Anyone remember Tetris? How about Myst? I know, probably only us old timers remember, and many of us still revel at the thoughts of finally beating that monster that stole the princess as we anxiously attempted to pass through the many worlds of the first ever Mario Bros video game on our modest first Nintendo consoles. Do you think Mario or Luigi could have predicted how far they would come?

Video games have come a long way, and have spread to sophisticated designer home consoles, computer gaming and mobile hand helds that are far more advanced and with bigger and better digital capabilities and graphics. And, mobile phones have not been left behind in the world of gaming. Same as music ringtones, cell phone games allow users to personalize their phones and make them usable way beyond just receiving and making calls.

Mobile Games

The first ever cell phone game was Snake released in 1997 as an embedded application for Nokia phones. It's doubtful that the Finnish mobile giant knew at the time that this simple addition would forever alter the function of a cell phone. With Snake, and the tons of mobile games that followed, cell phones became much more that just communication devices and became entertainment for the modern age.

What is the fascination with video gaming? Well, for the most part we are obsessed with gadgets and technology overall. And, the fact that millions of video games are sold every year and people slept outside as long as three days just to have the chance to get their hands on Playstation 3 supports this.

The answers to the fascination with mobile games may be more simplistic. While gaming in general whether, computer, console or hand held is huge business, and an activity which people spend a lot of money and ample time weekly engaging in whether alone or with friends and family, mobile games probably serve a little different and more pragmatic purpose.

For example, while commuting on a train to work or to pass the time waiting in a doctors waiting room. And, while video games can be a much more social event, mobile games are usually played solo, and are a great way to engage the mind and create a fun activity anywhere and anytime. Also, while the gaming hobby can be a significant expense, mobile games are very cheap, and there are many standard free games that come with most cell phones.

Today, there are hundreds of different mobile games to suit any fancy. From, quiz games like Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, to card and board games, arcade, racing, shoot 'em up, 3D, brain twisters, lifestyle games, and many more, there is a game to suit everyone and anyone.