If you find yourself interested in mobile gaming after unboxing your shiny new phone. You're in the right place. Today, we will discuss the various places you can find and play games on your phone. We'll cover the usual suspects and a few other options you might not have encountered previously.
The App Store and Google Play
I've grouped these two together because which one you end up using entirely depends on whether you have an Android or iOS device. The App Store is available on iOS, while Google Play is the go-to storefront for Android phones and tablets.
Both give you access to numerous apps and games, though each marketplace isn't identical. Some games are exclusive to one or the other. For instance, the App Store is home to Apple's subscription service, Apple Arcade. For £4.99 a month, you gain access to a huge library of games that are exclusive to iOS when it comes to mobile.
TapTap
TapTap is an alternative option to Google Play and the App Store that claims to be made by gamers for gamers, which brings several benefits to the platform. For instance, you don't have to worry about other apps appearing in searches. TapTap is all about the games.
TapTap also has an algorithm that will recommend new games based on what you've previously played and enjoyed. So, if you're a fan of puzzle games, TapTap promises to help you discover even more of them. You can also join communities and chat with other players if you're feeling social.
You can download TapTap for free by heading to its official website.
itch.io
If you're in the mood for more quirky and experimental games, you should definitely check out some of the options available on itch.io. If you're unfamiliar, itch.io is a platform for independent developers to distribute their games however they choose. This makes it a bit of a Wild West at times, but there are some real gems available.
In some cases, you can play games directly in your phone's browser, meaning you won't have to download anything. Other times, you might need to download an APK to install the game to your Android device, which is admittedly a little bit more involved. Regardless, there are some excellent browser-based options to enjoy if you don't want to get involved in the APK world.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Okay, so this one is a bit of a technicality. While you can't 'get' Xbox games on your mobile, you can either stream or access them through the Cloud, which is pretty much the same deal. It also gives you access to an incredible library of games.
You'll need to be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber member, but once you are, you'll have access to first-party titles like Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite or Gears of War on your phone. While you can use touch screen controls to enjoy these titles, you might want to consider connecting a controller to your phone to replicate the console experience in a more portable form factor.
