Did handheld gaming just die?

[Shoggoth2588]

Sony seems to be squandering their handheld console by making about 95% of its titles bite-sized PS3 games unless you import I assume. As for Nintendo, their 3DS is doing better now than it was about a year ago when it launched. It just released a new model for example and unlike the PSV; has exclusives that you can't just get on the Wii or Wii-U (New Super Mario Bros 2 being the exception...also the Virtual Console games I suppose). Yes, the 3DS is getting shovel-ware but you aren't forced to buy them just like any other game. Also if there isn't a 3DS game out yet that you're interested in there's a huge library of DS games that you can play on the 3DS like Contra 4, Fire Emblem, Professor Layton, Elite Beat Agents etc.

If neither console tickles your fancy then I'm going to assume you have either an ipod touch or, smart phone. You can play games on those too granted the novelty of mobile gaming has kind of warn off for me. I just love me some tactile feedback no matter how cathartic Fruit Ninja is.

 

[artanis_neravar]

Well Graphics have their limit, you can't look better than real life, so I also believe their will be not 9th gen. Also I hope that next-gen doesn't act as a cable box, I already have one of those I don't need 3 in the same room.

Because graphics are the only thing you need processing power for, huh?

Well, whats the big complaint about the Wii U? Too little too late? The idea that the Wii U "only" has as much graphical power as the PS3 and because of that will fail when the PS4/Nextbox come out because they will have superior graphical capabilities. So I would say in the eyes of the consumer graphics are one of the major sellers for a console. While processing power can increase the loading times of a game, and the number of things that can be on screen at the same time, there is a limit there as well. You can't load something faster than instant, and there is no reason to have more objects on the screen than the player can see and process.

 

[artanis_neravar]

Sony seems to be squandering their handheld console by making about 95% of its titles bite-sized PS3 games unless you import I assume. As for Nintendo, their 3DS is doing better now than it was about a year ago when it launched. It just released a new model for example and unlike the PSV; has exclusives that you can't just get on the Wii or Wii-U (New Super Mario Bros 2 being the exception...also the Virtual Console games I suppose). Yes, the 3DS is getting shovel-ware but you aren't forced to buy them just like any other game. Also if there isn't a 3DS game out yet that you're interested in there's a huge library of DS games that you can play on the 3DS like Contra 4, Fire Emblem, Professor Layton, Elite Beat Agents etc.

If neither console tickles your fancy then I'm going to assume you have either an ipod touch or, smart phone. You can play games on those too granted the novelty of mobile gaming has kind of warn off for me. I just love me some tactile feedback no matter how cathartic Fruit Ninja is.

Little Big Planet - Exclusive
Assassins Creed III Liberation - Exclusive
Uncharted Golden Abyss - Exclusive
Persona 4 Golden - Extended
Gravity Rush - Exclusive
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Declassified - Exclusive
Ragnarok Odyssey - Exclusive
Disgaea 3 - Extended
Touch My Katamari - Exclusive

 

[razerdoh]

I did like Krookodile though, the ONLY other Crocodile Pokemon apart from Feraligatr..

False, Feraligatr is an Aligator not Crocodile

 

[Patathatapon]

Depends on your definition for dead. The ones that come to my mind would be:

-Dead as a "hardcore" Gaming platform (Which in that case It's pretty much dead excluding the 3DS exclusives (Gee wonder why they're exclusive, OH WAIT))

-Dead as in few people are using them like walkman's and Ipod's (including touches) Then It's not dead yet, but it'll fall eventually with the increase of smart phones, and they learn how to make it work as a half decent gaming platform.

NOTE: Im mostly talking about majority. the 2% of the people in the universe who still have walkmans don't count nor do the 25% with Ipods.

 

[RobfromtheGulag]

The promise of FFX on vita may get me to purchase one. It'd have to be backwards compatible with both all my psclassics and psp games though.

The 3ds, I don't see the point. I don't want to play anything in 3d, and I'm not up for more mario. Pokemon is fun for a bit but I'm pretty sure I've missed a few of the iterations, so I might as well just play those on my ds.

 

[Mortamus]

Well, I'm currently addicted to LBP for PS Vita... so no.
Temple Run is fun and all, but you need buttons to have a good gaming experience on the go. Handheld gaming will never die. When smartphones eventually do take the hint and incorporate analog sticks into their design, we'll just call their games handheld games.
If it sounds like my stance on this issue is all over the place, that's because it is.

