Late 1990s–today – Phones and Tablets
Games on phones and tablets you can play anywhere.
About this technology
Games on a phone you can carry anywhere. You tap and swipe to play little games and can take a quick turn while you wait.
Early phones had tiny screens and number buttons, but smartphones brought touch screens you can press and slide. Many games are quick to start and easy to share with a friend, and you find them in an online shop.
Mobile play began in the late 1990s with simple games like Snake. In the late 2000s, phones added online shops for getting new games, and touch, tilt, the camera, and location made new kinds of play, including games that add pictures to the real world. People now play in short bursts on the go or enjoy longer sessions on tablets at home.
Fun facts
- Pocket buzz: Phones can vibrate, so some games give a little buzz when you score or crash.
- No Wi-Fi? Still fine: Many mobile games work offline, so they are handy on long trips.
- Bigger play: Tablets use the same games on a larger screen, which makes sharing and turn-taking easier.
Compare the first mobile phone game with one of the latest!
Snake
The legendary Nokia classic that started it all. Guide your growing snake to eat food while avoiding walls and your own tail. Simple, addictive, and beloved by millions worldwide.
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Need for Speed: No Limits
Intense police chases and high-speed racing action brought to mobile devices. Experience the thrill of the chase with stunning graphics and adrenaline-pumping gameplay.
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