4 iPad gaming accessories that will transform the way you play

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iPads have become increasingly powerful to the point where there are inexpensive ways to turn your tablet into a laptop replacement. So it stands to reason that they also make great gaming machines. There are plenty of games designed specifically for tablets, and iPad users can subscribe to Apple Arcade for a library of over 200 titles with no ads or microtransactions. That said, if you really want to get the most out of gaming on your iPad, you’ll need to invest in some accessories.

In recent years, AAA developers have ported major, graphically intense titles designed for PC and consoles to iPadOS like “Resident Evil Village,” “Death Stranding” and “Assassin’s Creed Mirage.” You can also stream games to your tablet with Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, Nvidia GeForce NOW, and more. Many of these games require a controller, but even those with flexible options are generally more comfortable using a controller than touch controls.

Besides a good controller, there are other accessories that fill some of the iPad’s shortcomings and make the tablet gaming experience more comfortable overall. Here are some accessories that will change the way you play on iPad.

If you play games on other devices, chances are you have a controller that you enjoy using. Almost any Bluetooth game controller can be connected to your iPad, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, PlayStation 5 DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and even Switch Joy-Cons. That said, if you’re looking for a game controller specifically for your iPad, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a good choice.

At a list price of $49.99, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is more affordable than big-name controllers, and it’s also compatible with a range of devices, including Nintendo Switch 2, PC, iOS, and macOS. Notably, it uses Hall effect joysticks, which are designed to last longer and not develop stick drift, avoiding a major problem with other game controllers. It also has 4.4 stars on Amazon and over 600 five-star reviews from customers, one of whom called it an “upgrade” over the Switch Pro controller.

Some users swear by accessories that turn your iPad into a portable gaming system, like the Razer Kishi or GameSir G8+ MFi, but they certainly aren’t for everyone. These types of mobile game controllers are great for smartphones and smaller tablets, but your standard 11-inch and 13-inch iPads may feel bulky or heavy for long gaming sessions. It’s a matter of preference, but if you’re not sure, Bluetooth controllers like the 8Bitdo Pro 2 are a safe bet that will improve your iPad gaming experience.

Since the iPad only has one USB-C port, you’ll need a peripheral if you want to use another wired accessory with your iPad while it charges. This is especially important if you’re gaming on your tablet, because running games drains your battery much faster than browsing or streaming. Getting a USB-C hub will give you space to plug in devices, including USB-A and HDMI cables that you would otherwise need an adapter to use with your iPad.

There are plenty of options, but my pick is the UGREEN Revodok Pro USB-C six-in-one hub, which adds two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, and a charging port. It has a list price of $21.99 on Amazon and often goes on sale for $15.98, making it cheaper than high-end devices, while its braided cable makes it sturdier than other devices in its price range. The hub has 4.5 stars and over 1,300 five-star reviews from customers praising its reliability, versatility and overall value.

The average iPad user probably doesn’t need to connect their device to the Internet because Wi-Fi is much more convenient, especially for a device like the iPad whose main appeal is portability. However, if you plan to do a lot of cloud gaming on your tablet, it’s pretty much essential. After all, streaming a game is much more demanding than watching YouTube or Netflix.

Even in 2026, cloud gaming remains a work in progress. While many factors that impact the performance of services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna come down to optimization and capacity of games on the provider’s side, your own network connection plays a huge role. Ethernet remains more reliable than Wi-Fi, so it’s the way to go if you want a smoother gaming experience with reduced lag and latency.

You can get a hub with an Ethernet port, although these are generally more expensive than the UGREEN Revodok Pro and may have fewer ports. The Anker USB-C to Ethernet adapter is a good option if you’re strictly looking for an adapter. At $25.99, the adapter may seem a little pricey for what it is, but its 4.8 stars and more than 900 five-star reviews on Amazon indicate that it’s reliable on iPad. One reviewer even calls it “The one you want for Apple products,” noting that it works better than cheaper options.

If you game on your iPad and don’t use it as a handheld, a stand is a great way to adjust the screen to a comfortable spot. The KUXIU X33 Pro MAX Magnetic iPad Charging Stand lets you set up your tablet as a more mobile monitor, and it has the added benefit of charging your device wirelessly while you use it.

Since the iPad lacks Apple’s MagSafe technology used to charge iPhones and AirPods, wireless charging options are incredibly limited. The KUXIU X33 Pro MAX is one of the few accessories to use the iPad’s Smart Connector, which allows accessories like the Magic Keyboard to transfer power and data between devices. Since gaming can drain the battery, you’ll definitely want to keep your iPad connected to a power source, which frees up the only port if you don’t have a USB-C hub.

At $95.99, KUXIU’s support isn’t cheap, and its use of Smart Connector technology presents other issues. Due to its design, the stand only works with iPads with pins on the back. Also, like the Magic Keyboard, the use of pins makes it difficult to find a case that works with it. KUXIU offers its own cases designed for use with its stand, but they aren’t cheap, and as of this writing, most models are sold out. Nonetheless, the KUXIU X33 Pro MAX is a worthwhile investment for anyone with a compatible iPad who wants to use their tablet as a gaming machine.