pulls its inspiration from, it's a real shame that there isn't any more strategy or more directly social aspects to the game, like the exceptionally well-designed Sagrada mobile board game. Alternatively, if they had taken a concept like Monopoly Deal, the lite card game version of Monopoly, and translated that into a mobile experience, it could have been awesome.

But for what it is, I guess the casual mobile tap-fest is fine, too. 

Foldables are quickly becoming a larger share of the mobile phone market, and the size of their screens makes them excellent for gaming. Though built-in touch controls may be difficult to use depending on the game, what works best is a good mobile controller paired up with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a 6.2-inch screen when folded and a 7.6-inch screen when unfolded. Regardless of how you use it, its full length — whether folded or unfolded — reaches 6.11 inches. That's the important number to consider when trying to find a mobile controller that supports it. It may be a large phone, but there are still several wonderful options out there when looking for a controller to use with it.

At a glance

Best overall

When it comes to controllers, the most important factors to consider are form and function. That's exactly why it's hard to picture a more perfect controller for the Z Fold 4 than the MG-X Pro controller from Nacon. It's a sleek and stylish blend of the Nintendo Switch's design with a traditional Xbox controller. From spacious placement of the buttons and D-pad to its textured grip, everything about this controller just feels good to use.

The MG-X Pro sports a battery life of up to 20 hours, making it perfect to toss in your bag for work commutes and road trips. The major downside is that in an effort to give the controller a wide range of compatibility, there's no USB connection — you'll have to deal with a wireless Bluetooth 4.2 connection instead.

Best for tabletop play

The PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus stands out amongst other controllers on this list thanks to its integrated power bank; you'll actively be charging your phone as you use the controller. However, you can also manually disable the power bank of this controller with a quick press of a button. If your phone has a good charge level, this will help conserve battery life of the controller's power bank. Even better, an LED indicator shows the current battery life right on the front of the controller.

The textured thumbsticks help make the PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus feel like a proper console controller. There are two extra buttons on the back of the controller that can be remapped at will, which makes it extra handy for jumping between different games, especially if you're streaming from a cloud service. A removable table stand is included that makes it perfect for anyone wanting to do some serious gaming on a steady flat surface.

Best budget option

While the SUPCASE stand isn't a controller itself, it's almost certainly a necessity for anyone wanting to do some gaming on their phone. It offers compatibility for devices ranging from 4-13", making it absolutely perfect for the Z Fold 4. The viewing angle can be adjusted up to 270 degrees to give it a ton of versatility. It's a great budget option as it enables you to use just about any Bluetooth-friendly controller. If you're looking for a dependable, budget-friendly option, here are some of our favorite controllers for Android.

If you're using a Bluetooth wireless controll, you'll need a table stand like this. As an added bonus, this stand will also support tablets, laptops, and even the Nintendo Switch. The carbon fiber aesthetic might not be everyone's cup of tea but it's hard to deny how handy this stand is.

Best compact

Those who would rather replicate a proper Nintendo Switch design when using their phone will love the X2 controller from GameSir. From a visual nod to the iconic red and blue Joy-Cons to its button layout, the X2 really feels like playing the Nintendo Switch on handheld. There's even a dedicated screenshot button!

The X2 has a battery life of up to 20 hours and only takes two hours to charge back to full. The only real downside to the X2 is its lack of vibration and its face buttons. No vibration support can make it tricky to stream games that rely on them, such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and the face buttons mimic an Xbox controller rather than a typical Nintendo Switch controller. Given that the overall design is so reminiscent of the Switch, the face buttons are something to be mindful of.

Best for PlayStation fans

You'll be hard pressed to find a controller as iconic than the PlayStation's. One of the reason Sony's controllers are so beloved are how comfortable they are. That's true for the DualSense as well. If you're serious about gaming on your phone, a separate controller like this is what you need. Thankfully, if you have a PS5, you don't even need to worry about buying an extra controller. And it's very easy to pair the DualSense to your phone.

The biggest disadvantage of the DualSense is that you're not going to be able to use it and hold your phone at the same time. You'll absolutely need a table stand or, at the very least, something to prop up your phone on a flat surface.

There's also the issue of its battery life; Sony says it should last 12-15 hours, but it's likely you'll be draining through the battery much quicker than that. While it does support a wired connection on PCs and the PS5 itself, you'll be required to use a wireless Bluetooth connection for any and all Android devices.

Best for Xbox fans

The Xbox Series X Controller has so much for going it. It offers a fantastic textured grip, comfortable button placement, and has a great, tactile eight-directional D-pad. If you're using Xbox Remote Play on your phone to take advantage of the streaming library offered by Xbox Game Pass, then it's only logical to game with a Series X controller. This will give you the most authentic console gaming experience on your phone.

However, the downside to this is that the Series X controller relies on batteries. Unless you have alternative methods, the only way to deal with a dead battery level is by replacing the batteries. This won't be an issue if you already have rechargeable batteries or battery packs but replacing batteries in the middle of a commute isn't exactly ideal. And, like the DualSense, you'll need a table stand to properly use the controller on your phone.

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How to choose

Most mobile controllers aren't designed with foldables in mind

Foldable smartphones are still relatively new to the scene, and while more companies are making them for consumers, accessories aren't always being designed with foldables in mind. Likewise, foldables aren't designed with controllers in mind, and that can make for some awkward use cases with mobile controllers that are technically compatible.

Take the Razer Kishi V2, for instance: Because of its USB-C connection and the fact that the USB-C port on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is on the right side, using it would mean that you're essentially playing with the entire bottom half of the phone hanging out of the controller.

I tried this very thing with the Kishi V2 when I reviewed it, as you can see in the photo above, and it's quite comical to try to use. On the flip side, the GameSir X2 USB model works perfectly with the Z Fold 4 because the USB port is on the left side (pictures below).

In fact, you'll find the GameSir X2 is the best Nintendo Switch-like experience as its controllers have a very similar shape to the Switch's Joy-Cons. The positives here are that they are thicker and have a contoured grip — unlike Nintendo's Joy-Cons — and the joysticks are 100% better than the awful ones Nintendo uses on those controllers.

The GameSir X2 doesn't have analog triggers; they're just digital buttons placed on the top. This is great in some cases — when playing games like Fortnite or The Division Resurgence, for instance — as buttons for triggers make it simple to press quickly instead of having to apply pressure to an analog trigger and pull it all the way down.

When it comes to controllers for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, you can't go wrong with the Nacon MG-X Pro or the PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus. We've spent quite a while with both controllers and found them to be some of the best around. They also just so happen to support Bluetooth connections and have a wide enough build to fit the Z Fold 4.

Keep in mind that not all mobile games will feature controller support, but for those that do, it's well worth the money to invest in one. You'll find that plenty of the best Android controllers use either USB-C or Bluetooth connections. When it comes to finding the best for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, it'll commonly be Bluetooth.

What makes the best mobile gaming controller?

Since we already covered what makes a great controller for the large form factor of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 specifically, I wanted to touch on what makes a great mobile gaming controller overall. In total, it's about two main things: comfort and functionality.

Comfort can mean several different things on a gaming controller. Is the controller large or small enough for your hands? Does it have a grippy surface to make it easy to hold onto if your hands get sweaty? How do the buttons feel? Are they clicky or mushy? Does the controller have analog or digital triggers? How is the D-Pad designed? Are the joysticks tall enough, or do they have enough travel to be useful?

All of these questions are taken into consideration when we review a gaming controller and eventually provide a recommendation to buy it or not. Just because a big brand name makes a nice-looking controller doesn't mean it's automatically going to be good. The Razr Kishi V2, for instance, has a poor joystick design and hard-to-reach trigger buttons, even though it's the follow-up to one of the most beloved mobile gaming controllers.

Second, you'll need to think about functionality. All mobile gaming controllers connect with a phone and support basic button inputs via the Android operating system, but not all connection types are created equal. USB is the best connection type because it powers the controller while you play and provides the fastest lag-free input.

Bluetooth controllers are more convenient and will work with a wider range of phones, but Bluetooth isn't exactly the most reliable connection in the world. Being wireless also means that there's a slight input delay, which some people might be able to perceive better than others.

Lastly, a Bluetooth gaming controller needs to be charged by itself, and there's nothing more annoying than going to play your favorite mobile game only to find the controller is dead.

Free mobile games often get a bad rap. Some of that is justified, as poor quality, overly monetized cash grabs run rampant in the free-to-play field. But not all mobile games are shameless, soulless profit schemes—some of them are actually great!

So if you've got some time to kill and only your trusty Android phone to keep you company, you need to take a gander at some of the most exciting, engaging, and free games you can download from the Google Play Store. We have a healthy mix, including shooters, puzzle games, racing, and lots more.

If you're itching for something more, may I suggest checking out our list of the best Android games?

The best free RPGs

Expansive and immersive, many of the best games ever made fit into the RPG category, but similar experiences can often be challenging to do well on mobile. Creating an immersive environment, memorable characters, and having it all run smoothly in the palm of your hand is quite a mountain to climb, but we've got a few solid choices here for your perusal.

AnimA

If you liked Diablo II (and aren't a fan of Diablo Immortal's wild monetization), then there's a clone on Android for you. AnimA is an action RPG hack-n-slash that evokes many memories of Diablo, right down to the font. It features the classic isometric camera angle, loot, and dark fantasy setting.

I just started playing this week, but I'm already hooked; this suggestion came from our own Daniel Bader, and I jumped on it immediately. This is a free-to-play game with microtransactions, but it seems to be similar to Path of Exile, where they're not in your face, and you can play through the game on your own terms.

I love ARPGs, so AnimA is right up my alley. It helps me get in that fix when I'm away from my PC (and thus Grim Dawn). Give it a try and see if you like it; you have nothing to lose.

Disney Mirrorverse

Disney Mirrorverse is Disney's version of a hero-collecting action RPG with gacha mechanics and microtransactions galore. Its monetization is truly egregious, even for a free game, but even with that being said, I have personally logged on to play Mirrorverse every. single. day. since launch (and I was also in the beta). 

I haven't missed a single day, and I think that has to do with how much joy I get from managing and upgrading my Guardians.  

The combat is basic, but fun, and can be set to auto-mode to help you grind up rewards later down the line. You'll spend a lot of time in menus, but for me that's a pro, as I greatly enjoy playing around with balancing out my teams' abilities, maximizing buffs and debuffs, and unlocking new characters. 

There are many modes to keep players busy, from the hefty Story mode (which has three difficulty levels for replay value and greater rewards), Tower mode, Dungeons, Supply Runs, and loads of Event quests. 

There are also Alliances (Mirrorverse's attempt at guilds), which lend a solid feeling of community to what is otherwise a single-player experience. You should absolutely join an Alliance to improve your experience and get great Alliance rewards on the regular, too.

Plus, there are no ads, so as long as you can stomach the IAPs and the grind at higher levels, you'll probably have a good time with Disney Mirrorverse.

Eternium

Eternium is an ARPG designed from the ground up for mobile, so the touchscreen controls are awesome. The game took obvious inspirations from classics like Diablo and Torchlight and is currently my favorite ARPG on Android, besting even AnimA and Titan Quest.

There are three classes to choose from, loot to discover, companions to rescue, and worlds to see as you pursue your foe. Though free-to-play, you can play the whole game without spending a dime. You can earn premium currency, Gems, with gameplay, or you can buy a bunch at once. Ads were removed in an update some time ago, so you have just an honest-to-goodness ARPG here.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is an action RPG with fantastic elemental combat and a fun party system. It takes obvious cues from Breath of the Wild with a gorgeous open world to explore, plenty to do, and lots of characters to collect.

It suffers from some monetization pitfalls, including a very grindy endgame, and it's centered on gacha mechanics to collect new characters and items. Even so, this is a game to try out just to experience the world and characters. This game is a big deal right now, so give it a try on your phone or computer (or PS4, but you don't get cross-save) and see what you think.

The best Shooters

It's easy to see why shooters are so massively popular; it's just so darn fun to rack up those kill streaks! From first-person immersion to third-person top-down, these games are filled with action and bullets. What else do I need to say? Now get out there and click some heads, champ!

Apex Legends Mobile

FPS battle royale fans around the world rejoiced when Apex Legends Mobile finally landed on mobile in May 2022. Apex Legends is the dark horse that snuck up on some of the biggest players in the field, taking a serious bite out of Fortnite, PUBG, and even Call of Duty's pie.

For the uninitiated among us, Apex Legends Mobile is a character-based competitive shooter packed into a 60-player battle royale pressure cooker, featuring multiplayer squads of up to three players. 

In addition to the standard battle royale mode though, Apex Legends Mobile also introduced a fantastic mobile-exclusive 6v6 deathmatch mode, along with other mobile-only features like the perk system.

There are, of course, a few things that are more of a struggle on mobile, like long range weapon accuracy, limited features compared to PC/console, and the learning curve of getting used to the virtual controls (ALM's controller support still has a lot of room for improvement), but that likely won't stop you from having a total blast in this fast-paced, competitive shooter.   

Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile is a free-to-play game buoyed by a premium Battle Pass system and in-app purchases. The good news is you don't need to spend any money to enjoy the best of Call of Duty action on your phone. The even better news is that the gameplay is top-notch and will feel familiar to veterans of the series while remaining accessible for more casual players.

Choose between 5-on-5 battles on your favorite CoD maps or dive into a 100-player Battle Royale mode in a first- or third-person perspective. CoD Mobile is perfect for a quick game on the bus, metro, or waiting somewhere. The 5v5 matches go by pretty quickly since they have a lower point threshold than the full Modern Warfare experience. Controller support comes standard, even if it feels like cheating sometimes.

Not only is this one of the best freebies on the Play Store, but it's the best shooter for Android. From the different control schemes to the ease of play, CoD Mobile is a surprisingly good Activision product. I haven't spent a dime in the hours I've played, and you don't have to, either.

Modern Strike Online: PRO FPS

Modern Strike Online offers a pure online FPS experience packed with many great quick-match options. You earn experience as you play, which levels you up to unlock new game modes. There are six in total, including most of the standard fare you'd expect — free-for-all, team deathmatch, seek and destroy, and a hardcore mode.

In-game currency can be bought via in-app purchases or earned via daily rewards, crates, and generally kicking ass, which can then be spent on new weapons, armor, and accessories for your character. There's a decent amount of customization available for kitting, with over 30 types of weapons available to rent or buy.

If Call of Duty: Mobile isn't to your liking, but you're still wanting some awesome shooting action, then be sure to check out Modern Strike Online.

PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile's main attraction is its massive PvP Battle Royale mode, which pits 100 players against each other on a massive island loaded with weapons, ammo, tactical gear, and vehicles. Thanks to Tencent Games continuing to add new content to the game, there are multiple maps and more arcade-style modes to choose from for shorter sessions.

Like many similar games, there's a tiered progression ladder with a free game pass and a premium one that offers more cosmetic rewards. Every 6-8 weeks, the game pass resets. It's a fairly typical monetization method popularized by Fortnite, so it's no surprise to see it here. If you loved PUBG on PC, then be sure to check out PUBG Mobile for that battle royale experience.

The best Puzzle games

The best puzzle games do their best to break your brain and yet keep you coming back for more pain. Infuriating, entertaining, and challenging, there are few things as satisfying as getting that AHA! moment when you finally find the solution. Puzzle games are especially well-suited to mobile, often maximizing their minimalistic designs and execution to great effect.

