74% of Gen Z play mobile games every week, 30% now prefer premium games powered by better chipsets: report

mobile gaming

If you thought mobile gaming was just a time-pass, think again. For Gen Z, it’s serious business, so serious that 74% of them are gaming on their phones every week, and nearly a third are switching to premium games for a better, faster, flashier experience. A new study by CyberMedia Research spills the tea on how Gen Z’s gaming habits are evolving—and why your phone’s chipset might matter more than ever.

In fact, 3 out of 10 Gen Z users say they prefer premium games with better speed, smoother graphics, and an overalygl richer experience—even if it means spending a little more.

And it’s not just about the games. The phone itself matters a lot too. Nearly half of Gen Z gamers say the performance of the phone’s chipset plays a big role in which device they buy. Brands like MediaTek and Qualcomm are leading the way here, with both being equally popular among young users. MediaTek scores slightly higher in customer satisfaction, while Qualcomm is seen as the more premium option.

“Mobile gaming is evolving,” says Sugandha Srivastava, Senior Analyst at CMR. “Gen Z is driving this change. They want high-quality, competitive, and social gaming experiences—and they expect their devices to keep up.”

The study also found that gaming is becoming more social. About 66% of users discover new games through friends, and over half rely on social media for recommendations. Competitive gaming is gaining popularity too—57% of Gen Z are now involved in eSports.

When it comes to game genres, puzzle and first-person shooter (FPS) games are the top picks. And among serious gamers, Free Fire and BGMI are the clear favorites.

In short, Gen Z isn’t just playing more games—they’re playing smarter. They want good graphics, fast performance, and games that offer a challenge. And the phone they choose plays a huge part in that.