Why iPads are great for gaming
Gaming on an iPad combines the power of a console with the convenience of a tablet. Whether you’re into Apple Arcade, cloud gaming, or high-performance 3D games like Genshin Impact, having the right iPad makes all the difference. Refurbished iPads from Swappie deliver the speed, display quality, and battery life gamers need, at a price that won’t destroy your wallet. Every device is tested in-house, comes with a 12-month warranty, and is ready for hours of smooth, immersive gameplay. Let’s break down the best iPads for gaming and what each model offers.
iPad 9 (2021) – Best entry-level iPad for gaming
If you’re just getting into gaming or want a reliable device for casual play, the iPad 9 is an excellent place to start. With the A13 Bionic chip, it runs most popular games without lag, think Minecraft, Asphalt 9, or Clash Royale. The large 10.2″ screen and stereo speakers also make it a surprisingly immersive experience, especially at this price point.
| Spec | Details |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic |
| Screen | 10.2″ Retina |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 pixels |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB / 256 GB |
| Battery | 8557 mAh |
| Colours | Silver, Space Gray |
| Front camera | 12 MP Ultra Wide |
| Back camera | 8 MP Wide |
Pros
- Affordable gaming tablet
- A13 chip still handles many 3D games
Excellent battery life - Good stereo speakers.
Cons
- 3 GB RAM limits heavier multitasking
- Thicker bezels and older design
- Lightning port instead of USB-C.
iPad 10 (2022) – Best mid-range iPad for casual and multiplayer gaming
The iPad 10 steps up the game in both performance and looks. Its upgraded A14 chip handles demanding games with ease, while the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display enhances gameplay visuals. It’s especially great for multiplayer games or cloud gaming, thanks to USB-C, strong cameras, and improved connectivity.
| Spec | Details |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic |
| Screen | 10.9″ Liquid Retina |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB / 256 GB |
| Battery | 7606 mAh |
| Colours | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Front camera | 12 MP Ultra Wide (landscape) |
| Back camera | 12 MP Wide |
Pros
- Larger display and better color
- Solid A14 performance for all types of games
- USB-C charging
- Great front camera for live-streaming games.
Cons
- No support for Apple Pencil 2
- Slightly lower battery capacity than iPad 9
- Pricier than iPad 9 with the same storage.
iPad Air 4 (2020) – Best balance of power and portability
With its lightweight design and powerful A14 chip, the iPad Air 4 is an excellent gaming device for players who also use their tablet for productivity or creativity. The 10.9-inch display offers vivid visuals, while the support for Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard makes it a versatile all-rounder for gaming and more.
| Spec | Details |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic |
| Screen | 10.9″ Liquid Retina |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB / 256 GB |
| Battery | 7606 mAh |
| Colours | Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
| Front camera | 7 MP FaceTime HD |
| Back camera | 12 MP Wide |
Pros
- Lightweight and powerful
- Excellent gaming display
- USB-C + Magic Keyboard support
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2.
Cons
- Front camera not as advanced as iPad 10
- More expensive than iPad 9 and 10
- 4 GB RAM may not handle very demanding games.
iPad Air 5 (2022) – Best overall iPad for gaming performance
This is the top-tier choice for gaming in Swappie’s current line-up. With the M1 chip and 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 5 can handle console-style games, demanding graphic engines, and advanced multitasking with zero lag. It’s a future-proof device for serious mobile gamers and creators alike.
| Spec | Details |
| Chipset | M1 |
| Screen | 10.9″ Liquid Retina |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB / 256 GB |
| Battery | 7606 mAh |
| Colours | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Front camera | 12 MP Ultra Wide |
| Back camera | 12 MP Wide |
Pros
- M1 chip handles any mobile game
- 8 GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- Best for long-term performance
- Ideal for streaming and console-style games.
Cons
- Higher price
- Same display resolution as Air 4 despite M1 chip
- 64 GB base model fills up fast with big games.
