Foldables, tablets and phablets: a new Galaxy for mobile gamers

From shooting to looting, exploring to scoring, the launch of devices like the Samsung Z Fold series has changed the way we game on mobiles.

The first Samsung Galaxy Z Fold was a revolution, showing us just how well a folding screen can work on a phone. Since that first iteration blew us away, they’ve worked on refining and perfecting the concept, making the screen sturdier and the insides speedier.

And while they’re great for browsing the web, social media and all that other everyday stuff, there’s one reason why devices like iPad, the large sceen "max" mobile range and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 really rock: gaming on the go. No need to lug around a gaming laptop – with the devices you simply unfold to play. When it’s game over, fold it back up and slip it in your pocket. Giving you access to big-screen gaming, wherever you are.

Whether you’re firing up games native to Android or iOS, or you’re taking advantage of modern streaming options that let you play through the cloud, here’s how to make the most of your mobile screen.

Android games

No matter how hardcore a gamer you are, there are enough titles to keep you busy for the rest of your life.

If you’re a shooter fan, essentials like Call of Duty Mobile, Fortnite and PUBG all look and play fantastically on the Z Fold3 for example. And because they more precious screen space, you have a better view of the battlefield – which gives you a handy advantage over your opponents, especially with a speedy 120Htz refresh rate.

If you prefer games where you aren’t blasting away at baddies, it also helps titles like Mario Kart Tour and Monument Valley 2 shine (assuming you don’t already have a Nintendo Switch).

But gaming isn’t just limited to titles available on Android. Provided you’ve got a good internet connection, you can also stream games that you’d normally play on a console. How’s that for high tech?

PlayStation Remote Play

Sony’s Remote Play service allows you to remotely run your PlayStation 4 or 5 games on your Fold or other compatible device. Setting it up is a breeze:  all you need to do is install the app to your phone and ensure that you’ve enabled remote play on your PlayStation.

This service is especially cool because you can connect your DUALSHOCK4 controller via Bluetooth to your Fold (although unfortunately, the DualSense controller that comes with a PS5 isn’t compatible). If you don’t have a controller, you can also use touch screen controls. But a word of warning: depending on the game, you might find this method a little finicky.

While Remote Play is a great system, it does come with one negative: the service doesn’t work on cellular networks. That means that while it’s ace for when you’re connected to WiFi, your dreams of playing The Last of Us Part II or God of War on the commute home from work can’t come true.

But with ultra-fast 5G becoming more and more common, hopefully it’s only a matter of time before Sony gets on board and allows play on cellular networks.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft’s version of Remote Play – with a few clever twists.

Just like Sony’s service, you can use a compatible Bluetooth controller to control games on a Fold3, or just use an on-screen gamepad with selected titles. But unlike Remote Play, which runs games off your console and then streams them to your phone, Xbox Cloud Gaming streams it from a server way off in parts unknown.

Additionally, you can stream your games while connected to a cellular network. This opens up a whole world of possibilities – now you can basically game wherever there’s network availability.

The only problem? While Xbox Cloud Gaming is available in over 25 countries, it’s actually still in testing in Australia. This means that there’s only a limited number of test spots available, and you’ll only have access to certain games (although the titles are definitely worth your time, with names like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Sea of Thieves and Forza).

If you snag a spot in the trial, you won’t actually need to own an Xbox console, nor any games. All you’ll need is your Fold and a compatible Bluetooth controller. For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to make it, we expect that Xbox Cloud Gaming will launch sometime later in 2021 (fingers crossed).

When that happens, if other countries are any indication, you’ll probably need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to access the service. At $15.95 a month, Game Pass Ultimate is kind of like the Netflix of gaming, giving you access to over 100 games that are compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

So, which service should I choose?

As you’ve probably gathered, the best choice for you really depends on what console you own.

If you’ve got a PlayStation, it really makes sense to go with Remote Play. It’s free, and allows you to play any game that you already own.

If you own an Xbox, Xbox Cloud Gaming is the way to play. Sure, you have to spring for Game Pass Ultimate, but that gives you access to over 100 games, both on your console and your Fold3.

Or if you just want to game the old-fashioned way, you’ll find thousands upon thousands of Android games. All looking their absolute best on the Fold3’s fantastic screen.

No matter what you choose, there’s one thing that’s clear: gaming on the Fold3 is a definite winner.

Shop the stylish and sleek Galaxy Z Flip4 5G or get your hands on the truly incredible Galaxy Z Fold4 5G. For more information, check out the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 review and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 review.

You can also pair your foldables with the latest Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro to experience the connected power of the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.