Gaming as an activity has been exponentially gaining popularity over the course of the last decade. Although gaming has been something limited to consoles and PC, thanks to massive advancements in processing powers, it has made a considerable shift in attention towards portable devices like mobiles and iPads.
With more and more fun games coming for portable devices, we generally end up confused about choosing the best device. To help you with that, I’m here with three of the best iPads for gaming. In addition, I’ve also compiled the list of accessories which are efficient to enhance the overall gaming experience in your iPad.
Best iPads for Gaming
iPad Pro (4th Generation): Best iPad for High-End Gaming
Suppose you’re a hardcore gamer and looking to play the latest titles on your iPad. In that case, you need to pay serious attention to the 2021 released 4th Generation iPad Pro. Bringing home the latest Mac Book M1 Silicon processor, the 2021 iPad Pro is undoubtedly the best tablet available for processing high-end activities, and gaming is no exception.
Talking about some numbers, with average Geekbench scores of 1,212 points and 7,207 points respectively on single and multi-core tests, the inclusion of the M1 chip has pretty much narrowed the gap between the iPad Pro and the M1 Mac Book itself to a healthy margin. Also, the availability of 8 to 16 Gigabytes of RAM backs up the device’s performance to a greater extent.
Learn more about the specifications of the M1 iPad Pro 2021
Pros:
- Brilliant display
- Next-generation powerful processor
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
Pricing
The base variant of the 11-inch model will cost you $799, while the 12.9 model is somewhere around $1099 (CHECK CURRENT PRICE)
iPad (8th Generation): Best Budget iPad for Gaming
Although we can’t deny that the performance of the 2021 iPad Pro is unbeatable, its price can be troubling for some of us. If you find yourself stuck in a similar situation, I need your attention here. The 8th Generation iPad is one of the best budget options available for gamers. Whether we talk about the A12 Bionic processor or the 10.-inch Retina display, everything is blended perfectly to deliver a seamless gaming experience.
The Hexa-core Apple A12 Bionic processor at 2.49 GHz does well with the benchmark scores as well. The CPU benchmark scores are 1111 and 2422 respectively for single-core and multi-core tests which, to be honest, are pretty impressive considering the price that it is available for.
When we talk about the display, the 10.2-inch iPad doesn’t disappoint either. It comes with a retina ready display exhibiting pictures at 2160 x 1620 resolution. The display bags in 264 dpi and a maximum brightness of 500 nits which makes the iPad powerful enough to deliver a sharp and bright viewing experience.
Pros:
- Bright and sharp display
- Fast A12 Bionic processor
- Great battery life
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- It might not be a suitable option for high-end gaming.
- No USB C port
Pricing
Generally, the price of the 8th Gen iPad moves around $329 (CHECK CURRENT PRICE). However, you’ve the opportunity to grab this device for a lesser price this Amazon Prime Day. Learn about it, and check the latest price.
iPad Mini 5th Generation: Best Portable iPad for Gaming
Having talked about the high and end budget options, it is time we shift our attention towards the portability section. It is where the 5th Generation iPad mini steals the show. Featuring the 8-core neural engine, A12 Bionic Chip backed up by 3 GB of RAM, and around 10 hours of battery life, the device has almost anything you can ask for while enjoying games on a 7.9-inch display.
Surprisingly, this portable device is home to a similar chipset as the 8th Gen iPad holds on to. This means that you can expect similar performances with more portability. A quick look at the benchmark scores, and you’ll immediately notice how well the iPad Mini is optimized to serve performances seamlessly.
Pros:
- Promising display
- Great processor for a portable device
- Lightweight
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- It might not always come in handy while processing high-end games.
- It lacks a USB C port.
Pricing
The 5th Gen iPad Mini is available for $399. A piece of good news, though, this Amazon Prime Day offer lines up for this device as well. Click here to learn more.
Best iPads Accessories for Gaming
Steel Series Nimbus Plus: Best Wireless Controller for Gaming on iPad
If you’re looking to play games more accurate, having a controller is a must. Although it is essential to keep in mind that some games are designed to play using touch controls, certain high-end games are much more comfortable and fun to play with using a controller. Talking about the best controller, I’ve the Steel Series Nimbus Plus.
Designed specifically for the Apple ecosystem, this controller fits and connects almost any Apple device conveniently via the wireless method (Bluetooth). Besides convenience, this device is capable of providing around 50 hours of battery life which is an excellent thing for any gamer.
The Nimbus plus controller is compatible with Apple Arcade and seamlessly lets you play the vast collection of titles across the App Store. Another impressive feature about the controller is that it charges with the lightning cable making sure you don’t need to worry much about getting yourself dedicated cables for charging separate devices.
Pros:
- Supports iOS and iPad OS devices
- Excellent battery life
- Premium and solid built
Cons:
- It is incompatible with Android OS
Pricing
The Steel Series Nimbus Plus costs somewhere around $60. (CHECK CURRENT PRICE)
Note: In case you’re more comfortable with the orientation of PlayStation controllers, getting the dual shock 4 can also help you play games on your iPad seamlessly.