There are many free puzzle games out there, a good chunk of which are, frankly, garbage; so over-monetized and/or drowning with ads that they're nearly unplayable. Thankfully, the lovely puzzlers we've assembled below don't fall prey to those pitfalls. Read on to discover some of the best free puzzle games you can find in the Play Store right now.

Chessplode

Chessplode is an interesting game, and it's here on our list because of how unique a take it is. Take one guess what this game is about. I'll wait.

Figure it out? It's chess with explosions! Yeah, it's as fun as it sounds. It also drastically changes the way you'll play chess. So if you're a chess master, you actually might be at a disadvantage over someone who isn't as skilled. Vive la révolution and all that. Anyway, Chessplode is massively fun.

When you capture a piece, the whole row or column goes boom, except if there's a king in the way. This game changes up the whole chess paradigm to the point where it's unrecognizable from the original game except for the pieces. Even the boards can be weird (even user-generated). The game also throws different challenges at you, multiplayer, and that level generator I just mentioned. 

It's a blast of a game and perfect for chess noobs or veterans alike. However, it contains IAPs to add undos, with infinite undos being a one-time purchase of $1.99.

Piffle

When it comes to value, Piffle is a tough one to beat. This ultra-charming puzzler has it all: adorable, punchy art style, user-friendly interface, small file size, and gameplay that can keep you entertained for hours on end. You play as a little person on a quest to recover their beloved dog from a sinister robotic villain. To get to your precious pooch, you'll have to blast your way through levels of blocks using your geometric wits and your piffles.

What's a piffle, you ask? Why, it's a bouncy kitty cat head, of course! Blocks have to be hit a certain number of times to break, so you'll have to plan your piffles' trajectory carefully to maximize each shot and keep the blocks from reaching the bottom of the screen. As you progress, new blocks and power-ups are introduced to keep things interesting, making this the kind of game you'll want to come back to again and again.

Best of all, it's totally free. There are optional in-app purchases, but you'll likely never need them. There are also ads, but they're shockingly non-intrusive and also optional: you only need to watch an ad if you want to double your rewards after beating a level. In short, Piffle is fun, free, and very well made. Play it today!

Sixit

I love a game with interesting gameplay mechanics and Sixit does a great job of taking its deceptively simple premise to the next level in some really clever ways. In Sixit, you play as Pep, a mammal of unknown species who must wake a dragon to save its village from a sentient storm. The story is wonderfully absurd and the plot plays out like a mystery with some excellent writing and a bevy of hilarious NPCs for you to chat with.

The art style is simple but attractive and the soundtrack is just as charming to match the game's cozy vibe. The real kicker here though is the way you play the game. Through acquiring various artifacts, Pep gradually gains up to six abilities that help it navigate the world. These six abilities can be things like jump, talk, push, and more. 

So what's the catch then? You can only use your abilities up to six times per "run" and once you've used up your six turns you have to return to village headquarters to refresh your abilities back up to six. But wait, there's more! On top of that, you must use your six abilities in the order in which you added artifacts to your inventory, so if you added jump, talk, and push in that order, then your next six moves must be jump, talk, push, jump, talk, push.

The puzzling aspect of the game is fantastic thanks to the constraints around using your moves. You have to think through your next run very carefully and occasionally experiment with your moves to see if there are any other more creative ways to progress that you might not have thought of. Best of all, Sixit is completely free and barely even has any ads. You can, however, choose to pay $1.99 to remove all ads and support the developer. A small price to pay for a very good quality game.

The best Action & Adventure games

Action and adventure games can include a very wide variety of titles, so in a way this category is a bit of a catch-all. Endless runners? Come on in. Classic arcade-style shoot 'em ups? Get in here, you lovable scamps. Adventures through mysterious worlds? Heck yes, come on in! There's a bit of everything here, but rest assured that any of these free action and adventure games

Alto's Odyssey

Odyssey is a beautiful game that features simple controls and endless replayability. The game builds off of the physics introduced in Alto's Adventure. It feels quite familiar, except Odyssey swaps the snowy mountain setting for a diverse one that transitions from desert dunes to lush temple sections.

This game has introduced some fun new gameplay mechanics, including hot air balloons, wall riding, and dust devils that will toss your character into the air. It all comes together to feel like a unique adventure, taking the best parts from the first game and adding new ways for linking tricks and exploring the slopes.

Ancestor

Ancestor is a fast-paced puzzler mixed with a side-scrolling action runner. You'll need sharp reflexes and quick thinking if you have any hopes of getting far in this game. You play as a cloaked hero who must traverse dangerous lands filled with traps and enemies — all with the help of a mysterious orb that shoots lasers.

Clear the path ahead by solving quick puzzles and shooting down enemies — including boss battles — as the game adapts to your skills and ups the difficulty as you go. If you want to support the developer, you can purchase cosmetic upgrades for your character and laser orb, but you can also unlock all items by collecting the in-app currency during gameplay.

Brawlhalla

Brawlhalla is a great free-to-play platform brawler that's kind of like having Super Smash Bros. on your phone. You have access to tens of millions of players for matchmaking (including cross-platform support), a wide variety of game modes, and overall fun gameplay to keep you entertained.

There are 50 characters at the time of writing, with a weekly rotation of eight free-to-play ones. You can earn gold to buy new ones or buy the All Legends Pack, which unlocks all current and future characters. The game receives regular updates, has a thriving community, and is probably one of the best brawlers for Android.

Brawl Stars

Developed by Supercell — famous, or perhaps infamous, for Clash of Clans — Brawl Stars is a fast-paced arena brawler unlike most other games on the Play Store. It's a departure from the Clash of Clans universe. Instead, it lets players team up in a MOBA game that differentiates itself from others in the genre with its colorful and cartoony look backed by great gameplay variety.

There are multiple game modes available, which rotate every couple of hours, so there's always something new to play whenever you log into the app. Each game is quick, lasting less than three minutes, so it's perfect for some bite-sized gaming. There are plenty of things to unlock, leaderboards to conquer, and cosmetics for the brawlers.

Crash Bandicoot: On The Run!

Endless runners get a facelift in Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, a surprisingly faithful mobile entry in the famous Crash series. Crash is known for its humor, blindingly bright colors, insane (or perhaps N'Sane?) bosses, and challenging platforming. While different from its console cousins in many ways, On the Run puts you in the familiar shoes of Crash or Coco Bandicoot as they hunt down Dr. Neo Cortex and his hordes of henchmen.

Gameplay is simple but satisfying with intuitive touchscreen controls. Crash runs automatically; your job is to swipe left, right, up, and down to maneuver him around each level's three lanes, which are packed with wumpa fruit, enemies, and all manner of obstacles. This is nearly an ideal time-waster and perfect for killing some time while you're bored out of your skull at the dentist's office. Easy to pick up and play and then put back down again, On the Run! may not be a revolutionary experience, but what it does, it does very well.

Free-to-play, On the Run! monetizes through ads and microtransactions. You can make plenty of progress without paying, but you'll make progress faster by buying into the scheme.

Mindustry

Mindustry is an incredible open-ended sandbox tower defense game that will blow you away with the level of depth and customization available to the player. Not only do you need to build up your defenses, but you must also maintain your supply chain for delivering resources to your base and turrets.

The campaign mode tasks you with mining resources while defending against waves of highly aggressive enemies, and there's also full support for custom multiplayer matches and a map editor. It wasn't long until I started developing some rudimentary strategies that worked for a while, but soon the AI enemies figured out my tactics, managed to bypass my defenses, and wrecked my base.

The whole game is free-to-play with no ads or in-app purchases.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon Go is still going strong with a healthy player base still catching 'em all. While the initial craze has died down, it's still common to see folks playing Pokémon Go on the bus and elsewhere around the city. It's so popular that chances are you've already checked the game out or are one of the millions out there still exploring your city for rare finds and community event days. It even adapted to the pandemic problem and people being stuck at home, so kudos to Niantic for doing that.

Pokémon Go was the first game to usher in location-based augmented reality games to the mainstream, and it remains the most fleshed out and fun to play of all the games we've seen.

You can play the game without ever making a single purchase, but if you want additional storage, egg incubators, etc., then you'll need to fork over some money. It's a great game for summertime and heading outside with friends... once it's safe to do so, of course.

Sky Force Reloaded

Sky Force Reloaded is one of those pure games that's just a blast to play. It's a top-down shooter that harkens back to the classic retro genre with gorgeous graphics and challenging gameplay. Blast your way through 15 action-packed missions as you take down enemies while dodging the attacks they send back your way.

Collect stars and upgrade your ships as you try to earn all medals on each mission at each difficulty level. There's also plenty of eye candy, unlockables to find, and skills to unlock. It's an incredibly well-polished game from a storied and celebrated franchise, making Sky Force Reloaded an absolute must-play.

Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors took the world by storm in 2022 and maintained its chokehold on gamers across nearly every platform except for mobile for years until it finally hit Android last year. In this game, which defies traditional notions of genre, you become the bullet hell. Don't let its simple look fool, you: once it sinks its fangs into your psyche, you're all but guaranteed to lose sleep over this game.

Progressing from a nearly powerless vampire killer to an all-powerful juggernaut of destruction couldn't be more satisfying. Designed by a former gambling industry programmer, Vampire Survivors scratches the same parts of your brain as a slot machine in its colorful, well-animated simplicity. And to make matters better, this version of the game is completely free, unlike its console and PC counterparts.

The best Strategy & Card games

Sometimes you need to flex those brain wrinkles and really sink your teeth into a deep, complex strategy game. From tower defense to player-versus-player, resource and economy, real-time, turn-based and so much more, strategy games are immensely multifaceted and they'll put your planning and management skills to the test.

Card games can also often be strategic, but they are just as likely to have chance added to the mix. Card games have come a long way from your basic solitaire and poker apps, with some of the best games to come out in the past few years hailing from card-based design. Here are just a few of the best free strategy and card games.

Clash Royale

Grown tired of Clash of Clans gameplay but still love the characters and world that the folks at Supercell have created? Clash Royale is for you! You get to unlock and upgrade classic troops, build your battle deck, and take on real-life opponents in real-time battles.

Join or create a clan and share cards and strategies with friends from around the world. You'll need to employ quick thinking and genuine strategy to win, so you'll be compelled to keep tweaking your decks by working in new cards. This game's been around for a few years now, so there's a ton of grinding and chest unlocks ahead for newer players to rank up and unlock all the best troop cards and whatnot.

Gwent

If we're talking about my personal favorites, Gwent is there at the top. This card game spawned from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, one of the best games of the last decade. Fans of The Witcher universe are probably already aware of Gwent, but if you haven't tried it out yet and you love Sapkowski's world, then Gwent is a must.

Unlike Hearthstone, you win a game of Gwent by winning two out of three rounds. You do this by having the most points when the dust settles, and you earn points by playing cards. Each card has a point value, but it can be nullified or destroyed by the opposing player. Gwent can get pretty intense at higher skill levels.

This is the full Gwent experience with cross-play. If you liked the mini-game in The Witcher 3, then you'll like the expanded version. It has many more cards to collect (with stellar art, I might add). Just keep in mind that Gwent is a massive install, so make sure you have plenty of storage and bandwidth before downloading it.

Legends of Runeterra

Legends of Runeterra is League of Legends' attempt at creating a Hearthstone equivalent. It's much of the same as its Warcraft counterpart, but Legends of Runeterra has a few tricks up its sleeve.

In Legends of Runeterra, you're fighting to deplete your opponent's health pool before they smash yours by playing cards that have different attributes, like attack or defense. However, each round sees an attack and defense section. If you're attacking, your opponent has a chance to defend themselves from your onslaught. Whoever comes out victorious in that instance depends on the plays made up to that point.

It feels quite similar to Hearthstone, but if League of Legends is more your jam than Warcraft, then give Legends of Runeterra a try.

Marvel Snap

Our choice for Android Central's best mobile game of 2022, Marvel Snap isn't just one of the best card games out there, it's one of the best mobile games on the market right now. And yes, it's entirely free—with optional in-app purchases, of course. 

Many video games with the Marvel seal on them have been rife with controversy over the years. Still, somehow Marvel Snap managed to dodge all those problems to deliver a rock-solid deck-building PvP experience. Matches take place over six rounds, with each opponent vying for control of three locations on the field. Each field comes with unique conditions that might help or hurt your position, so playing your cards to the optimal locations is often the key to victory. 

If you're feeling extra confident about your chances, you can choose to "Snap" and wager your rank that you'll win. If you pull it off, you win big. If you lose, you lose big. It's a nice twist on the card-battling formula to help ratchet up the drama. Games are quick and snappy (har har), making this an excellent pick-up-and-play choice for just about anyone. If you haven't tried Marvel Snap yet, there's no better time to hop on deck. 

Vainglory

Vainglory is one of the best multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games for mobile that offers cross-platform support. The game looks stunning and offers 120FPS for devices that support it. There are game modes for both casual and competitive play, with Blitz 3-vs-3 games available for fast five-minute matches and a robust 5-vs-5 mode that typically lasts up to 25 minutes.

Featuring an ever-growing roster of heroes to choose from and exciting action that you can play on the go, Vainglory is a solid game that's free to play and supported by in-app purchases. In my experience, Vainglory's biggest problems are its server stability, its slow, unrewarding progression system, and terrible matchmaking. It's a crapshoot if you're going to land on a solid team or get stomped before you can even blink.

Still, Vainglory is the best MOBA on Android, and it's a blast to play when things work right. I've never stepped into the competitive environment since MOBAs have never been my forte, but the casual mode is just fine for me.

The best Sim games

Sim games allow us to live out our wildest and most mundrane dreams at the same time. You could just as easily manage a full fleet of starships as you could manage a small farm in the middle of nowhere. Sims put us directly in the shoes of lives we otherwise couldn't occupy and the results are often magical.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a miniaturized and simplified version of its older siblings. You play as a campsite manager, and your job is to design the best possible campsite to attract adorable animal campers. A mix of open area combined with fixed "amenities," like a pool, a treehouse, or even an entire castle, make up your campsite's customizable spaces. The open area allows you to place furniture and other decorations to your liking, all of which have different types associated with them.

Amenities, items, and even campers, also known as Villagers in other AC titles, can be Cute, Sporty, Cool, and many other types! These types dictate what kinds of items and amenities campers will like at your campsite, and fulfilling their requests is how you forge a greater friendship with them and, in turn, unlock bigger and better items and amenities. Most of your daily play-time will be spent doing typical Animal Crossing things like fishing, bug catching, and fruit collecting to fulfill camper requests.

Like any good sim game, Pocket Game is a vicious but delightful cycle-- get more campers to get more materials to get more amenities to get more campers! Unfortunately, there are a few caveats to this, of course. Pocket Camp certainly isn't the worst offender when it comes to microtransactions, but it does give the player ample opportunity to make in-app purchases in the form of buying Fortune Cookies (loot boxes with a chance of giving you rare, themed items) and in-game cash that you can spend to jump the line and make progress on certain objectives more quickly.

That being said, you can still make tons of progress in Pocket Camp without ever spending a dime of your own money. The only end goal of Pocket Camp is to pack your campsite with your favorite villagers and then customize the heck out of it. Believe me; this game is a perfect casual time-suck and a great choice for resource management junkies!

Creatures of the Deep: Fishing

Creatures of the Deep: Fishing is a rare example of a free fishing simulator that is neither packed to the gills with ads nor microtransactions. Shocking, I know. What's even more shocking though, is that it's actually a fun, relaxing experience. 

