The Best portable gaming units

I've been a gamer for a long time, a very long time. I have owned virtually every and any portable gaming unit at some point. Over the years as technology has improved and the mass acceptance of portable gaming has taken hold products have gotten smaller, graphics better and software delivery more diverse. Several years ago I was part of an effort that was researching hand-held gaming units. At that time we believed that the mobile phone would be the platform of the future of gaming. Well that day has more than arrived!

Trade in or sell that PSP, DS or any single purpose devise because the iPhone, the Droid and probably soon a windows phone is the real choice for hand held gaming. But if you are not keen on getting your child a phone than the iTouch is a great decision too.

Here's why i believe these devises are the new gaming platform.

First there is no Software to break or LOSE!!! 

I can't tell you how many games our kids have dropped, lost, left behind or made vanish into thin air.  With an all digital delivery system games can be loaded again and again if you change devices, lose the device, etc.  Also with platforms like iTouch and iPhone there are so many fun little free or nearly free games the kids have a huge assortment of fun and some educational content to keep them entertained when needed.  And now with such a huge install base of units all the major game Software publishers are releasing versions for phones in a much bigger way.

Controlling what goes on these units is easy too. I set up the user account and password and so when the kids ask to download a new game I am the one that has to enter the info. So only Dad said it's OK games make there way to the units.

Other great features are size, controls  and graphics - small enough for little hands, simple enough to use. and the graphics are solid and sharp - and with new units coming will improve.  And of course as the phones go through upgrade cycles the games can be transferred to the new phone as long as you maintain the same platform. Invest in a solid case and a wrist strap!

There are even more great features like the camera, the GPS locator (and tracker if you want that).  Internet access (with parental control) or not if you choose not to get the data package from ATT no internet access and you can still do all the downloading of content with a wifi connection.

With an iphone 3G or 3GS (if you can live with ATT) at $100 or less (refurbs too!) as an added line it's quite affordable as an added $10 line to the family plan. And for sure cheaper than a PSP or DS at $200 and when have you EVER seen a PSP or PS game for free, or even under $10!!! Or if you are the sort that wants the latest for you and your family the DROIDx or 4G iphone- would be the "bomb"

So before you buy your child a phone or before you buy them a hand held gaming unit, I suggest you consider the iPhone, iTouch or DROID as a great solution

Hope you find this useful.

Dad said it's OK to play game on the iPhone