HOWZAT

Games that incorporate wireless communications open up other routes into the real world: each Gizmondo unit incorporates a GPS tracking system, so the player’s physical location becomes an integral part of the experience. In Colors, a forthcoming gang-warfare title, this technology creates a virtual fence around the player’s physical location, which becomes the turf his circle of friends share. Should rival Colors players be tracked crossing into that real-world territory, they appear within the game and must be fought or traded with.

For the hard-core gamer, Sony has another carrot to dangle. By connecting to WiFi hot spots found in cafes, hotels and airports, or through a standard wireless router in the home, PSP players will be able to compete with players much further afield. “It will, in theory, be possible to play against anyone, anywhere in the world,” Harrison suggests. “It becomes much easier to create a genuinely global gaming experience.” Five of the PSP’s American launch titles play to this capability, and Nintendo has similar plans for the DS.

All the same, existing gamers may not be the issue here. Dr Jason Rutter, of the University of Manchester’s Centre for Research on Innovation and Competition, feels that “the value of mobile games is their potential to appeal to people who don’t necessarily see themselves as gamers”, people who are not technically savvy, and in every age group.

So, for example, the Nintendo DS has found favour in American classrooms, where the potential for silent messaging, quick doodles and talking through walls has made PictoChat, a graphic message system, an enticing prospect. “We PictoChat a lot during classes to discuss questions, but if we talked we’d get in trouble,” says Sam Retch, 17, from Indianapolis. “The DS is as useful in school as my pencil. My day would be boring without it.”

Parents have found that the DS handsets can also make an interesting educational tool. “I use PictoChat to help my five-year-old son, Justin, study the alphabet and his numbers,” says Kenneth Toy, a participant in Planet GameCube DS forums. “I send him letters, numbers or small words to see what he recognises. Now he doesn’t mind studying at all, and when we’re done, we get some multiplayer Mario going together.”

Toy’s case shows that, in the end, the real revolution is not purely about playing games on the move, or even social gaming. It is about communication and the freedom to play what you want, when you want, where you want and with whom you want. It is about “entertainment anywhere”, and as a shared experience.

ON TEST: THE NEW CONSOLES FOR GAMING ON THE MOVE

Sony PSP — launches in April, £180 from www.amazon.co.uk This year’s iPod. The console, right, includes a surprisingly large screen for its diminutive size, and the sleek design is irresistible. The PSP also comes pretty close to putting the power of PlayStation2 in your pocket, as reflected in a strong launch line-up of established PS2 games that look faithful to the original. Movie and music playback may also prove vital to the PSP’s success, as could wireless connectivity between other PSPs and the internet. The gorgeous screen and vast storage possibilities complete an impressive package.

Nintendo DS — £105 from www.argos.co.uk Nintendo’s innovative handheld departs from the classic Game Boy with a dual screen. The top screen functions as normal, the bottom screen doubles as a touch-sensitive pad. In Mario 64 DS, this becomes an analogue controller; in Metroid Prime: Hunters, it is a targeting device. The touch screen also lends itself to role-playing, puzzle and strategy games. In terms of 3-D power, the DS comes second to the Sony PSP, but Nintendo’s inventive gameplay values and the lure of its PictoChat feature should help keep it in the running.

Gizmondo — £270 from www.gizmondo.com A Swiss army knife among handhelds, and the clear underdog of the new breed. Gizmondo packs GPRS mobile- phone technology, a 0.3-megapixel digital camera, Bluetooth networking, GPS satellite tracking and MP3 and movie playback into one pocket-sized unit. However, Gizmondo has much to prove in the games arena. Its 3-D graphics have yet to be harnessed to the full and, despite interesting games in development and promised support from industry heavyweights, its makers will have to work hard to lure buyers from the PSP.

Tapwave Zodiac2 — £160 from www.currys.co.uk Less a games gadget than a palm-compatible handheld computer

with strong gaming features. These include a beautiful high-resolution colour screen, stereo audio, Bluetooth networking and an analogue joypad. The Tapwave also scores high for movie and music playback, while memory cards are a good way of importing media. Sadly, the games line-up is uninspiring, with a reliance on older PC games, retro classics and slightly amateurish arcade games. A great PDA, but so far not a great games machine.

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