How Tos

How to download and transfer games onto iPod

Apple now sells iPod games through its iTunes Store. Here's how to get them

How to download and transfer games onto iPod
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Got a fifth-generation iPod? You may be aware that you can now buy iPod games from Apple's iTunes store. Nine games were released at launch, and we're going to be reviewing every single one of 'em on Pocket Gamer, plus any released in the future, in our dedicated iPod section. If you're not sure if yours is a fifth-generation iPod, check the iPod Wikipedia page. If the news is good, read on to discover how easy it is to get the games.

Get started by opening your iTunes, then clicking on the iTunes Store link on the left-hand side. From the store homepage, click on iPod Games to see the full list of what's available to download. How to download iPod games pic1
Click on a game to see more information about it, including its price (they're all £3.99 at the moment), notes about the game itself, and reviews from other users. There's also a Preview button. Click this to see a short video of the game in action, which should help you make your mind up (as should our reviews!). How to download iPod games pic2
When you've chosen the game or games that you want to download, click on the Shopping Cart link on the left-hand menu bar. You'll see a list of what you've cued up for download, and the total price. Click Buy Now and enter your iTunes Store password to start the process. How to download iPod games pic3
You can check on their progress on the download screen, which has bars showing how much of each game has been downloaded. Some of them are fairly hefty, but it shouldn't take longer than a few minutes for any one title. Play some favourite tunes while you're waiting. Arctic Monkeys, anyone? How to download iPod games pic4
Once the games have downloaded, you can browse what you've bought by clicking on iPod Games under your Library, at the top left of the screen. Click on a game to see full instructions, details of the play modes, and a handy controls diagram. How to download iPod games pic5
Finally, make sure your games have been synched with your iPod by clicking on its name under Devices in the left-hand menu bar – in my case, 'Stu's iPod' – and then clicking on the Games tab. Our advice is to use the Sync All Games option to ensure that everything you buy is automatically transferred. Now you're ready to play! Just turn on your iPod, go to the games menu, and prepare for action.

Wondering what games to play? Check out our iPod game reviews (and our iPhone and iPod Touch games section).
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Stuart Dredge
Stuart Dredge
Stuart is a freelance journalist and blogger who's been getting paid to write stuff since 1998. In that time, he's focused on topics ranging from Sega's Dreamcast console to robots. That's what you call versatility. (Or a short attention span.)