Games on phones and tablets are huge right now. There are so many games that get released everyday on app stores and these games usually cost only a dollar. Some of the mobile games offer compelling experiences while others are merely distractions. These inexpensive, mobile games are what is thought to be the cause of lackluster handheld console sales. This begs the question, are handheld gaming consoles going to be replaced by mobile devices?
I play video games for a number of reasons. I love amazing graphics and at times the stories, but above all else, I cherish gameplay. Gameplay is what sets video games apart from movies, books, and phone and tablet games. Currently, the best way to interact with a mobile game is to touch the screen. This is a very intuitive way to interact with a game although it only lends itself to certain genres like point-and-click adventures. Even though mobile games offer easy to use controls, it doesn’t offer enough in terms of story and especially gameplay for many people, mainly the enthusiast market who want deep and compelling experiences not just distractions. This is not to say that deep experiences do not exist, they only exist with touch interface as the way to interact with the game.
There have been attempts by Android and iOS accessory manufacturers to develop controllers for both operating systems. The iCade is a great example of a controller made for iOS. The problem is mobile game developers do not develop games that can take advantage of the controller. They know that most people will not purchase such a controller and if they did, they probably aren’t going to carry it around with them to play games. Since touch is likely the only way that people are going to interact with these games, it allows handhelds to still be relevant in the marketplace. Sure, they probably will not sell like they used to but there is a market for these devices. I think the Ouya could be the last attempt to make a hardcore mobile gaming console, at least for a while. From what I have heard so far, I don’t think its going to be relevant for anyone.
I play my 3DS literally every day. The games on dedicated handhelds are just better suited to a video game player like me. I need more depth to my games in terms of story and gameplay. Sure, some mobile games are better suited for a touch interface than the Vita or 3DS but the same is true in the other direction. Just use virtual controls and you’ll see what I mean. I used to think that mobile games could replace handheld games but I really don’t think that is ever going to happen, at least not anytime soon. Controllers need to be supported by mobile devices before this is even possible. Even though we have tablets, people still buy dedicated eReaders and people will continue to buy dedicated handheld consoles.
Microsoft announced its financial results for Q3 of fiscal year 2026, including an update on its gaming Xbox business and more.
Not looking good. Hopefully Asha Sharma is able to turn Phil’s disaster around.
To me it's still quite remarkable how they can cash-in 5.3bn in revenue in a single quarter, since their hardware is basically dead.
The stock mark is what makes Microsoft remarkable, They have convinced every institutional and retail investor to just keep piling money into them. Like many big tech giants they are just a big growing pyramid scheme. As long as people keep dropping money into ETF's that cover the market Microsoft will always be liquid. At the same time it is completely stifling innovation and competition. People need to start being more discreet in how they invest their money as it's killing the system.
Riiiiight because people will just flock back to them for one or two games per year.
15+ years of bad performance is what they call irreparable in business. It is time for them to sell off the assets and get out of entertainment.
These declines are on the back of extra revenue received from releasing games like Forza horizon 5 on PlayStation. So I’m being sarcastic here when I said they should go back to exclusives. Killing off a revenue stream from Ps5 sales will only make things worse
The charity event will be streamed live from Gamescom in August.
Thanks to the slip-up of an artist working on the title, we now have more evidence that a new Injustice game is in the works.
I was just in the midst of writing my own blog post about handhelds, too. Thing is, I love handhelds. I do most of my gaming on them. So yeah, I'm with you.
Dedicated handhelds just need to make sure that they aren't too expensive. Look at how poorly 3DS did until they dropped the price a freaking THIRTY PERCENT. If handhelds are too expensive, people will go "meh, for that price, I'm happy enough flinging some birds." Not even all of the biggest of gamers want to spend $250 just to game on the go.
And how about less ports? I WANT to want an 8th gen handheld, but every time I look at Vita's/3DS's offerings, I just can't get excited. Yeah, yeah, go ahead and posts your lists; I've already seen them all, I just don't care that much for what's there.
No, they won't.
In much the same way that Google Glass; Occulus Rift; and Illumiroom will never outdo their progenitors for market penetration.
no they wont replace handhelds but they will eat into their wallets enough to cause some big damage. Tvs will have kinnect like cams with smart tvs with android built in and sell wireless controllers