8 Console Games You Can Play on Your iPhone
Today's iPhones are more powerful than most users realize. They come with more RAM, a more powerful processor, and optimized features that will make them run faster than ever.
That said, many casual users don't really need that type of power on a daily basis, so it might seem like you're wasting your iPhone if you don't push it to its limits.
Luckily, there's a cool and fun way to put your powerful iPhone to the test: video games. But not just any type of games; we're talking about AAA games.
Triple-A games, most commonly referred to as AAA games, are categorized as being produced by a mid-sized or a major publisher, and they're typically exclusive to game consoles and higher-end PCs.
At least, that was true until a few years ago. Now, you can find and play AAA games right on your iPhone — provided you have an iPhone 15 Pro or any of the iPhone 16 or newer models.
From popular franchises like Resident Evil and Grand Theft Auto to newer gems like Hades and Dead Cells, we've gathered some of the best AAA games you can play on your iPhone right now.
Before we get started, it's worth noting that, based on the definition we gave before, some of the games on the list might not be considered strictly AAA games, but they're not necessarily indie games either. One thing's for sure: they're amazing games, and you won't regret playing them.
Resident Evil 4
If you're a Resident Evil fan, you'll love many of the games on this list. We're starting out with one of the best games in the survival horror genre: Resident Evil 4.
In this game, you'll play as Leon S. Kennedy, who was one of the survivors of the incident in Raccoon City. Now, you're on a mission to rescue the president's daughter, who was kidnapped and is held hostage in Europe.
This Resident Evil 4 version is the remake of the iconic game that originally came out in 2005. This game transformed the survival horror genre and many people now consider it the best one in the franchise.
For the first time ever, you can play it on your iPhone, with improved graphics and gameplay, while staying true to the story that made the original game such a phenomenon.
XCOM 2 Collection
Who doesn't like tactical strategy games and kicking aliens' butts? Certainly, many of us do, and we have the perfect game to satisfy all our needs: XCOM 2.
XCOM 2 is an incredibly popular strategy and turn-based game that made its way through the App Store a few years back. Now, you can command your own team and defend humanity.
In this game, aliens have taken over the Earth, and the XCOM team is the last line of defense against the extraterrestrial threat. Your job is to command a small team of soldiers and help them defeat different waves of enemies.
You'll have to control your team by telling them where to go, what to do, and when to attack. Your decisions during a level will determine whether your team dies, so you need to be careful.
What's great about the XCOM 2 collection is that you will have access to the main story, as well as all the DLC packs, soldier types, and new missions available.
Death Stranding Director's Cut
When Apple announced two years ago that some of the biggest games were coming to the iPhone, Death Stranding was at the top of the list, and for a good reason.
This game takes you to a futuristic and apocalyptic world, where America and the rest of the nations are divided. Your goal is to be the bridge between nations and help reunite America.
Death Stranding is one of the best and weirdest experiences you can have on your iPhone. After all, it's a game from Hideo Kojima, one of the most unique game creators of our time. The visuals are also amazing, and they will definitely put your iPhone to the test.
With all of that said, the game might not be for everyone. For starters, the gameplay can be a bit slow, especially at the beginning. Not only that, but some cutscenes are over two hours long. Yes, you read that right.
Still, if you're looking for a new and unique experience, you won't regret getting this game. Even if you already know and like this game, the Director's Cut will give you extra content that you haven't played yet.
Dead Cells
If you like roguelike games that are hard but in a fun way, you're going to want to play Dead Cells.
This game first came out in 2018, and became an instant hit. You'll play as a prisoner in a castle. Your biggest ability is to possess dead bodies, which will help you make your way through the castle.
Along the way, you'll find different skills and weapons that will strengthen you and make you more capable of fighting against the tough enemies you'll face. However, there are a couple of small problems. First, if you die once, you'll have to play from the beginning. Second, the game is really challenging.
Once you die, you'll lose most of the weapons you earned in your playthrough. You'll still keep a few permanent items, which will make your next playthrough a bit easier, but you'll still have to improve your skills to actually make it out alive.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
Nowadays, Assassin's Creed is a hit or miss for many gamers. While they used to be great games, they fell off as the franchise moved forward.
The good news is that games like Assassin's Creed Mirage are helping bring the franchise back to a better place, and the best part is that you can play it on your iPhone now.
In Mirage, you'll play as Basim, a street thief who joins a secret organization to find the truth about his visions. During the game, you'll learn to become a better assassin and discover the truth about everything you experience.
Just like most Assassin's Creed games, Mirage also has a story in the modern era. You'll also find out more information about the modern-day story, although it isn't as predominant as the story of the past.
Still, if you like adventure and stealth games, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a must-have, and you should try it out on your iPhone.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
If you're a fan of Grand Theft Auto, you've probably heard of Vice City before, but now you actually have the opportunity to play it on your iPhone.
Vice City is one of the best games in the entire franchise, and it's been loved by fans since it came out in 2002. In it, you'll play as Tommy Vercetti, a criminal who recently got out of prison after a fifteen-year sentence.
Now that you're back in the game, you'll start a new journey to become the biggest criminal in Vice City. Of course, it's easier said than done, and you'll have to go over many enemies and even some allies to make it happen.
Like other GTA games, Vice City is an open-world game, which means you can do a lot of extra content and missions before even starting the main campaign. Sure, the game doesn't have the graphics that the modern-day GTA 6 will have, but this is a classic game that everyone should try at least once.
Resident Evil Village
We promise this is the last Resident Evil game on the list. Still, after you play Resident Evil Village, you'll probably want more.
Resident Evil Village is the eighth installment of the main Resident Evil series. In it, you'll play as Ethan — yes, the same character from Resident Evil 7 — after the events that happened in Biohazard. You'll know what happened to Ethan, his wife, and other characters that appeared in the previous game.
Although this game isn't as scary as the previous installment, it still contains many elements of the survival horror genre. So, if you want to make it out alive, you'll need to be careful with how you use your ammo and weapons.
Resident Evil Village was well received by fans and critics, and for good reason. Whether it's gameplay, horror, or graphics, the game is filled with everything that made other games in the franchise great and so much more.
Star Wars: KOTOR II
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars games available, and you can now play it on your iPhone.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II takes place five years after the events of the first game. You'll play as a Jedi in a world where the Jedi Order is almost gone. The Sith Lords have taken over most of the galaxy, and it's your job to save the Order from extinction.
However, this is where things get interesting: you have a choice as a player. You can choose to defend the Jedi Order or to betray them and go into the dark side. The choices you make will define your destiny, and they will affect the outcome of the game, as well as the allies you make along the way.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II is a fantastic game with a great story and really fun gameplay. Even if you have played it before, you'll still enjoy having this game in your pocket, so you can play it whenever you want.
Check the App Store Before Buying These Games
All of the games on this list have a few things in common. First of all, they're fantastic, and you'll have tons of fun playing them.
Secondly, most of these games are demanding. This means that if you have an older iPhone, you should think twice before buying one because they're also expensive, or at least more expensive than your typical mobile game.
Some of the games on the list let you know which iPhones are supported. If you don't see your iPhone on the list, or you think your device is really old, you might be better off skipping them.
Still, there are options on this list that are fantastic for most iPhones, and you won't regret getting them. Not only that, but some of the games are available to download and start playing for free. You can check them out to see if you're interested and if your iPhone supports them before purchasing them.