Sponge Bob: Sponge Bob Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated doesn't qualify to be as good on Android or iPhone.

The remake of the 2003 kids' game runs almost flawlessly on mobile hardware; it connects easily with the Xbox One controller and plays as if it were on a console. In fact, reading some comments on Reddit, the mobile port seems to perform better than the Nintendo Switch and PC versions. Also, unlike the PC version, players of the mobile version can adjust graphics settings such as resolution, graphics quality, and frame rate.

For all intents and purposes, the Android and iOS versions of Rehydrated blur the line between console and mobile. For a large portion of the world's population, it shows why smartphones are the place to play the latest titles.

We played "Rehydrated" on a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the game ran smoothly. With high quality settings and maximum resolution, the game maintained a relatively stable 60 fps; compared to the Nintendo Switch version, it ran twice as fast.

Of course, the Nintendo Switch also has hardware designed in 2015. That is why many fans are eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch Pro.

Anyway, while connected to the Xbox One controller and Moga phone clip, it felt exactly the same as if I were playing on any other high-end gaming console. This is a testament to how quickly mobile graphics technology has advanced, and a credit to the team at Handy Games for putting together such a quality port.

Many fans were left dumbfounded as to why the image quality settings could be adjusted in the mobile version, but not in the PC version. According to Reddit user HG_CHRIS, who says he is a developer at German studio Handy Games, he said, "Players want to decide whether they want high fps or graphics. And with so many different settings and devices out there, it's the best option to work it out."

I had my mobile gaming revelation later than millions of others. In mobile-first countries like China, India, and Brazil, smartphone games have become the most important platform for playing the latest titles; games like "PUBG," "Arena of Valor," and "Free Fire" have a vibrant esports scene because That's why. My late understanding is that as a member of the Western press, I am privileged to have easy access to the latest gaming hardware.

Of course, for many on this side of the pond, it was "Genshin Impact" late last year that made me realize the power of mobile. The free-to-play, open-world action RPG showed gamers the capabilities of their devices. No longer did they have to play simple puzzle games in the bathroom; they could embark on epic adventures like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."

"Phantom Impact" brought in about $800 million in revenue in 2020 alone. A remarkable figure considering the game was released last September. Addictive puzzle games still bring in huge revenues for bored subway commuters, but it is clear that there is a desire to enjoy console-quality, full-voiced games on smartphones.

I have yet to dive deep into Genshin Impact on my phone because the developer, miHoYo, does not support controllers on Android. It is available on iOS, however.

"Sponge Bob Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated" is by no means a deep game. It does not even need to be played. The game is for kids, and 18 years later, new layers of paint and primer haven't changed that.

Still, it is a game that would have been incomprehensible on mobile devices five years ago. And with Qualcomm and Apple continuing to advance mobile graphics technology, I wouldn't be surprised if cell phones are the Nintendo Switch of the future. It would be a platform that players could play on the go, but also connect to their TVs for a more traditional experience.

I can understand the absurdity of Sponge Bob being the catalyst for this to happen.