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Got a gaming smartphone? Here’s how you can make the best use of it

Mobile phones have come a long way from being clunky pieces of metal and plastic to being the symbol cutting-edge technology and electronic performance. While almost every modern mobile phone share certain qualities, there are some who stand head and shoulders above the rest. These are smartphones that, apart from performing the usual functions, also double up as a portable console. Gone are the days when an avid gamer had to have multiple devices to play games to his heart’s content. So, if you are a gamer by heart, here’s how you can make the best use of your gaming smartphone.

1. Use the Gaming Mode

This one should be a no-brainer if you have purchased a gaming smartphone. While most phones have private modes to customize your notifications, the Gaming Mode does much more. It not only minimizes your notifications, but also optimizes your RAM and memory support. This gives a huge performance boost to your game and it can be played in a better resolution.

2. Keep your phone up-to-date

Smartphones are notorious for getting slow over time. However, companies keep sending over-the-air (OTA) updates to improve the phone and provide patches for your software. Though the phone notifies you in case of a new system update, it is always good to manually scroll through the settings and check for any system updates. This helps the gaming smartphone stay at the top of the game and offer the best performance.

3. Purchase a wireless controller

Modern games have evolved from 2D side-scrolling platformers to ultra-realistic 3D open worlds. Similarly, mobile gaming has also seen the shift from arcade games like Subway Surfer and Fruit Ninja to full-blown simulators and console ports. While almost all games can be played flawlessly using the touchscreen, the essence of some games is in the controller. Games like simulators, FPS or even some arcades perform much better and offer greater fun when played with a wireless controller. This controller can be connected to the gaming smartphone via Bluetooth and can be used to play multiple games. Some games offer inbuilt controller support, while others require an external key mapping software.

4. Consider using emulators

If you are an old-school gamer you might miss the days of Sony’s Playstation or Nintendo’s DS entertainment systems. Well, lucky for you, gaming smartphones have evolved to double up as your choice of console. No, you cannot insert your console’s disk in the phone, but you can play those games in another way. There are many emulators available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store that offer console quality gaming on your smartphone. You can either opt for free ones like PPSSPP or go for paid ones like DraStic. The former one allows you to play any Playstation Portable (PSP) while the latter one runs Nintendo DS games. Emulators also let you play games that are otherwise unavailable on gaming smartphones, such as console exclusives.

Thus, you can make the best use of your gaming smartphone and optimize your gaming experience.

Love playing games on your smartphone? A wireless controller works best with these!

Mobile gaming has a loyal fan following around the world and many gamers are exclusively dedicated to their smartphones. While most games offer a seamless experience when played using the touchscreen, there are many that perform best when played with a wireless controller. Following is a list of games that maximize their performance with a wireless controller.

1. Grid Autosport

Grid Autosport is probably one of the best games on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. It not only offers console quality graphics on your smartphone, but also offers a realistic racecar driving experience. As the name suggests, the game revolves around racing cars around close-circuit tracks around the world. It features over a hundred licensed cars and tracks, making it a must-have for racing sim enthusiasts as well as automobile fanatics. Grid Autosport offers the most realistic driving feeling possible on a smartphone and works best when played with its inbuilt controller support. It is a paid app, though the first purchase unlocks all content, including some bonus DLCs.

2. Real Racing 3

If you wish to play a racing game with your wireless controller but are unwilling to shell out money, Real Racing 3 is a free alternative. It too offers console quality racing experience and features hundreds of licensed cars and racetracks. However, Real Racing 3 has certain in-app purchases that you can make to progress faster in the game, while its racing dynamics is not as on point as Grid Autosport. Still, its online multiplayer feature allows you to race against your friends and compete for the fastest time, making it a worthwhile app to pass time with.

3. Shadowgun Legends

Fans of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre will be overjoyed by playing Shadowgun Legends with their wireless controller. Set in a futuristic and fictional world, the game revolves around the player hunting down aliens and “bashing some skulls.” A free-to-play app, it can be played with up to three other players and offers complete controller support. Shadowgun Legends is a must try for gamers who have played Virtua Cop 2, CounterStrike or Quake in the past.

4. Minecraft

Minecraft has been around for a long time and has garnered a massive global fanbase. Its pocket edition for the smartphone offers the same joy of Minecraft with the pleasure of having it in your pocket! Players can roam around a vast universe; building, breaking, hunting, running and laughing along the way.’

5. Infinite Flight

Infinite Flight is an authentic aircraft simulator that lets you live your dream of becoming a pilot. Available as free-to-play, the game offers a realistic flying experience, that is further enhanced with a wireless controller. Players can select their choice of airport to take off from and land on, though its full features are locked behind in-app purchases. The full version of the game offers multiple weather conditions, global airports, Air Traffic Control (ATC) mode and a lot more.

Miss the good old days of console gaming? Here’s how you can bring back!

Old-school gamers know the pleasure of coming back from school, hastily eating lunch and booting up their gaming console. While most gamers have shifted from console gaming to mobile gaming, the essence of consoles remains unchanged. If you love to reminisce on those days and wish to play some of those games again, here’s how you can enjoy console games on your smartphone.

1. Download an emulator

Almost every console that ruled the market in the 90s has been replicated digitally. These are called emulators and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. PPSSPP is a free emulator that plays Playstation Portable (PSP) games while DraStic is a paid one that supports Nintendo DS games. There are many others as well that support games from Nintento Gameboy, Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation 2 and so on.

2. Search for ROMs

The next step after downloading an emulator is to download the games for it. The easiest way to do so is to is via the emulator itself, though you can even look them up on Google. These are digitized versions of the same games that are played on their respective consoles, so you need to worry about system requirements. However, it is advisable to use a good gaming smartphone to optimize the gaming experience.

3. Opt for a controller

While emulators offer controls on the touchscreen, their gameplay is better suited for physical buttons. As they are basically console ports, the games that they play also work well with a controller. Hence, opting for a wireless controller can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

4. Connect to a Smart TV

Although this is strictly for the hardcore, many emulators also allow you to broadcast your gameplay. If not, there is always the option of mirroring your smartphone’s screen to your Smart TV. In this way, you can practically relive the moments of old school console gaming without the hassle of repairing old consoles!

Thus there are many ways to bring back the old days of console gaming, integrated with modern technology!