Can I transfer additional games to the iPod?

Whether or not you can transfer additional games to the iPod depends on the particular model of iPod that you have.

The original and second generation iPod did not officially have games at all, but a simple game called "Brick" -- where the player "breaks" a screen full of bricks with a ball and paddle -- is available as an easter egg.

Starting with the third generation iPod, Brick became official and Solitaire and Parachute (a simple shooter) were added to the line up. When the iPod models gained color, the games also became available in color, but there still was no way to transfer additional games to the iPod.

With the introduction of the "Enhanced" Fifth Generation iPod on September 12, 2006, Apple introduced nine far more substantial games -- Vortex, Tetris, Pac-Mac, Cubis 2, Zuma, Texas Hold'em, Mini Golf, Mahjong, and Bejeweled -- that are compatible with all Fifth Generation iPod models, including the original Fifth Generation iPod.

On December 19, 2006, Apple introduced two new games -- Sodoku and Royal Solitaire -- also for the Fifth Generation iPod models. Royal Solitaire is more advanced than the version pre-installed on many "full size" iPod models, and has "10 Solitaire games, including Canfield, Klondike, Peaks, Pyramid, Beleaguered Castle, Aces Up, Yukon, FreeCell, Golf, and Scorpion."

Subsequently, Apple introduced Ms. Pac-Man with all 256 levels from the arcade classic, as well as Sims Bowling and Sims Pool, both of which allow one to create a "sim" and then go bowling or play pool in a variety of modes, as well as other games.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

These games are not compatible with any iPods prior to or after the Fifth Generation, any iPod nano models, or the iPod shuffle line (obviously, given that the iPod shuffle lacks a display). None are pre-installed, but each can be purchased individually through iTunes 7. The games have to be transferred to an iPod to play (they cannot be played directly in iTunes like other content).

The iPod classic (6G) and iPod nano (3G) models ship with versions of iQuiz, Klondike, and Vortex pre-installed, and additional games have been developed for individial purchase, but these models are not compatible with the games designed for the Fifth Generation iPod models or the iPod touch. In a less than customer friendly move, Apple decided that users who purchased a game for a Fifth Generation iPod will have to buy it again in order to use the same game on the iPod classic (6G) or iPod nano (3G).

On March 6, 2008, Apple formally released developers tools that open the iPod touch to third-party development, including games. Game development for the iPod classic (6G) and iPod nano (3G) models, however, continues to only be available for select parties.