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The Vita's Challenge: A History of Portable Competition
To succeed, Sony's new handheld must escape the long shadow cast by two decades of Nintendo's domination.
By: Jeremy Parish February 21, 2012
Today marks the official U.S. launch of PlayStation Vita. It's a great system, but it has its work cut out for it. Nintendo's 3DS is making serious inroads after a soft launch, and Sony runs the very real risk of seeing history repeat itself. To date, Nintendo has triumphed against every handheld competitor to challenge it since the Game Boy launched 23 years ago. We can't predict how the Vita/3DS battle will turn out just yet, but we can certainly look to history to see how Nintendo has consistently triumphed over its impressive competitors.
The Game Boy Era
1989: Game Boy
Shortcomings: The Game Boy was almost laughable from a hardware standpoint. Its puny processor was more than a decade old at launch, and its screen felt like a throwback to the '70s, too, offering no color support but rather a paltry four shades of grey on a cheap LCD so prone to ghosting and blur that it rendered many action games nearly unplayable. Atari's impressive Lynx arrived almost simultaneously with Game Boy, rendering Nintendo's handheld practically obsolete from day one.
Why they didn't matter: Nintendo's design philosophy rendered many of the Game Boy's perceived flaws into strengths. That weakling of a processor and mess of a screen allowed Nintendo to sell the system for about half of what the Lynx cost, and its battery life was extraordinary. On top of that, Nintendo was at the pinnacle of its NES-era popularity in 1989, and the mere opportunity to play games like Mario, Castlevania, and Mega Man on the go was profoundly motivating. Plus, Game Boy had a killer app in the form of Tetris. Game Boy games weren't often truly great -- but they were certainly good enough.
1989: Lynx
Strengths: Atari's Lynx arrived mere days after the Game Boy and, technologically speaking, blew it away. It boasted a vivid full-color screen with proper backlighting, beside which Nintendo's pukey-looking graphics paled. Behind that screen was an impressive array of hardware, including a beefy processor and a fast 16-bit graphics chip, putting it nearly on par with the TurboGrafx-16. On top of that, Lynx featured an innovative ambidextrous design so that both lefties and righties could play it comfortably.
Why they didn't matter: With great power comes great responsibilities, and Lynx failed at living up to its demands. It cost nearly twice as much as Game Boy, and the hidden cost of batteries was even more significant: It required six AA batteries to run for four hours, where the Game Boy could run five times as long on fewer batteries. The system itself was massive and cumbersome thanks to some ill-advised focus testing. And perhaps most crushingly of all, Lynx wasn't made by Nintendo, which meant its software library was filled with obscure games and dated arcade conversions. The sad thing is that Lynx probably would have done much better for itself had it been launched in a more timely fashion: Epyx developed it in 1986, but Atari sat on it for two years only to debut it head-to-head with Game Boy.
1990: TurboExpress
Strengths: The TurboExpress was nothing less than amazing. A compact and comfortable system, it was capable of playing TurboGrafx-16 games. Not ports, not repackagings; TG16 HuCard chips slotted directly into the system and played with few compromises aside from some difficulty with saves and the different resolution of its beautiful color screen.
Why they didn't matter: Like Lynx, the TurboExpress was an incredible power hog, requiring as many batteries as Lynx for even less play time... and that was on top of its hefty $249 price tag (almost $390 in today's money). The TurboExpress also had the misfortune to be tied to the TurboGrafx-16, a console that achieved very little success in the U.S. -- and outside the U.S., its popularity was largely tied to the TurboCD add-on, which wasn't compatible with the handheld.
1990: Game Gear
Strengths: Game Gear definitely offered the strongest competition to Nintendo's handheld hegemony until the PSP arrived. Compact and comfortable with a slick color screen and a solid library, Game Gear featured all the strengths of its fellow competitors but also backed it with the Sega name -- a true boon, especially in the U.S., where Genesis was eating Super NES's lunch at the time. Another advantage: Gear Gear was essentially a scaled down Sega Master System, meaning existing games could easily be tweaked to run on the hardware and resold. It even had an optional TV tuner!
Why they didn't matter: Unfortunately, as with Lynx and TurboExpress, Game Gear was hoist by its own petard: Its power and screen devoured batteries. While it never managed to overcome its thirst for power, by the time the system was retired it had moved more than 10 million units and boasted a library of nearly 400 games: A modest success.
1992: Watara Supervision
Strengths: Rather than trying to outdo Game Boy, this device by Asian manufacturer Watara took the opposite tack by trying to undercut Nintendo's design. It was half the price and featured similarly low-power, low-cost components.
Why they didn't matter: Supervision was too little, too late. With a paltry software library and even worse visual prowess than its competition, Watara's effort appealed only to cheapskates and, these days, to aficionados of the obscure.
