Eurogamer is the UK’s biggest video game-centric website and attracts thousands of readers every day. It’s also accessible from you iPhone using Apple’s pre-installed Safari web browser, so the release of Eurogamer’s dedicated iPhone application surely begs the question: why bother?

While it’s easy to adopt such a negative viewpoint you only have to spend a few moments with the app to realise that it’s actually a tremendously efficient way of viewing the popular site via Apple’s device.

Every facet of Eurogamer.net is available here, including the latest news, previews, reviews and screenshots. The app even comes with a dedicated EGTV video section where you can view exclusive clips created by Eurogamer’s dedicated in-house production team, as well as game trailers and game play footage.

It’s even possible to access the site’s rambunctious forums, where you can rub shoulders with fellow gamers and enter into some light-hearted debate on the various merits of your favourite video game releases. Or alternatively, you can squabble and bicker like a bunch of children – the choice is yours.

What’s more, you can even apply filters to the app so it only displays the content you deem to be worthy of your attention. For example, if you only want news items to be shown, you can uncheck all the other choices. If you own an Xbox 360 and aren’t particularly interested in other gaming platforms, you can decide to make 360-relevant stories the only thing you see.

Considering that it’s currently not possible to watch any of the EGTV videos using Safari, this app will be incredibly alluring or gamers on the move. It’s also entirely ad-free, and loads up information faster than the full site does via Safari.

However, all of this comes at a price – quite literally. While other video gaming and media sites have taken the app route, they’ve presented their programs free of charge, obviously reasoning that the content offered is already on display at no cost on the main website.

Eurogamer has taken the bold move of affixing a quite steep £2.39 price tag on this app, arguing that the absence of obtrusive adverts and the ability to watch videos on the go more than justifies the outlay. When you consider that £2.39 would get you several top-rated iPhone games, it puts into perspective just how high the cost of this (largely non-interactive) app is in comparison to other items on the Store.

While we’re not totally convinced that it’s fair to charge people for an experience they already get for gratis, there’s no denying that the Eurogamer iPhone app does present a smooth and streamlined experience ideal for those moments when you’re away from a computer and desire to be enlightened on the crazy world of interactive entertainment.

And let’s face it, it’s only the price of a pint, so just skip one when you’re next down your local and you’ll feel much better about making the purchase.