The mobile gaming scene in 2025 showed a noticeable shift toward console-quality experiences. Smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and similar high-end chipsets enabled games to run more smoothly, with improved graphics and expanded gameplay options. Many of the year’s most prominent releases were ports from PC or consoles, although several mobile-first titles also stood out for their originality and polish. Full controller support became increasingly common, making devices like Android gaming handhelds a viable platform for extended gaming sessions.
Classic Titles Come to Mobile
One of the most talked-about mobile releases of 2025 was Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption. Originally released in 2010 on the PS3 and Xbox 360, the game brought its Wild West open-world experience to smartphones. The mobile version includes the original story campaign as well as the Undead Nightmare expansion. Players can follow the narrative or explore the world freely, hunting bounties and interacting with dynamic events. While priced at $40, the game is also available through a Netflix subscription, making it more accessible for casual players. Its console-quality graphics and full controller support highlight the ongoing convergence of mobile and traditional gaming platforms.
Subnautica also made the transition from PC to mobile, offering a survival adventure set on an alien oceanic planet. Players gather resources, craft equipment, and navigate underwater hazards while managing oxygen levels. The mobile adaptation is well-optimized for touch controls and supports controllers, ensuring a smooth experience even on older flagship devices. Priced at $10, Subnautica provides hundreds of hours of gameplay, demonstrating how mobile ports can faithfully recreate complex PC titles.
RPGs and Narrative Adventures
Persona 5: The Phantom X delivered a mobile-specific take on the classic RPG. Rather than a direct port, it combines gacha mechanics with turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon exploration. The game introduces a new group of Phantom Thieves while maintaining ties to the original Persona 5 storyline. Its touch controls are sufficient for gameplay, but full controller support is available for those who prefer it. Free-to-play friendly mechanics and ongoing content updates have kept players engaged since its global rollout.
Where Winds Meet offered a different type of narrative experience. The open-world wuxia title was released on mobile shortly after the PC and console versions, featuring cross-progression support. Players complete quests and explore the world using martial arts and mystical abilities. While visually impressive, the game is demanding on hardware and works best on devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or higher. The monetization system is light, mostly limited to cosmetic items.
Indie and Unique Mobile Experiences
Indie games also made an impact in 2025. DREDGE brought its low-poly, Eldritch fishing simulation to mobile, combining relaxed daytime gameplay with tense nighttime encounters. The touch controls are streamlined for mobile devices, and controller support is optional. The base game costs $25 but is included in Google Play Pass, making it accessible for subscribers.
Cassette Beasts, a turn-based RPG inspired by Pokémon, arrived as a premium title on mobile. Players collect monsters through cassette recordings and transform into them for combat. While the first portion of the game is free, the full version is priced at $5.99. Controller support is partially available, although some touchscreen interaction is required.
Destiny: Rising introduced the popular FPS MMO to mobile, bringing weapon customization, menus, and gameplay mechanics from the PC and console versions. The game is free-to-play and supports controllers, though monetization strategies typical of NetEase remain.
Roguelikes and Action Titles
Roguelike and action-oriented games also found their place on mobile in 2025. Enter the Gungeon and Exit the Gungeon were released simultaneously, bringing bullet hell and platforming gameplay to handheld devices. Both titles work with touchscreen and physical controllers, and their low price points make them accessible for short or extended play sessions.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown combined platforming and Metroidvania elements in a 2.5D action-adventure. The game features offline play, mobile-specific accessibility options, and full controller support. Players can try the first level for free, with the full game available for purchase. Its mobile adaptation demonstrates how classic franchises can successfully transition to handheld devices.
Mobile Gaming Meets Cultural and Niche Interests
Some games in 2025 focused on niche or culturally specific themes. Umamusume: Pretty Derby, based on Japanese horse racing, gained a global audience with its anime-inspired characters and racing mechanics. The game emphasizes character development and storytelling, combining competitive gameplay with collectible elements, and is free-to-play.
Overall, 2025 highlighted how mobile gaming continues to close the gap with PC and console platforms. Both large-scale ports and mobile-first titles provided players with a wide range of experiences, from immersive open worlds to concise, engaging indie games. As the mobile gaming ecosystem evolves, integration with broader gaming trends (including developments in w in web3) may further influence gameplay, monetization, and cross-platform experiences.
Red Dead Redemption
Subnautica
Persona 5: The Phantom X
Where Winds Meet
DREDGE
Cassette Beasts
Destiny: Rising
Enter the Gungeon
Exit the Gungeon
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best mobile games from 2025?
Top games include Red Dead Redemption, Subnautica, Persona 5: The Phantom X, Where Winds Meet, DREDGE, Cassette Beasts, Destiny: Rising, Enter the Gungeon/Exit the Gungeon, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Are these games available on both Android and iOS?
Most of the games mentioned were released on both Android and iOS. However, availability may vary by region or device.
Do these mobile games support controllers?
Many 2025 releases include full controller support, although some titles, like Cassette Beasts, still require partial touchscreen input for certain actions.
Are the games free-to-play or paid?
The lineup includes a mix of free-to-play and premium titles. Free-to-play games include Destiny: Rising and Umamusume: Pretty Derby, while premium titles like Red Dead Redemption, Subnautica, and DREDGE require upfront purchases or subscriptions.
Can these mobile games be played offline?
Some games, such as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, allow offline play. Others, particularly those with live-service features, require an internet connection for full functionality.
Will these games continue to be relevant in 2026?
Yes. Many of the 2025 mobile games are designed with ongoing content updates, cross-platform progression, and long-term engagement, making them relevant well into 2026.