1997: Game.com
Strengths: In the twilight days of the Game Boy, Tiger Electronics launched the Game.com, which offered enhanced black-and-white graphics and far more power than Nintendo's aging machine. It sported a touch screen (a first!), and Tiger pursued aggressive licensing (presumably carried over from its simple LCD games) to bring PlayStation hits like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Resident Evil to the system.
Why they didn't matter: Game.com looked good on paper, but it was either a giant train wreck or too far ahead of its time, depending on how kindly disposed you are to it. The hardware proved to be grossly underpowered for the games it aspired to run; Sonic and Resident Evil were downright disastrous. The system felt flimsy and insubstantial, and its touch screen was strictly used in conjunction with its PDA elements, which were ill-conceived and not particularly useful.
See Also
Even After an Insignificant Showing, Vita's Price Not Budging Anytime Soon
Comments (104)
iPhone, Smartphones = superior.Posted: Feb 26, 2012 12:00AM PST by retardedasusual79
I think the iPhone is superior to these dedicated Handhelds - in almost every way. The only segment lacking true gaming capabilities (on the iPhone) are the actual buttons, which are missing. While many games are better with the awesome touchscreen, many others aren't.
The 3DS is slowly getting to a point, where it could be worth having one, but I am still not convinced. Games are too expensive, they are beaten to fast. At least most of them have Multiplayer though, that's great. But still...
I mean, we are talking about a _dedicated_ gaming device here, so how can a PHONE beat this device in so many ways or even offer MORE? That's just madness. It doesn't matter which topic you pick: Demos, DLC, price (omg, price!!!), a real online and gaming service, graphics/power, amount of new/fresh games,...you name it. And on top of that, you get many, many more features. Too many to even start listing them here (multi-media, office, photo, video, Apps for everything even 3D on a few Smartphones).
The newest Smartphones/iPhone beats the 3DS _and_ the Vita in all these categories. The only thing going for these next-gen handhelds are the exclusive games (Resident Evil, Zelda, Mario, Uncharted). But most of those are either Ports, Port-like or well known and just "refurbished" titles of past franchises.
Take Zelda Ocarina of Time, for example. A N64 game is one of the top selling games on the 3DS. This game went retail for full-price. The game offers minimal upgrades, compared to the N64 version, and lacks anything entirely new. For the price I paid on that one game, a game I already know so well (and thus played through it the same day), that I could play it blind, I could have kept myself entertained for MONTHS on (quality) iPhone games - including some MMOs (Order and Chaos Online, for example).
So, yeah, Nintendo is going to be somewhat successful with the 3DS, but mostly because Kids are going to love this thing and parents are going to buy it. But Smartphones (especially the iOS devices) are going to stay king of the hill and become even more powerful. Smartphones offer all that, which is being built just now on the 3DS - a dedicated device to gaming and gaming only. Vita has the upper hand (3DS vs. Vita) in terms of Online service, but it's too expensive and there aren't enough games to actually make it worth having another, seperate device in your pocket. I know I have enough to carry around, why should I throw in a dedicated gaming device in my backpack, if my Phone will do just fine?
+ Nintendo Games
+ Cheap.
+ Default size.
- Online is a joke so far. Prices are too high(like 8-10 bucks for an ass-old Gameboy game, yeah right). They only just started adding a few Demos. Way too late.
- Online service in general is a joke. Not enough games, not enough videos/multimedia focused on gaming topics, and so on. Nintendo Network has been announced, but it will take them at least two years to get where Sony (PSN), Microsoft (XBL) and iOS is (their own dedicated gaming services all their iOS devices).
- No DLC yet. Replay-value suffers.
- Screen resolution a bit low. Reading text looks somewhat blurry.
- 3D. Some have issues with it (I do).
- Touchscreen sucks balls.
- Retail games cost too much and don't offer enough. Games library is still too small.
+, - So far: About 2-3x Wii graphics power.
- Battery.
- Only one Analogstick. And don't mention the Circle Pad Pro. I am NEVER going to use that on the go. Never.
- Size with Circle Pad Pro. This....is....madness.
- Browser is a joke (slow and no way to watch videos). And so is the eShop menu.
+ Great, big OLED screen. Quality-wise, without taking 3D into consideration, this screen beats the 3DS screen hands down and with ease. Sharp and wonderful to look at.
+ First Party titles (Uncharted, Heavy Rain etc.).
+ PS3 in your hands. Graphical power incredible.
+ Great Online Service ready and established (DLC, Demos etc.).
+ Great touchscreen.
+ Apps. IF Sony does this right, they'll run this as a gaming and allround tablet device. Primary focus: Gaming. Secondary focus: Tablet-like features.
+ Two Analogsticks.
+ HTML5 capable and faster (vs. 3DS) Browser.
- Price. It's not expensive, in terms of hardware price, but in terms of value vs. price at launch.
- Not enough First Party titles on the list, to make this go head to head with Nintendos strong frachinse (Mario, Zelda, Metroid etc.).
