Apple's mobile gaming goals go far beyond fancy new versions of Bejeweled and Tetris—Jobs yesterday called for "a whole new class of games." It's now clear that the company is gunning for the big boys: Nintendo and Sony.
3 Reasons Nintendo and Sony Are Running Scared:
1. Buying iPhone/iPod Games Is Quick and Simple
iPhone and iPod users can buy games anytime, anywhere, they never have to worry about stock shortages—or ever getting up from their couch.
2. iPod Games Are Cheap, and Increasingly High-Profile
Very, very few iPhone/iPod games cost more than $10. Meanwhile, very few Nintendo DS or PSP games cost less than $25.
3. iPod Games Can Be Expanded and Updated
It's almost inevitable that a big game will have a few bugs or glitches that aren't discovered until after launch. There's usually little Nintendo DS and PSP players can do other than grin and deal with the glitchy gameplay. But iPod games can be tuned to check for updates and heal themselves whenever bugs are found.
3 Reasons the Gaming Companies Can Sleep Easy ... for Now:
1. iPods Are Touchscreen-Only
In some ways, the absence of a keypad is a boon to innovation when it comes to mobile gaming—it encourages developers to think up creative workarounds using simple tilts and touch gestures. But it's not perfect. Finally, buttons are still far more precise than Apple's accelerometer.
2. Parents Won't Buy iPhones For Their Kids
The Nintendo DS costs just $129. The PSP? $169. These relatively low prices make them very attractive to parents out shopping for an electronic babysitter. Not only do the iPhone and iPod Touch cost considerably more, but they simply aren't toys that can be thrown into the hands of young children.
3. Games for Dedicated Systems are Much Bigger.
No matter how pretty a game is, if the gameplay just involves tilting the screen left and right, you won't play it for long. Dedicated gaming systems typically feature more complex games with stylistically different levels and elements.
Source: Popularmechanics