The game drops you straight into the action, arming you with a bare bones boat, a crappy fishing rod, and a mostly empty, upgradeable island which acts as your base of operations. A weathered old fisherman guides you through a tutorial, assigns quests and doles out rewards when you bring him the catches he asks for.  

Navigating the world is as easy as holding your finger in the direction of the screen you're aiming for, while fishing is a simple tap to cast, tap to reel in affair. The trick with catching fish is that their bite behaviors vary, so you have to carefully gauge nibbles vs full-on bites by watching your bobber like a hawk. 

Things start to ramp up the further you make it in the game, gradually upgrading your equipment, gaining access to more fishing areas, and discovering loads of new fish to add to your compendium. Rumor has it that some monstrous creatures can found in these here parts and uncovering the truth of what lies beneath is what the game is all about. Good luck out there, sailor!

Fishing Life

Fishing Life is a delightful little game about, you guessed it, fishing. You play as a fisherman out on the seas escaping the woes of the world by catching fish to his heart's content. I love fishing, but most fishing games tend to not be very fun for me. Luckily, something about the gameplay in Fishing Life is highly addictive and surprisingly fun. You hold your reel down to cast your line in an arc and as it descends into the water you tug at your line to try and move it toward the fish you're aiming for. Once you get a bite, you just tap to reel it in and voilà, you've got yourself a fish.

You can upgrade your rod and tackle with gold you earn from your catches, along with upgrading your boat and your fisherman himself. You can also choose to keep some of your fish in an aquarium rather than sell them right away, which is a handy way to earn some passive gold while you're out fishing. There's a huge variety of fish to catch and many different areas that you can eventually navigate to try and catch even bigger and better fish (and sharks and whales and more).

The one big tick that we can take away from Fishing Life is the incredibly pervasive ads. A free title needs to monetize somehow, but Fishing Life throws ads at you anywhere it can. Soft ads will pop up in-game every few catches, you have to watch ads to collect gold from treasure chests, and you have to watch ads to feed your fish in your aquarium. Any of these on their own wouldn't be that bad, but combined they can really ruin the relaxing vibe that Fishing Life is going for if you play for long enough. You can pay to remove ads, but the cost seems incongruously high at a whopping $7.99.

In spite of the ads though, I still find myself picking up Fishing Life, so it clearly hasn't been bad enough to keep me away from this unusually engrossing fishing sim.

The best Racing games

Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9: Legends is the latest entry in this celebrated mobile racing game franchise and brings more of the frantic arcade racing action you love. The Asphalt series has always skipped over all pretensions of realism — outside of the photo-realistic car renders — to provide an over-the-top, high-octane experience with all the fixings.

Players can work their way through career mode, where they unlock new rides and upgrades for your garage and cars, or take the competition online in multiplayer. The incredibly polished graphics and outstanding soundtrack make Asphalt 9 an adrenaline trip you won't soon forget.

Of course, it has the usual Gameloft trappings, like a stamina meter and plenty of microtransactions for in-game items (including refreshing that stamina meter). Still, you can get by without spending any cash, so from that standpoint, Asphalt 9 is a great free game. If you love cars, this is a great game for you.

Data Wing

Another delightful game that's 100% free with no-nonsense. Data Wing is a racing adventure through pure neon style. It's perfect for that 80s/retrowave fan in your life, even if that's you. The visual styling is striking for sure, and I love every minute I've spent with Data Wing, and I just had to tell you all about it.

There's a fun story behind Data Wings, a bit like the original Tron in some ways. This is quite apt, given the visual style of the game. Touch controls are on point, too, and the levels are awesome to look at. You'll probably finish Data Wing pretty quick, but it's really fun to go back and do it all over again. There's high replay value here.

That soundtrack is pretty great, too. I love everything about Data Wing, and it lacks the downsides and caveats I usually have to note before I send you off to try it out. I wish I could do that more often, but alas. At least we have excellent games like Data Wing to keep that dream afloat.

Tofu Drifter

Playing Tofu Drifter feels like being an Uber Eats driver without any speed limits. As a local tofu delivery driver in this low-poly world, your job is to take orders and get those hungry bean curd enthusiasts their soy-based products as quickly as possible — through the power of sick drifting! 

It's a very silly premise for a game, but not every racing game needs to have a serious, flashy, or "cool" premise to be fun. In addition to the fun drifting gameplay, you also use your profits from deliveries to upgrade your tofu supply chain and maximize your gains.

If you're tired of the same old Asphalt clones out there, give Tofu Drifter a try. 

No money? No problem!

Free games might often be some of the worst games you can find on mobile, but there are also some absolutely stellar choices out there. Some have a heavy emphasis on microtransactions or intrusive ads, but that's not always the case, like with Piffle and Sixit. 

If you're willing to stomach a little more in the way of IAPs, Disney Mirrorverse is a fun new entry in the action RPG genre and, of course, Apex Legends Mobile is a must-have for any fan of mobile shooters. 

There's a whole world of free games out there to explore, but these are the ones we think are most worth your while. 

Updated July 2022: Added Disney Mirrorverse, Apex Legends Mobile, and Tofu Drifter to our list!

The Goolge Play Pass subscription on the Play Store lets you access over a 1,000 games and apps for free, for a small monthly fee. It's worth it if you game a lot or love to try new games every month. Google's game catalog is constantly being refreshed, so keep an eye out for new additions in Play Pass. The beauty of this subscription is that you get acccess to many premium titles too without having to buy them separately.

No matter your choice of games, Play Pass has it all. From intense strategy games and action-packed indie platformers to relaxing puzzle experiences and immersive RPGs, there are plenty of genres and types of games for you to dive into. Of course, this isn't a full list of Play Pass games, just some of our favorites. If you're looking for other great games to try that aren't on Google Play Pass, be sure to check out our collection of the best Android games.

As a bonus, if you decide to take a break and cancel your subscription, all of your favorite games and apps, as well as their saved data, will be waiting when you return. While you don't get every single paid game on the Play Store, many of the popular titles are available.

RPG games

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was, to my recollection, one of the first full console/PC games to be released on mobile in its full glory. Coming from the good ol' BioWare days, it's also regarded as one of the greatest RPG video games ever set in the Star Wars universe, and perhaps one of the best RPGs ever (even if I think the sequel is better as a whole).

The game is set thousands of years before the rise of the Galactic Empire and lets you choose your character's path — will you use the power of the Force to save the Republic or go down the Sith path and join the dark side? An absolutely epic game that still holds up to this day.

Stardew Valley

Just like Terraria (which we'll get to in a bit), Stardew Valley is another beloved PC and console game that has been ported over to mobile fully intact and optimized for touchscreen devices. Stardew Valley is an open-ended life sim/RPG that opens with you taking over the old family farm, getting to know the townsfolk, and exploring the nearby countryside.

Your first task is to fix up the old farm, but from that point on, the adventure is really up to you. Whether you choose to settle down, marry, and live out a quiet family life running the farm or dedicate your life to adventuring as a treasure-seeking explorer, the choice is yours — as is the choice of touchscreen controls or a Bluetooth controller.

Ticket to Earth

A cross between tactical turn-based RPG and tile-matching puzzler, Ticket to Earth took its bold concept and just ran with it, no holds barred. At surface level, the gameplay looks deceptively simple. Combat takes place with your player character and opponents on a colored tile grid that dictates how you navigate the board. To move, you draw lines along a tile color wherein the route can be as long as the color can conceivably continue in an unbroken line, including diagonals.

In most encounters, you'll want to take the longest possible route each turn, as this accomplishes a couple of different goals. It gives you greater mobility to put yourself at a position advantage over your enemies and running along with colored tiles charges up character abilities associated with each color. Think about it kind of like chess, but the board shifts as you progress and you get to kill robots and space roaches. Plus, it's much more fun!

Enveloping the addictive gameplay is an equally interesting sci-fi story. Ticket to Earth takes place in an off-world colony where tickets back to Earth are nearly impossible to get. Societal strife, betrayal, and insurrection lie at the core of this tale, and watching it unfold through comic-book-style cutscenes will keep you on the edge of your seat to the end.

Ticket to Earth has it all. Engaging gameplay, a fun setting, an absolutely bangin' soundtrack, and a well-thought-out plot. Clocking in at over 20 hours of playtime, Ticket to Earth is a steal for a mere $4.99, or free with Play Pass. Trust me on this one, you really need to play this game.

Puzzle games

Monument Valley 2

Embark on an adventure that follows a mother and her child as they explore new architectural marvels featuring mind-bending puzzles. This game is all about messing with your perspective and solving puzzles that require you to alter the beautifully rendered environments.

This game is plain awesome, just like its predecessor. It's OK if you never played the original game as the stories are entirely unique, but if you love the sequel, you'll definitely want to double back and play the first Monument Valley, too.

Bridge Constructor Portal

Bridge Constructor Portal brings the physics-based fun of the original Bridge Constructor game into the iconic, chaotic world of Portal, including our old friend GLaDOS.

Now, not only are you tasked with building structures capable of carrying vehicles from point A to point B, but you've got to also contend with an assortment of Portal goodies, including portals (duh), propulsion and repulsion gels, cubes, and much more from the Aperture Science Enrichment Center.

It's a simple game that's extremely addicting. Just remember, while your test subjects may incur serious injuries, it's all done in the name of science.

Card games

Card Thief

Stealth is the name of the game in Card Thief. You play a thief who must sneak their way through a deck of cards, collecting treasure while avoiding detection. You can use equipment cards to assist you in your thieving ways, too, but don't get too cocky or you'll run out of sneak points and get caught.

Card Thief features daily challenges and deep strategies, and a nice progression system that lets you upgrade equipment cards as you pull off heists. There's a bit of a steep learning curve involved here, but it's a rewarding game for fans of strategy card games.

Card Party! Uno Friends Family

Everyone knows and loves the classic card game UNO, and Card Party! Uno Friends Family adds a new twist to this classic for the digital age. "Crazy cards" are a new addition which gives the game a new fun element. You can play with friends and family online, or with other players from around the world. There are up to 10 special cards like Wizard, Arrow, and Megablock, which add a new twist to the game.

You play your cards before the timer runs out and the winner is the one who has no cards left, just like the original. There's a six-player mode, free bonus coins everyday, nine leagues to unlock, and good graphics. You can even play with Facebook friends or as a guest.

Music games

Cytus II

You'll push your thumbs to their absolute limits in this truly exceptional rhythm game that has hundreds of high-energy tracks. The concept isn't hard to quickly pick up; a line bounces up and down the screen as your metronome and notes appear that you have to hit in time to the beat to increase your score.

Where Cytus II is unique, though, is in the margins. The gameplay is bolstered by a fascinating story unfolding in an in-game UI that is a lot like Twitter but in a post-apocalyptic, technologically-advanced world. Between the extremely addictive gameplay and the ever-deepening mystery, Cytus II is easily the game that I sunk the most hours into last year.

And thank goodness this title came to Play Pass because otherwise, I would not have been able to afford its massive list of charts. All tracks are unlocked via Play Pass and you never have to pay a single cent for new track packs. You could spend hundreds of dollars unlocking everything the game has to offer otherwise, so Play Pass is a stunning deal when it comes to Cytus II. I cannot recommend this game highly enough!

Action games

Dead Cells

Dead Cells begins in what appears to be a traditional Metroidvania fashion but reveals its unforgiving rogue-like nature in short order. It's a game that's sat atop our best Android games list since its debut because we've been in love since it launched on console and PC platforms years before.

The Android port is as perfect as it gets, with full controller support (you're going to need it) and custom-built touch controls — although you'll probably only want to use those if you really enjoy punishing yourself, and this game is punishing enough as it is! Part of the charm of Dead Cells is the permadeath structure, which forces players to learn enemy patterns and upgrades.

As a bonus, the Android version now includes the Everyone Is Here Vol. 2 DLC that adds new skins and weapons from some of the best and biggest indie games out there, like Slay the Spire, Hotline Miami, Katana Zero, and more. If you've somehow still managed to miss the bus to Dead Cells station, there's no better time to hop aboard.

Grimvalor

Grimvalor is a side-scrolling action RPG that features tight controls, excellent movement abilities, an interesting (albeit familiar) story, and pretty graphics. You need to be tactical about how you approach enemies and level your character because this game can certainly be a challenge if you're not careful.

There's plenty to explore, too, with secrets hidden throughout the map. All told, the world is hell-bent on seeing you fail, but take up your sword and fight on anyway. Most of the time, the odds are against you and it's up to your skill to see yourself through.

Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition

Shadow Fight is one of the best fighting game series developed for mobile, featuring gorgeous graphics, smooth animations, and a huge variety of deadly weapons to upgrade and master. This special edition is the premium version, with no ads or energy bars, so you can play whenever you want.

There's a complete story mode to battle through with Shadow Fight 2's surprisingly tight touchscreen controls. It's not the newest kid in the series, but it's still a kickass game worth your time if you like fighting games. There's a lot of variety for different play styles.

Super Cat Tales 2

Super Cat Tales 2 serves as a prequel to 2016's Super Cat Tales, and harkens back to the platforming games of old. In the game, players control Alex the cat and his cat friends, and have to navigate through various levels while avoiding enemies, fighting bosses, and collecting coins.

The game features over 100 levels, unlockable characters, various items to unlock and use, and hidden secrets throughout the game. Developer Neutronized also custom made the game for mobile touch controls, making for a comfortable experience.

Casual games

Hidden Folks

Hidden Folks is a game that takes everything you loved about Where's Waldo — the hand-drawn art style, the relaxing and focused fun — and pushes it into the digital age. Here, instead of scanning a page, you're left to swipe and tap around to uncover secrets hidden throughout the living scene.

At each level, you're given a list of people or items to find in the scene, and it's up to you to explore every inch of the canvas as you happen upon all sorts of little moments that play out. The sound design is charming and comprised of layered human-made sound effects that remind me of a parent making sounds while reading a book to their kid.

Sagrada

If you're even slightly into board games, you've probably heard about Sagrada before. It's one of the most popular dice drafting board games out there and it's a delight to see that the mobile adaption is as good as the physical version. Sagrada has you and three other players competing to build stained glass windows worthy of the heavens for the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral.

You do that by taking turns drafting colored dice, which you use to fill your "window pane" (your board), meeting specific conditions to rack up more points than your opponents. Color, order, and the numbers on the die you draft all affect your board state and it's a constant power struggle to see who can get all of the die they need before the game's ten rounds are up.

This premium title is normally $6.99, but Play Pass subscribers can get it for free. It's a top-quality game and is sure to entertain any fan of board or mobile games.

Adventure games

LIMBO

LIMBO is a brilliant puzzle platformer that looks and plays like the absolute work of art that it is. You play as the silhouetted young protagonist who is searching for his missing sister in LIMBO, a dark and dangerous place filled with traps and monsters.

If you're looking for a fun yet incredibly creepy platformer, then LIMBO is a must. This shadowy game will give you the heebie-jeebies more than once. With such wonderful quirks, LIMBO is delightfully weird. If you've played it before, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The game features ingenious puzzles and an award-winning aesthetic that will haunt you and stick with you long after you've put the game down.

Terraria

Terraria is basically a 2D Minecraft with seemingly endless areas to explore and serious depth to the crafting system. For example, you're able to discover and craft over 400 different weapons to defend yourself. There are NPCs to interact with and lore to be uncovered, too, but this game is largely what you make of it.