- Not enough content at launch. I mean, come on, just one or two games are actually worth getting.
- Size.
+, - Battery. Considering you are getting PS3-like visuals, the battery isn't as bad as the 3DS. But still too short.
Newest iPhone/Smartphone:
+ Great screen.
+ Great touchscreen.
+ Apps. Oh the Apps. Thousands.
+ Price vs. value of Apps, Software and Games in general (for example: Sega Allstar Racing DS = 50 Bucks vs. Sega Allstar Racing iOS = 2 *TWO!* Bucks). I mean, I just bought an entire MMO (Order and Chaos Online) for a few CENTS. Many (good) games are FREE (Racing, First-Person, Strategy...you name it!) and MOST are EXTREMLY cheap (only a few cents or a around a max. of ten bucks).
+ Online Service established and good. Meaning: Online-Network (Multiplayer stats etc. and achievments), Demos, DLC, A LOT of FREE games, MMOs, Multiplayers Games, HUGE selection of games. MANY, many Multiplayer Games available.
+ Graphics. It surpasses the 3DS and it can hold it's own vs. Vita. It WILL surpass Vita on the next refresh-cycle (iPhone, iPad and comparable Smartphones).
+ A few Smartphones offer 3D built in.
+ Much more than just Gaming. Like the PC: Multimedia and even work is possible.
+ Size.
+ Battery. Hours of Gaming is possible and fast recharges inclusive.
+ Since the Smartphones dominate (vs. dedicated gaming devices): Many devs (like Square Enix, for example) are bringing out some exclusives and many more (Unreal-based Games) are announced. Smartphone games are not only about Angry Birds. The same goes for the 3DS, which isn't all about Pokemon and kids games either. Nevermind Vita.
+ A real, fast, very fast browser, that at least plays HTML5 and dozens of Apps for Flash and other sites (like Youtube), if you feel the need to check on some gaming (or anything else) related topics.
+ Onlive, Gaikai compatible.
- No actual, "real" buttons or Analogstick.
- Price of the actual Hardware. But therefor the Software is a lot cheaper.
And so on. So, as a gamer, which I have been the past 25 years and will continue to be, I must say: Screw the dedicated gaming devices. Give me more exclusives on my iPhone or Android-based Smartphone and I'm happy.
T_TPosted: Feb 27, 2012 12:00AM PST by CaptainBubbles
...i dont want to live on this planet anymore
Give it time and this will work great.Posted: Feb 25, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ravenlore
Sony has a huge winner on its hands if they play it right.
First, Like the Wii U the PSV can be a controller with the PS3. Would be great for RTS games, Tshooters... Also as a mod tool for games like Little big Planet...
Second, the games could work in tandum with PS3 games. Buy the both the PS3 and PSV versions of a game and get, additional levels, extra abilities from using the PSV...
Third, Both the PSV and PS3 game would run on both systems with some extra abilities on each system. SO save game on PSN transfer to PSV and play on the go.
I can only hope Sony and other developers see the potintional and incorperate with a great feel and ability and not just jam someting they think will work in the game. I am sure over time though it will be great.
They need a pop-culture property.Posted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by GalcomMadwell
The reality is that Sony needs a flagship new property, fully designed for the Vita from the ground up that doesn't exist anywhere else. They need something like Skylanders or Pokemon that is an entire business on its own. They will be able to convert a few gamers here or there with new games in popular franchises, but they need something like Pokemon/Skylanders/Angry Birds that will land the system in the hearts and minds of all the 8-11 year olds out there and achieve notoriety on a larger cultural scale.
3DS slow start was all hype!Posted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by PuffySmurf
One more thing... 3DS didn't get off to a slow start because of its hardware, software or price. It started slow because it was released in spring. How many kids do you know have $250 allowance in the piggy bank to drop on a new console at launch? The fact is the vast majority of 3DS owners will be kids, I'm not saying adults shouldn't buy it... just a fact. When do kids get new consoles? Birthdays (completely random) and Xmas (when sales incidentally picked up finally). All that panic in the media was a bunch of nothing. Nintendo probably didn't even need the price drop (glad they did though!).
NintendoPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by God_Strike_Gundam
They've dominated the handheld market for over 23 years, I don't see the vita really doing that much damage.
Tablet and cell phone games are not competing with Nintendo and Sony...Posted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by PuffySmurf
Tablet and cell phone games, for all their popularity, simply are not competing for the same market that 3DS and Vita are, this notion has to stop finally. The vast majority of tablet gamers are not gamers at all, they are business people and school girls that couldn't tell the difference from a PS3/360, they are just playing the games because they're riding a subway or just bored. And one more thing... they don't even have buttons!
Meanwhile, Sony and Nintendo are making full-fledged 3D games on powerful hardware with analog controls. The games are not gimmicks, they're real adventure, racing, shooting games like those you'd expect from a console. There's a reason Angry Birds hasn't been released for the 360 or PS3... no one would play it among the other games on those machines.
