Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRockstar’s 2011 mobile port brought the original Grand Theft Auto III to select iOS and Android devices, retaining its open-world game while adapting its controls for touchscreens. Contemporary coverage found it broadly playable on an iPad, but driving, camera handling and combat could feel awkward. Those observations describe 2011 hardware, not how the game performs on a phone today.
What the 10 Year Anniversary Edition included
Rockstar announced the mobile edition on December 15, 2011, marking a decade since the original game’s October 2001 release. The port was credited to War Drum Studios. Rockstar described it as the “complete console experience” optimized for touchscreens, with a scalable, customizable interface, upgraded textures, greater resolution and draw distance, mission replay and autosave. These are the publisher’s launch claims, not independent measurements. Rockstar’s launch announcement listed a $4.99 launch price and supported devices available at the time; neither figure nor compatibility list should be treated as current.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Grand Theft Auto III | $5.05 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Grand Theft Auto III (Renewed) | $12.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Grand Theft Auto III: Official Strategy Guide | $109.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Grand Theft Auto Double Pack: Grand Theft Auto III / Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | $38.50 | Buy on Amazon |
The anniversary release was a mobile adaptation of the original Liberty City game, not a new story. Its touch interface and convenience features were the main edition-specific changes described at launch. Rockstar’s October 2011 anniversary post also mentioned promotional merchandise, including a Claude action figure; it does not establish that the items are still available.
How it played on a touchscreen in 2011
Driving and camera control
In a December 7, 2011 preview, GameSpot’s Randolph Ramsay tried a build on an iPad 2. He found that the virtual controls changed with context and could be moved or resized, while swiping adjusted the camera. The preview described the game as generally playable on a tablet, but warned that controls could crowd smaller screens and that aiming at targets outside the camera’s view could be difficult. GameSpot’s hands-on preview records those observations from a historical build, not a test of current devices.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- ESRB Rating: Mature
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Combat and overall feel
GameSpot reviewer Mark Walton’s December 22, 2011 review praised the underlying open-world game, narrative and voice acting, but found touch controls made driving, camera management and combat more awkward. Walton awarded the mobile edition 7/10. The review also described performance varying among the Android hardware tested at the time; that is not evidence of how the port runs on current phones or tablets. Read the 2011 GameSpot review.
Can you use a controller?
Current store listings indicate controller support, but not universal compatibility. Google Play says the game supports select USB controllers, while Apple’s version history lists Made for iOS controller support in version 1.3.3. A compatible gamepad is an optional alternative if virtual controls are uncomfortable; check the listing for your region and verify that your exact device and controller are supported before buying. The store descriptions do not guarantee that every controller will work.
Rank #2
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Sony Playstion 2 Grand Theft auto
What to check before installing today
Store details can change and may differ by region or device. Check the listing shown to you before purchase rather than relying on 2011 launch information or old device reports.
- Compatibility and availability: Review the current listing for your specific phone or tablet. The US Apple App Store listing includes compatibility information; check your own regional storefront.
- Storage: Google Play currently requests at least 1 GB of free space. Treat that as the live listing’s stated requirement, which may change, and leave room for any additional download or device needs. Check the Google Play listing.
- Age rating: The US Apple listing shows an 18+ rating. Ratings and availability can vary by storefront and region.
- Price: Confirm the price displayed in your own store. Rockstar’s $4.99 figure was the 2011 launch price, not a current quote.
- Offline play: Google Play describes the game as single-player and offline. Check the current listing for any updated conditions.
Apple’s US listing showed 4.6/5 from 12K ratings when accessed in 2026; that is a dynamic, region-specific store aggregate, not a fixed review score. Google Play’s listing showed an update date of March 9, 2026, which likewise may change.
Rank #3
- Used Book in Good Condition
Who the mobile edition suits
The port’s appeal is the original game on a mobile device, with touch-specific interface adjustments and features such as autosave and mission replay. The central trade-off in contemporary coverage was control: touch input could make action less comfortable, particularly in driving and combat. A supported controller may suit players who prefer physical controls, but compatibility depends on the specific device and gamepad. The 2011 reports cannot establish a present-day performance ranking against console, PC or later editions.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- From the dark and seedy streets of Liberty City's underworld to the glamorous hedonism of Vice City of the 1980s, the Grand Theft Auto double-pack takes you through the huge worlds of Grand Theft Auto III and it's sequel Vice City. The highly controversial Grand Theft Auto III gives you the freedom to go anywhere and jack anyone, putting the dark, intriguing and ruthless world of crime at your fingertips. Vice City is an entirely new game set in the '80s, preserving and adding to the
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.
