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[mentalfloss]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105...sole-gaming-needs-to-go-away/?tag=epicStories

didnt see it posted. What say you gaf?

What a stupid article.

This has to be a top-down corporate thing to influence the market -- except Nintendo and Sony have nailed their own committed market segments, so any idea that they're going down in this space is complete nonsense.

 

[qizah]

If there's good content at a reasonable price, people will buy those products. For that reason alone, I don't see dedicated handheld platforms dying - though the market is certainly different and I think expecting people to pay $39.99 for something like Nintendogs + Cats isn't reasonable anymore.

I already own a smartphone and I hate gaming on it because...

1) The touch controls aren't implemented well
2) If I play a game on my phone, the battery drains after 30-40 minutes of use
3) Lack of physical buttons

Touch controls can work very well, but when developers start virtual touch buttons and analog sticks/dpads is where I get annoyed. It's not sufficient enough for me and it's pretty annoying. It's nice to have 'everything on one device', but it's also not nice to use virtual buttons.

I don't really have a problem taking my 3DS with me on the go either - I have that, my laptop, my smartphone; all with me whenever I go to my campus.

 

[TheyTookOurJobs]

I disagree. I love portable gaming. I'm on the road alot or staying with my parents who hog the TV, so portables are perfect for me. I love my DS and PSP, and they're cheaper to develop for than big consoles, so that's the only hope for JRPGs which I like.

 

[Kunan]

This is the part that remains to be seen. I am rooting for handhelds, but i don't think that its safe to assume that there will continue to be traditional handheld generations, or traditional console generations for that matter.

Naturally. I don't have any real idea of how things will pan out in the end. I'm just bitter about people who never played handhelds saying that they are dying because they and their friends now play on their phone.

 

[marc^o^]

Smartphones are not immune to disruptions. Phone capabilty may be embedded in a watch in 3 years. The most important thing for console manufacturers is to build a platform full of services, preparing for the next round of convergeance, while developping customer loyalty through their franchises. Sony seems poised to succeed this challenge with Vita, and even Nintendo seems to have understood half of it.

 

[Akuun]

I swear someone is paying people to write all these "phone games are the future!!!! NINTENDO IS DOOOMEEED" stories.

 

[Famassu]

I agree with them. 2 more gens, max.

If vastly inferior iOS games were all there was for portable gaming... that would be a sad day for not just portable gaming, but gaming generally.

 

[SmokyDave]

Naturally. I don't have any real idea of how things will pan out in the end. I'm just bitter about people who never played handhelds saying that they are dying because they and their friends now play on their phone.

What about people that have always played handhelds, have always taken them seriously and are now saying that smartphones are taking over?

If vastly inferior iOS games were all there was for portable gaming... that would be a sad day for not just portable gaming, but gaming generally.

Don't play the vastly inferior ones then?

There's a topic going up for the GAF Top 20 iOS games. Peruse it.

 

[jman2050]

What about people that have always played handhelds, have always taken them seriously and are now saying that smartphones are taking over?

Well those guys are just silly.

 

[Takuan]

They can pry my dedicated handheld device from my cold dead hands.

DEDICATED HANDHELD GAMING NOW!
DEDICATED HANDHELD GAMING FOREVER!
SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!

I don't think phone gaming will be able to replace the dedicated porta-console experience, but at the same time can't help but feel most kids today want an iPhone more than a 3DS or Vita, and it's not going to shift the other way.

Actually, I think you could get away with a Pokemon or Monster Hunter title strictly with a touch interface. Portable gaming is doomed!

 

[M3d10n]

What about people that have always played handhelds, have always taken them seriously and are now saying that smartphones are taking over?

Same as the guys who dished console gaming for PC gaming and now root for consoles to die at every chance they can get.

Wait.

 

[donny2112]

As far as what you carry around with you, sure. Phones are replacing dedicated handheld devices for some of those old enough to be carrying around the phone. As Aeana said, though, handheld gaming doesn't equate to playing on the go. It's just when you don't need/want to be tied to the TV (e.g. before going to sleep, while someone else is using the TV). Therefore, handheld gaming does not need to just "go away." It serves a very viable purpose for most of those that use it. If they're primarily using their 3DS/DSi/PSP to listen to music or play multi-platform quick little games, then, yeah, there's no reason that a phone couldn't replace the dedicated device for those gamers. For those who play exclusives or want more out of their handheld games, then the dedicated systems are there as an option.

Really depends on what the person wants out of the experience.

 

[Htown]

I've said it before, but these articles are all going to look REEEEEAL stupid by January.

 

[mentalfloss]

I've said it before, but these articles are all going to look REEEEEAL stupid by January.

Was there ever any doubt?

Who buys into this crap?

 

[commish]

What about people that have always played handhelds, have always taken them seriously and are now saying that smartphones are taking over?

That would be me, sir. I don't know how anyone can think the flow is going in any other direction, to be honest. Look at the highest rated DS games - the vast, vast, vast majority of these could be replicated with the iOS's touch controls perfectly. Game developers will go where the money is - 3DS is currently not where the money is, and it's to be seen how many people spend $300 for a handheld console. Judging by the history of handhelds... not very many, unfortunately.