I guess my point is... give me a break. This rise of tablet gaming has got to be one of the most over-hyped stories of the year in gaming. It's simply not relevant to core gamers that can tell the difference between a real game machine and a phone that plays Angry Birds.
Trying too hardPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by Bebbet
If you look at the history of handhelds, I think Nintendo have succeeded where everyone else has failed because they understand that they're making a handheld, not a console.
If you look at the list of the most successful failures, they've all been on a par with a home console. They've found modest success on the back of being 'Console gaming on the move', but all they've managed to proove is while console gaming on the move is nice, portable gaming on the move is better: gaming designed for the bus-stop, the airport or the train; something you can pick up and play during a lunch-break, or while waiting for your PS3 to load a blu-ray.
And, of course, backwards-compatibility doesn't hurt. It means anyone who owned the old console can adopt the new without giving up their game library; something Sony seem to have forgotten since the days of the PS2.
The Vita is an awesome bit of kit, but it's expensive (more so if you want 3G (which then requires a subscription!)), it's games are expensive, it's proprietary memory cards are very expensive, and the software offered in Japan to allow PSP owners to download heavily discounted copies of their UMDs is not being offered to western customers.
The 3DS might have a difficult start (because a) the 3D's a gimmick, b) it's marketing made it look like that was the only difference between it and the DS and c) no Mario), but now that everyone sees the power and potential of the system (and it eventually got its Mario), it's established itself as the desirable handheld.
Plus, DS owners can play their DS games on it.
Not anti-SonyPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by Bebbet
Re-reading that, it does get a bit anti-Sony, which wasn't my intention. I owned a PS1 for a long time and still own a PS2, PSP and PS3 (never bothered with the DS). As with the PSP compared to the DS, the Vita is a superior system to the 3DS and would be my personal choice. The problem with Sony - as proved by the whole memory-card debarcle - is it's become about the money, and trying to earn it through showing-off rather than offering what the market wants at a fair price. They distract with shiny tech, while pick-pocketing with overpriced proprietary media and asking you to rebuy all of your old favourites.
Okay, so I have become a bit anti-Sony, but only because of their business practices of late (which is not to say any company isn't in it for the money, just that Sony have become particularly cynical in the way they go about it).
Well said.Posted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by Kokoru
I want to second the notion that Sony needs to focus on what makes portable gaming great and explicitly different than console gaming. They get too caught up being the new Sega Nomad, or Turbo Express. While this is not true literally, because you can't play Bluray discs on it, they need to think about what the portable gaming market.
Like you said, all the successful portable games had games that are considered a great quick-fix, easy to play but slow to master mechanics, and insane replayability... I think they need to remember that this particular game outsold the Mario of it's time:
Sony and Money and Ownership!Posted: Feb 25, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ravenlore
Really?? You must not own an Xbox 360 if you think Sony is greedy! Sony's PS3 ALLOWS: the use of ANY HDD compared to Xbox 360's MORE expensive propritary HDD, The use of many different memory cards as opposed Xbox 360 propriatary Memory cards. MS even shut out every other memory card maker from making an Xbox 360 memory type card. Sony allows people to play on line for FREE, while Xbox Live FREE level does not even allow people to watch NETFLEX that they pay for!!! Not to mention the perpherals Sonys open Blutooth to Microsoft Xbox propriatary wireless, Not even Logictec wheel is avaiable.
Now to the PSV. IS it money or Piracy that Sony is focused on? I think its Piracy. Sony worries and focuses on Piracy TOO MUCH that is true. But its a curtrual idology. In Japan peope do not steal and its seen as discusting at the least. Sony has a huge belief that items must be bought and hates the idea that people are playing their games while Sony is not getting paid. This idology drives them. The PS2 though successful was highly pirated. This buged Sony to no end. Sony decided to lessen PS3's power in order to make it more difficult to pirate games on it. Having sued the hacker (crazy as it sounds) Sony is bent on having their software "safe" from those who would pirate the games. THUS the memory cards which will not be able to be read on any PC. AND even when someone comes up with a language to read it it will be corupted and unusable on the PSV.
I do not agree with Sony on this and they are loosing people with their focus on piracy but ITS NOT milking people, and selling the expensive memory card to make huge profits from it. IT would have been more profitable if they just used the Memory stick and not had to spend money on R&D for the secure memory card that they came up with.
why iphone!!Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by lilajay
Again, already what everyone has said but...REALLY??!! Stop trying to make the iphone a gaming system!! It's not!!! It never will be....LET IT GO! It is first and foremost a CELL PHONE. It will continue to outsell ANY game system because again...ITS A CELL PHONE!!! Everyone uses CELL PHONES. And even after the fact that it is a CELL PHONE the second most important thing about it would be that it is a MP3 PLAYER.
