Just imagine if you could have fun playing your favorite color games anytime, anywhere - while waiting in line for bus and movie tickets, riding in cars, buses or trains…

Welcome to the world of mobile gaming. Mobile gaming is getting hot...more and more people are playing games on their cell phones as wireless carriers introduce improved models of cell phones with big, bright color screens to their customers. Some experts predict that the number of people playing mobile games, especially young people, will increase by leaps and bounds in the next three years. So catch the hot wave now! There are all kinds of games available: action/adventure, puzzles, casino, sports, etc. They are fun, intuitive and entertaining. Presently, some of the most popular, compelling games are: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Prince of Persia Mobile Pet.

Many major cellular carriers offer online services for mobile games (and ring tones/graphics) that you can download directly to your cell phones. There are more and more leading online services, such as eWirelessGames.com and cellmedia.com, which can provide similar services at an affordable cost.

Before you can start, you need to understand a few things about mobile gaming.

First, you need to find out if your current or new cell phone is Web-enabled and text message capable. If you are not sure, contact your carrier's customer service department for help.

Next, you need to subscribe a data service with your wireless phone carriers. Available data services include usually include game downloads, ringtone downloads, picture transmission, text mesages and email. Most carriers offer data services and bill you in term of the amount of data you download. Some carriers offer the option of pyaing by hte minute.

T-mobile, for instance, charges $29.99 a month for unlimited usage for its T-mobile Internet while data service from Verizon Wireless is offered for an additional $5 monthly access charge, plus airtime and other applicable charge.

With your phone capable of and subscribed to data service like text messages and Mobile Web, you are now ready to download your favorite games. The downloading process is usually simple and easy to follow.

Here are few more things to keep in mind:

When choosing mobile games at a mobile gaming site, make sure that the games you like are compatible with your cell phone. It is a good idea to check for a compatibility chart available from the mobile gaming site from which you will purchase your downloads. (See a compatibility chart at eWirelessGames.com)

You must also know the limits of your cell phone's built-in memory. Find out how many games you can download. Typically, you can download about 5-6 games, depending on your cell phone model, and you must remove your existing games before you can download additional games.

One last thing, check for special deals available at these wireless gaming sites. You may get a discount if you order in large volume. For example, eWirelessGames.com offers pre-purchase bulk credits for those who order ring tones/color graphics.

Enjoy your mobile gaming!

About the Author
Richard Hsu is a wireless gaming enthusiast and manager at eWirelessGames.com.