Even if you don't think of yourself as a gamer, you probably have a gaming system in your possession. The most widespread gaming platform isn't the Sony PlayStation 2 or even the ultrapopular Nintendo Game Boy: The latest generation of cellular phones, with BREW- and Java-enabled technology including J2ME (Java 2 Platform Micro Edition), can deliver rich and vibrant games. "In the U.S. alone, there are more than 150 million mobile phones, and most of those are Java-enabled," says Ross Sealfon, research analyst at IDC. He forecasts that we'll see a lot more phones capable of playing games in the not-too-distant future, as manufacturers continue to add color screens and advanced features.

The games available on mobile phones aren't as immersive as those you'd play on a Microsoft Xbox or a PC, but handheld titles have come along way from simplistic Snake or Tetris clones. And although cell phones might not be the ideal platform for hard-core gamers, they are just fine for nearly everyone else. The reasons are simple: The games are inexpensive, they can be downloaded directly to your phone, they're easy to play, and your cell phone can go anywhere with you.

Most important, developers are starting to explore the possibilities for richer content with more complex game play and even to provide multiplayer options (for those using the same service provider). With hundreds of games available for download, you shouldn't have a hard time finding something you'd enjoy playing. On the downside, you might not know whether you'll enjoy a game until after you've downloaded and paid for it.

To help make the choices easier, we offer a look at ten diverse games. Prices depend on the provider offering the games but generally range from 99 cents to $3.99 for a 30-day trial and are slightly higher (usually $3.99 to $6.49) for a one-time purchase.