Games on the iphone are simply icing on the cake. Not to be compared BY ANY MEANS to consoles and handheld GAMING systems.
We have freakin monkey's doing these articles...
thank you!Posted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by PuffySmurf
Well said. They don't even have buttons! Iphone gamers aren't gamers by any standard, they probably couldn't tell the difference from a PS3/360...
And I'm not saying it's wrong to get into Iphone games. They're just completely different markets that have nothing to do with each other.
I won't deny that the iPhone isn't much of a gaming device, but...Posted: Feb 25, 2012 12:00AM PST by mosaic__wish
Several DS games have been ported to the iPhone (eg Phoenix Wright). While it cannot replace the dedicated consoles as it isn't very fast, it actually can play some games at least, and some gamers probably also have an iPhone that they play games on. That said, the placing of the iPhone in this article is kind of... odd. It looks out of place.
Is anyone else bothered...Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Kokoru
By the fact that people seem to accuse hand-helds, or games in general, as something that is made for "kids" just because kids happen to enjoy it? Historically speaking, videogames were made with children in mind but so were games like Monopoly, card games, and adults can have just as much fun with those as kids do.
Furthermore does it not offend anyone that children are thought of as stupid these days? You ever heard of self-fulfilling prophecy, and wonder what our future is going to be like if you keep writing kids off as stupid (instead of teaching them if they are indeed ignorant). People do know that we ALL started off as children right? If you are human and you exist, therefore you were a child at one point. There is nothing wrong with being a child, or enjoying a videogame which is meant to evoke childlike fun.
Yes it's true that because a lot of us gamers grew up in the 80's and are now adults, game companies do make target groups that are considered "adult," but the last time I checked, being a responsible-mature adult does not involve beating people to a bloody pulp, having sex with strippers/prostitutes, dismembering body parts, or other acts of hatred simulated into a game or mini-game. Just because it's not God of War, Grandtheft Auto, or Mass Effect shouldn't give people the gall to hate on games that are just fun, and happen to be made for kids (as the intended audience). How many of you can honestly say that you didn't enjoy a recent Mario title, Legend of Zelda, Little Big Planet, or the simplicity of "kid" games like Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, etc.?
It would be nice to see games, portable gaming devices included, judged by what they do and not who they were presumably (with no real knowledge of the design process) made for. Can people learn to just enjoy games without having to hate on something or someone because they are not "adult" enough?
P.SPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Kokoru
To answer the editorial, I believe that Sony should take what they have and make it work. Create (or encourage) simple Ipod/Iphone style games on a downloadable service that is cheap and affordable (like the PS Mini's), and also they should really think of why Nintendo is so successful.
I personally dont believe it's because of Nintendo's killer legacy, but because games on their handhelds are made with "portable" on the mind. Many of the greatest selling portable games were not "console-ports" and were not designed to blow your mind away graphically... That's why we buy PS3's Sony... I thoroughly enjoy HD graphics on a screen that is 32 inches or bigger.
My advice to them would be in the famous words of Michael Scott (U.S Office show) "Keep it simple stupid." Encourage 3rd party developers to make original content with different playing styles than what you find on PS3 and I think they can actually compete with the Big N this time around!
It Seems a lot of Gamers Don't Like GamesPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Hunterman328
I don't get how anyone who calls themselves a hardcore gamer can come on here exclaiming how happy they will be when (insert gaming system's name) fails and their system ends up winning the battle. Plus most of those people say how they'd never game on the rival system, knocking it whenever they can. I'm a gamer and it would seem crazy to to not play God of War or Gears of War, Uncharted or Fable, Mario or Sonic, because I didn't like the system. The system is a box that either sits in your living room or in your hands. I can't think of any fond memories my game system all by itself has given me. It's the games that provide the fun and the memories, and no matter what system it might be, if it fails it just means that there would be some great games that we'd never play.
iPhone doesn't equal consolePosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ryozaku
>_> It really is annoying when the iPhone is considered a gaming device, infact is wasn't even marked as such until the past couple of years give or take. Ok lets start with the iPod, it is first and foremost an MP3 player. It just has additional features that make it versitile. Same thing with the iPhone, it's marked as a phone and but has additional features. I love my iphone, and it does entertain me, but the games arn't the driving force that made me run out and buy it.