The controls have been optimized for mobile, and there's even multiplayer available for up to eight players connected on the same Wi-Fi or playing on a custom server. If you've never experienced Terraria before, Google Play Pass makes it easier than ever.

Thimbleweed Park

Modeled after classic point-and-click adventure games like Secret of Monkey Island, Thimbleweed Park is a true modern callback to the genre. Where it differs is with its story and content, which takes inspiration from cult-classic media like Twin Peaks and the X-Files.

Gameplay is straightforward from a mechanical standpoint, but very complicated from the logical side. If you've never played any of ye olde point-and-clicks, be prepared to encounter some frustrating puzzles and possibly also need to consult a walkthrough. The story at the heart of the game is very entertaining though, with lots of humor, weirdness, and a big mystery to be uncovered at the center.

The characters are memorable, the pixelated graphics are lovely, and you're sure to sink quite a few hours into this adventure before you're done. Thimbleweed Park is normally premium priced at $9.99, but it's free for Play Pass subscribers, so it's a killer value.

Very Little Nightmares

There aren't nearly enough high-quality spooky games for mobile, but thank goodness that one of the better ones is part of the Play Pass family. Known for its visceral, grotesque art style and tense cat-and-mouse situations, Little Nightmares has gained a serious cult following over the years. That following proved to be strong enough to warrant Very Little Nightmares, the miniature companion to the acclaimed series.

Very Little Nightmares features a tiny figure in a yellow raincoat attempting to escape a creepy mansion full of sinister villains called The Nest. Due to the scaled-down stylings, the art and design aren't as impactful as in the console/PC versions, but the settings still manage to convey a real sense of danger and tension as you work to solve puzzles and progress.

Each room more or less acts as its own contained environmental puzzle, which can sometimes be trickier than you might think. The real fun though comes from trying to find all the collectibles while you're at it. Normally $6.99 on the Play Store, Very Little Nightmares is completely free for Play Pass subscribers. An excellent value and a solid choice for the spooky gamer's library.

Simulation games

Mini Metro

Mini Metro is an award-winning subway simulator. You're tasked with drawing up subway lines that connect the various stations that pop up as your city expands. You need to make sure passengers arrive where they need to go in a timely fashion, which often requires re-drawing your lines to be more efficient.

With a brilliant minimalist aesthetic, a responsive soundtrack that's fleshed out by the subway lines you build, and a ton of different game modes to enjoy, you will absolutely fall in love with Mini Metro.

Pocket City

Pocket City is a simulator where you get to build your own city and watch it thrive, if you do it correctly. You can start with a small town and slowly expand it into a thriving metropolis. The soothing graphics with pastel shades and cute animation makes this a must-play game for simulation fans. The best part is that it's free to play in Play Pass and there are no microtransactions at all.

It's not just about building though. Pocket City has quests which you complete to earn XP and money. You can even trigger events like parties or disasters like tornados. Advanced buildings can be unlocked by levelling up, along with new new land and terrain. The game is fully playable offline making it a great addition for those long flights. You even have the option to upload your city to the cloud to transfer it to other devices or to share with a friend. If built properly, your city will come alive with citizens, vehicles, animals, and more, all going about their daily lives.

Android phones are powerful enough to act as portable video game consoles. The best game controllers for Android manifest that vision to the fullest, bringing a retro vibe to your modern gaming-on-the-go experience. Controllers like these add better response while gaming thanks to physical toggles and joysticks. It's a lot more fun (and efficient) to be able to clearly view everything on your phone's screen, without your own fingers obstructing the view mid-game.

Many mobile games offer native controller support, and more games are adding support everyday, giving savvy gamers proper controls. One reason for this is the increase in the number of controls crammed onto a touchscreen in recent years, as mobiles have become more capable of running high-end AAA experiences. The best gaming phones pair perfectly with a great controller.

As an avid mobile gamer with years of experience testing and reviewing Android controllers, I'm here to share my recommendations. If you're in the market for a new controller to enhance your mobile gaming experience, I've got you covered with the best controllers for Android, starting with the GameSir G8 Plus.

At a glance

Best overall

It shouldn't be much of a secret that we're big fans of the various offerings that GameSir brings to the table. Earlier this year, the company released the G8 Galileo, marking the first time that GameSir offered a telescopic controller with Xbox-like ergonomics. While the G8 connects to your devices via USB-C, this isn't exactly ideal for foldable phones, as the phone practically hangs off the bottom of the controller.

GameSir rectified those qualms, to a certain extent, with the G8 Plus. There weren't changes made to the overall design, but the Plus model ditches the USB-C port altogether. Although this opens the door for potential latency issues, GameSir claims that the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 offers "latency below 0.026s on iOS and Android."

But that's not the entire story, as the G8 Plus can be used with basically any device that you own. This includes pairing this controller with your Nintendo Switch, which is something that is not very common amongst the best game controllers for Android.

While the versatility is definitely appreciated, there are a couple of things that you'll miss out on. Notably, the G8 Plus doesn't offer USB-C passthrough charging, nor will you find a 3.5mm headphone jack. And if you have a phone that features a rather larger camera bump, you might need to fiddle around with how the phone fits so it doesn't move around.

Best for versatility

You'll see several 8Bitdo controllers on this list, but they aren't quite as ergonomic or feature-packed as the Pro 3. If you want a hybrid controller with a similar aesthetic but more modern-feeling design with proper hand grips, look closely at the 8Bitdo Pro 3.

This is arguably the most versatile controller on this list, as it's not limited when it comes to device compatibility. Shortly after its launch, 8BitDo released a firmware update for the Pro 3 that added Switch 2 compatibility, something that other companies have struggled to do so far.

It has a rechargeable and replaceable 1,000mAh battery, which is rated for up to 20 hours of battery life. This is the same as the Pro 2, but now, 8BitDo is including a Charging Dock so you can set it down to charge when you're done playing. However, it does more than just charge the Pro 3, as the Dock also houses the included 2.4G adapter, and can be plugged right into your computer.

With the accompanying 8Bitdo app, you can map any button on the controller to something else, providing even more controls over how you play your games. This includes the two new back paddle buttons that can be remapped, which is handy for some, but the placement could end up in the way if you never plan on using them. There's a four-way toggle to switch between profiles and devices easier than before, along with the ability to use this on practically any device save for an iPhone or iPad.

Best cooling system

A major complaint that a lot of people have with Android gaming is that phones can get really hot, really fast. It may not be that big of an issue if you can ignore the heat while using a controller, but that doesn't solve the problem. Enter the Gamesir X3 Pro, which features a built-in cooling unit on the back that makes a noticeable difference with minimal sound.

Unlike other similar controllers, this controller only comes with a USB-C connector instead of offering Bluetooth as well. That makes it sport a more reliable connection for less input lag, but also limits the number of phones with cases it's compatible with.

We love the buttons' tactile feedback, and were intrigued by the choice to make the buttons magnetically swappable — in order to let you change the configuration to match your favorite controller. We weren't a fan of the petite thumbsticks, but there are textured thumbstick covers in the box that can rectify the issue a bit.

Best retro controller

The 8bitDo SN30 is going to scratch that nostalgic itch for the bygone SNES days.

This iconic controller layout and design are updated with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the 8BitDo SN30 Pro to work with Android, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and even the Nintendo Switch. Such versatility will be especially valuable if you happen to have a collection of retro games you love to revisit.

You'll appreciate the clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, and other modern touches to the classic design, says our 8BitDo SN30 Pro reviewer. He noted that the rechargeable 480mAh battery, which has an 18-hour max, has still mostly retained its longevity after over a year of use. The D-Pad avoids the mushiness of other controllers, and he hasn't experienced any stick drift.

Not so good is the lack of a dedicated power switch or button for pairing — instead, you use the Start and Select buttons, and that can result in unpairing by accident. It may feel fairly cramped for those with larger hands, and the weight of the phone on the clip may feel a little unbalanced. Still, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro remains one of our favorites, available in all the classic colors of the GameBoy Color.

Best for Xbox fans

Even though Microsoft slightly changed the current Xbox Series X controller with a new button, the classic design has remained largely unchanged for years — and with good reason. It's considered the most comfortable and popular gaming controller by most of the gamers on staff, and for most of our favorite compatible Android games, they treat the Xbox controller's button configuration as the default.

The trigger and bumpers sport a soft, textured grip to prevent slippage. The hybrid d-pad borrows from the pricier Xbox Elite Controller, though it's not interchangeable like the more expensive version. Even still, Microsoft has made it so that you can customize and map a few of the buttons to your liking, depending on which game you are playing.

Battery life is kind of a moot point with the Series X controller, however, as you will need to rely on AA batteries for power. The older Play and Charge kit is compatible with this, so you can always pick one of those up after the fact if you don't already have one. And while there is a 3.5mm headphone jack on board (like the old version), Microsoft still has opted not to include a built-in microphone, so you'll need a good headset if you plan on jumping online with your buddies.

Note that you'll want to buy a phone holder, but since Xbox is such a popular controller brand, you'll find no shortage of options. Start your search with the 8Bitdo Mobile Gaming Clip for Xbox or the PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip 2.0 for Xbox.

Best portability

When it comes to many of the best game controllers for Android, there's one common issue: portability. While it's cool being able to just turn your phone into a portable gaming handheld, you'll usually want to stow it in a bag or a separate case. The ASUS ROG Tessen solves that problem, and more, thanks to the fact that it folds in half when you're not using it.

Not only that, but ASUS paid particular attention to the different devices that we have today. As it made the ROG Tessen work with everything from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to the Pixel 9, enclosed in a heavy-duty case. It even features an "extended" USB-C connector, ensuring that you won't have to stop protecting your phone just to play some games.

In addition to the customizable RGB lighting and rear paddle buttons, the Tessen also allows for passthrough charging. Now, it's limited to just 18W, but that should still be enough to help you make it through a few more matches before calling it quits.

Best upgrade pick

Razer surprised many when it introduced its latest mobile controller, the Kishi Ultra. Despite little fanfare, this immediately landed on our radar, simply because of Razer's track record with the Kishi lineup. What helps to differentiate the Kishi Ultra from its compadres is its compatibility with larger devices, as it can be used with Apple's iPad Mini or up to an 8-inch Android tablet.

We've used this with a variety of foldable phones, and the Kishi Ultra (mostly) doesn't even break a sweat. After installing the accompanying app on your phone, Razer offers a variety of customization options. These include things like adjusting the RGB effects, mapping buttons, and more.

The real star of the show is Razer's Sensa HD Haptics, which are packed into the Kishi Ultra. If you're a fan of haptics, you'll love this, as you'll even enjoy some subtle feedback when just browsing menus while you decide what game to play. These haptics can also be enjoyed when using the Kishi Ultra to play your favorite PC games, which is something that's new to Razer's controllers.

Before you're able to enjoy what the Ultra has to offer, you'll first need to get past its steep $150 retail price. With waves of less expensive telescopic controllers landing regularly, the cost is the biggest reason why the GameSir G8 Plus and not the Ultra are at the top of the list.

Best wired controller

For our list of the best Android controllers, we've focused mainly on two styles: Switch-style controllers that envelop your phone or controllers with built-in phone clips. But for people that want a controller that works across devices, including but not limited to Android gaming, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wired Controller is an option to seriously consider.

Not only is it the cheapest controller on this list, but for about $25, you're getting one of the most reliable controllers. With the wired connection, there's little to worry about in terms of compatibility, as you just need to plug in the controller and start playing.

However, the Ultimate 2C Wired has the added benefit of a removable USB-C cable, making it much easier to store when you're not playing. Plus, 8BitDo has made it so you can customize the buttons without needing to deal with an app, something that Chromebook owners will definitely appreciate.

Best battery life

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller isn't the first controller that comes to mind when someone thinks of playing games on their Android devices, but it does work. Bluetooth connectivity means you can use Nintendo's premium controller the same way you would any of the other myriad controllers around.

If you're someone who enjoys playing games on your Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or if you just enjoy this particular controller and find it comfortable, grab one to enhance all your favorite Android mobile games.

The battery is very strong, lasting upwards of 40 hours on one charge. The controller uses asymmetrical sticks like an Xbox controller, so if you're used to Microsoft's controllers, you'll find this reasonably similar. The main thing is that you'll need to buy your own phone clip, but you can find one for fairly cheap on Amazon that'll convert your Switch Pro controller into an Android controller.

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How we test

When we test the best controllers for Android phones, we're putting each product through the ringer to make sure it can withstand daily use and meet all of the manufacturer's claims. After all, we're able to review devices as consumers because we are consumers, in addition to experienced testers.

This means that we're testing the controllers with a variety of smartphones, both with cases and without, and using the triggers and buttons on both simple games and console-level releases. We even break out of our regular mold to ensure that each controller will work alright with iOS devices.

We test battery life, rumble effects, and button mapping with each controller, plus we dive deep into special features like cooling fans to see if they're actually useful or just a gimmick. We'll also watch out for trigger drift and discomfort during long gameplay sessions to confirm ergonomics, and we'll even carry around each controller in a backpack to see how it holds up against regular wear-and-tear.

Needless to say, with so many options for Android controllers these days, we never take manufacturer claims at face value. If we're recommending a product, it means that it's meeting Android Central's testing standards and quality guarantee.

How to choose

The value of a Bluetooth controller for gaming will continue to grow with game streaming services like Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting us do more gaming on the go. Not to mention, the rise of huge premium mobile games like Genshin Impact and some of the best Android games out there.

If you don't already have a premium Bluetooth controller like the Xbox Wireless Controller, then you're mainly going to be choosing between USB-C and Bluetooth, and between Switch-style controllers and traditional ergonomic controllers with phone clips.

The GameSir G8 Plus and Backbone One are two of our favorites with different points of focus: GameSir's is incredibly versatile, while Backbone's has the perk of USB-C low-latency and passthrough charging to your phone.

If you fancy a more simple and retro throwback, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro has you covered. It's definitely one of the more novel and standout picks here, calling back to the days of the SNES while providing more modern quality-of-life features, such as a wireless connection, and rumble features.

A lot of you probably remember the heyday of the platformer. Whether it was Super Mario Bros or even classic Metroid, this game style has been around a long time, and it has aged incredibly well. We still see awesome platformer games like Trine and Hollow Knight to this day. 

The point, however, is that "platformer" isn't really all that definitive. All it does is describe how the game in question plays. All of that aside, this style of game translates exceptionally well to mobile, and you'll find that any one of the entries in this list are wonderfully fun additions to your Play library.

And once you're finished up here, feel free to visit our roundup of the best Android games.

Bubble Tale

Bubble Tale: Bunny Quest is a delightful platformer reminiscent of older Kirby games. But with its candy color palette, soothing soundtrack, and cute characters, you might underestimate how challenging the game actually is. As a whimsical lil' bean of a player character, you traverse the world around you using only your jump and bubbles abilities. Jumping on top of a bubble gives you an extra high jump, so a lot of the game's mobility—and secrets—are tied to your bubble powers.

Your bubbles are also your only form of defense against the world's foes, serving as a one-shot kill once they absorb an unlucky baddy. There are, of course, coins that you can collect throughout each level, along with a few marks of pride like hidden treasure chests and special stars. Treasure chests help you unlock more characters, but they all function the same way, so this feature is purely for aesthetics.

