Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Mobile gaming showed a modest rebound in 2024 by one measure: Adjust reported that global gaming app installs rose 4% year over year. That signals more installs, not higher revenue or a larger market by value. The figures were reported by VentureBeat in March 2025 and describe 2024, so they are a historical snapshot rather than a current growth rate.
What does the reported growth measure?
Adjust’s Gaming App Insights 2025 report, as summarized by VentureBeat, found that gaming app installs increased 4% globally in 2024 compared with 2023. An install count measures downloads or installations, not how much players spent, advertising revenue, profit, or the total value of the mobile gaming market.
The distinction matters: an increase in installs can coexist with flat or declining revenue, and the figure alone does not show whether newly installed games kept players engaged. VentureBeat’s March 14, 2025 coverage did not provide the report’s underlying sample or methodology, so the result should be treated as Adjust’s reported finding, not an independently validated measure.
Which regions and genres stood out?
The reported figures use different measures, so they should not be read as direct comparisons of commercial performance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
| Measure | Reported 2024 result | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global gaming app installs | Up 4% year over year | Change in install volume, not revenue or market value |
| LATAM gaming app installs | Up 9% year over year | Install growth in LATAM; not a figure for every emerging market |
| MENA gaming app installs | Up 7% year over year | Install growth in MENA |
| Hyper-casual share of installs | 27% | Share of installs, not install growth |
| Hyper-casual share of sessions | 11% | Share of sessions; not a retention rate |
| Strategy game install growth | 83% | Highest reported install growth among genres |
All figures in the table are Adjust findings for 2024 reported by VentureBeat on March 14, 2025. The article does not state the underlying definitions or methodology for the measures.
Regional installs: LATAM and MENA
Installs grew 9% year over year in LATAM and 7% in MENA. Those regional rates exceeded the reported 4% global increase, but the article does not establish that either region’s growth translated into stronger revenue or that the pattern applies to other regions.
Rank #2
- Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
- Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
- 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
- Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
- 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
Hyper-casual: install share versus session share
Hyper-casual titles represented 27% of installs and 11% of sessions. The difference is consistent with the article’s observation about high churn, but it does not prove why the gap exists or provide a retention rate. Installs and sessions are separate activity measures, and neither figure alone establishes how long players stayed or how much they spent.
Strategy: fastest reported install growth
Strategy games had the highest reported genre-level install growth, at 83%. This is a growth rate, unlike hyper-casual’s shares of installs and sessions. The article does not give a corresponding revenue figure or enough detail to infer the number of new strategy-game players.
Rank #3
- Expanded Screen Compatibility: Stretchable up to 213mm, fitting iPad Mini 6/7 and Android tablets; Compatible with iPhone 15/16 and Android devices; Ultra-stable Type-C connection ensures lag-free gaming across all supported screen
- Mobile Gaming Compatibility: Lets you play most of the games you want. Supports Xbox Game Pass, Zenless Zone Zero, cloud gaming, Steam/Moonlight streaming games, and remote play
- Hall Effect Sticks: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control, provide the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand
- Ergonomic and Lightweight Design: Stay comfortable during long gaming sessions with the X5 Lite. Weighing just 135.4g, its lightweight design and ergonomically laser-engraved textured grips ensure a secure, comfortable hold for hours of gameplay
- Cushioned and Durable Membrane: The X5 Lite is equipped with cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons. The cushioned feedback provides a comfortable experience while ensuring quieter operation
What might the figures mean for studios and marketers?
Adjust’s reporting discusses shifts in monetization and opportunities in AI-enabled personalization and advertising-creative optimization. These are themes to consider, not demonstrated causes of the 4% global install increase. The reported data does not establish that AI adoption or a particular monetization approach produced the growth.
For developers and marketers, the practical takeaway is to separate acquisition from player value. Install volume can help assess reach, while engagement, retention, and monetization measures are needed to judge whether that reach is durable or financially meaningful. Any comparison should use consistent definitions and periods; the VentureBeat summary does not specify the report’s measurement details.
Rank #4
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Tiahn Wetzler, Adjust’s director of content and insights, said: “After a period of market volatility, mobile gaming is back on a growth trajectory. As mobile-first adoption accelerates in regions like LATAM and MENA, game developers and marketers that prioritize long-term player relationships over short-term acquisition will reap the rewards.” This is Wetzler’s interpretation of the findings, not an independent forecast.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How current is this picture?
The figures describe 2024 and were published in VentureBeat’s March 14, 2025 article. They establish a tentative rebound in installs for that period, not a continuing 2025 or 2026 trend. Newer data could change the picture.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