I have to say I don't really agree with this. I'll admit, buttons are always more responsive and enjoyable at times, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to default to the controller over the touchscreen just because of that. Technology changes, and we along with it. You can get adapters to use controllers with a tablet/smartphone in place of the touchscreen, and Android/iOS offer a lot more actual games right now that are honestly really fun and addicting. Some even look amazing. For example:

Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Plight of the Zombie
Dead Trigger
Sonic 4 (done in episodes)
Angry Birds

It also offers legal emulators for alot of our older games so that if you still own your older NES/SNES/Gameboy/GBA/Playstion/Sega/etc., you can convert them to ROMs and have them forever on your Android/iOS device. This is not something you can do with the current handhelds without illegally modding your hardware.

That, and Nintendo isn't doing itself any favors by charging $5+ for games that are far too old, when I can pay $1 for games that are large improvements on the Play Store/App Store.

That being said, Nintendo did go the extra mile and give us mobile 3D, however, that technology will eventually be available for all mobile devices in the future. We already have 3D TVs and monitors. It's only a matter of time before consoles are replaced by mass media devices in my opinion.

Why buy a specific gaming device, when you could pay the same for a mass media one that does the same thing better, and also does everything else better. Key example being the resolution on the 3DS for movies or streaming services like Netflix being really poor compared to the 720p resolution that the HTC I paid 20$ for puts out. I already needed a new phone and I was gonna have it anyway.

TL;DR- Mobile gaming devices are being made obsolete by Android/iOS devices.

On a different note:

Am I the only one that would LOVE to see Steam come to the mobile market?

 

[Lunar Templar]

Handheld gaming is bigger than ever. It just looks different. All of the cool shit is happening on phones bro.

Come to the other side. We have touch screens.

not really, i have games on my android, non are anywhere near as as good as what i have for my DS.

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

No.

Why do you think the 3DS XL was released?

Also this in about 2 weeks:

As for sony, they're being dumbasses when it comes to what they release right now. No games = no profit.

Yeah...

The two examples above don't really help the case too much. I mean, the concept of that whole game (i.e. Two Pokemon combining to form one new Pokemon) has already been done. Don't believe me? Check this out:

Spoiler: Exhibit A

Kyurem's tail is even in the same shape as the Shellder.

and

Spoiler: Exhibit B

Even though this is from the manga, the same statue is found in the actual game (in Eterna City to be exact).

So yeah, just saying. Nothing new here at all.

OT: How can people say that handheld gaming is dead when they are still putting out great titles like this?

 

[Shoggoth2588]

Sony seems to be squandering their handheld console by making about 95% of its titles bite-sized PS3 games unless you import I assume. As for Nintendo, their 3DS is doing better now than it was about a year ago when it launched. It just released a new model for example and unlike the PSV; has exclusives that you can't just get on the Wii or Wii-U (New Super Mario Bros 2 being the exception...also the Virtual Console games I suppose). Yes, the 3DS is getting shovel-ware but you aren't forced to buy them just like any other game. Also if there isn't a 3DS game out yet that you're interested in there's a huge library of DS games that you can play on the 3DS like Contra 4, Fire Emblem, Professor Layton, Elite Beat Agents etc.

If neither console tickles your fancy then I'm going to assume you have either an ipod touch or, smart phone. You can play games on those too granted the novelty of mobile gaming has kind of warn off for me. I just love me some tactile feedback no matter how cathartic Fruit Ninja is.

Little Big Planet - Exclusive
Assassins Creed III Liberation - Exclusive
Uncharted Golden Abyss - Exclusive
Persona 4 Golden - Extended
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Declassified - Exclusive
Disgaea 3 - Extended
Gravity Rush
Ragnarok Odyssey
Touch My Katamari - Exclusive

I'll give you the last three but the ones I've underlined are examples of what I called "bite sized PS3 games". The exact plot and play mechanics may have been tweaked a little bit but they look like the same kind of thing that you can play/have already played on the PS3. I do concede though that it may not be 95% of PSV games being bite-sized PS3 games...maybe it's closer to 80%

 

[SpectacularWebHead]

No.

Why do you think the 3DS XL was released?

Also this in about 2 weeks:

As for sony, they're being dumbasses when it comes to what they release right now. No games = no profit.

This is not a point in handheld gamings favour. Releasing the same game twice is why handheld gaming appears to be in decline. But it won't die.


IT JUST.

WON'T.

DIE.

 

[Terminate421]

No.

Why do you think the 3DS XL was released?

Also this in about 2 weeks:

As for sony, they're being dumbasses when it comes to what they release right now. No games = no profit.

