15 Games That Started on Mobile Before Coming to PC and Consoles

Mobile Games That Made the Jump to Bigger Screens

These 15 games started on phones or tablets before later reaching PC or consoles. Some were expanded or rebuilt, while others simply proved their original mobile design worked just as well on a bigger screen.

For more on the platform, read Mobile Gaming Is Not the Problem.

Plague Inc: Evolved Official Launch Trailer

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1. Plague Inc.

Mobile debut: iOS, 2012
Later platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch

Plague Inc. started as a mobile strategy game about creating and spreading a pathogen. The expanded Plague Inc: Evolved later added improved visuals, multiplayer, custom scenarios, and controls for PC and consoles.

2. The Room

Mobile debut: iPad, 2012
Later platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch

The Room used touchscreen controls to make players feel like they were physically opening and inspecting mechanical puzzle boxes. Later versions adapted the puzzles for mouse and controller input.

3. Monument Valley

Mobile debut: iOS, 2014
Later platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

Monument Valley became known for its impossible architecture and perspective-based puzzles. The wider Panoramic Edition later brought the game to PC before console versions followed.

4. Sky: Children of the Light

Mobile debut: iOS, 2019
Later platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC

Sky: Children of the Light began as a peaceful mobile social adventure built around flying, exploration, and cooperation. It later expanded across Switch, PlayStation, and Steam with cross-platform progression.

Sky: Children of the Light PC Launch Trailer

5. Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas

Mobile debut: iOS, 2013
Later platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

Oceanhorn brought dungeons, exploration, puzzles, combat, and boss fights to mobile. Its traditional action-adventure design later transferred naturally to PC and consoles.

6. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP

Mobile debut: iPad, 2011
Later platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, and Nintendo Switch

Sword & Sworcery EP combined pixel art, music, light combat, and environmental puzzles. Its distinctive presentation remained the main attraction when it later reached computers and Nintendo Switch.

7. Hitman GO

Mobile debut: iOS, 2014
Later platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita

Hitman GO turned Agent 47’s missions into compact turn-based puzzles presented like tabletop models. The Definitive Edition later brought the complete game to Steam and PlayStation systems.

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition Launch Trailer

8. République

Mobile debut: iOS, 2013
Later platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and VR

République is a stealth adventure played through hacked surveillance cameras. Later versions added direct controls and improved visuals for PC and consoles.

9. Grimvalor

Mobile debut: iOS, 2018
Later platform: Nintendo Switch

Grimvalor delivered fast combat, platforming, upgrades, and boss fights on mobile. The Nintendo Switch version gave its movement and combat a natural home on physical controls.

10. Pascal’s Wager

Mobile debut: iOS, 2020
Later platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch

Pascal’s Wager brought dark fantasy action RPG combat and large boss battles to mobile. Its Definitive Edition later added improved graphics and expanded control options on PC and Switch.

Pascal’s Wager: Definitive Edition Launch Trailer

11. BADLAND

Mobile debut: iOS, 2013
Later platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch

BADLAND used simple touch controls to guide creatures through traps and physics-based obstacles. The later Game of the Year Edition added redesigned controls and more content for PC and consoles.

12. 80 Days

Mobile debut: iOS, 2014
Later platforms: PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch

80 Days is a choice-driven journey built around routes, money, luggage, and conversations. Its expanded desktop version added more locations and stories before the game later reached Nintendo Switch.

13. Florence

Mobile debut: iOS, 2018
Later platforms: PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch

Florence tells a short relationship story through illustrations and small interactive puzzles. Its simple design later moved successfully from touchscreens to PC and Switch.

14. Year Walk

Mobile debut: iOS, 2013
Later platforms: PC, Mac, and Wii U

Year Walk is an eerie puzzle adventure inspired by Swedish folklore. Its Wii U edition later used the GamePad for maps, clues, and additional information.

15. The Battle of Polytopia

Mobile debut: iOS, 2016
Later platforms: PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch

The Battle of Polytopia condensed turn-based 4X strategy into short mobile sessions. The later Moonrise edition expanded the game for Steam before it reached Nintendo Switch.

The Battle of Polytopia Nintendo Switch Launch Trailer

Mobile Was Only the Beginning

These games proved themselves on mobile before finding new audiences on PC and consoles. The original platform did not limit their quality, ambition, or ability to work on a bigger screen.

Related Reading

Mobile Gaming Is Not the Problem

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