Nintendo and Sony pretty much had the portable gaming market cornered, until Apple came along with the iPhone and iPod Touch. Now it looks like Apple [AAPL] devices are becoming more popular amongst gamers, according to analysts Flurry.
According to Flurry, Apple has increased its share of the portable gaming market to 19% for 2009, making it more popular than the Sony PSP, which had a 20% share in 2008 and then dropped down to just 11% in 2009.
The Nintendo DS is still quite far ahead of the iPhone and iPod Touch, although over the next couple of years Apple will probably gain some ground on them.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
The rise of mobile gaming can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the convenience of having a gaming device that doubles as a phone or media player cannot be overstated. Gamers no longer need to carry multiple devices; their iPhone or iPod Touch serves multiple purposes. Secondly, the App Store has revolutionized how games are distributed and consumed. With thousands of games available at the touch of a button, users have a vast library to choose from, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional portable games.
Moreover, the quality of games available on iOS has improved dramatically. Titles like “Infinity Blade” and “Monument Valley” have shown that mobile games can offer rich, immersive experiences that rival those on dedicated gaming consoles. The touch interface of the iPhone and iPod Touch also provides a unique gaming experience that can’t be replicated on traditional handheld consoles.
The Impact of the Apple iPad
Especially with the launch of the Apple iPad, which will probably bring a new range of game developers to the platform and increase game sales, I wonder how long it will take Apple to take the top spot in portable gaming. The larger screen and more powerful hardware of the iPad open up new possibilities for game developers. Games that require more screen real estate or more processing power can now be developed for a portable device, further blurring the lines between mobile and console gaming.
The iPad’s success in the gaming market is also likely to be bolstered by Apple’s continued investment in its gaming ecosystem. Features like Apple Arcade, a subscription service that offers access to a curated selection of games, provide additional value to gamers and make the platform even more attractive.
Furthermore, the social aspect of gaming on Apple devices cannot be ignored. With features like Game Center, players can easily connect with friends, track achievements, and compete on leaderboards. This social connectivity adds another layer of engagement that traditional portable gaming consoles have struggled to match.
In conclusion, while Nintendo and Sony have long dominated the portable gaming market, Apple’s entry with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and now the iPad has significantly shifted the landscape. With a growing share of the market and continuous innovation, Apple is well-positioned to become a major player in portable gaming. The convenience, quality, and social aspects of gaming on Apple devices make them an increasingly popular choice among gamers.
via Engadget
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