Apple makes its move into handheld gaming

The news today that Apple will soon start releasing 3rd party games on the iPhone and iPod Touch -- the first being a mobile version of EA's Spore, which you might have heard of -- is a big deal.

Check out this quote:

"The animation technology in the iPhone OS enables us to build awesome games," said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts. "I think iPhone consumers are going to be blown away by the games we create for this platform."

That doesn't sound like Spore is a one-off project for EA and Apple, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship that should make Sony very nervous about the future of the PSP.

UPDATE: You can read my expanded take on Apple and gaming in my weekly column.