Handhelds No Longer Relevant?

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There is a lot of back and forth between Microsoft and Sony about the relevance of Handheld consoles these days. With the influx of high-powered, small and sleek smartphones do consumers really want to carry around a clunky handheld gaming device? Especially when titles on the iOS are starting to utilise the Unreal 3 engine with ease?

Is that why the 3DS didn't do that well? Are people just over the whole handheld console experience?

I'm opening this up to all the forums so we can get a mixture of opinions on this topic. Keep the discussion flowing guys, I'm keen to hear what you have to say :)

27/06/2011

Melbourne, Victoria

Kudos: 3,156

DonnieK

TheWarlock said: Surprised @chucky110 didn't say anything in the debate article....
The Xperia is a failed device before it even launches. It's flimsy, the battery life is weak and after about six months I bet the support will die from Sony.
It will be a desperate attempt...does anyone remember the NGage.
That was not WINNING.

The whole CharlieSheen WINNING act is now old and tired,you were amusing for a minute but now it just embarrassing. It's certainly not funny or relevant (the whole Charlie sheen fiasco was 8weeks ago, you are stuck in a time warp).

I would say you are losing.

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

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Pilkingbod

DonnieK said:
I would say you are losing.

Yes.

Losing by a long, long way.

27/06/2011

Melting pot of friendship

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DonnieK

noobi said: I don't think anyone's saying that games on iOS are better than anything the handhelds put out, it just that, for the general market at least, 10 minute bite size games are enough to satisfy their 'on the go' needs, couple that with the low barriers to entry that come with already owning a smartphone and all of a sudden, a $300 device with $60+ games becomes a tough sell

This.
Everyone knows the games on an i device are inferior to 3Ds and PS Vita games but for $60 (the average price of a new release 3DS game, the Vita might be more) you can get 25+ quality i device games.
If Nintendo or Sony try to go head to head with Apple/Android in the mobile gaming market they are going to lose, lose in a bad way.
Sony and Nintendo need to show that their portable devices are actually extensions of their home consoles, the 'Transfarring' is a perfect example. They need to make the Vita go hand in hand with the PS3 or the 3DS hand in hand with the Wii U.
They nearly need to market their handhelds as home gaming consoles which you can take on the road.
The 3DS is nearly dead in the water, it needs a big boost but I don't know where that is going to come from, the Wii U (which could be it's saviour) is 18 months away, there are not many games on the horizon and the tech is obsolete.
I hope it survives but I am cautious.

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

Kudos: 10,254

punk

handhelds no longer relevant? I guess those games you play on smartphones and mp3 players aren't handhelds?

they are all portable gaming just pertaining to a different sort of market.

In the end, I can't see why Nintendo and Sony can't compete with Android/iOS when it comes to casual/mini games.

First of all, sony can go about this by going via their PSN network and having developers continue to make their games under the minis platform.

Im sure nintendo and their new online shop can do the same and they can delve way back into the catalogs unlike Apple who rely on copied and quick casual games on the go.

Both can survive and not everyone can go on a contract and get an smartphone on an expensive contract.

Handhelds do allow one thing. compatibility over its generation span unlike smart phones but there's no doubt technology will supercede these handhelds on smartphones soon and I think both can easily co-exist.

Until we start seeing cloud gaming and relying less on hardware will you see stern competition that could affect nintendo and sony in the handheld market.

I still believe that Microsoft has a better chance of stealing some thunder from Apple in the gaming/phone space simply because of the xbox and its live online gaming integration.

Gamecenter sucks and until apple starts signing up 1st party devs its hard to see apple dominating outright.
Even sony, has a better chance with their android integration with their play phone, just bring PSN onto it and they'll make a bucket load.

I feel the speed hump that the 3DS is currently experiencing is due to the lack of newer games and some exciting ones at that. Firstly, we didn't get the main staple of mario at launch and the only title I keep hearing is a re-make (Zelda). I feel Nintendo will start delivering once their online system (store) is better and will price themselves better once the ps vita lands. I honestly don't think Nintendo is dead in the water nor is handheld gaming in general.

You just have a bunch of kids getting older and finding new things to play with and a new gen will hopefully embrace these. Not every family is going to give their kid a smartphone to play with but apple are fortunate enough to have an ipod touch to counter this.

27/06/2011

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DonnieK

Yep, game centre is horrid.
And I am a MASSIVE apple fanboy.

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

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Zekuromu

DonnieK said:The 3DS is nearly dead in the water, it needs a big boost but I don't know where that is going to come from, the Wii U (which could be it's saviour) is 18 months away, there are not many games on the horizon and the tech is obsolete.
I hope it survives but I am cautious.

