Hardcore gamers would disagree with phones being considered as a handheld gaming console, but they need to be included on this list because they are becoming strong competitors on the mobile gaming market. Now that we have technology like Global Positioning System (GPS) we are are able to be immersed into Augmented Reality (AR) games like never before. Also the ability to download games from anywhere, anytime, allows gamers instant access to new games.
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Snake - The gateway game to phone addiction.
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Cell phones - 1994When games started coming to cell phones, they were pre-installed on the phones. These were simple games like Snake or Tetris, and were kind of clunky to play on the phone's number pad as the controller. There wasn't a way to get additional games, so you were stuck with one or two.
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Nokia N-Gage - 2003The N-Gage was Nokia's attempt to make a handheld gaming console which was also a cell phone. Unfortunately Nokia was a phone manufacturer, so they didn't have a whole lot of video game titles backing them. Any gamers that did get their hands on one complained that it was uncomfortable to play, and that they would get sore thumbs.
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Nokia N-Gage - People weren't ready to combine their phoning with their gaming.
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iPhone - Now we're ready for phoning and gaming on the same device.
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iPhone - 2007When Apple initially introduced the iPhone, nobody could predict the impact it would have in the gaming world. Apple's App Store on the iPhone allowed large gaming companies, and basement developers alike to instantly introduce their games to millions of customers. Making purchases was as easy as clicking a button, which led to micro purchases, which allowed developers to make their games available for free, yet still make tons of money from purchases inside the game. The current most money making game is Fortnite, from the in-app purchases.
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