If you're like most young adults, you've probably grown up with video games, from 2nd generation consoles like Nintendo and PlayStation (or perhaps later iterations like PS2 and Xbox) to handheld devices starting with the original Gameboy. And as gaming technology has advanced you've probably upgraded to smaller, lighter devices that offer greater functionality and improved overall gaming experience. While many people still utilize next-gen consoles at home (thanks to hard drives and internet connectivity that practically turn them into computers), most people also carry gaming devices on them at all times, whether they realize it or not, in the form of smartphones and tablets (or even laptops). So why wouldn't you make the most of your many mobile devices to kill time when you're traveling?Let's just start by knocking down the major argument that most people have against "wasting" time on video games. There seems to be a misconception associated with these games that they'll turn your brain to mush like TV. This is not the case. You can't really zone out when you're interacting with a game, for one thing, so your mind is actually working while you're playing a game, even if it's only Paper Toss or Angry Birds (and by the way, your mind is engaged in spatial calculations while puzzling through simple scenarios in both of these examples). However, mobile games can also work to improve hand-eye coordination, memory, and multitasking skills, depending on the games you select. Some are even educational. The point is, you could be getting
a lot more out of your gaming experience than you imagine, so don't knock it. It's better than half-watching a game in the sports bar at the airport and getting drunk on watered-down screwdrivers while you wait for your plane (that, my friends, will turn your mind to mush).
Okay, so video games offer more than meets the eye for your mental functions. But what about convenience and entertainment value? I think we can probably agree that mobile games deliver on both fronts. In terms of convenience there is simply no better way to meet all of your entertainment needs than with a tablet. You can not only use it to carry more books and magazines than you can shake a stick at (in one tiny case), but you can also access your favorite TV shows and movies. And of course, it can house your many games, whether you're keen to play classic board or card games (from Monopoly to Scrabble to Texas Hold 'Em) or you'd rather entertain yourself with sports (Madden) or a good FPS (like Dead Space). You might also prefer an even smaller device, in which case many smartphones (Apple and Android alike) can offer you downloads from their respective app stores that are suitable for your handheld of choice.And finally, there is the actual entertainment aspect to consider. When you find yourself waiting for hours in the airport due to delays or cancellations you might start to go a little stir crazy. Luckily, there are so many different kinds of games out there that you can while away tons of time pitting plants against zombies, ninjas against fruits, or yourself against legions of orcs or even racecar drivers. If variety is the spice of life you'll find plenty of ways to feed your brain when you travel by taking video games along for the ride.