I played Resident Evil Village on my iPad Pro – and mobile gaming still has a long way to go

Big-name games on smart devices

Mobile gaming is on the rise, with popular triple-A games now being made available on smartphones and tablets. The iPhone 15 Pro, for example, is changing the game by allowing users to play PC and console experiences like Death Stranding and Assassin's Creed Mirage on their Apple devices.

Resident Evil Village on iPad Pro

While Death Stranding and Assassin's Creed Mirage are not yet available, we were able to try out Resident Evil Village, the latest installment in the popular gaming series. We played the game on an M1 iPad Pro and here's what we found.

Controller vs Touchscreen controls

You have the option to play the game with either touchscreen controls or a controller. We opted for the controller, as touchscreen controls can be cumbersome and cover up the screen. Resident Evil Village heavily relies on controls, so playing without a controller can make the game feel overwhelming.

Impressive quality on a small device

Despite our tempered expectations, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the game on such a small device. While there are limitations in terms of graphical options and performance, the overall gameplay experience is still impressive for a mobile device.

Performance tips

To optimize performance, we recommend targeting 30fps and medium graphical settings. While performance may not be the most important factor, the gameplay experience is what truly matters.

Improved experience with a controller

Resident Evil Village is not optimized for mobile, with the UI covering half of the screen and limited touch screen functionality. However, using a controller significantly improves the experience, and there are no connectivity issues to worry about. Keep in mind that there may be some input lag, which could be problematic for hardcore gamers.

Battery drain and overheating

Playing Resident Evil Village on your phone can quickly drain your battery and cause your device to heat up. It's not ideal for long gaming sessions on mobile.

Apple's ambitious gaming goals

Apple seems to have set its sights high when it comes to gaming on smart devices. The company aims to run PS5 games on its phones, but even running a PS4 game like Resident Evil Village can be a challenge for its latest tech. While the Apple version may seem like a good deal, it's not the best way to experience the game unless you have the latest-gen device.