Google Pixel 6 gaming — 31 apps that are optimized for Google’s latest phones

Pixel 6 running Asphalt 9 optimized for Google's phone
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

As we continue to learn more about the Google Pixel 6, it turns out that the new Game Dashboard feature in Android 12 (which currently exclusive to the Pixel 6) has some games that are better optimized for its features. Optimized games basically let you favor performance or battery life, telling the Pixel 6 which to prioritize for gameplay.

So if you want the highest framerates and best graphics, you can have that. Or, if you want your Pixel 6's battery to go for as long as possible, you can go that route. The Play Store currently lists 31 games optimized for the Pixel 6, with Google encouraging more app makers to take advantage of the new Game Mode developer tools that tap into this optimization. 

Considering the countless games on the Play Store, 31 titles may seem like a drop in a vast ocean. But all things have to start somewhere, and some of the games on this list are pretty major.

Play Store with optimized for pixel 6 section

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Some users — including Tom's Guide staff — have seen an "Optimized for Pixel 6" carousel in the Games tab of the Play Store, which is where this list comes from. So without further ado, here are the games that have been optimized for the Pixel 6.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
8 Ball PoolNBA 2K20
Asphalt 9: LegendsParchisi Star Online
Car Parking MultiplayerRaid: Shadow Legends
Carrom Pool: Disc GameReal Cricket 2020
Clash of ClansRoblox
FIFA SoccerSaint Seiya Awakening: Nights of the Zodiac
GardenscapesScore! Hero 2022
Happy Color: Color by NumberScrabble GO-Classic Word Game
HearthstoneShadow Flight 2
Idle HeroesStandoff 2
League of Legends: Wild RiftSummoners War
Ludo Club: Fun Dice GameTalking Tom Hero Dash
Magic Tiles 3Temple Run 2
Marvel Contest of ChampionsWords with Friends 2
MinecraftWorld of Tanks Blitz
Mobile Legends: Bang BangRow 15 - Cell 1

Game Dashboard is currently exclusive to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. We're unclear as to when exactly Google will open up this functionality to previous-gen Pixels, since all we know is that "select" devices will gain access to the feature later this year.

We also don't know what other phone makers are planning to add Game Dashboard besides Samsung. That said, this new Game Mode API could be quite the boon for the best gaming phones, offering an OS-level optimization tool for games. We'll just have to see how things turn out.

Jordan Palmer
Phones Editor

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things phone-related. He's written about phones for over six years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Outside of work, you can find him poring over open-source software and his studies.

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