I personally wouldn’t say that the 3DS is dead in the water (Especially since it’s sold 3.5 million units already, before OoT’s release), and I can list off a bunch of games that are on the horizon that’ll boost the 3DS’ game catalogue such as:

Cave Story 3D
Megaman Legends 3
Tales of the Abyss
Professor Layton ripoff (Can’t remember the name, but it looks awesome. lol)
Super Mario 3D (or w/e)
Mario Kart 3D
Resident Evil 3D
MGS3: Snake Eater
Dragon Quest VI

Pretty good quality games imo. I would have added Phoenix Wright Vs Professor Layton but I dunno where it went. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games is coming out too, but I’m not sure if that’s my definition of “fun” or “good”. More like “help me” and “torture” imo.

Currently though the 3DS’ catalogue of games is hilariously bad. Though I don’t believe there’s ever been a console that hasn’t been through this at some stage.

I can see the 3DS and the Playstation Vita having huge success. If Sony play their cards right, I can imagine them forcing Nintendo to drop the price of the 3DS much sooner than expected because of how aggressively priced Vita is.

As for if handhelds are relevant, yes I believe they are. Why? Iunno. I guess I’d prefer a handheld for longer games. I can play Peggle on my cheap prepaid mobile phone y’know. If anything I feel the thread should be “Do you even play handhelds on the go anymore”, since I play my 3DS at home. :P

27/06/2011

SSBB (NTSC) FC: 1850-3764-4050; QLD

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DonnieK

I said it is 'nearly' dead in the water.
And that's true, even Nintendo would admit it has been a lackluster launch.
There is still a very bright future for it but so far it has failed, only a fanboy would argue differently.

Gee guys, both who have quoted me have conveniently left out the 'nearly' in the "3Ds is NEARLY dead in the water" part of my comment. Take the fanboy goggles off and have a decent read before responding ey?

I'm partial and observant. I like gaming, not in any particular order, just quality gaming.
It all love from my end :D
Not tiger blood and winning :P

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

Kudos: 63,830

Zekuromu

"Nearly" is "nearly" the same.

Haha. Getit?

And Nintendo said they were expecting more units to sell, but they were pretty happy with the launch.

I'm not sure though. Would you mind doing my work for me and finding a comparison between the original DS and the 3DS? (love)

27/06/2011

SSBB (NTSC) FC: 1850-3764-4050; QLD

Kudos: 3,156

DonnieK

Haha, I dunno but I would guess the DS sold a bit better at release than the 3DS.
The 3DS' shortcomings are not in it's hardware, it's in the lack of games. Obviously when some quality titles hit the thing will sell like hotcakes. The DS is not the best selling console of all time for no reason and the 3DS will eventually (hopefully) build on this.

But, iOS and Android etc have to be seen as a major threat. There is no downplaying that.

I hope all 3 mobile platforms (3DS, PS Vita and iOS/android/Windows phone) succeed. The more the better.
I just think that Nintendo and Sony have to relate their handhelds closer to their home consoles to continue to grow and succeed.

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

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1wiierdguy

If anything I feel the thread should be “Do you even play handhelds on the go anymore”, since I play my 3DS at home.

Same here for both 3DS and PSP. Neither are small enough to be easily pocketed. I think NGP is even bigger again. The only handheld I take out with me is my Dingoo A320. It's small size makes it truly portable.

27/06/2011

The basement in Luigi's mansion.

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renagadez

my 3ds usually stays at home unless im going somewhere where its worth playing

but i dont see how bringing around an ipad is valid

27/06/2011

Sydney, New South Wales

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DonnieK

1wiierdguy said:
Kurogane said:

If anything I feel the thread should be “Do you even play handhelds on the go anymore”, since I play my 3DS at home.

Same here for both 3DS and PSP. Neither are small enough to be easily pocketed. I think NGP is even bigger again. The only handheld I take out with me is my Dingoo A320. It's small size makes it truly portable.

Exactly what I am trying to say, but with a different perspective.
Although the Vita and 3DS are 'portable' to succeed they need to thrive in a non portable environment and complete connectivity with the PS3 and Wii U respectively is a step towards this.

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

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DonnieK

renagadez said: my 3ds usually stays at home unless im going somewhere where its worth playing
but i dont see how bringing around an ipad is valid

iPads are easy to whack in a sleeve and take anywhere, the novelty of pulling out an iPad to read a book, browse the net, have a quick game, check your email, edit a PDF, do some work on the train home etc makes it seem worthwhile.
It is more than a games machine, yet still has the ability to be one.

