Twenty years ago, the idea of mobile gaming was still far-fetched. Even mobile apps were still evolving in terms of function and design. While early mobile games like Nokia’s Snake had proved hugely popular, mobile gaming didn’t take off until the late 2010s.
Since then, it’s become a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Despite the fact that mobile devices are small, the rollout of 5G networks and huge advances in mobile tech have transformed the handheld gaming experience. In 2024, there are a handful of popular eSports leagues that are geared specifically towards mobile gamers.
But getting the hang of playing games on a mobile device takes time, especially if your mobile phone is a bit older. Want to learn how you can make your mobile gaming experience seamless and more enjoyable? Use these tips and tricks, which can be applied to just about any device and every type of gamer.
Use a Tablet for Puzzles & Card Games
Many mobile gamers prefer casual titles, from match-threes to card games. If you’re going to be spending a long time gaming, then consider using a tablet like an iPad or a Galaxy Tab. It’ll be a more comfortable experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the game.
This is important if you’ll be flexing your mental muscles. For example, a poker player who wants to take on the Power Path approach to competing in major tournaments might spend a few hours before the screen.
To improve poker skills, like bluffing and reading others, it takes time and concentration. A tablet offers a larger screen size, which can make things like poker training more streamlined and more comfortable.
Find a Controller Solution
If you’re not set on playing puzzles and card games, then screen size likely isn’t your focus. Instead, you might be hung up on using the controls. Though mobile games are becoming more and more competitive, the controls tend to be complex and difficult to learn.
If you’re playing a MOBA or an FPS title, then find a controller solution that works for you. Some of these work by clamping around the device, offering two pads that function like a console controller. These are available for mobile devices and larger tablets.
Others closely mirror console controllers in terms of size and ergonomics. Rather than ‘clamping’ around the phone, the device is fixed to the top of the controller. Before you purchase a controller solution, read the reviews—not all are made for hardcore gamers.
Optimize Mobile Phone Settings
One of the easiest ways to get more out of your mobile gaming experience is to head to your settings. Depending on your mobile device, developers might have snuck a ‘gaming mode’ in there. Simply turn this on for a faster and better gaming experience.
If there’s no specific ‘gaming mode’ available, then you can optimize your settings yourself. Here’s what to do: turn off notifications, close all unnecessary apps, enable Developer Settings if possible, and push graphics quality as high as possible without causing lag.
Explore Booster Apps
If that’s not enough for you, then you can also explore booster apps. Booster apps do the work of adjusting your phone’s settings for you. These work by temporarily adjusting all settings that slow down your game, boosting the overall performance of your mobile device—even if it wasn’t made for gaming and isn’t a newer release.
Look into Gaming-First Mobile Devices for the Future
Lastly, you should think about whether purchasing a gaming-centric mobile device is best for you. Over the last few years, new Samsung releases have started to zero in on ultra-fast and graphically advanced devices that are geared toward competitive gamers.
If you plan on spending a lot of time playing on a smartphone, then spending a bit more on a gaming-first product will help you get more out of the experience consistently. It’s also a prerequisite for many elite players.