What makes an iPad good for gaming
Processor
The processor is the engine of your gaming experience. It determines how smoothly a game runs, how quickly it loads, and how well it handles complex graphics.
- iPad 9: A13 Bionic – handles most mobile games comfortably
- iPad 10 & Air 4: A14 Bionic – smoother performance, faster response
- iPad Air 5: M1 – ideal for console-quality titles and multitasking.
Display
All models feature high-resolution screens, but the 10.9″ Liquid Retina on iPad 10 and the Air models offers better contrast, edge-to-edge design, and more immersive visuals compared to the iPad 9’s Retina screen.
RAM
- iPad 9: 3 GB – good for casual gaming
- iPad 10 & Air 4: 4 GB – more flexibility and smoother switching
- iPad Air 5: 8 GB – perfect for AAA gaming, multitasking, and longevity.
Battery
The iPad 9 offers the largest battery (8557 mAh), making it ideal for long sessions. Other models feature slightly smaller batteries (7606 mAh) but have more efficient chips to preserve power.
Audio
All models include stereo speakers. The Air series has richer audio, delivering a better experience for immersive titles or playing without headphones.
iPadOS
iPadOS supports:
- Bluetooth game controllers (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Apple Arcade
- Game Center
- Cloud sync
- Multitasking with Split View and Stage Manager.
Best accessories for iPad gaming
| Accessory | Purpose | Compatible iPads |
| Game controllers | Console-like gameplay | All models (Bluetooth) |
| Headphones | Clear audio and chat | All models |
| Stands/Keyboards | Cloud gaming, long sessions | All models |
| Apple Pencil | Game design, precision control | iPad 9, 10 (1st gen), Air 4 & 5 (2nd gen) |
| Screen protection | Scratch resistance | All models |
| USB-C hubs | Connect HDMI, storage | iPad 10, Air 4, Air 5 |
Game controllers: Let you play action, racing, or shooter games with console-style precision. iPads support most Bluetooth controllers like PlayStation DualShock and Xbox.- Headphones: Improve immersion and are essential for multiplayer. They help you hear subtle game sounds and chat clearly with teammates.
- Stands and keyboards: Useful for long gaming sessions, especially if you’re cloud gaming or using a controller. A stable stand lets you play hands-free with better ergonomics.
- Apple Pencil: Not a gaming essential, but great for creative apps, puzzle games, or game design. iPad 9 and 10 support the 1st gen; Air 4 and 5 support the 2nd gen Pencil.
- Screen protectors: Protect your iPad’s screen from scratches during intense touch-based gameplay.
USB-C hubs: For iPad 10, Air 4 and Air 5, hubs allow connection to HDMI, external controllers, and USB drives, ideal for pro users and expanded setups.
FAQs
Can you really game on an iPad?
Yes. iPads handle everything from casual games to AAA-level titles on Apple Arcade and cloud platforms. The M1 chip even supports creative apps and game development.
Is 64 GB enough for gaming?
If you mostly play small games or use cloud gaming services, yes. But for larger titles, save files, and downloads, 256 GB is a better choice.
Which iPad is best for streaming and mobile games?
The iPad Air 5 offers the best overall performance, but the iPad 10 is also excellent for gaming and media at a lower price.
Can I use a controller with my iPad?
Yes. All iPads with iPadOS support PlayStation and Xbox controllers over Bluetooth.
Do Swappie iPads come with a warranty?
Yes. Every iPad is refurbished by Swappie’s in-house experts and comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day return.
Final verdict: which iPad wins for gaming?
- On a budget? Go for the iPad 9.
- Want a modern display with solid performance? Choose the iPad 10.
- Looking for the best mix of power, design, and price? Pick the iPad Air 4.
Need top-tier performance for serious gaming? Go with the iPad Air 5.
Ready to upgrade your game?
Find your perfect gaming iPad at Swappie and save up to 40% compared to buying new.