 

[jman2050]

Game developers will go where the money is

That's certainly not iOS, unless you happen to get lucky.

 

[commish]

That's certainly not iOS, unless you happen to get lucky.

*Looks at best selling DS games*

*Notices that 94% are Nintendo games*

Yeah, third parties are raking in the money on handhelds

 

[dankir]

Every time somebody has to write out " I'm a hardcore gamer " they instantly lose credit.

Fuck this writer and shitty article!

 

[Effect]

*Looks at best selling DS games*

*Notices that 94% are Nintendo games*

Yeah, third parties are raking in the money on handhelds

Just because they aren't making Nintendo money doesn't mean they aren't making money. Not all FPS make Call of Duty money but that doesn't stop others from making them.

 

[marc^o^]

Game developers will go where the money is - 3DS is currently not where the money is, and it's to be seen how many people spend $300 for a handheld console. Judging by the history of handhelds... not very many, unfortunately.

I don't think you have any idea of the amount of big 3rd party games launching on Vita and 3DS in the next 6 months. You should go and have a look.

 

[Pastry]

I've said it before, but these articles are all going to look REEEEEAL stupid by January.

When we see the ridiculous sales numbers for ios devices?

 

[pje122]

This is why tech sites shouldn't be allowed to cover anything gaming related.

.
This happens a lot on tech podcasts as well for me...

 

[commish]

I don't think you have any idea of the amount of big 3rd party games launching on Vita and 3DS in the next 6 months. You should go and have a look.

Yeah, which is great - I am happy to see it! I would love for both systems to succeed - no reason for me not to. I'll buy Vita at launch, and 3DS as soon as E.O. comes out

Do you think EA will release more 3DS or Vita games or iOS games over the next 3 years? Look at how many iOS games they have so far:

http://www.eamobile.com/iphone-games

 

[Insertia]

I have yet to see any video game software for tablets or phones as compelling as whats being designed for the Vita.

 

[marc^o^]

Yeah, which is great - I am happy to see it! I would love for both systems to succeed - no reason for me not to. I'll buy Vita at launch, and 3DS as soon as E.O. comes out

Do you think EA will release more 3DS or Vita games or iOS games over the next 3 years? Look at how many iOS games they have so far:

http://www.eamobile.com/iphone-games

No idea but these games won't make FIFA Vita go away. Actually they may serve its cause, if you see what I mean.

 

[dark10x]

omfg... from the article:

...the fuck is this?

Telling it like it is? There ARE actually quite a few solid games across phones (particularly on iOS), but the overwhelming majority of games released are of low quality. The best games on dedicated handhelds tend to be much better and more complete than the best available on phones (though that gap is slowly starting to close).

This comes from a huge fan of iPhone gaming. I love the convenience of the platform, but given the choice, I'd much rather play a good 3DS or Vita game (or even PSP or DS). Better controls, faster performance, and more higher quality content are pretty typical.

 

[kevinski]

My DS rarely leaves my house. To be honest, the only reason that I bother with dedicated handhelds is because the games that I tend to buy for them simply aren't released for consoles designed to stay near your television. Still, that said, if a game was released on dedicated handhelds and smartphones, and I happened to have an actual d-pad and buttons on my smartphone, then I'd take the smartphone version of the game over the dedicated handheld version in a heartbeat, assuming that there were no differences between the two, otherwise.

 

[boi]

I don't have a smartphone, but I don't like games without physical buttons. I think with the new handhelds there are many new possibilities and a game like BioShock or Call of Duty on the Vita could be played with the same button lay-out as on consoles. I'm not sure if handling games with the same speed and precision is possible on an iPhone.

 

[jman2050]

I don't have a smartphone, but I don't like games without physical buttons. I think with the new handhelds there are many new possibilities and a game like BioShock or Call of Duty on the Vita could be played with the same button lay-out as on consoles. I'm not sure if handling games with the same speed and precision is possible on an iPhone.

It's not even a question of whether it's possible or not, they simply won't because that's not the type of market they're cultivating.

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

didnt see it posted. What say you gaf?

Same thing as every other time such an article has shown up this year: the numbers don't back up the claim that it's a market segment being abandoned. Things are down from the DS's peak, but still bigger than the days of the Game Boy line.

 

[Omegasquash]

I'll still keep on buying whatever I want based on what's coming out, thanks.

 

[Relaxed Muscle]

I have an android phone for months and I can play most popular games on the system, so I can say I barely played with it, those games can't get my atention for more than 20 minutes or so.

Why play something like Destinia, when there are way better DS RPG games? yeah, one of those is free and all (well, it also has micropayments), but It can't even compare to DS RPG low tier games, so why bother?
Not to talk that unless is a game designed around touch controls, it controls like shit.

So right now, those systems need proper games: games you don't grow tired after 20 minutes, I mean Ninja Fruit is fun but when it can't compare to proper gaming experiences. And I don't think we'lll get there for a few years, what's more I doubt phone gaming will reach that way at all.