These are the facts peoplePosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by vorhese187
Handheld's are traditionally for children, they play them in the car at the resturant etc so cheap, cartoon/kid friendly games along with name recoginition are the real reasons that nintendo has and will most likly be so dominant in this area. One example I am a pretty hard core gamer: PS3 & 360 but my 14 yr old daughter who hardly even plays games begged and got a 3DS...I would love a Vita it's truly the first handheld that I feel is worth my time so hopefully it has success
Sad But True...Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by JX333
It is Nintendo's niche because they realize they don't have to boast crazy high end quality to win over kids... who are more or less ignorant to what they could have if they put heat on Nintendo. But being kids, they're too dumb and not organized enough for that. So all that's needed is a few kid-friendly games (i.e. every first party title Nintendo has) and one kid seeing another kid have one, and it's sold. I think the Vita is definitely for an older crowd so I hope it does well too, I'm just worried about hoe Sony has choked in this gen of platforms. Time will tell....
majority of games are made with kids... the audience just expanded beyond nowPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ryozaku
It's funny that you argue that portables are meant for children, when generally games and consoles are designed and marketed for kids. The only difference now is that the gaming audience expanded, as the market grew bigger. Also there a "hardcore" gamer isn't defined a by the games he plays, its how much time he puts into them and his history he holds behind gaming. From your tone it seems that someone who owns a higher tech is the hardcore gamer.
TruePosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by IronWolfZ
You are right, DS was mostly aimed for kids that play in the situations you pointed, then when they get bored the console ends up on the bottom of a toy box, lying on the gound of a messy room and the games mostly under couches or chewed by the family dog. The PSP had a totally different aproach of market, just like the ps3, and now the Vita has exactly that same aproach. I really hope the Vita does well, it is a really awsome console in every aspect.
It doesn't only appeal to kids, but an older audience as well.Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Bandersnatch786
The 3DS isn't only aimed at kids, but also at an older audience. Capcom proved that you can successfully run an M rated game on the 3DS with Resident Evil Revelations. While true that most of the DS and 3DS titles are rated E (everyone) to T (teen), there are a dozen or so games on the DS that received M ratings. A quick google search of "m rated DS games" will bring up a list from CNET if you're interested in having a look.
This doesn't mean that a target older audience is limited by these games, but there are also gamers (like myself) who enjoy a little nostalgia with some of the ports and remakes like Final Fantasy III (JP numbering) and Final Fantasy 4.
I'm willing to bet that if you looked on everyone's shelf of games, you'd find games with all sorts of different ratings, not limited to M.
The DS and 3DS don't have to appeal to everyone, as much as Nintendo would like them to, but it does appeal to all different kinds of gamers. Heck, I'm interested in playing several Mario titles like Bowser's Inside Story and Mario 3D Land, and even ordered Zelda Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks off Amazon the other day, and those games' target audience is definitely a younger generation than my own.
Incorrect facts on the PSPPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Killer_Koala
In one statement it says "A single gorgeous screen, console-caliber visuals, and a diverse array of multimedia and entertainment functions (including the ability to watch movies via the proprietary UMD medium)."
And then later it says: " And, finally, the PSP was strictly a gaming device, lacking the breadth of purpose that drove the DS beyond the core gaming market."
Which is it? The author seems be a bit confused. So let me clarify: Both the PSP and the PSP-GO devices have a diverse array of multimedia and entertainment functions. The difference is that the PSP-GO didn't have a UMD drive so your entertainment had to come from your own PC or PSN. Personally, I absolutely love the PSP-GO. I reguarly record movies/TV shows via my computer's PVR and recode them into a PSP compatible format so I can watch them on the go. Not to mention that besides gaming, it also has Skype, an internet browser, access to the PSN store, Music, and audio/video podcast support. It's an all-in-one package. It's only real drawback is that due to the lack of a UMD drive you are forced to buy games from the PSN only. Amazon did sell codes for the PSN but at some point that was dropped with no explanation from Sony or Amazon as to why.
Plus, look at the 3DS. It's main feature (3D) has been known to make people's eyes uncomfortable so they added a function on the device to lower the 3D settings all the way down to completely off - turing it into a standard DS machine. I can tell you that the PSP/Vita don't have any features that allow you to turn off what makes it stand out from the crowd. Plus isn't the 3DS only a gaming machine? I don't know because personally I was never interested in the 3DS and everytime I saw it - gaming was its focus.
missing the pointPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by darkcat1
I believe his point was that the PSP was something that would only be noticed by hardcore gamers while the DS with games like Brain Age, Animal Crossing, Nintendogs and Elete Beat Agents crossed over into the casual market which expanded it's userbase.(therefore we get more system sales)
Not ExactlyPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by ChaosmasterXX
I own both the 3ds and vita so i am not biased towards on or the other.
3ds: It is not just a ds when the 3d is turned completely off, instead of n64 type graphics it has gamecube like graphics. Some of the games are pretty close graphically to the Wii. Sure this is not that impressive but add an optional 3d feature that can create a new experience and opportunity with games best showcased by Super Mario 3d land and you have a great system.
Vita: Gorgeous system with two analog sticks as opposed to one, two touch sensitive devices and ps3 like graphics. It has hd gaming which is portable and also has a superior AR ability than the 3ds.This system is definitelly targeting the hardcore gamers with many M rated titles compared to the 3ds and is a powerhouse.