This is not a point in handheld gamings favour. Releasing the same game twice is why handheld gaming appears to be in decline. But it won't die.


IT JUST.

WON'T.

DIE.

And this is the part where I say it is a point in its favor.

You see the titles that I presented? They're practically system sellers. Handheld gaming still works, despite what anyone says, all it takes is a little ingenuity and knowledge about what you can do that the iPhone cannot do.

We all know you cannot put out an entire campaign/multiplayer title with the amount of replay value a pokemon game can. Other titles such as Starfox 64 3DS and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 3DS are spot on attempts to make my 3DS worth the 180$ I paid for it. So far, its totally been worth it.

 

[SpectacularWebHead]

No.

Why do you think the 3DS XL was released?

Also this in about 2 weeks:

As for sony, they're being dumbasses when it comes to what they release right now. No games = no profit.

This is not a point in handheld gamings favour. Releasing the same game twice is why handheld gaming appears to be in decline. But it won't die.


IT JUST.

WON'T.

DIE.

And this is the part where I say it is a point in its favor.

You see the titles that I presented? They're practically system sellers. Handheld gaming still works, despite what anyone says, all it takes is a little ingenuity and knowledge about what you can do that the iPhone cannot do.

We all know you cannot put out an entire campaign/multiplayer title with the amount of replay value a pokemon game can. Other titles such as Starfox 64 3DS and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 3DS are spot on attempts to make my 3DS worth the 180$ I paid for it. So far, its totally been worth it.

I disagree with literally everything you just said on the grounds that you did not once mention Legend of Zelda ocarina of time 3d, the only decent game nintendo has made in the last ten years with the exception of The origin OOT, Majoras mask, Wind Waker, Twilight princess, and super smash bros melee.

Also you like the new pokemon games, and that makes me sad.

 

[artanis_neravar]

Sony seems to be squandering their handheld console by making about 95% of its titles bite-sized PS3 games unless you import I assume. As for Nintendo, their 3DS is doing better now than it was about a year ago when it launched. It just released a new model for example and unlike the PSV; has exclusives that you can't just get on the Wii or Wii-U (New Super Mario Bros 2 being the exception...also the Virtual Console games I suppose). Yes, the 3DS is getting shovel-ware but you aren't forced to buy them just like any other game. Also if there isn't a 3DS game out yet that you're interested in there's a huge library of DS games that you can play on the 3DS like Contra 4, Fire Emblem, Professor Layton, Elite Beat Agents etc.

If neither console tickles your fancy then I'm going to assume you have either an ipod touch or, smart phone. You can play games on those too granted the novelty of mobile gaming has kind of warn off for me. I just love me some tactile feedback no matter how cathartic Fruit Ninja is.

Little Big Planet - Exclusive
Assassins Creed III Liberation - Exclusive
Uncharted Golden Abyss - Exclusive
Persona 4 Golden - Extended
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Declassified - Exclusive
Disgaea 3 - Extended
Gravity Rush
Ragnarok Odyssey
Touch My Katamari - Exclusive

I'll give you the last three but the ones I've underlined are examples of what I called "bite sized PS3 games". The exact plot and play mechanics may have been tweaked a little bit but they look like the same kind of thing that you can play/have already played on the PS3. I do concede though that it may not be 95% of PSV games being bite-sized PS3 games...maybe it's closer to 80%

With the exception of the two "extended" ones they have completely different stories. With your thinking (note that I am not trying to insult your opinion, just pointing out how it sounds to me) Sony is squandering its console by releasing Assassins Creed III when they already have Assassins Creed 2.

 

[Verex]

The problem that I've had with handheld gaming is that they're either too short or terrible gameplay. At least with the PSP, many of the games don't transfer over to the next system. PSP games don't correlate with the Vista. Nintendo 3DS can't play DS or Advanced games. Then the games that are decent are too short or feels awkward to play on a handheld system.

 

[Terminate421]

No.

Why do you think the 3DS XL was released?

Also this in about 2 weeks:

As for sony, they're being dumbasses when it comes to what they release right now. No games = no profit.

This is not a point in handheld gamings favour. Releasing the same game twice is why handheld gaming appears to be in decline. But it won't die.


IT JUST.

WON'T.

DIE.

And this is the part where I say it is a point in its favor.

You see the titles that I presented? They're practically system sellers. Handheld gaming still works, despite what anyone says, all it takes is a little ingenuity and knowledge about what you can do that the iPhone cannot do.

We all know you cannot put out an entire campaign/multiplayer title with the amount of replay value a pokemon game can. Other titles such as Starfox 64 3DS and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 3DS are spot on attempts to make my 3DS worth the 180$ I paid for it. So far, its totally been worth it.