 

[Mature]

Hardcore gamer? I bet this writer has never heard of Atelier Totori.

Anyone who's anyone knows about Atelier.

That's because true adults would never want to get seen playing videogames in public.

I filled out my application for true adult hood the other day. Denied. Reason: "Played video games in public".

Better luck next life.

 

[donny2112]

*Looks at best selling DS games*

*Notices that 94% are Nintendo games*

You're not actually looking at the list of best-selling DS games, then, unless you're only looking at the top-top.

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

 

[Tomat]

What IGN could learn from Cnet.

 

[TheBaldEmperor]

Somehow playing games in public on a dedicated gaming system is lame and nerdy but playing games on your phone is what all the cool kids are doing?

 

[Mariah Carey]

This has to be a top-down corporate thing to influence the market.

Yeah, I would honestly not be surprised if all these "portable games/Nintendo/console games themselves" doom talk articles flooding the place were some kind of market manipulation. Of course, it could just be typical enthusiast press bandwagon jumping, but it's all so concentrated it makes me suspicious.

 

[Fine Ham Abounds]

20 years ago we were all supposed to be shriveled little 80 lb shells with implants in our brains exploring virtual realities and having virtual sex with idealized avatars by 2012.

We always add new technologies but they almost never completely replace existing tech, not as long as there is still a viable market for nostalgia or niche simplicity. Sure, one day we may all have communication/entertainment/networking/AR/computing devices mounted behind our mastoid bone with implants directly into our brains, but I guarantee it will have an off switch and people will still be reading paperbacks under trees.

 

[hatchx]

Even if Nintendo sells 10 million 3DS and 10 million Mario Karts and 10 million Mario's....don't they still turn a profit and is it not still worth it for them?

/serious question



All I care about is Mario Kart on the go. GBA, DS, 3DS....that's all I've ever cared about. The game is as solidified into my life as poker is for others.

 

[Respawn]

Fuck off CNET

 

[José Mourinho]

really struggling to think of a sentence worse than "I consider myself a hard-core gamer."

blame space, I've been noticing a lot of your posts lately. And let it be known... I like the cut of your jib sir.

 

[Kai Dracon]

Even if Nintendo sells 10 million 3DS and 10 million Mario Karts and 10 million Mario's....don't they still turn a profit and is it not still worth it for them?

/serious question



All I care about is Mario Kart on the go. GBA, DS, 3DS....that's all I've ever cared about. The game is as solidified into my life as poker is for others.

Selling ten million of any retail game is a profit I'd have to think. It's worth it to go for that market.

The thing is, the furor over iOS and tablet wonder device gaming seems built on incredibly faulty logic that is propagated like a plague by trendy pundits and tech people who are in the phone/tablet industry - people who are just a tad biased.

It's absurd to argue that everyone in the world will only one one single type of device, with one form factor, and one interface. There's no grounds to make the claim... every field has multiple devices filling multiple roles, even if there's a particular one that's dominant.

 

[herod]

I don't have a smartphone, but I don't like games without physical buttons. I think with the new handhelds there are many new possibilities and a game like BioShock or Call of Duty on the Vita could be played with the same button lay-out as on consoles. I'm not sure if handling games with the same speed and precision is possible on an iPhone.

What about L2, R2, L3, R3? I guess front and rear touchpads are ok for those?

 

[Azure J]

http://joshuajamesslone.name/images/date/20111025nintendoportableshipments.png

Fucking flawless execution.

 

[commish]

Ah, yes, the useless charts have come out

Yes, showing shipped stats from the past is totally relevant! How many 3DS and Vita sales are included in this chart of shipped systems?

Can you provide another chart of the android phones, android tablets, ipod touch, ipad and iphone sales (or shipped, if you want to be consistent)? Can you compare android/iOS sales over the last year to DS/PSP/3DS sales?

 

[JGS]

It's weird that the trend s away from portables. I'm lttp on it and play DS more than consoles now (Although I'm working my way through Metroid Trilogy now and loving it) and have zero interest in laying games on an Iphone or something as big as an Ipad.

Love Angry Birds on Chrome, hate it on Iphone.

 

[Anth0ny]

fuck convenience!

 

[Omegasquash]

So what should Nintendo and Sony do? First, recognize the fact that portable gaming is evolving more rapidly than a portable console's development phase. Next, keep quiet about the misery that is playing core games without physical buttons and license out preexisting software on universal platforms. It's not the most honorable of solutions, but at least money will be made without the gamble of producing hardware.

So...."it sucks but that's life," or "offer a lower par offering to make money."

That's how that reads to me. Which sucks.

 

[magash]

Selling ten million of any retail game is a profit I'd have to think. It's worth it to go for that market.

The thing is, the furor over iOS and tablet wonder device gaming seems built on incredibly faulty logic that is propagated like a plague by trendy pundits and tech people who are in the phone/tablet industry - people who are just a tad biased.

It's absurd to argue that everyone in the world will only one one single type of device, with one form factor, and one interface. There's no grounds to make the claim... every field has multiple devices filling multiple roles, even if there's a particular one that's dominant.

Besides gaming money just isn't in the smart phone market.