At the Game Developers Conference 2009, I got to see a leap forward in handheld gaming: the Zeemote, a wireless controller that brings console-style gaming to your cell phone.

The Zeemote is available for Nokia phones, and makers of the controller hope more phone manufacturers will jump on board. There are 35 games that are Zeemote-ready, and Zeemote Inc. is trying to get more games via a game developer’s contest. Games currently available include Tomb Raider, Burnout, Prince of Persia, Pac-Man and many more.

However, the Zeemote isn’t just for games. The controller will control all of the applications on your phone, which means you could hook your phone to a stereo to play music and then use your Zeemote to change songs from another room.

The Zeemote features precision control with an analogue joystick and four programmable buttons, Bluetooth communication with mobile handsets and a sleek design. The controller takes two AAA batteries.

When I first saw the Zeemote, I didn’t have a chance to play with it because I don’t have a Nokia phone. But I did hold it in my hand and tested the feel of it. It felt very natural and user-friendly. I did finally get a chance to test the Zeemote on a game, and it was pretty neat. I played Boom Blox and did fairly well. I wanted the Zeemote to have motion capabilities, which I was told will probably happen next year.

The Zeemote isn’t for everyone yet, but hopefully phone makers will jump on the bandwagon. The controller, I think, is the next big step in handheld/mobile gaming, and everyone will have one or want one.

If you have a Nokia phone, visit www.zeemote.com and get on board with this revolutionary device. With the rate mobile gaming is growing, I think gamers of all ages and groups will want one a Zeemote.