Bubble Tale's virtual controls are surprisingly tight (and adjustable), so as long as you're not missing inputs you should be able to execute some precise platforming. Gameplay can be unforgiving, so you may find yourself having to give levels a few solid tries before you finally make it to the end.

All in all, Bubble Tale is great quality platforming in a super cute package that almost anyone can enjoy. It's only two bucks to own, or Play Pass subscribers can snag it for free.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The mobile platform has given many older games a chance to shine once more, thanks to their low processing requirements. There are many classic titles on the Play Store, like KOTOR and some of Sega's stuff, but the one we really want to highlight is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It's one of the absolute best platformers you can find for Android phones right now.

Symphony of the Night was an important game in its day, and its influence is still felt in the aptly named Metroidvania genre. It shaped subsequent Castlevania games and inspired many other greats that followed it. The mobile version has been updated with touchscreen controls, achievements through Google Play Games, and it features all of the latest content additions and fixes. It's not only a great game but also an excellent value.

For just $3, you can experience a fantastic piece of gaming history that will keep you entertained for many, many hours. It sure is awesome to see this game be available to a whole new audience.

Dadish 2

"Bring Your Kid to Work Day" can be a real pain, as Dadish 2 well knows. Taking the pixelated 2D side-scroller to stunning new heights, this painfully cute platformer continues the adventures of our titular dad radish as he rescues his missing children from all kinds of shenanigans.

The color scheme and hilarious themes of Dadish 2 are big selling points, with sassy radish children and fast-food-themed baddies galore. You even get to ride on a sunglasses-wearing hamburger for crying out loud. There are 50 levels to traverse with controller support for those who want it, although the native controls are good enough that you might not need one.

There are collectibles to suss out and unlockables to discover to keep you coming back for more. Dadish 2 may not do anything revolutionary with its established gameplay style, but if you enjoyed the first Dadish, there's no way you won't get a kick out of this new installment in the series! It's free to play with ads, but you can also pay $2.99 to remove ads.

Dandara

Yet another beautiful game, Dandara, is an excellent Metroidvania platformer. What makes Dandara unique is that you manipulate gravity to leap off walls and ceilings. It features all the classic signs of a Metroidvania, and it was pretty well-received on the PC and console releases.

Dandara is a very fast-paced game where you work to save the world of Salt. The citizens are critically oppressed, so it's up to you to save them. The game just received an update called the Trials of Fear, which adds three new areas, another boss, power-ups, and more.

For $6, you get one of the best modern Metroidvanias on Android. I think you'll enjoy this gem of a game.

Dan the Man

Dan the Man is a throwback to classic platforming beat-em-ups. You can play as the titular Dan the Man, and you embark on an adventure that's funny and witty. Run and jump your way across obstacles, bash enemies with your combo abilities and pick up weapons, and battle epic bosses.

Though extremely fun, Dan the Man does suffer from the usual freemium nonsense. Ads play at the end of each level, and you can buy additional gold to level up your character's abilities faster. It's not surprising, but you should be warned before you head into this game. It's kind of a bummer, really, because I enjoy the game.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a 2D Metroidvania platformer that's intensely difficult and extremely popular. Some have even likened some of its elements to the Soulsborne franchise, though it's more of a rogue-like Metroidvania than Souls-like. I digress. It is one of the best indie games of the last decade, and it was big news when it came to Android.

It's hard to find anything truly wrong with either the game itself or the Android port. You get to choose between touchscreen controls or a Bluetooth controller, and then you're off to the races. You will die, and death is permanent, so you'll have to start all over again when you do get beaten down. It can be brutal, but that's part of the fun.

If you're looking for hours upon hours of fun, Dead Cells is a great game to pick up. You may want to bang your head against the wall sometimes, but the sense of accomplishment when you conquer something is delightful.

Downwell

Downwell is a retro-styled roguelike that is extremely challenging. It features a steep learning curve as you learn how to defeat the enemies and determine which weapon upgrades work best for your play style. The goal is to survive as you fall deeper and deeper down the well. 

Unfortunately, there are no in-app purchases, save points, or continues, so when you die, you must start at the entrance of the well again. Since your character is falling, enemies and shops come from the bottom-up, so you need to be strategic in your freefall, so you don't accidentally land on an enemy and lose a heart. 

You unlock several different styles through repeated play, which give you certain numbers of hearts at the start, change the way end-of-level upgrades work, and slightly alter the way your sprite falls down the well.

Grimvalor

At this point, I feel like I've talked up Grimvalor a lot. It's my favorite game on Android right now, and it's a great platformer. It sports excellent combat, slick movement, and both onscreen controls and gamepad support. Being an RPG, you get progressively more powerful as you go along. Good thing, too, because your enemies will also be improving.

I also enjoy the serviceable story. If you ever played Demon's Souls, it reminds me of that a bit. All told, the world is hellbent on seeing you fail, but take up your sword and fight on anyway. Most of the time, the odds are against you, and it's up to your skill to see yourself through.

The first act, which is at least 1 to 2 hours of gameplay, is free to play as a demo. After that, it's $7 to unlock the full game. It's definitely worth it.

Huntdown

An exceptional homage to the 80s in look, sound, and straight-up style, Huntdown is a wild action-arcade platformer reminiscent of legendary titles like Contra. Choose to walk in the shoes of one of three bounty hunters—Mow Man, Anna Conda, or John Sawyer—as you blast, hack, and smash your way through a city terrorized by powerful gangs.

Each bounty hunter has a jump, dash, and shoot button, in addition to one special weapon of choice (kunai for Mow Man, throwing axes for Anna Conda, etc.). You maneuver through the levels using a virtual d-pad and buttons for each action. The touch screen controls aren't perfect, and the game does support Bluetooth controller connectivity, but it's still serviceable without the aid of a controller. 

Each level is relatively short, but the difficulty level will likely keep you in place for a little longer than you might expect. Each level has a boss waiting for you at the end and taking them down unlocks the next level, rinse and repeat.

There are 20 bosses in Huntdown, each with their own gang and signature style. This nostalgia-chasing title has mohawks, leather, motorcycles, and neon galore, and man, does it feel good. The synthwave soundtrack is A+, and the cheesy one-liners from enemies and protagonists alike make it that much more memorable. 

This premium game's first two levels are free, and the whole game costs $8.99 after that. The high quality and addicting gameplay make this purchase easily worth the cost, and you're bound to have a raucous good time with Huntdown.

Leo's Fortune

You know what's missing from Android gaming? Extremely excellent mustaches. You know what Leo's Fortune has? If you guessed mustaches, you're darn right. Leo's Fortune is an oldie but goodie, where traditional platforming meets fun physics. 

Leo, a bodiless puffball with eyes and a mustache, has had his fortune of gold stolen and he must journey across the land to recover it. As a puffball, Leo can inflate and deflate himself to either enter into a slow glide or smoosh himself small enough to fit in tight spaces. 

It makes for some tight mechanical plays and intriguing puzzles, without being too difficult in either regard. Normally $4.99, this premium title is available for free to Google Play Pass subscribers. 

Levelhead

Alright, so what if you wanted to train delivery robots on navigating different "real-life" circumstances they might come across in their delivery duties? Cool, then you have Levelhead. There's a nice campaign of 90+ levels for you to enjoy, a speedrunning mode, and unlockables. It's fun, quirky, cute, and a great game for the asking price.

But wait, there's one more thing that makes Levelhead even more of a standout platformer, and that's the level creator. You can create your own grueling gauntlets full of traps and hilarity for others to try, or you can download the things other people have made to try to torture you. You'll even come across some really creative levels, too!

Levelhead is a ton of fun and worth the several dollars it costs (unless you have Play Pass, in which case it's free). Think of it like the Android version of Mario Maker that Nintendo will never make. Oh, and it features cross-platform sync if you buy it on other platforms, too.

Limbo

Ah, Limbo. A wonderfully creepy and sometimes horrifying game, Limbo had to be on this list of the best platformers. It is worth picking up based on its uniqueness alone, assuming you can handle its quirks. If you've played it before, you know what I'm talking about.

The art style is utterly amazing in its minimalism. The shadowy look makes everything feel alien and creepy, especially when you encounter some of the monstrosities. It made the hair raise on my arms more than once — I do not in any way like spiders.

It's a disturbing game, but in the right way. It certainly leaves an impression and one you won't soon forget. Limbo is a masterpiece in its own right, and it's an excellent experience on Android. There's also a free demo if you want to try it out first.

Nameless Cat

Journey alongside a lost kitty on its quest to be reunited with its owner in this adorable, challenging platformer. Nameless Cat has a lot going for it: 3 worlds and 40 increasingly tricky levels, extremely cute 16-bit graphics, an emotionally charged story, and a gorgeous soundtrack to back it all up. 

Nameless Cat needs very little additional explanation; it's a rock-solid mobile platformer that any fan of games adventure platformers will almost certainly enjoy.

Nameless Cat is free with ads and in-app purchases, which include the option to purchase an ad-free version. Just trust me on this one. If you loved legendary indie platformer Celeste, you're going to want to give Nameless Cat a try.

Ninja Arashi 2

Ninja Arashi 2 doubles down on the challenging platforming that the first game served up. Taking up where the last game left off, our hero has escaped the frozen prison and now must hunt down the shadow demon Dosu to rescue his son. The difficult gameplay remains largely the same, but there are a few new mechanics thrown into the mix to keep things fresh, along with a new skill tree to unlock and an artifact system to add some extra depth to the RPG elements. 

The cool, dramatic look of shadowed figures against beautifully painted backdrops is a timeless aesthetic that lends a nice edge to Ninja Arashi's action. Make no mistake, this one is tough, but the gameplay feels fair and you'll feel like a god when you start to master the gameplay. 

Ninja Arashi 2 is free-to-play, monetized through ads and in-app purchases. The monetization isn't unbearable either, making this a great addition to any platformer fan's library. 

Oddmar

One of the most beautiful games on this list, Oddmar is an absolute treat. The level of detail is incredible and gorgeous, even more considering it's a mobile game. I haven't been this blown away since I first played Ori and the Blind Forest. While they're different presentations, Oddmar is just that great.

As a game, Oddmar is a fairly typical 2D platforming adventure. Levels are relatively linear, but there's a nice variety of enemies, puzzles, and obstacles to keep you entertained. There are even bonus levels to mix things up.

Oddmar, like Grimvalor, sports a free demo before you pay the $5 asking price to unlock the full game. Touchscreen controls are superb, but there's also gamepad support if you prefer that route. Oddmar is up there as one of the best games on my phone right now.

Ordia

Ordia is a vertical-scrolling platformer where you play as a green and gooey life form that needs your help making its way through a hazardous new environment. You start each level in a green pool and must slingshot your little buddy towards other friendly green launch points, which it will automatically glom onto if your aim is true.

The game's control scheme feels a bit like Angry Birds, especially since you're slingshotting your character. The levels are cleverly designed to require precise aim to avoid getting destroyed by the world's deadly red flora and fauna. New elements are introduced as you progress through the 30 levels set across three unique worlds.

Rayman Adventures

Like the Sega Forever titles and Symphony of the Night, Rayman is a long-standing franchise, one I kind of remember playing years ago. I always thought the protagonist was a bit odd, so the much younger me wasn't that interested. Still, it's a series loved by many, so Ubisoft brought it to Android.

Rayman Adventures has been around for a little while, but it deserves a spot on our list here. It's a fun sidescrolling platformer that hearkens back to its roots. Available for free, Adventures features lots to do, multiple playable characters, and plenty of action.

Controls aren't super tight, which is a bummer for a platformer. Once you get used to them, though, they're fine. Rayman Adventures, being a free-to-play game, has in-app purchases for some game items. Sad to see Rayman monetized like that, but it's a fun game nonetheless.

Super Cat Tales 2

Cats are ubiquitous across the internet. As an owner of two myself, I know that it's rarely a boring moment with feline friends around — unless they're sleeping, that is. Anyway, probably the cutest platformer on our list, Super Cat Tales 2 is an epic adventure starring Alex the cat and his pals. Seriously, I really like this one.

Though simple in appearance, Super Cat Tales 2 offers a lot of adventure and platforming to keep you entertained. There are also achievements, leaderboards, hidden items, great pixel art, and retro-style music. You can unlock new playable cats and take them on this wild ride of an adventure to save Cat Land.

It's all fun and it doesn't take itself seriously at all. It's an excellent game for fans of platforming, cats, and/or both. It's also free-to-play, so you don't have to worry about diving in on the cat craziness.

Swordigo

If you liked Grimvalor, one of our earlier suggestions, then you'll want to check out Swordigo. They're very similar games, which is totally fine with me. Though Swordigo is new to me, I'm having a blast with it. It features fun platforming, enjoyable combat, and RPG mechanics to improve your character as you go along.

You'll have to find more powerful weapons to take down your enemies. The more dangerous the area and enemies, the better weapons you will find. There are also spells to discover, bolstering your arsenal to take on new challenges. One thing that won't hinder you is the touchscreen controls, which are excellent and customizable.

Swordigo presents a nice challenge, though not nearly as much as Grimvalor. It's still worth your time, and it's free to start it out with ads, but a mere $1.49 to remove those ads. There are also other support options for a few cents more.

Sword of Xolan

Despite its rough English, Sword of Xolan is a fantastic platformer. Its pixel art is on point and it plays quite well. There's plenty to do here and the game is completely free and ad-supported. You can pay a very small fee and remove the ads, though. Otherwise, you have one of the best games on this list.

You play as Xolan, a young hero who stands against this game's big bad guy. You'll be asked to slay devilish enemies, save captured citizens, and find hidden treasure chests. You can expect 30 levels, some time challenges, and a few bosses. You can also chase cards to improve Xolan's skills and achievements.

Sword of Xolan is great. The touchscreen controls are decent, but they're also customizable. Better yet, there's gamepad support. A mere $0.99 will remove the ads, and that's a small price to pay a developer who put out a great game.

Update November 2022: Added Ninja Arashi 2 to our list!

There are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app.

If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories: Use the jumplist to get to the genre you're looking for.

Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.

The Best Action Games

Often defined by what they're not, action games can take many forms. Between rhythm, runners, arcade shooters, and heaven knows what else, the fun never has to stop with these action-packed games.

Implosion: Never Lose Hope

Developed by the team behind Cytus II and Deemo, there are some high expectations attached to Implosion: Never Lose Hope, and I'm delighted to report that this game delivers. Intuitive touchscreen controls and a great UI make this native mobile title a joy to play on its home turf. 

A virtual joystick controls your movement, and virtual buttons control your combat actions in a system that is easy to understand, but that offers a fascinating amount of variety. Some hack-n-slash games can be totally brain-dead, but you'll have more fun with this title if you're willing to fine-tune your loadout and put a little more finesse into your strategies beyond simple button-mashing.

The story is typical sci-fi fare and nothing amazing, but the good graphics, fun gameplay, and fully voice-acted cast make this a ride well-worth taking. The first few levels are free to play as a demo, and after that, the full game can be unlocked for a scant $1.99. That's a serious steal for a game as high quality as this. If high octane action is what you're looking for, then your search ends with Implosion: Never Lose Hope.

Injustice 2

This action-packed fighter from NetherRealm takes iconic DC superheroes and pits them against one another in a battle to save (or destroy) the planet. Though the first Injustice mobile didn't feature a story campaign like the console versions, that changed with Injustice 2. Taking place in an alternate universe, as is common for comic book properties, the first game followed Superman losing himself to grief, creating a dictatorship to take over the world. Years later, Injustice 2 sees Batman gathering the remaining heroes after Superman's Regime falls and another villainous group rises to take its place. 

