I play a fair amount of mobile games - and I don't mean on a PDA. I'm referring to a vanilla cell phone. Why? Well, I have kids and the games are a quick fix when they're loud (2 boys are always loud); I don't feel that need to save when I'm waiting for an appointment or in line and it's my turn like I do with a handheld console; and the games have a certain infinite replayability. But the control system for most games (particularly as phones become more "artsy") leaves much to be desired.

When the Zeemote announcement landed in my inbox my initial reaction was rather tepid. I don't know why I clicked to the website, but I did. Seeing how small the unit is piqued my interest (3.7x1.4x0.8in and weighing only 47g/1.7oz including batteries). There was this shooter I was playing that required I strafe and it was giving me the worst headaches in the 14th chapter. Perhaps the Zeemote could help?

Grabbing resident site mobile expert, Quinn, we headed over to Zeemote just to see what the heck this was all about. You know, sometimes you just have to experience something to really understand how cool it is. This is one of those times. I am in awe of this itty bitty Wii-mote like controller and what it does for mobile gaming.

Fitting snugly in my left or right hand, it is ergonomically perfect. Yet it is small. Quinn's hands are substantially larger than mine yet it fit his just as well. It feels much like a trigger grip - you leverage it between the palm of your hand and your ring finger. There is a "hidden" button for your middle finger, two buttons for your forefinger and a joystick for your thumb.

My biggest fear was that I was going to grip it and my hand would grow tired - I do this often with the Wii-mote - but after 30 minutes I felt no fatigue. In fact, Quinn and I were sniping over who would get to play next.

The technology is very simple. Developers simply add the Zeemote SDK to the title, allowing them to map the control system to the controller. It uses Bluetooth to connect. It can be designed to use the controller or added at a later date. Eidos has added it to their Tomb Raider Mobile title. All a consumer need do is acquire the Zeemote and patch the title.

While the controllers will be available to purchase, carriers are already signing to purchase them and include them free of charge with a few games. (Nothing like that additional incentive to keep you in that contract!) But with developers such as Eidos, Oasis, SEGA, Finblade, Reaktion, Superheavy Fun Fun and others already signed, the games to be modified and in the pipeline should grow very quickly.

In my half hour I played Powerboat Challenge - that boat moved smoothly with the joystick, none of the beep, beep movements of the directional pad; HeliStrike - aiming and shooting is a breeze with the joystick and fire button; Sonic the Hedgehog - yes, the original from SEGA; Powerdarts 180 - Quinn, I kicked your butt! And some dual player Tennis.

The system can manage up to 6 players but they suggest no more than 4 due to latency. And if you HAVE to have your mobile game fix you can always hook it up to video out on your TV and sit with a friend and two Zeemotes and play. Though, I don't see myself doing this quite yet.

Over the days after seeing this unique peripheral I mentioned just how great it was to friends and all of them had the same tepid initial reaction I had. Even after explaining all of the above they looked at me like I'd sprouted a 3rd eye - which I suppose it possible but my depth perception hasn't changed. It really does strike me as one of those items you just have to try to believe. My suggestion? Try it. What have you got to lose?