2 Ways to Play AAA Games on Older iPhones
The newly launched iPhone 16 series, along with the already capable iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, support AAA games, including titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4. But don’t worry if you’re not ready to upgrade just yet. Even if you own an older iPhone 15, 14, 13, or even 12, you can still tap into AAA gaming through ported games and cloud gaming.
In this article, we’ll explore the various ways you may enjoy AAA games on an older iPhone, no matter the model.
Method 1: Download Natively Ported AAA Games
AAA games or Triple-A games, are high-budget, popular video games developed and published by major companies. While the newest titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage or Resident Evil currently require the power of the A17 Pro chip (found in iPhone 15 Pro and later) or the M1 chip (found in iPad Pro and later), there’s still a wealth of AAA-quality gaming experiences available for older iPhones.
Many developers have already ported their hit games to iOS, optimizing them to run smoothly even on devices without the latest hardware. This means you can enjoy a wide range of immersive and visually impressive games directly on your older iPhone, without needing any additional accessories or subscriptions.
Here are some popular AAA games available on the App Store:
Method 2: Play AAA Games Using Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is gradually catching up, and it actually works great. So even if you don’t have theiPhone 16or the iPhone 15 Pro models, you can use cloud gaming to play your favorite games by paying a small fee every month or however the platform’s pricing structure works. You’ll also need a fast internet connection to stream these games without lag.
Here are some cloud gaming platforms to play AAA games on your iPhone:
1. Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming is included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. It offers a vast library of AAA and indie games you can stream directly to your iPhone. No downloads or installations are required, allowing you to play high-quality games on the go.
Since the games are inherently included with the Xbox Game Pass subscription, you can play hundreds of titles available with the subscription. This includes popular games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla, GTA 5, Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, Halo Infinite, and many more.
Your game saves are synchronized across devices, so you can seamlessly transition from playing on your Xbox or PC to your iPhone and vice versa.
Some games come with touch controls, but for most, especially AAA games designed for controllers, I strongly recommend using one. You can use an Xbox controller, a Sony DualShock 4, or any other compatible controller you prefer.
Key Benefits:
Requirements:
Price:$16.99/month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (includes Xbox Cloud Gaming and other benefits)
Check out:Xbox Cloud Gaming(setup guide here)
2. Nvidia’s GeForce NOW
From the renowned graphics card manufacturer, NVIDIA GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service that lets you stream and play your PC games from the cloud to a variety of devices, including your iPhone.
Like other cloud gaming platforms, it gives you access to a powerful gaming rig in the cloud, allowing you to play demanding games even on your iPhone, which wouldn’t typically support them. you’re able to play with up to 1080p resolution and 60 FPS streaming, depending on your membership tier.
You can choose between hundreds of free-to-play games. You can also link your accounts from digital PC game stores like Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, etc., to play them on the cloud rig. You’ll also need to connect a compatible controller (like an Xbox or PlayStation controller) to your iPhone for the best gaming experience.
GeForce NOW on iPhone offers three tiers:
Key benefits:
Price:Free (basic), $9.99/month (Priority), and $19.99/month (Ultimate)
Check out:Nvidia GeForce Now
3. Amazon Luna
Amazon Luna is another cloud gaming service that lets you play games on devices you already own, including your iPhone. Luna offers different channels with curated game selections including AAA titles like Fallout 3, Shadow of War, WRC Generations, Resident Evil 2, Metro Exodus, Ride 4, etc.
Games are streamed directly to your iPhone. And you can seamlessly switch between your iPhone, iPad, Fire TV, PC, and other compatible devices. For controlling the game, use the Luna Controller, connect a compatible Bluetooth controller, or use on-screen touch controls.
Check out:Amazon Luna
AAA Gaming on iPhone Made Easier
Even if you don’t have the latest and greatest iPhone, there are plenty of ways to enjoy AAA gaming experiences. If you’re lucky enough to own an iPhone 15 Pro or the shiny new iPhone 16, you can dive straight into the App Store or Apple Arcade for top-tier games.
But for those with older iPhones, cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna open up a world of possibilities, letting you stream AAA titles without needing a high-end device.
Each method has its pros and cons, so it comes down to your preferences and budget. If you want to own your games and enjoy them offline, buying them outright or subscribing to Apple Arcade might be the way to go – especially if you have an iPhone that supports these games natively. But if you’re looking for variety, flexibility, and the chance to try out the latest releases without breaking the bank, cloud gaming is definitely worth exploring.
Remember, a stable internet connection is crucial for a smooth cloud gaming experience. So give it a try, see if it works for you, and get ready to enjoy some amazing AAA games on your iPhone, no matter how old it is.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey started by sharing knowledge and helping others in online communities. That passion soon turned into a career in tech journalism, backed by a formal education in Electronic Media. He’s held editorial roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, and has contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides under his belt, Ritik has helped millions of readers get more out of their tech—from smartphones to smart homes.