It's not nearly as gruesome as Mortal Kombat is, but it retains its excellent fighting gameplay. Collect a roster of dozens of popular characters and upgrade them with special powers to create a team that's an unstoppable force against your opponents.

Players can even compete in 3v3 matches through a variety of game modes. For any DC fans out there or something looking for a great action game to spend some time in on mobile, you can't go wrong with Injustice 2.  

My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge

My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge is a new mobile installment in the My Friend Pedro series. After the success of the original My Friend Pedro on PC and consoles a few years ago, it's a delight to see the devs bringing their particular brand of frantic action to Android.

You play as an unnamed, masked man armed with a couple of guns and some serious parkour skills. For reasons unknown, you're helping a floating, talking banana recover his kidnapped family from a variety of gangs and ne'er-do-wells through sheer brute force. The control scheme in Ripe for Revenge is fascinating — rather than walk or run, your only movement options are jumps and a short horizontal dash. The goal here is to constantly be in motion to build momentum and get the drop on enemies before reacting.

Flow and movement are big draws in this game, with its action described as a "gun ballet." You tap on enemies to shoot at them, but there's a bit of strategy built-in, thanks to the fact that enemies will fire at you on individual timers. Taking out the enemies about to act first is your top priority since you have only three health, no shields, and no way to regain life throughout levels.

Ripe for Revenge feels pretty great to play and delivers on the entertainment factor, but it may be frustrating for some players. Environmental hazards can be tricky to maneuver, and the level of challenge is occasionally beyond the average player. That said, Ripe for Revenge is free-to-play, so you can try it before you buy. If you choose to purchase the full game for $2.99, you unlock an extra mode and the ability to restart your progress at level checkpoints rather than going straight back to level 1 when you die.

Poinpy

Poinpy is an absolutely fantastic game for Android that comes with just one caveat: it's a Netflix exclusive. You'll need to have a Netflix account and the app downloaded on your phone to be able to play Poinpy, but for gamers who fall into this category, Poinpy is a must-have for your gaming library. 

From the makers of Downwell, this charming vertical climber has you jumping for your life as you scale infinite levels of changing landscapes to collect fruit. What's the hurry, you ask? The ravenous beast that's chasing you! Collect fruit to order, smash it down into juice, feed the hungry beast, and live to press another juice. It's an absurd premise, but the game works oh so well. 

Simple one-touch controls make this an excellent game for accessibility, the soundtrack is an earworm you'll be humming for days, and the gameplay hooks you in and doesn't let go. This is the perfect game to kill a few minutes or even a few hours if you've got them. 

The Best Adventure Games

Adventure games, not unlike Action Games, are often defined by what they're not, and can be a bit of a catch-all for games that cross genres or that simply don't fall into any other very well. 

Adventure games tend to have a lot of overlap with other genres, especially puzzlers, platformers, and action games, but ultimately they must do the one thing they expressly set out to accomplish — take the player on an adventure. So these are our top choices for adventure games on Android devices.

Forgotton Anne

If you've ever wanted to play a Studio Ghibli game on mobile, then Forgotten Anne was meant for you. This RPG puzzle-adventure game stands a cut above the rest in the indie landscape, featuring a fully orchestrated soundtrack, beautifully hand-drawn environments, stellar animations, and great voice acting.

Forgotton Anne tells the story of, you guessed it, Anne. A young woman dwelling in a world of forgotten things brought to life, Anne must make her way through a city in chaos to quell a rebel outbreak. You'll use a mysterious life-giving force called Arca to control the flow of energy to solve puzzles and platform your way through a dreary town of eternal rain.

The platforming segments can be a little frustrating, but it's worth the temporary pain to watch this emotional story unfold. Clocking in at a solid one to two hours of gameplay, this game is best played over a handful of dedicated sessions to get the most out of its atmospheric experience.

Oxenfree

The classics are classics for good reason, and there are some setups to stories that just don't get old. A group of teens on a spooky island getting up to paranormal shenanigans is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about, and Oxenfree delivers in spades. We follow our plucky protagonist Alex as she and her friends spend the night on Edwards Island, a decommissioned former military outpost.

As I'm sure you can imagine, no misty island used for military purposes can be a good thing, and Edwards Island has some serious secrets lurking in its depths. After accidentally opening up a portal to the unknown in the island's caves, Alex and her friends must now survive the night and make it off the island to save themselves. The spooky atmosphere is excellent, the story is totally engaging, and the dialogue mechanics add a lot of replay value to this stellar little title.

Oxenfree is getting a sequel next year, which tells you how much folks loved the first game. You can expect to spend at least two to three hours in your first playthrough, and a second one is strongly recommended for reasons I can't detail here because of spoilers. However, if spooks and sci-fi wildness is your jam, then Oxenfree should be high on your list of next games to play.

Pokémon GO

Back when Pokémon Go first launched in 2016, I jumped right on the bandwagon along with millions of others. Since then, we've seen the format copied by other brands hoping to cash in on the mobile AR gaming craze that Niantic has perfected, but nothing has come close to matching Pokémon Go's cultural impact or staying power. To this day, I still frequently come across Pokémon Go players out in the wild catching and grinding to level up and evolve their Pokémon, and that's impressive.

Even though I've stopped playing the game personally, the community appears as strong as ever. The game developers constantly add new content and features supported by in-game and real-life events for players to participate in.

It's just nice to see this phenomenal game continue to grow and expand, and that's why we've re-added it to our list of the best games for Android. Pokémon Go is one of those rare games that is entirely free to play, as long as you're willing to put in the physical work, with in-app purchases if you need a little boost along the way. 

Despite challenges from other brands trying to cash in on this unique mobile gaming genre, its source material feels the most authentic. It continues to outpace the competition in terms of gameplay variety, scope, and popularity.

Soul Knight

If dungeon crawling, bullet hells, and making cool guns go pew pew pew is your thing, then Soul Knight is right up your alley. This dungeon crawler features more than twenty unique character classes like magician, archer, and rogue along with over four hundred weapons to keep things interesting. 

The virtual controls are pretty solid, but there are a few quirks to get used to. Aiming is done automatically, so when you've got an enemy in your sights you can focus on dodging while trying to get your damage to land. The downside to this is that you can't manually aim at stationary objects like barrels, so you have to use your forward movement to make sure your hits land. This is a non-combat issue though, so it likely won't be too much of a pain for most players. 

Dungeons are typically made up of five levels filled with rooms of baddies and then a boss or two at the end, all of which are randomly generated with each new run. You're accompanied by a pet sidekick to help you out, you can acquire random buffs during runs, and the nearly limitless amount of combos you can put together between classes and weapons gives Soul Knight incredible replay value. 

Best of all, it's free! Even better, the light ads are blissfully non-intrusive. There are, however, some things paywalled behind in-app purchases, like special characters. All in all, Soul Knight is a game that any fan of action-adventure games will love.  

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

Harkening back to the glory days of 90s top-down adventure games, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a hilarious love letter to the genre. Our protagonist, Turnip Boy, has been evicted from his home by Mayor Onion on the grounds that he hasn't paid his taxes. To get his house back, he becomes Mayor Onion's errand boy and begins a quest for a variety of strange items the Mayor requested. 

Hijinks ensue, wacky new friends are discovered, and the truth behind this world of sentient fruits and vegetables is slowly unraveled as you traverse the map, wielding a shovel as a sword even though Turnip Boy has no hands. 

Console games don't always port well to mobile platforms, but Turnip Boy is a great adventure in the palm of your hands. The touch controls are intuitive and user-friendly, the soundtrack is delightful, and the glib dialogue and item descriptions add a fantastic layer of extra personality to the experience. 

Clocking in at about 2-4 hours to complete (with an extra infinite mode unlocked after beating the main story), Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a solid adventure game that all types of gamers are sure to enjoy. 

Unmaze

The text-based adventure doesn't get nearly enough love in the mobile gaming space, which is a crying shame since there are so many good ones available. Case in point, Unmaze. An exceptionally stylized take on the myth of the ancient Greek labyrinth, Unmaze casts you in the role of a young woman tasked with guiding her brother and boyfriend out of a perilous maze.

One of the more interesting things about Unmaze is that it mechanically incorporates your phone's camera into manipulating light and dark within the game. Focus on the dark and you help your brother, but focus on the light and you help your boyfriend. You can't help both at the same time and one will become more and more lost the longer you leave them alone.

The game touches on some heavier philosophical themes and will likely appeal to gamers looking for an introspective, haunting experience. It's well worth downloading for such an immersive, gripping narrative.

The Best Platformers

Platformers are a very generic category, even more so than RPGs. The term "platformer" tells you how the game plays, which usually involves moving a character across a series of platforms, typically in 2D. There are action RPG platformers, Metroidvania, and so on. It's a classic style of game for a reason, and it translates extremely well to mobile.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Coming out of left field, Konami's classic Castlevania: Symphony of the Night launched on mobile to the joy and surprise of many. I purchased it immediately, and you can read my thoughts on it here. It's one of the best $3 I've ever spent in the Play Store. Despite having a massive backlog of other games to get to, I spent a fair chunk of time reliving my childhood.

Besides just the charm and nostalgia, Symphony of the Night plays excellently on Android. The touchscreen controls are fine and certainly workable, but I found the game best played with a controller. The team behind the port did a great job translating a very old game to a new platform and, while I had some gripes with them, the touchscreen controls let anyone join. 

Otherwise, any gamepad that works with Android should do just fine here (I used the Xbox One controller). Those of you with high refresh rate displays may notice some weirdness with the game, and the developers advise using 60Hz — though they only specifically mention the Pixel 4 and Smooth Display.

Symphony of the Night is a classic, having helped define a whole new game genre that we still see today. You follow Alucard, the son of Dracula, as he looks for the missing Richter. Wander the mysterious and dangerous castle as you find new abilities, unlock shortcuts, and become more powerful. You can also play as Richter (until you meet a certain character) and Maria by entering their names when starting a new save. Add that to the achievement system, and you have a bunch of content to work through. Seriously, this is $3 well-spent.

Dandara

Coming back to the last decade, we have a game that took some of the core concepts from Symphony of the Night and put its own spin on it. Meet Dandara, a beautiful and incredibly engaging Metroidvania. As you might expect from the genre, there's plenty of solitary exploration as you work to make our heroine more powerful for the trials ahead.

Dandara tells the story of a woman who fights to stave off her world's impending collapse. Travel throughout it, meet interesting characters, and survive against the challenges that await you. Defy gravity as you explore a unique world and discover its mysteries. It's a fantastic game.

It also has a free expansion called the Trials of Fear, which adds a new boss, areas, and power-ups. 

Dead Cells

I've been looking forward to this release since the news first dropped. Dead Cells is one of my favorite indie games to come out in recent years, and it's now available on Android. A brutally challenging roguelike Metroidvania, Dead Cells is an amalgam of several different types of games, and it's glorious.

Dead Cells features permadeath, but don't let that deter you. You'll likely die during your run through increasingly more difficult dungeons, but over time, you'll need to learn your enemies' patterns to best them in crazy combat. The combat itself is varied, and there are tons of different builds to suit every player. 

The Android port is excellent with tight controls (though they take some getting used to). Best of all, if you don't like the touch controls, there's controller support. Of course, it's the same experience as on any other platform, and there's not much else to say, but that's a good thing. Dead Cells is worth every penny.

Human: Fall Flat

Sometimes, you just need a little whimsy in your life. Such is the case with Human: Fall Flat, a hilarious physics puzzle platformer. You play as a wobbly humanoid who explores 12 levels filled with challenging puzzles. You can go it alone, with friends, or with strangers.

The draw of Human: Fall Flat is that you can grab just about anything. You can climb anything, throw anything, or carry anything as you move forward in a manner that we'll loosely call "straight." While you may be aiming for the goal, your companions may instead be plotting some nefarious mayhem to sow chaos. Whatever the outcome, it's a really fun time.

Human: Fall Flat is a one-time purchase with no ads or microtransactions. It's wonderfully fun and worth the $5, especially if you join up with others.

LIMBO

If you're looking for a fun yet incredibly creepy platformer, then Limbo is a must. This shadowy game will give you the heebie-jeebies more than once. Limbo is delightfully weird, and if you've played it before, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

The art style alone is worth picking up the game. It's something we've seen other indie games try to replicate, but like other trendsetters, Limbo is in a league of its own. The shadowy and minimalist aesthetic is beautiful and really lends to the otherworldly feel you get from the game (thus the name Limbo).

The story is also minimalistic. You play the role of a nameless boy caught on the edge of hell. Arachnophobes, beware. The boy seeks his lost sister, but the journey is the fun part. Limbo is desolate, with few friendly human characters. You can try out a free demo before you purchase, which I advise doing.

Oddmar

Oddmar stands out as one of my absolute favorites in part because it's absolutely gorgeous, from its opening sequence through its beautifully animated levels that show a depth of detail you rarely see in a mobile game. I'm also somewhat biased because I absolutely adore well-crafted indie platformers, but Oddmar still stands out for having a great protagonist and excellent story to tell.

You play as Oddmar, an exiled Viking who never quite lived up to his warrior ancestor who is granted special powers by a magical fairy. The timing is just right, as Oddmar has an opportunity to redeem himself by going on a journey of redemption.

Overall, the level design is pretty linear but never feels stale thanks to the good variety of enemies to bounce off of and the unique obstacles and some quick puzzles to solve to progress. On top of all that, Oddmar also comes across these hallucination-like Valhalla challenges that are mixed into most levels. These challenge you with a quick-scrolling bonus level that adds some really nice gameplay variety.

Touchscreen controls for platforming games are notoriously difficult to get right on mobile, but then a game like Oddmar comes along and shows the industry just how it's done. Everything feels just right, with the left side of the screen controlling your horizontal movement and the right side dedicated to jumping, attacking, ground-pounding, and dash attacks.

Super Mombo Quest

Super Mombo Quest is an excellent mobile platformer with Metroidvania elements where you play as the comedically monstrous Mombo; a vaguely semi-humanoid creature that is more tongue than anything else. Mombo doesn't speak, and his blank stare would imply that he perhaps does not even think, but man can he jump. In fact, he can jump, double-jump, wall-climb, smash, and dash, too!

All skills that he now needs to take on the evil Nightmare King, who's villainy ate up Mombo's entire world — not that Mombo seems very perturbed about that. Luckily a deus ex machina from another dimension scooped Mombo up right before disaster struck and thinks that Mambo is the key to saving the universe and defeating the Nightmare King. 

How exactly will you do that? By platforming, of course! Levels are short, snappy, and designed to be fast. The goal of most levels is to get a coveted Mombo Combo, which can be accomplished by killing all enemies before you combo meter runs out, or by collecting every crystal in the level. The touch controls are easy to use and responsive, but they can be a tad floaty and unforgiving at times. Playing the game to completion will take most gamers about 4-5 hours; a respectable length for a mobile platformer, to be sure. 

Super Mombo Quest is monetized through ads that appear every few levels and a handful of in-app purchases. A one-time IAP of $2.99 will remove ads permanently, while a $3.99 IAP will remove ads, make the game playable offline, and get you a regal skin for Mombo. While I don't love offline mode being paywalled, I can appreciate that the mobile version is free, whereas the PC and console versions are $14.99.

