The Asphalt arcade racing series originated on mobile devices and that's where it remains best, especially the most recent iteration, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, which offers 42 licensed vehicles and visuals optimized for the iPhone 4 Retina Display ($4.99) and the enhanced capabilities of the iPad 2 ($6.99).

Whatever your device of choice, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline is aggressive and fast-paced, especially when playing online against real-life competition. Our sister site GamesRadar says the sloppy 3DS version is "a contender for the title of 'worst launch game of all time,'" but the iOS source material remains rather worthwhile. And cheaper!

Though contract negotiations currently leave the next National Football League season in question, pigskin junkies can get their fix on iPhone ($2.99) or iPad ($12.99) with Madden NFL 11, the latest iteration in EA Sports' seminal franchise.

All 32 teams and their players are included in the app, which features the ability to draw Hot Routes on the screen and position defenders for the ultimate in protection. Plus, unlike the Nintendo 3DS version, both the iPhone and iPad versions of Madden include a multiplayer mode, which offers head-to-head play via Bluetooth. At $2.99, the iPhone version is perfectly priced for even the most casual football fan.

Bust-a-Move's bubble-popping puzzle aesthetic has been polished to perfection since the mid-90s, and the latest iOS version, New Bust-a-Move (iPhone or iPad, $4.99 each) delivers more of the same for fans of the series.

Riffing on the familiar match-three puzzle approach, you'll launch colored bubbles at others on the screen to clear like colors, with this version offering a campaign mode (with boss stages) and an endless mode, plus further features expected via updates. Though the Nintendo 3DS version is the cheapest launch title at $30, New Bust-a-Move can be had on iOS for a fraction of that cost.

Ridge Racer 3D remains one of the better-reviewed Nintendo 3DS launch titles at this point, despite being little more than a spruced-up collection of cars and courses from the many previous series releases. But Ridge Racer Accelerated does essentially the same thing with separate versions on iPhone and iPad, delivering bite-sized races that recall the arcade favorite's penchant for crazy speeds and even sillier drifting maneuvers.

Prepare yourself for a minor pricing headache, though: the iPhone version of Ridge Racer Accelerated is $4.99 but hides some content in a premium add-on pack, while the "free" iPad version requires a $8.99 purchase to access most of the gameplay.

The Sims 3 ($6.99) hit the App Store nearly two years back, delivering a robust adaptation of the PC and Mac hit for iPhone players, and has since been updated with Retina Display support. As in the versions that preceded it, The Sims is all about navigating the perils and promise of daily life by keeping your character(s) healthy, gainfully employed, and emotionally fulfilled.

Just like in real life, maintaining a balance between all of those desires can be challenging – but that's part of the appeal of The Sims, and The Sims 3 for iPhone offers a quality portable approximation of the pricier originals.

Here's one instance where we'll flatly admit that the Nintendo 3DS version is easily the standout release, as Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition includes more than double the fighters and numerous multiplayer options. But if you need a quick fix on the go for just a few bucks, the iPhone release of the original Street Fighter IV ($4.99) is more than adequate.

The iPhone version of Street Fighter IV brings classic fighters like Ryu and Chun-Li -- along with newcomers like Crimson Viper and Abel -- to life with solid visuals and touch controls, plus local head-to-head battles. And hey, Capcom: We wouldn't mind a fully featured version of Super SFIV for the iPhone and iPad!

Super Monkey Ball's quirky approach (which finds you guiding an encapsulated primate through challenging courses towards a goal) has entertained gamers of all ages for nearly a decade now, and the latest iPhone ($2.99) and iPad ($4.99) version puts each device's tilt sensors to perfect use.

Simply rotating the iPhone or iPad in any direction to send your monkey rolling towards bananas and away from hazards is a satisfying sensation, with 100+ stages and multiple minigames included in either release. The 3DS version has been derided for light content and uneven 3D effects, but both iOS iterations of Super Monkey Ball 2 offer a solid experience for less than five bucks apiece.

You won't find an iOS version of Nintendogs + Cats, since it's a Nintendo-created property, but ngmoco's Touch Pets Dogs 2 and Touch Pets Cats are both free, universal apps created in the mold of that handheld hit.

Whatever your pet preference, you'll be able to interact with cute animals by petting and playing with them, as well as decorate the environments and visit friends' places online. Like many free-to-play experiences, you'll get a complementary subset of content and activities with the option to expand it out via add-on content purchases. But the initial free download of either app can easily keep younger animal enthusiasts busy for some time.