Getting Started Gaming With Windows Mobile

By: Staff, GameSpot - Posted on October 6, 2009

Windows Mobile is Microsoft's mobile version of the Windows operating system, and it includes full support for familiar MS applications, such as mobile versions of Outlook e-mail, Internet Explorer, and Windows Media Player. The operating system can be found on a variety of handsets, including those with higher-end features, such as a GPS, a touch screen, and 3G connectivity. Note that the Windows Mobile for Smartphones operating system we know today descended from Microsoft's earlier mobile OS, Pocket PC--an OS that still has a sizeable gaming catalog of its own.

Hardware, Accessories, and What to Expect

Your actual hardware experience using Windows Mobile will depend on which handset you end up with. Microsoft has partnerships in place with major mobile manufacturers to offer the OS on those manufacturers' hardware. When using your Windows Mobile handset, if you find yourself experiencing less-than-optimal gaming performance, it can be a good idea to cut down on downloads and remove apps that you don't plan on using anymore to free up memory, and you should consider shutting off memory-hungry applications you aren't currently using. Be advised that although the Pre uses WebOS with a touch-screen interface, other handsets may have different input and button layouts that may not be as comfortable for gaming. Take a look at different handsets and try to get a sense of which one works best for you.

For the latest reports on the best handsets for this and other operating systems, visit CNET's regularly updated Best Cell Phones roundup.

Games and Where to Get Them

There are two types of Windows-based mobile games: games for the original Pocket PC OS and games for the newer Windows Mobile OS for Smartphones. Microsoft has listings for both platforms as part of its online Windows Mobile Catalog, which link out to third-party merchants selling applications such as games. Game libraries for both Windows Mobile and Pocket Pc are well-rounded and offer a good mix of arcade action, strategy, board, card, and puzzle games. For Windows Mobile, Microsoft also has a subscription-based Total Access program, which lets subscribers download premium games for free.

Pros & Cons

PRO: As a platform, Windows Mobile offers mobile versions of productivity software you may be familiar with, so you can use the OS to work and play.

PRO: Solid, well-rounded libraries for both Pocket PC and Windows Mobile.

CON: Windows Mobile doesn't currently support multitouch screens.