The Apple event is known for featuring game developers raving about the latest Apple hardware and teasing upcoming high-end titles. However, with the release of the iPhone 15 Pro last year and the iPhone 16 Pro this year, Apple has raised the stakes by claiming that their smartphones can handle even the biggest AAA hits, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games anywhere.
To put this claim to the test, we decided to see just how far the iPhone can be pushed as a gaming system. We put away our consoles and PCs and armed ourselves with only an iPhone, a few accessories, and determination to explore the truth behind Apple’s gaming hype and what it means for the future of mobile gaming.
Using the GameSir G8 Galileo controller with the iPhone 16 Pro, we delved into playing AAA games such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Death Stranding, and Resident Evil Village. However, we quickly noticed a common issue with these games – they all required large downloads and did not utilize the touchscreen effectively, forcing players to use on-screen gamepads and cover half the action while playing.
This is where the controller came in handy, not only providing a better gaming experience but also keeping our hands away from the iPhone, which can get hot during extended gameplay. With the controller, it was clear that we were playing modern AAA games on a phone, with titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4 making the jump from console to iPhone in just eight months.
However, while visually impressive for iPhone games, these titles still fall short compared to their console and PC counterparts. The graphics lack clarity and quality, and performance can be an issue, although the iPhone 16 Pro does show improvement in this area. Despite this, it’s still a long way from having a PlayStation 5 or even a PS4 in your pocket.
So, is this enough to justify playing these games on an iPhone instead of other systems? That’s a valid question, especially with added restrictions such as requiring an internet connection or a Ubisoft account to play certain games. While the iPhone may have its limitations, it’s clear that Apple is making strides in the gaming world, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to push the boundaries in the future.
