Best new iPad for board gaming and give your game recommendations

[GWestphal]

I'm looking for a new iPad for board gaming primarily, as well as the normal surfing etc.

I lean towards the iPad Air, just because it's larger, but if the retina mini has the same resolution.

Are there other differences between them other than size?

I'm planning on getting Smallworld 2, probably Pandemic, Risk, hoping a lot of the game companies start to make good ports at reasonable prices, I much prefer $10-15 and instant set up of games than $50-70 and 20 minutes of setup and take down every time I want to play.

 

[Illusio]

I have the iPad (last year's) and it works great for board gaming. Personally, I'd go with the bigger screen size. Some of those games can get packed with information and the extra screen real estate is nice.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Ticket to Ride (and variants/sequels) is a great board game with nice iOS ports!

 

[desura]

I'm looking for a new iPad for board gaming primarily, as well as the normal surfing etc.

I lean towards the iPad Air, just because it's larger, but if the retina mini has the same resolution.

Are there other differences between them other than size?

I'm planning on getting Smallworld 2, probably Pandemic, Risk, hoping a lot of the game companies start to make good ports at reasonable prices, I much prefer $10-15 and instant set up of games than $50-70 and 20 minutes of setup and take down every time I want to play.

Then get the 4th gen.

I'd argue that the extra size and heft are actually a benefit for board gaming.

plus, it's cheaper.

 

[Joe1987]

The larger iPads are definitely better for board gaming. I strongly prefer using one over using my Mini.

 

[TheStu]

Then get the 4th gen.

I'd argue that the extra size and heft are actually a benefit for board gaming.

plus, it's cheaper.

The iPad Air and iPad (4th Gen) have the same size display, it's just the bezels, thickness, and weight that have changed.

 

[desura]

The iPad Air and iPad (4th Gen) have the same size display, it's just the bezels, thickness, and weight that have changed.

hence: "additional size and heft."

 

[Possessed Freak]

While not a board game, take a good look at ascension. Really good port. I also play Tichu on the ipad when the friends can't meet up. Both are card games.

 

[TheStu]

hence: "additional size and heft."

I just don't see the benefit in those if it doesn't lead to additional usable screen real estate.

 

[GWestphal]

Neuroshima Hex has an excellent port as well. The Apple store will love me on Nov. 1st.

 

[desura]

I just don't see the benefit in those if it doesn't lead to additional usable screen real estate.

board gaming is done on a table with guys across from each other. More heft is useful there.

Plus, you can get a 32gb or even a 64 4th for the price of a 16 5th.

 

[GWestphal]

I got the 64gb iPad Air. Properly written apps are amazing, like neuroshima hex. Buying iOS board games saves a ton of money, I've spent several hundred dollars on physical games and have replaced most of them for less than 100 on iOS. Making them more accessible should make up for the price differential.