The Best Puzzle Games

Puzzle games are a dime a dozen on the Play Store, and some of them are even good. Designed to make you think and work to get your mind around their core concepts in bite-sized sessions, puzzlers are superb for killing some time. Puzzle games keep you interested and entertained by forcing you to pay attention, even it's just something as simple as noticing which color is coming next. 

Bridge Constructor Portal

Bridge Constructor Portal is, in my opinion, the best of the series. Not only do you get the excellent gameplay that the games are known for, but you get some quirky crossover stuff from Valve's classic Portal. You need to contend with the laws of physics, yes, but also some "goodies" from the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. It's a hoot.

The gist of the game remains the same: build structures capable of carrying a vehicle from Point A to Point B. Sounds easy, but there's a lot of strategy involved. Also, you'll have to deal with things like portals, repulsion and propulsion gels, cubes, and an assortment of other Portal-themed stuff.

GLaDOS is even here! I'm telling you if you loved Portal like a lot of us did, and you like physics-based puzzles, you'll love this game. It plays great on tablets, and there's also gamepad support. It's just a downright good game, and it's worth every penny.

Donut County

Donut County is a puzzle game where you play as a hole in the ground. Your goal is to swallow everything in the level, growing larger as you do so. Sure, you start small, but you'll eventually sink entire buildings as you wreak havoc on the residents of Donut County.

The writing is witty, and despite the pickle they're in, most of the characters are surprisingly upbeat. The story slowly unravels as you go through the levels, and there are puzzles in most of them. They're not brain-bustingly difficult puzzles to solve, but they're fun nonetheless.

All in all, the game is a joy to play and experience. I love the art style and the soundtrack, too. Donut County's only real downside is that it's quite short. Even so, you can play through it again and again, which is what I've been doing. It's money well-spent, so have fun with it!

I Love Hue

You know those videos floating around the internet that are compilations of things that are strangely satisfying? Crayons in a factory wrapped and stacked, fruit being cut into perfect cubes, and glass bottles toppling in perfect synchronization? Well, I Love Hue, developed by Zut Games, is practically guaranteed to give you that same feeling.

The premise of I Love Hue is simple. Drag and drop tiles on a jumbled color spectrum, rearranging them until the gradient is chromatically correct. Puzzles are grouped by difficulty starting with Beginner and rising to "Visionary." The variety in this entrancing game comes from the changes in which tiles are fixed on any given spectrum. Are only the four corners locked in place? Or maybe every other tile is locked this time?

You might think that having tiles already fixed in place would make the game too easy, but I Love Hue manages to create a surprising amount of challenge through its fascinating color combos. 

What color do fuchsia pink and neon yellow make when they meet in the middle? I certainly don't know, but I'm about to find out. You're also working toward beating the world average of "moves used" as you solve each puzzle. You don't get anything if you beat the average, but you'll feel like a genius all the same when the victory screen pops up and assures you that you're a ~radiant moon beam~.

Backed up by a relaxing soundtrack, I Love Hue wields its minimalism with an expert hand, crafting scrambled rainbows that are sometimes surprisingly difficult to smooth out. This deceptively simple pick-up-and-play puzzler will keep you coming back time and time again, you beautiful ray of light.

Monument Valley 1 & 2

Yep, I'm cheating again, but only because I adore both of these games so much. I'd be hard-pressed to say which is my favorite: the original or the one that expanded upon the core concepts? Since I can't decide, you get both of them here.

Odds are, you've at least heard of Monument Valley before. It's popular for a reason with its timeless gameplay, beautiful art design (that's frequently copied), and minimalist story. Rearrange the fantastical architecture, enjoy the surrealism and ambiance, and immerse yourself in guiding the silent princess to her goal. In the sequel, do more of the same, but on a larger scale.

I don't find that's much more to say. If you're a fan of puzzles and you haven't tried out Monument Valley, then I highly recommend that you do so.

Overboard!

A glib, irreverent blend of adventure and puzzle game, Overboard! puts you into the stylish shoes of a socialite on a mission. Your job? Kill your husband and get away with it. It's the night before your ship is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. and you've just killed your husband by — you guessed it — pushing him overboard. You wake up the next morning, delighted with yourself for finally pulling the proverbial trigger, but naturally other passengers and crew on the ship are starting to ask questions about your suddenly missing husband. So, now what?

Laid out as an interactive visual novel, you'll need to convince the other passengers that you didn't commit the crime. You can do that in a number of ways, which you'll uncover as you inevitably fail and go back to try again. 

The interesting thing about Overboard! is that you go into each new attempt with all of the knowledge you gained last time, so using different combinations of tactics is the real key to victory. Each "run" could take as little as 30-45 minutes depending on what you choose to do differently or the same as last time, so this is a great game to play for an hour a day or blast through in one giant session.

This premium title is actually a port of the original Nintendo Switch version, but the visual style translates incredibly well to mobile. Overboard! is a little pricey at $6.49, but it's a steal in my book considering how high quality the overall experience is.

The Best Racing Games

Racing games are pretty self-explanatory. Drive some kind of vehicle (or character) and beat the computer or other players to the finish line. Simple enough, right? There are some great options in the Play Store since this is another genre that translates well to mobile.

Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt, a long-standing mobile racing title, is on its ninth iteration if you can believe it. Considered one of the go-to racing games, Asphalt does a great job pushing modern phones with its repertoire of jaw-dropping hypercars. The ultimate goal is to become a street racing legend, so hopefully, you've got the adrenaline addiction to see yourself through to that end. You'll be limited only by the freemium mechanics at play that encourage you to spend more.

It features gorgeous graphics, awesome driving sequences, and other eye candy. Asphalt 9 is quite the looker, especially if you have a great display on your phone. There are also plenty of cars to choose from, and you can customize them, too! There are races against AI and other players to keep you interested and entertained.

It's also free-to-play, and it contains microtransactions. It's what you'd expect, all told, and no one should be surprised. Still, Asphalt 9 is fine in bursts.

GRID Autosport

Taking things a bit further than Asphalt 9 is GRID Autosport. A console port was done by the fantastic folks at Feral Interactive (well known in the Linux gaming community), Grid features jaw-dropping graphics, intense driving gameplay, and amazing thrills.

A high entry cost, perhaps, but it's a buy-once and-done deal. You even get all of the DLCs included. For your $10, you'll have access to 100 cars and 100 maps with multiple control and difficulty options to suit your play style. It's a graphically intense game, and Feral only supports a few phones. If it's not available to you in the Play Store, your phone probably can't handle it.

Grid is meant for racing game enthusiasts, especially those tired of the freemium tactics, like those you'd find in Asphalt 9. There's something to be said for a high initial price tag.

Mario Kart Tour

No list of racing games would be complete without Mario Kart Tour, for better or for worse. A household name when it comes to racing games, Mario Kart is the long-standing king of the genre. When it finally came to mobile not too long ago, there was much joy. Some of Nintendo's mobile practices later soured that, but that's for another time.

There's not too much to say about Tour other than it's Mario Kart. Race with your favorite character in maps inspired by real-world cities and earn new drivers, karts, and badges. It is free-to-play with microtransactions, though.

Riptide GP: Renegade

Say you like racing games, but cars and cartoon characters aren't your thing. Then maybe you'll find Riptide GP: Renegade to your liking. Where it differs from other racing games is that you're on futuristic, high-speed hydro jets. Instead of a road or something similar, the waterways are your track. Sign me up.

In Renegade, you've been ousted from the Riptide GP league and instead have to make your living illegally racing. Power through city waterways, flooded ruins, and more, all while avoiding cops. You'll unlock new vehicles the longer you play, plus new customization options. Take on fun bosses and build your crew.

There are also online eight-man multiplayer races for you to put your skills to the test. You can engage in leaderboard activities, too, and even local split-screen. It's a lot of game for $3, and it's great for all fans of racing games.

Sonic Forces

I'm a bit biased here, but I grew up with Sonic the Hedgehog. So when I saw Sonic Forces, I was immediately intrigued. While I never quite got into Team Sonic Racing or Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, I was interested in Forces because it takes the anthropomorphized animals out of go-karts and onto their own two feet.

While it's ridiculous to see Big the Cat keep up with Shadow, it's still a fun game that lets you play your favorite character (once you unlock them) and race other people. There's more to it than just racing, though. Much like you'd find in Mario Kart, you can offset your opponents with traps, dodge the ones they leave for you, all while you try to make it to the finish line first.

The whole cast of characters is here, but most have to be unlocked first. This is where I tell you that the game is free-to-play, but features microtransactions to unlock new characters and abilities. It's sad to see Sonic monetized like this, but I enjoy the core gameplay.

The Best Rhythm Games

Along with puzzle games, I would argue that rhythm gaming on mobile is the best experience you can have with the genre. Touchscreens are uniquely optimized to push your dexterity to its absolute limits as you chase perfect scores and leaderboards, all while having a blood-pumping blast.

Cytus II

Cytus II is a fabulous mobile rhythm game. Rhythm games typically don't take much explanation to understand, and by and large, Cytus II falls into that category as well. Taking on the role of various talented DJs, you'll play through their respective charts, gaining experience and unlocking more charts along the way. 

There are four difficulty settings for each track, starting at easy and going all the way up to "glitch." Using only your thumbs, your task is to hit notes, crescendos, and sequences in time to the beat. Of course, the amount of notes you miss or nail contributes to your score, and you get a grade at the end of each attempt at a song. But, as I said, it's not a complicated premise.

Where Cytus II excels, though, is in the quality and variety of its music, its excellent touchscreen controls, its futuristic style, and how there's an interesting story tucked into the margins around the gameplay. I won't give too much away, but you'll see the central mystery unraveling around a handful of main characters that tie into the broader setting of the fascinating sci-fi dystopia that is Cytus.

There are tons of extra song packs and additional DJs that you can purchase (or they're all free if you have Play Pass). Unfortunately, they can also wrack up quite a hefty price tag, so watch those microtransactions carefully. The later difficulty levels are very challenging, but the game eases you into things with the easy and lower-level hard modes. Mastering a track feels fantastic, and I've already spent weeks obsessed with this engaging game. The base version is only $1.99, so give it a try!

Deemo II

If you liked Cytus II, then boy howdy have I got good news for you. Rayark Games is back at it again with Deemo II, a long overdue sequel 2013's Deemo. "Sequel" is a loose term here though, as Deemo II can be played and enjoyed as a standalone experience. 

The titular character, Deemo, is again a central figure of the game's narrative, but he is now joined by the peppy young Echo as his partner. The two of them must work together to try and solve the mystery of the absentee Composer, while also trying to save their world from the dreaded Hollow Rain.

Mixing in adventure elements, Deemo II's progression is tied to its superb rhythm aspects. Playing charts to clear the Hollow Rain appears to be quite easy at first, but be warned; Deemo II will push your dexterity to the absolute limit. 

Styled in a way that is meant to evoke the piano, black and white notes fly toward you from the top of the screen and must be hit when they perfectly align with the judgment line at the bottom. Charts come with Easy, Normal, and Hard modes (plus further unlockable modes for experts) and the jump in difficulty from Easy to Normal is steep, to say nothing of the jump from Normal to Hard.

Progression with unlocking new charts can feel slow and there are a small handful of technical glitches here and there, but nothing so egregious that it can't be forgiven. Plus, Deemo II is free without ads, monetized through in-app purchases for extra song packs that can't be unlocked through story progression. It's a phenomenal experience that I would happily recommend to any fan of rhythm games.

Rotaeno

The cutting edge of mobile rhythm games is here and it hurts so good. Rotaeno is a revolutionary new take on the mobile rhythm genre that uses your phone's gyroscope as its featured control mechanic. 

Tap out notes to the beat while keeping them in careful, ever-changing alignment as your screen tilts wildly to the rhythm of the music. It's a wholly unique approach that I've personally never seen before. It feels like controlling a rhythm game using the steering wheel Wiimote attachment from Mario Kart, which may sound weird, but man, does it feel so rad.

There's a touching story at the game's heart surrounding protagonist Ilot as she scours the stars for a long-lost friend. This premium game starts at $2.99, but there are additional song packs available as in-app purchases that could start costing you a pretty penny. 

It's definitely not the worst microtransaction scheme out there though, so Rotaeno gets a pass. They even release a couple of free tracks each month for players to download, so there will always be another chart to conquer on your quest for rotational dominance. Of all the games in this category, Rotaeno is definitely one of the most creative out there and it deserves the attention of any rhythm game fan. 

Thumper: Pocket Edition

Another excellent game that made its way to Android, Thumper: Pocket Edition, is one of the weirdest gaming experiences you can have on your phone. It's a rhythm game, or "rhythm violence," as the developers call it, filled with intense speed and grueling boss battles.

Thumper also contains elements of fear, a constant sense of impending dread, as you hurtle forward and trust in your reflexes. However, with the incredible soundtrack pounding in your ears, Thumper is sure to give a euphoria unlike any other. Despite the creepy and sometimes eldritch set pieces, Thumper's premise is simple: You're a space beetle trying to destroy a floating head.

There are nine levels for you to enjoy, a new game+ mode that increases the challenge and speed, and the original soundtrack I mentioned. It's $5 well-spent, complete with a constant and smooth framerate. However, the developers warn that wireless headphones add significant audio latency, so use your phone's or tablet's speakers or wired headphones if you can.

The Best RPGs

Though mobile doesn't have the impressive backlog and history of RPGs that PC and consoles do, there are still a few good ones that you can play right on your phone. Some are classics ported over to the touchscreen, while others are unique to this platform. These are time sinks, make no mistake, and are well worth the entry cost.

AnimA

If you liked Diablo II, then there's a similar experience on Android for you. AnimA is an action RPG hack-n-slash that evokes many memories of Diablo, right down to the font. It features the classic isometric camera angle, loot, and dark fantasy setting.

I just started playing this week, but I'm already hooked; this suggestion came from our own Daniel Bader, and I jumped on it immediately. This is a free-to-play game with microtransactions, but it seems to be similar to Path of Exile, where they're not in your face, and you can play through the game on your own terms.

I love ARPGs, so AnimA is right up my alley. It helps me get in that fix when I'm away from my PC (and thus Grim Dawn). Give it a try and see if you like it; you have nothing to lose.

Baldur's Gate

If you're a D&D fan, then you'll want the Baldur's Gate games on your phone ASAP. They use a modified version of the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition rules and the original Baldur's Gate was credited with the computer RPG renaissance in 1998.

These are your classic fantasy games, where you start off knowing only the walls of the castle in which you were born but are thrust into a war-torn world under mysterious circumstances. Venture off and take on mythical creatures, as well as real ones like rats.

If you like a good old-fashioned romp around a medieval realm, clearing dungeons and slaying beasts, all while creating potions and bettering your character, then the Baldur's Gate games should be right up your alley. Given the smaller text and menu controls, this game should ideally be played on a tablet, but you might be able to get by if you've got a larger flagship phone. With the success of Baldur's Gate 3 in 2023, now is a great time to get stuck into the original title.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar

BattleChasers: Nightwar is an award-winning JRPG that offers one of the most complete mobile RPG experiences you'll play — complete in the sense that there are no in-app purchases or paid DLC to worry about. 

Everything about this game is polished and complete, and it starts with a robust overworld that's filled with hidden dungeons to explore, epic bosses to take down, and other surprises along the way.

