Why iPhone Gaming Needs Improvement: A Gamer’s Perspective on the iPhone 17

Gaming on the iPhone has always had its challenges for mobile gamers, and despite Apple’s advancements, it’s still not an ideal handheld gaming device. Mike Sorrentino, a Senior Editor at CNET, shares his experiences trying to replace his Nintendo Switch with an iPhone. While the iPhone offers a variety of gaming options, including cloud gaming and game streaming, the experience is often hindered by technical limitations. The need for better, more comfortable controllers is one key issue, as current solutions either don’t feel right or are too expensive. Sorrentino also critiques Apple Arcade, which lacks flexibility and access to non-subscription-based purchases. Another point of contention is Apple’s resistance to integrating cloud gaming apps natively on iOS, which forces users to rely on web-based versions that sometimes result in frustrating latency issues. Sorrentino argues that Apple could improve the iPhone’s gaming experience by addressing these concerns with the iPhone 17 and iOS 26, making it a more viable alternative to traditional gaming devices like the Switch or Steam Deck.