27/06/2011

PSN: chrisco84 | Steam ID: chrisco84

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M@ndyz

DonnieK said:
renagadez said: my 3ds usually stays at home unless im going somewhere where its worth playing
but i dont see how bringing around an ipad is valid

iPads are easy to whack in a sleeve and take anywhere, the novelty of pulling out an iPad to read a book, browse the net, have a quick game, check your email, edit a PDF, do some work on the train home etc makes it seem worthwhile.
It is more than a games machine, yet still has the ability to be one.

omg yes!! I totally agree donniek!! see a DS can't really do all that and the battery last half the time of an iPad =D

27/06/2011

Add me on steam........... bootie [mmgn] Or raptr.......... bootie101 Or wiiu. Also bootie101

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renagadez

hmmmm i guess thats not for me then because i do none of that stuff on my phone except browsing the net and checking emails

27/06/2011

Sydney, New South Wales

Kudos: 4,544

1wiierdguy

@DonnieK

I can definitley see Sony leverageing Vita/Ps3 connectivity. I think it will be harder for Nintendo considering the nature of the Wii U controller. I think Nintendo really need to up their game for 3ds. Not talking full release games(we know Nintendo will give us that). They need to give E-shop momentum with a bevy of quality VC and 3DSware releases. They need to get the movie service up and running, particulary 3d movies. A firmware update could easily incorporate social network sites. How about Youtube 3DS? Letting 3ds users shoot and share 3d videos. The 3DS has massive potential. God, I hope they fullfill it.
I guess the point is handhelds really have to do more than just games.

27/06/2011

The basement in Luigi's mansion.

Kudos: 71,309

Silence

Dusty Lids said: Tell me one game that has got your attention for more then 10 minutes?
[...]
I played an hour of ace attourney

[MOG]

27/06/2011

I'm from the Internet. Nothing I say is original.

Kudos: 43,818

Dusty Lids

Silence said:
Dusty Lids said: Tell me one game that has got your attention for more then 10 minutes?
[...]
I played an hour of ace attourney

Ports don't count

28/06/2011

Melbourne

Kudos: 2,574

CHEEZE

TheWarlock said: That's what forums are all about - WINNING
Well done @heller - you'll be bi-WINNING in no time. It was obvious that you were going to take this one away from the trolls - the iPad as a computer....ppp pleaze!

You sir are the troll here, you think that rabbiting on about winning and pissing off older members is entertaining.
I was having a discussion, not a competition.
I may have said that Heller "won" but not in the moronic scene that you took it in, I simply didnt want to argue my opinion any further.
If you think that idolising the gibberish of a man high on Acid, and aggravating people that you think cant hit back at you is funny or cool then you need to stop and think for a second.
Eventually you will piss off the wrong person, and they will make it their mission to make your life a living hell.
From this computer, I can gain access to every thing that you have ever done on whatever device you are posting off, computer or phone. All of your personal files. EVERYTHING. Whether you were connected to the internet at the time or not.
Quite easily and quickly in fact.

This is just a warning.
I personally dont do that stuff any more and it takes a lot to truly piss me off, but as it is no doubt obvious Im not the only person that can do this, and most of the people that can, will ruin your life if you piss them off enough.

28/06/2011

"The wise man speaks because he has something to say, the fool speaks because he has to say something" - Aristotle

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Kerosanak

[WTF]

28/06/2011

I'm still kind of a big deal in the Capital Wasteland.

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Kenni

>____>

28/06/2011

ᶘ ᵒᴥᵒᶅ - The golden tsundere ratio is 8:2

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renagadez

ooohhh looks like a sign to lock it up

28/06/2011

Sydney, New South Wales

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roquefort

I'm going to go ahead and say that the iDevice/Android (Android fangirl here) are both creating a new demographic and stealing some of the handheld device demographic. The people that whip out their handheld to play a quick game on the train will likely switch over to their phones and tablet computers. They are just trying to pass the time.

The actual gamers that play for longer periods of time and want actual stories and content from their handhelds will not be satisfied with the iDevices and Android devices. Touchscreen buttons really do suck. A lot of kids aren't going to be giving up their handhelds anytime soon either, especially as they develop the ability to connect and play together.

I really, really wish they would hurry up with more games for the 3DS. I like the idea of taking my console games with me, too. I am pretty confident that the industry will make it past this speed bump. I'm sure they'll make money any way they can.

29/06/2011

California, USA

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BBking

Kerosanak said: [WTF]

Kenni said: >____>

Bwahahaha!!! XD

29/06/2011

Sydney, NSW. Hills District

Kudos: 297,579

Tano

roquefort said: I'm going to go ahead and say that the iDevice/Android (Android fangirl here) are both creating a new demographic and stealing some of the handheld device demographic. The people that whip out their handheld to play a quick game on the train will likely switch over to their phones and tablet computers. They are just trying to pass the time.
The actual gamers that play for longer periods of time and want actual stories and content from their handhelds will not be satisfied with the iDevices and Android devices. Touchscreen buttons really do suck. A lot of kids aren't going to be giving up their handhelds anytime soon either, especially as they develop the ability to connect and play together.
I really, really wish they would hurry up with more games for the 3DS. I like the idea of taking my console games with me, too. I am pretty confident that the industry will make it past this speed bump. I'm sure they'll make money any way they can.

Thanks for getting the thread back on-top :P

I agree, but I think the shift will be towards smart-phones, because imo they are the devices with the real handheld games. That is, handheld games that are quick, easy, accessible etc. etc.

29/06/2011

"Niko! Cousin!"

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