The turn-based combat is inspired by all the favorites you remember from the JRPG genre, and is a real treat even for a casual fan like myself. Along with the dense and sprawling world to explore, there are also deep crafting elements for upgrading your team's weapons, armor, and magical jewelry. An RPG is only as good as its story and characters, and given that this game is based on a graphic novel of the same name, we're given fully-developed characters and a compelling story.

The narrative focuses on a young girl, Gully, as she takes up the quest to find her long-lost father, Aramus. He was a hero to the local village who never returned after setting off into the Grey Line, a near-impenetrable wall of mist that borders their homeland from which nothing has returned once entering. Aramus left behind a set of magical gauntlets rumored to grant untold powers to the wearer and now Gully must learn to wield them herself as she embarks on an epic adventure past the Grey Line to uncover the truth behind her father's final mission.

This game is definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of either BattleChasers or simply looking for a new JRPG to dive into.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact sort of came out of nowhere. It takes obvious cues from Breath of the Wild with an "anime" twist. Chinese studio HoYoverse developed the game, and it's already very popular. The best part is that it supports cross-save so that you can play on your PC, pick up your phone, and play where you left off. The PS4 doesn't support cross-save, however.

Genshin Impact is an action RPG with fantastic elemental combat and a fun party system. You'll need to switch characters often to have the best outcomes in battle. The open world is beautiful and filled with things to do, resources to find, and monsters to slay.

I'd say the biggest downfall of Genshin Impact is monetization. It uses gacha mechanics to get you to spend more on additional characters, new weapons, and the like. But I get it; there's a lot of money to be made on popular games.

You have plenty of opportunities to level up your stats, of course. This game is a big deal right now, and I'm just scratching the surface here. Give it a try on your phone, PC, or PlayStation and see what you think. I was blown away.

Honkai Star Rail

Following a game as successful as Genshin Impact is tough, but developer miHoYo managed to release a game equally as earth-shattering. Honkai Star Rail also displays traits that fans love about Genshin - beautiful visuals, a great story and engaging combat. The game definitely stands on its own though, delivering a title that harkens back to classic JRPGs, with players controlling a team of up to four characters in the developers' first turn-based game. 

As with Genshin Impact, the gacha elements are still present and are equally as intrusive. Your tolerance with these mechanics may ultimately affect your enjoyment of the game, but beneath the monetization is still a game well worth experiencing. 

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

I had trouble picking just one classic RPG for this list since we have several to choose from. Ultimately, I went with Knights of the Old Republic, better known as KOTOR, for this list. For one, Star Wars is a hugely popular franchise, and I think this is a game worth playing if you enjoy that universe. Created by BioWare in its heyday, KOTOR is a fantastic story.

Going beyond that, I fear I'll get into spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. KOTOR is considered one of the best RPGs of all time, and I would be hard-pressed to disagree. Ported to Android thanks to the folks at Aspyr, KOTOR has new life on mobile, and though it might be a costly price to entry, it's worth every penny. From the story to the combat, this and its sequel are definitely the best Star Wars games ever made.

There's gamepad support, achievements, and a revamped UI designed specifically for touchscreens. It's an excellent port, and I haven't encountered any bugs in the years I've played this. If you like Star Wars, do yourself a favor and check out KOTOR.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II

And then there were two. Coming as a surprise from the folks over at Aspyr is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II. This is my favorite Star Wars game of all time and one of my favorite RPGs ever. It's an incredible game with tons of depth, awesome storytelling, and good old-fashioned Star Wars action.

This game has been around for a long time, and it looks like it, but trust me; the number of hours you'll pour into this game will make you forget about the dated graphics. It's got a slow start as you get used to how the game functions, and you won't be getting your first lightsaber any time soon, but there are still plenty of weapons (plus Force powers) to use against your foes. You can follow the Light or the Dark or try to straddle the two, and your decisions have lasting consequences.

All told, this game is not only a classic, but it's a good Android port, too. It retains the look of the PC version, but it feels better optimized for mobile. There are also graphics settings. $15 is pretty steep for a mobile game, but this is a must-play if you love Star Wars.

Tower of Fantasy

Often compared to Genshin Impact (and sometimes derided as nothing more than a Genshin-clone), Tower of Fantasy is the fresh new RPG hero-collector on the block. The one big thing it has that Genshin doesn't? Controller support for Android. This expansive MMORPG naturally lends itself to longer play sessions, so controller support is a must. 

Tower of Fantasy has you create your own character and then let them loose into the beautiful, conflicted world of Aida. There's a mystery unraveling and tensions heightening between Aida's warring factions, the Heirs of Aida and Hykros, with you and your friends getting caught up in the middle. 

To come out of this mess on top, you'll need to explore the giant map, battle minions and big bosses alike and unlock powerful Simulacra — the forms and abilities of heroes preserved as AI — to equip and wield as you please.

The sheer scale of what the game throws at you, in the beginning may feel a little daunting, but you'll get the hang of things quickly as you work your way through the story. Tower of Fantasy is free-to-play, monetized through in-app purchases. It's not the most predatory gacha system out there either, so it's definitely worth a shot if you liked Genshin but are ready for something new.  

Vampire: The Masquerade — Night Road

Fans of the World of Darkness IP Vampire: The Masquerade have a lot to be excited for. While we patiently await Bloodlines 2, we have a lot to tide us over. For example, there's Night Road, which is a 100% text-based RPG where your choices matter. It also helps that the writing is awesome, and the game itself is huge at 650,000 words (give or take).

In Night Road, you play as a vampire courier that drives through the American Southwest delivering goods and messages to vampire higher-ups. Not only are vampire hunters after you, but you have to contend with the dawn as you make your way to your destination. Ultimately, you define your character as you see fit.

Considering the size of the game and the multitude of choices you can make, Night Road is an excellent text-based adventure and one that's fun to play through a few times to see how different choices affect the narrative. You can start off playing for free, but at a certain point, you'll need to fork over $10 to finish the game. You can also pay $1 to remove ads.

The Best Shooters

Like shooting stuff? This category is just for you. From first-person immersion to third-person top-down, these games are filled with action and bullets. What else do I need to say?

Call of Duty: Mobile

There was a ton of hype surrounding Call of Duty: Mobile throughout the beta and ahead of its global launch. To the credit of Activision and TiMi Studios (a subsidiary of Tencent Games), the game is phenomenal and was rightfully selected as one of the best mobile games released in 2019 — and it just continues to get better in 2022. It's now offering an outstanding new 20 vs. 20 Battle Royale mode called Warfare in the latest update.

A huge reason why the game plays so well can be credited to Tencent Games. It owns the mobile shooter space with PUBG Mobile, another game that's featured on this list, and fans of that game will recognize the familiar user interface and surprising gameplay performance that's been perfectly optimized for mobile. CoD Mobile makes use of the many iconic multiplayer maps from the Call of Duty franchise, and really does a great job translating the fast-paced action that makes the game, so fun to play on other platforms.

Call of Duty: Mobile features the core team deathmatch modes that Call of Duty is known for, along with the Battle Royale mode introduced in the main franchise with CoD: Black Ops 4. They could have easily just stuck with the team deathmatch and still had a great game on their hands, but the inclusion of a 100-player battle royale (along with the fan-favorite zombie mode) just adds more value to the total package.

I've been playing CoD: Mobile since the beta, and it has been one of my go-to games whenever I've got a couple of minutes to kill. Because the game is so damn popular, it's super quick to jump into a match, whether you want to play with casuals or go up against more veteran players in a ranked match.

Because it's a free-to-play game, there are the usual trappings, including in-app purchases for buying in-game currency, which can then be spent on battle crates filled with random rewards. A tiered progression path with premium subscriptions available can also net more rewards. 

Considering the console or PC versions of Call of Duty will set you back at least $60 upfront, along with all the potential paid DLC and inevitable microtransactions for cosmetic upgrades, the mobile version ends up feeling superior in terms of up-front value. You don't need to bust out your credit card to thoroughly enjoy this game, which is a big reason why Call of Duty: Mobile demands the top spot on our list.

Doom & Doom II

That's right; it's the granddaddy of the first-person shooter genre, and its equally awesome and powerful sequel. Both of these games more than deserve a spot on this list not only for their timelessness, but because the Android ports are really quite good. Bethesda has fixed many early issues, including removing the Bethesda.net account requirement and tweaking the touchscreen controls, and now I can heartily recommend both games. I still suggest using a controller if you can, however.

Doom is almost 30 years old, and boy, it's withstood the test of time. Like other 90s classics, Doom and Doom II were true passion projects, games that pushed the technological envelope at the time. While not technically impressive today — Doom can run on a pregnancy test today — they maintain their charm, character, and near-flawless gameplay.

Top all of this off with an update that brought support for 16:9 resolutions and 90-120FPS, and you got yourself a very fine duology of shooters. Though others in this section push what possible on mobile today, Doom and Doom II just chug along, providing joyful nostalgia to those of us who played them in our younger years or giving younger gamers a chance to experience video game history.

Infinity Ops

Infinity Ops is a sci-fi multiplayer shooter that is, well... it's really awesome. I've played this game for hours, and I love every minute of it. It's like if you took Bright Memory, Halo, and Destiny PvP, and mashed it together with some Titanfall 2 thrown in for good measure.

If that sounds interesting to you, then I highly suggest you check out Infinity Ops. There are classes to choose from, guns to earn and/or buy, and even maps with varying gravity levels to shake things up. The robust social features are great for people who appreciate that sort of thing. There are even clans!

Infinity Ops is free-to-play, with microtransactions going toward new weapons and gear. So yeah, it's got the usual freemium nonsense, but the game itself is solid. Did I mention that it has jetpacks and giant mechs?

JYDGE

JYDGE is a gritty and violent top-down twin-stick shooter that is an absolute blast to play. You are the JYDGE, a cybernetic enforcement officer who uses his Gavel (see: BIG freaking gun) to dole out RoboCop-style justice.

Each level features different challenges that are required to progress but never feel like a slogging chore. Confiscating illegal cash along the way, you're able to upgrade JYDGE and his gavel with a deep selection of accessories. In that way, JYDGE retains the rogue-like element from its predecessor Neon Chrome by encouraging you to replay levels with different upgrade combinations until you complete all the challenges.

With a game that has you replay levels repeatedly, a game must find that mix of great gameplay with an interesting soundtrack that isn't super annoying or repetitive — and JYDGE absolutely delivers.

PUBG Mobile

It's incredible how well PUBG Mobile plays on Android. What started as a massive 100-player battle royale game has continued to grow and evolve into the all-time best action shooter game for mobile. Drop into massive maps loaded with weapons, ammo, tactical gear, and vehicles in classic battle royale modes. You drop in as a solo player or as part of a team and must use all your best skills to take down your opponents until you're the last man standing.

It's not unheard of for a popular PC or console release to find its way to Android, but you'll be surprised at how well PUBG plays on a smartphone. It's the best game available for Android despite some of the more frustrating aspects of how the coolest loot is hidden in exploitive loot boxes that simply should not exist. Nonetheless, the game is free-to-play and accessible for so many gamers.

I like to play with maxed-out graphics, but the game also lets you scale back the graphical detail so you can enjoy smooth gameplay even playing on an older device. If you've got a newer device, crank those settings to the max and enjoy one of the best-looking mobile games I've played in a long while. Got an older phone with limited specs, but still want to get in the game? Check out PUBG Mobile Lite, specifically designed to take up less space on your phone and run smoothly on phones with less RAM.

PUBG Mobile somehow delivers all the epic moments you'd expect the PC game scaled down perfectly for mobile devices. They've truly embraced the success by continuing to add new EvoGround game modes, including a dedicated zombie Battle Royale mode, multiple team deathmatch modes, explosive new vehicular assault RageGear modes, and Payload mode, which introduced helicopters, miniguns, and a rocket launcher. Get your squad together, and I'll see you on the battleground.

Tesla vs. Lovecraft

Tesla vs. Lovecraft is the latest game from Finnish developers 10tons Ltd, and it's a real treat. The game pits Nikola Tesla and his hi-tech inventions against a vengeful H.P. Lovecraft who has unleashed endless waves of nightmarish monsters that will quickly swarm around you unless you fight back.

This is an incredibly polished game that twin-stick controls for moving and shooting. The campaign gradually increases in difficulty, with well over 200 enemies spawning on screen at one time if you aren't fast with your trigger finger. Fortunately, there are power-ups and perks aplenty which are accessible in a rogue-like fashion. You collect XP as you slay monsters and get a new perk every time you level up. Power-ups and weapons randomly spawn on the map, and you'll also want to collect the six pieces required to build Tesla's mech, which can cut down any horde in short order.

The touchscreen controls feel comfortable, and the game also offers great support for Bluetooth controllers, which is always fantastic to see in a premium game. There's a ton of content built into the base game, along with some DLC available that offers new monsters, weapons, and much more. Don't be worry; the game feels polished without needing to shell out more money, but once you've finally made it through everything that Tesla vs. Lovecraft has to offer, you might be glad there's a little bit more to explore.

The Best Sims

Much like puzzle and platformer games, the term "sim" defines a wide variety of titles. The gist is that you're simulating something, be it you, god, or farmer. For the most part, these types of games are as relaxing and enjoyable as time-wasters or time-sinks.

Animal Crossing Pocket Camp

Animal Crossing Pocket Camp is a miniaturized and simplified version of its older siblings. You play as a campsite manager, and your job is to design the best possible campsite to attract adorable animal campers. A mix of open-area combined with fixed "amenities," like a pool, a treehouse, or even an entire castle, make up your campsite's customizable spaces. The open area allows you to place furniture and other decorations to your liking, all of which have different types associated with them.

Amenities, items, and even campers — also known as Villagers in other AC titles — can be Cute, Sporty, Cool, and many other types. These types dictate what items and amenities campers will like at your campsite. Fulfilling their requests is how you forge a greater friendship with them and, in  turn, unlock bigger and better items and amenities. Most of your daily play-time will be spent doing typical Animal Crossing things like fishing, bug-catching, and collecting fruit to fulfill camper requests.

Like any good sim game, Pocket Game is a vicious but delightful cycle — get more campers, to get more materials, to get more amenities to get more campers. 

Unfortunately, there are a few caveats to consider here. Pocket Camp certainly isn't the worst offender when it comes to microtransactions, but it does give the player ample opportunity to make in-app purchases in the form of buying Fortune Cookies (loot boxes with a chance of giving you rare, themed items) and in-game cash that you can spend to jump the line and make progress on certain objectives more quickly.

That being said, you can still make tons of progress in Pocket Camp without ever spending a dime of your own money. The only end goal of Pocket Camp is to pack your campsite with your favorite villagers and then customize the heck out of it. This game is a perfect casual time-suck and a great choice for resource management junkies.

Fallout Shelter

Ever wonder what it was like to live in a Fallout Vault after the bombs fell? The main series paints a grotesque picture of the experiments that went on, but Fallout Shelter actually allows players to become an Overseer and run their very own Vault. 

While the creepy experiments are put on the backburner, that doesn't make life in a Vault easy. Players will need to manage the population's happiness, food supply, water supply, and electricity. 

This simulation spin on the classic RPG formula has a lot going for it and is perfectly suited for mobile phones, no matter if you want to just put in 5 minutes here or there or decide to play it for hours at a time. It's addicting. And when that Vault life gets a tad "boring," you can send out your Vault dwellers into the unknown to forage for supplies. 

Yes, radroaches and deathclaws are liable to attack at any moment, but where would the excitement be without them?