When Steve Jobs announced that the 5G iPod is going to begin offering support of more and better games, I wasn't moved too much. I've had my iPod for quite some time now and maybe only once or twice bothered to look in the games file to see what was there. Breakout? Solitaire? Thank you, but no. I'll stick with my music.
Once I downloaded the new iTunes v7, however, and went to the iTunes Music Store to see what games were available, I was floored. Bejeweled? Are you kidding me? Mini-golf? Pac Man? Maybe there's something here, after all. At only $5 a game, it's certainly worth giving it a try, right?
I opted for Mini-Golf from Electronic Arts, because that's just who I am, and I'll have a review of the game soon. In the meantime, for those looking to add a game or two to their iPod, here's the process:
Step 1: Update your 5G iPod (video) to v1.2
Yes, the games are only compatible with the iPod Video (the Flash drive capacity is way too small). No, you don't have to update your iPod first, but you may as well, as the games need v1.2 to run. If you don't update, iTunes will tell you this is necessary during the game installation process.
To update your iPod, make sure it's connected to the computer and click on your iPod name under Devices in iTunes. The Summary tab will show your software version and let you know if you're iPod's up to date. If not, click the Update button and the rest will take care of itself.
iPod Games
Step 2: Purchase and download game(s)
This step is pretty much the same as purchasing songs or shows. Launch the store in iTunes, click on the new iPod Games link in the white area next to New Releases, then make your pick. There are currently nine games available, all of which already have the typical useless user reviews. Seriously, Apple, this isn't necessary. How is, "Come on itunes $4.99 for a game thats pretty bad they should be like 2-3 bucks tops. You can buy games on ur cell phone for like half the price itunes is charging. If you guys lower your price I bet a lot more people would buy games." going to help me make a purchasing decision?
iPod Games
Thankfully, clicking the game's icon pulls up some information on the title that's actually useful. Games Notes, Features and System Requirements are all well and good, but if you have QuickTime v7.1.3, you can watch a preview of the game to get a feel for the action.
Once you've made your decision, click the Add Game button to put it in your shopping cart, then go to the shopping cart and complete the purchase just as you would with any other iTunes Music Store item.
Step 3: Get the game onto your iPod
Once you've downloaded the game to your iTunes library, a new "iPod Games" link will appear under the Library section of the iTunes interface. This may be important, and you'll see why in a minute. To get the game onto your iPod, again, select your iPod under the Devices area of iTunes and click on the Games tab. As with syncing up pictures from iPhoto, simply check Sync Games then determine if you want to sync them all or just selected games (if you have downloaded more than one), then click Apply. When I did this, I was told I couldn't load the game onto my iPod because it wasn't registered with this account. This confused me, because iTunes and the iPod certainly were registered with my account. After poking around for a few minutes, I ended up back on the iPod Games screen within iTunes, where Mini-Golf was listed. I double-clicked on the Mini-Golf icon to see if I could get properties, and was instead asked if I wanted to register the game with my account. I said yes, and was told that I have now activated two of my allowable five licenses (the first being my home computer...I hope). I was then able to sync my iPod with the Mini-Golf game, and was good to go. I'm not sure what the difference is between registering a game with an iTunes account and registering iTunes itself with an iTunes account, but it's working now, so I'll leave that alone.
iPod Games
Step 4: Play
Once the game is on your iPod, you can access it by selecting Games with the click wheel, which is either in your Main Menu or your Extras menu, depending upon your settings. As for playing the game itself...well, watch for the review.
Step 5: Removing the game
Okay, so you decide you hate playing games on your iPod, or you need to clear 10 to 60MB (the file size range of the games currently available) to eek out enough room for the movie The Hot Chick (?!?!). To remove your games, go back to the Games tab in iTunes after selecting your iPod, check Sync Games, select Selected Games, then don't actually select a game. iTunes will remove your games from the iPod, but they'll still be on the computer in case you want to put them on again.
iPod Games
And there you have it. Simple as that. Cut through my usual verbosity, and you'll see it's only three simple steps to get the games onto your 5G iPod, where you can play them anywhere you're allowed to wear headphones. What's next, Apple? NFL highlights?
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