Different systems same outcome: I dont see the Vita beating the 3ds!! Nintendo has lots of great triple A titles around the corner with KId Icarus, Luigi's Mansion, Mario Tennis, Paper Mario, and KH3d coming out this year. I also don't see the Vita being a failure, I think this time around the competition will get much hoter for Nintendo!!!
The Real Problem Sony released 20 launch titles and what is the highest rated game?? Tales from space at 9.0. Their flagship franchise Uncharted only got an 8.5!! Nintendo already has a half dozen 9.0+ games out and with probably half dozen more on the way this year!!! Nintendo can really throw a gut punch in to the Vita if they announce Super Smash Bros with a early 2013 release date.
With Little Big Planet and Gravity Rush coming out this Spring these will be the software titles that drive sales of the Vita system up especially for the casual market!! Vita has a lot of ground to cover but, with the more powerful of the two systems a handheld Call of Duty title could make a big difference!!! Who wouldn't want to kill zombies on the go??? Maybe God of War announcement at e3???
Seriously?Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by IronWolfZ
" And, finally, the PSP was strictly a gaming device, lacking the breadth of purpose that drove the DS beyond the core gaming market."
I mean it says that the psp had multimedia features that didnt matter at all because of the UMD drive? as far as I know you could always download movies from the psn to your psp, listen to music and explore the web. The original DS didnt have any of that, i think they adde a music player later but watching video on that thing was a pain, not to mention the browser was awfull. If one of those consoles was strictly a gaming device was the DS
@ChaosmasterXXPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Bandersnatch786
The 3DS is actually more powerful than the Wii console and the N64 console (even with the expansion pack), so saying that the 3DS provides N64 graphics is just false. You wouldn't be able to run Resident Evil Revelations on a Wii or N64 even without 3D. The hardware in the 3DS is actually 2 generations newer than what the PSP has, making more powerful than even that. And while the Vita does have superior hardware to the 3DS, the 3DS is actually the only handheld of it's class because of it's unique in the fact that it can run a stereoscopic 3D screen and a touch screen at the same time.
I think in terms of this generation's handheld race, we're definitely going to see competition heat up between Nintendo and Sony. In my opinion, I feel that Nintendo will come out on top because all that they need to do is release new Pokemon titles since that was essentially the driving force behind the DS' win over the PSP and with the continuous popularity and support for the "Poke-verse", I don't see that changing.
The Vita has a lot of hardware to make Sony put their money where their mouths are, but also has quite a lot of things going against it. Cheif among these is the challenge that developers still face when making games for the PS3 (it is quite a hard system to develope for and dev units with SDKs are extremely pricey), and the PSP faced the same problem. Time will tell if this is still a problem with the Vita, and the only way to remedy this problem with the PS3 is to completely rebuild it's software architecture (which Sony won't invest in doing).
I think the developer adoption rate for the Vita will be very slow at first because of the fear of an extremely difficult development process, and most developers will still prefer the 3DS over the Vita because Nintendo's trend is to use hardware that's proven to work, and from my friends who are game dev students at a college in Oshawa, the Wii is the easiest console to develop for, and their just now starting to dabble with handhelds, so I'll be listening to their conversations about development for the current generation of handhelds.
Meanwhile, I'll just continue coding for the iced-cream loving green robot :)
uuhh...noPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by darkcat1
@IronWolfZ and stealth20k- sorry no. The PSP was pretty much ignored by the casual gaming market and sold a ton in japan due to some people's obession with capcoms's Monster Hunter. The multi-media features were ignored for the most part as alot of people didn't use them becasue the PSP makes a terrible video and MP3 player as compared to the indursty standards(Ipad, Ipod, Zune players and android). Also I'm capible of stepping back and looking at the big picture despite how I may personally feel.
@bandersnatchPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by ChaosmasterXX
The original ds was n64 like graphics the 3ds is gamecube if you read my post closely this is what i stated I even said some games have Wii like graphics but, I can see how you would read quickly and misunderstand :/
Hmm..Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by EliteJasonic
The main reason Nintendos handhelds overshadowed the others is because they did it right, not just by merely trying to do better than the rest.
IncorrectPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by vorhese187
Cheap is not better just a lot smarter
Selling hardware was never the issue with Sony.Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by orient
They've sold more PSPs than PS3s (and Xbox360s). I don't think they will pull off another 70+ million worldwide with the Vita, but I don't think they have to, as long as more people are buying games. They've got off to an excellent start with a great launch line-up (probably the best in recent memory?) and hopefully they keep the piracy under control.
I think Sony is definitely more focused with the VitaPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ballistic90
...but I think they don't fully understand what made the DS so popular, and how to really handle a portable. Let's not worry about the hardware right this second. What really made the DS popular is that it provided an experience that was in some ways, unique. And it wasn't neccesarily the features of the system that made it unique, it was the games themselves. In North America, the DS was the only device you could play Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney for much of the console's life, for example. This appealed to some gamers, but not others. Then, you'd have another game series like Trauma Center that appealed to another set of gamers. The DS had games that appealed to a bunch of different gamers, bridging a larger audience together on one system. The PSP (and the Vita, so far) has a bunch of quality games, but games that focus on fewer groups of gamers. Sony and its developers are definitely getting some idea of this and are exploring and pushing into more unique experiences with the Vita games, but it's still targetting the same audiences.