Corsair HS70: Best Headset for Gaming on iPad
For an excellent gaming experience, one of the most essential things to look after is the audio. Yes, iPads do come with amazing speakers and a mic, but gaming is simply more fun with a proper headset installed.
While you look for a promising headset, it is pretty obvious for you to bump into a list of options, but my personal favorite is Corsair HS70.
It is a wireless audio solution that provides an excellent hearing experience. Build to produce quality sound, the Corsair HS70 brings in all the essential elements that you ask for, including a removable mic. Moreover, the headset features a great battery life to ensure your long gaming sessions are never interrupted.
Pros:
- Impressive surround sound
- Great battery
- Features a removable mic
Cons:
- The cushions are non-intractable
Pricing
The Corsair HS70 costs somewhere around $96.99. (CHECK CURRENT PRICE)
Humixx Multi-Angle Adjustable Foldable Stand: Best Stand for Gaming on iPad
Last but not least, a stand for your iPad is among the essential accessories to own, however not just for gaming but for other activities. Talking for gamers in general, if you’re looking to use a controller and play games on your iPad, there is no way you can do it conveniently without a stand.
In such a situation, the multi-angle adjustable stand from Humixx is a promising solution to go for. With the ability to perfectly hold devices from 4 to 13 inches in size, this can be of great utility. Moreover, the shaft is capable of rotating up to 270-degrees, making sure the viewing angle criteria are met perfectly.
Pros:
- Great built
- Lightweight
- Adjustable angles
Cons:
- None
Pricing
The Humixx multi-angle stand will cost you something around $24.99.
The Apple Magic Keyboard Case: Best Keyboard for Gaming on iPad Pro
In case you’re about to use the iPad Pro for typing game, the Magic Keyboard is undoubtedly the best one to go for. Although the device rests on the expensive end, the quality and feature that it bags are worth the money you spend.
From an accurate trackpad to properly functional and satisfying backlit keys, gaming with the Apple Magic Keyboard is genuinely a pleasing encounter. Moreover, the charging port and the multi-angle adjustable viewing hinge award the keyboard a point for convenience.
Pros:
- Excellent typing experience
- Accurate trackpad
- Additional USB-C Port
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Expensive
Pricing
The 12.9-inch model costs $329.98, and the 11-inch variant costs $199.99 (CHECK CURRENT PRICE)
Are you looking for something cheap? Then, make sure you check out the best magic keyboard alternatives.
Razer Raptor 27 IPS Grade Gaming: Best External Monitor for Gaming on iPad
Not satisfied with small displays? Well, it is time you reflect gaming into a bigger screen.
The Razer Raptor 7 brings in all the features that you can probably ask from gaming monitors. This 27-inch gaming monitor bags an IPS graded display at 2560×1440 resolution. Home to a superb 95% DCI-P3 color Gamut, get ready to experience color like never before. From 144 Hz refresh rate to 350 nits (SDR) and 420 nits (HDR) brightness, playing games on this monitor is something next level. Talking about video inputs, along with 1 Display Port 1.4 and 1 HDMI 2.0, the Razer Raptor features a USB Type C Port for connecting your iPads conveniently.
In simple words, whether you choose to cast games or stream movies, the Razer Raptor 27 will never disappoint you a bit, all thanks to the quality elements that load up with this monitor.
Pros:
- Outstanding viewing quality with an enhanced HDR contrast and saturated color.
- Excellent built quality
- USB C compatible
Cons:
- It lacks a proper sRGB color mode
Pricing
The Razor Raptor 27 costs $699.99 (CHECK CURRENT PRICE)
Some Miscellaneous iPad Accessories for Gaming
Triggers (Battle Royal Controller): EMISH Triggers
If you love playing battle royal games like PUBG, Fortnite and more, having triggers can help you a great time. The six-finger game joystick trigger from EMISH is designed to serve an excellent gameplay experience on iPads. It is basically an H11 gamepad controller with both the L1R1 shooting and aim keys.
Pricing
The iPad triggers from EMISH will cost you $13.99
Blue Light Filtering Glass: J+S Vision Blue Light Shield
In case you’re a heavy gamer and looking forward to having long gaming sessions, it is crucial you take proper care of your eyes. This is where you need to own the blue light filtering specs from J+S Vision. With 100% UV Protection, these anti-blue light glasses will make sure your eyes are free from the stress of any sort.
Pricing
The J+S Vision Blue Shield glasses will cost you $24.99.
Power bank: Anker Powercore 20,100mAh Portable Charger
Although iPad batteries are powerful enough to serve long gaming session, having access to a power bank will make sure, you rest on the safer side. In that matter, the Powercore 20,100 mAh portable charger from Anker is the best solution.
Pricing
The Anker Powercore portable charger will cost you $59.99 (CHECK CURRENT PRICE)
Final Words
There you’ve it, the list of best iPads and iPad Accessories for gaming. To make sure you end up owning the device that suits your need, I’ve prepared the list of three devices on the basis of overall performance, pricing and portability. Further, there are eight accessories mentioned that can turn tables in favor of a next-level gaming experience together with your iPad.
Is it not just gaming? Do you seek more information about the best iPad and iPad Pro accessories? Well, you need to check out the list of 11 must-have accessories to enhance the productivity of your iPad and iPad Pro.
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