I disagree with literally everything you just said on the grounds that you did not once mention Legend of Zelda ocarina of time 3d, the only decent game nintendo has made in the last ten years with the exception of The origin OOT, Majoras mask, Wind Waker, Twilight princess, and super smash bros melee.

Also you like the new pokemon games, and that makes me sad.

Oh I remember you! Your the troll who said new pokemon games were bad but had no basis or logical argument other than "I am right".

I normally destroy you Genwunners with logic, but there is still the crater from last time that I left so imma just leave this here for you:

 

[StBishop]

All of the cool shit is happening on phones bro.

Come to the other side. We have touch screens.

Cool story bro.

So does the DS, 3DS and Vita.

Come to our side, we have actual analog sticks and buttons! None of this crappy "virtual interface". Blurgh.

This cool story, brought to you by Bro inc.

I don't play games with virtual buttons really.

To be honest, it's pretty much a matter of taste, there's not really any games (with the exception of Pokemon) I'd want available on dedicated handhelds. There's stacks on iOS.

Handheld gaming is bigger than ever. It just looks different. All of the cool shit is happening on phones bro.

Come to the other side. We have touch screens.

not really, i have games on my android, non are anywhere near as as good as what i have for my DS.

I can't find DS games I like. I can find iOS games I like.

As said before: it's a matter of taste. Also, iOS has a bunch of games which aren't on Android.

 

[SpectacularWebHead]

No.

Why do you think the 3DS XL was released?

Also this in about 2 weeks:

As for sony, they're being dumbasses when it comes to what they release right now. No games = no profit.

This is not a point in handheld gamings favour. Releasing the same game twice is why handheld gaming appears to be in decline. But it won't die.


IT JUST.

WON'T.

DIE.

And this is the part where I say it is a point in its favor.

You see the titles that I presented? They're practically system sellers. Handheld gaming still works, despite what anyone says, all it takes is a little ingenuity and knowledge about what you can do that the iPhone cannot do.

We all know you cannot put out an entire campaign/multiplayer title with the amount of replay value a pokemon game can. Other titles such as Starfox 64 3DS and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 3DS are spot on attempts to make my 3DS worth the 180$ I paid for it. So far, its totally been worth it.

I disagree with literally everything you just said on the grounds that you did not once mention Legend of Zelda ocarina of time 3d, the only decent game nintendo has made in the last ten years with the exception of The origin OOT, Majoras mask, Wind Waker, Twilight princess, and super smash bros melee.

Also you like the new pokemon games, and that makes me sad.

Oh I remember you! *You're* (Fixed that for ya) the troll who said new pokemon games were bad but had no basis or logical argument other than "I am right".

I normally destroy you Genwunners with logic, but there is still the crater from last time that I left so imma just leave this here for you:

Dude, I've had this debate before and won with evidence that fanboys such as yourself dismissed as "NOOOO YOU'RE A TROLL GO 'WAY". That picture is irrelevant to what my argument is because my main point about black and white 2 is that it is the same as black and white 1. Arguably you could say that it's like platinum was for diamond and pearl, but that isn't how it's being marketed. It's being marketed as an experience totally seperate from the previous games. This is a lie. I mean come on, emerald, platinum etc were pushing it, but they knew their place. And lets face it, nintendo has a real habit of releasing the same game under different name with graphical tweaks, texture upgrades and like, one new feature, but this really crosses the line of what they should be allowed to get away with. If you feel the need to tell me why I'm a troll, come at me bro.

 

[twobeef]

I don't like phones as game consoles. Uses too much battery and you get calls while playing and a touch screen can never replace a d pad and real buttons. In 5 years I'm guessing it will be a lot better though.

This is why I bought an iPod Touch for $200-ish and a three-year-old refurbished flipphone for $20 off eBay. I do not like having my mp3 player, wifi web browser, and gaming device on the same battery as my phone just in case I get so bored somewhere that I run down the battery to nothing on the former.

The thing I've loved about the Apple Store's gaming is the access to board game apps. I've been wanting to have more access to "serious" board games but don't have a regular crowd to play them with, but a lot of games have been translated as apps for iOS with AI opponents to play against (although the AI is usually not too difficult to beat). Lately I've been playing a lot of Le Havre and Reiner Knizia's Samurai to good effect.

 

[Trippy Turtle]

I loved my DS until I lost it and emulators just don't capture the true feeling of it again. I have a normal DS but I hate it compared to the DS Lite and lost all my saves.