The Best Board Games Compatible with Smart Devices
Did you know that there are several key benefits of playing board games? Aside from being a total blast, board games can help sharpen your memory, improve certain cognitive skills, decrease stress, and enhance your creativity. Not too shabby, right? And of course, playing board games with your loved ones can also strengthen your relationships, creating an atmosphere of passionate playtime and fun-loving competition. Best of all: These days, there are many board games (from classic games like Clue and Risk to trivia games to immersive storytelling games) that are compatible with smart devices (like Alexa and Google Assistant), which only adds to the thrill of playing all your favorites. Here, we've rounded up the all-time best board games that incorporate smart devices.
Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride
Your Ticket to Pure Adventure and Fun
Absolutely thrilling at every twist and turn, Ticket to Ride is an iconic adventure game that just got even better—you can now play against Alexa, use the device to take a guided tour of the game, and even enjoy fun, immersive sound effects and music as you play. Not to mention, the train cards are exceptionally exciting (and just challenging enough to be engaging)—you use your cards to propel yourself forward in the game, claiming railway routes that connect cities, and building a long railway in the process (the person who builds the longest railway is the winner). Plus, the game itself is simply beautiful, with vibrant colors and an intricate map design. Perfectly suited for everyone from board game newbies to experts, Ticket to Ride is a clear pick for best overall.
Pros:
- Award-winning board game that lets users earn points on a cross-country train adventure
- Ticket cards are challenging and super-exciting
- Ideal for everyone: enthusiasts, families, newbies, etc.
- Gorgeous, brightly colored design
- Using Alexa, players can get a guided tour, enjoy fun sound effects, and more
Cons:
- The board doesn’t sit totally flat
Hasbro Store Clue Game
You’re probably familiar with the game of Clue—but are you familiar with the Alexa-powered version? In this updated version of a classic, players solve the mystery of Mr. Boddy’s murder (including figuring out who committed the crime, in which room, and using what weapon), but you get to use Alexa to summon the ghost of Mrs. White. Of course, you never know what you’ll get from this finicky old ghost—she may be in the mood to help you out, or she may be in the mood to curse you—which really ramps up the excitement factor.
Pros:
- A super-fun update of a classic game
- You can now use Alexa to summon the ghost of Mrs. White
- Interactive, immersive whodunit mystery
- Perfect for families
Cons:
- You have to purchase an Alexa device separately
Mattel Games Escape Room in a Box
Exciting Doesn't Even Begin to Cover It
If you thrive on a challenge, Mattel’s Escape Room in a Box is the perfect pick for you. You have just 90 minutes to solve the puzzles and crack the codes that will set you free from the evil-scientist werewolf known as Dr. Gnaw. It’s a fast-paced, exhilarating ride from start to finish. And incorporating Alexa into the mix really adds to the fun, since you can use the device to provide you with hints, play some super-spooky tunes, and even time your challenges. This game is pretty much the ultimate team-builder, too, considering that up to eight players can play, and you all work together to uncover clues and (hopefully) flee Dr. Gnaw.
Pros:
- Fast-paced and exciting: You have 90 minutes to decipher clues and solve puzzles
- Cooperative and team-building
- Features a fun “flashback” theme and three separate game paths
- Let Alexa offer hints, time you, and even play spooky, ambient music while you try to solve puzzles
Cons:
- Too advanced for younger kiddos, so it’s not the best fit for every family
St. Noire Alexa Game
Prepare to Be Immersed in Another World
For board game fans who love nothing more than being immersed in storytelling games, St. Noire is a blood-chilling thrill; it’s so immersive that it almost feels like watching a movie. Powered by Alexa, the game is pure Hollywood noir: there’s been a murder, and players have to question suspects, look at evidence, and determine who’s lying and who’s telling the truth (before it’s too late; eek). The sound design is stellar, and all the dialogue is through Alexa (and, in a savvy touch of realism, you never actually hear her voice—just the characters’ voices). Dim the lights, put on your detective cap, and prepare to be transported to the town of St. Noire.
Pros:
- Immersive and cinematic in scope; you really feel like you’re in the town of St. Noire (gotta dim the lights for this one)
- You never hear Alexa’s voice, even as the device is voicing dialogue for characters
- Play with one or more players
- Clues and storytelling are top-notch
Cons:
- You’ll probably complete the game in less than 30 minutes (although there are multiple storylines, so you could feasibly keep playing as long as you want)
Ravensburger Know
Put On Your Thinking Cap
Calling all trivia nerds: Get ready for an epic, one-of-a-kind quiz game with Ravensburger Know, which comes with 220 quiz cards (with over 1,500 questions in total), for endless, brain-bending entertainment. In a super-cool, modern twist, this multi-activity quiz game stays up-to-date with its answers—Google Assistant changes them depending on where and when you play. Throw out your crusty old version of Trivial Pursuit; Ravensburger Know is the new quiz game in town.
Pros:
- Comes with 220 quiz cards with thousands of questions (over 1,500 in total), so it’ll keep you busy for hours on end
- Quiz is always up-to-date with current info and questions, thanks to Google Assistant (which is free to download)
- You can also choose to play offline
- Multi-activity; there are several mini-games you can choose to play
- Clear instructions
Cons:
- Really best for kids ages 16 and up, so not for younger children
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider getting a board game that’s compatible with a smart device?
Getting a board game that’s compatible with a smart device can lead to a more peaceful, easy, enjoyable gaming experience for everyone, since you can use Alexa or another smart device to keep track of scoring, explain all the rules, and make sure that everyone is playing correctly, among other things. Smart devices can help to create a more immersive experience, especially if you’re playing a storytelling game. So, virtually anyone who likes playing board games can stand to benefit.
Can you play alone with a smart device-compatible board game?
Yes, many of these games allow for single player use. Just be sure that the game info specifically says “one or more players” before purchasing.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.