In conclusion, the country of Sony is a land of many contrasts. Thank you.
you both are way offPosted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by vorhese187
kids don't know or care about the library, every year for the last 20 something parents line up and buy nintendo because it's cheap, you can throw the thing around and they are familiar with Mario. These are the facts and I wish Sony understood this: The Handheld market is not for the hardcore which is there demograffic
Turbo ExpressPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by gensurvivor
Anyone ever play Blazing Lazers? I loved that game on Turbo Express. Also, Lynx had the best version of California Games. I don't really think people considered battery life back then as an issue. If you could afford it you bought it. Primarily though, Nintendo captivated everyone before handhelds became prevalent so the fact Game Boy was underpowered wasn't an issue. It's funny though that the only handheld that Nintendo made that wasn't underpowered (Game Boy Advance) came about at a time where there was basically no competition. And that screen was garbage. I couldn't even play Castlevania: Circle of the Moon because it was so dark and refelective.
I call shenanigans...Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by ja_schaffer
You can't (intelligently) say that the number of iPhones sold was solely due to its success as a game machine.
Thank YouPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Alf_Alfa
While the I-Phone is a remarkable "Phone" I see no reason for it to be on this list. Games did not sell it. What it could do that other phones could not, at the time, is what made it sell. One question. Where is the Experia Play on this list?
I agree!Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:00AM PST by Bandersnatch786
Games were definitely not the sole driving force behind the sales of the iPhone.
Some information from this former Apple iPhone tech (yes, I did work for Apple in 2008 & 2009), they were aimed at idiots. Flat out, the main demographic of the iPhone were technologically impaired morons who wanted to feel important with a smartphone, but didn't want the complications of figuring out the convoluted menu system of Blackberrys.
And guess what? Apple succeeded in hitting that market. The "ease of use" is what sold the iPhone, not the f***ing games.
of course notPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by sunmofo
but regardless of how it gets into peoples' hands, it DOES get there, and it does play video games.
it's like if there's a settop internet tv box available and people buy it for the internet features, and then it's all 'oh, by the way, i also play the same games as xbox and playstation', then that will change the way that games are distributed. that's kinda what's happening with the iphone.
@sunmofoPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by Bandersnatch786
Sort of sounds like you're describing OnLive :P
yeah, i thought of thatPosted: Feb 27, 2012 12:00AM PST by sunmofo
but onlive feels kinda tacky to me. i was thinking more along the lines of the next step beyond onlive, or if onlive ever starts getting more prescient games, like games that were once ps3 or 360 exclusives, something like that.
What Should Sony Do?Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Pacario
To answer Mr. Parish's question--what should Sony do to fend off Nintendo's 3DS--I fear Sony may have already made a fatal mistake. It didn't get an exclusive on Monster Hunter, which should have been its top priority. Monster Hunter is the real reason the PSP did as well as it did in Japan, and not getting an exclusive lock on the franchise was shortsighted to the extreme. Now Monster Hunter is available on the 3DS and, surprise, the 3DS is suddenly selling like hotcakes.
All Sony can do now is beg Capcom for a Monster Hunter of its own, and, in the West, get some quality FPSs rolling out on the thing. Those dual sticks might be the Vita's greatest asset in the end.
Sony was never in a good position to begin withPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by skyknight
That is the harsh truth, Nintendo's handheld domination has lasted more than 20 years, there is a good reason why Microsoft has NEVER attempted to jump in the handheld console market (just focus on the Windows phone and copy what Apple does). And you do have to tip your hat to Sony for being able to last this long, and able to come out with a successor.
Nintendo has the most recognizable IP's in the videogame market, the Mario Brothers, Link and Zelda, Samus (Metroid), Kriby, plus the entire Pokemon family! Any quality games that feature them is almost a guarantee success (maybe not Luigi's Mansion).
I still think Sony is trying too hard on the concept of a handheld that can do almost everything (you could use Skype as a phone), and looking the world market as the same (which I hope Kaz can fixed this old-thinking). Like it or NOT, iPhone/iOS and the App store has indeed changed the expectations of handheld gaming, which does challenge both Nintendo and Sony - customers can be satisfy with a $0.99 game while questioning the value of a $50 Vita game (UC: Golden Abyss).
On the hardware issue, I see no major problems with the Vita (who really uses the camera on their DSi/3DS?), but it is the quality and pricing of the software that does concern me; Sony has to "adjust" to the market demends and "convince" companies to follow - Dungeon Hunter: Alliance should follow the pricing on iOS (39.99 vs 14.99, WTF Sony!?).
IP exclusivityPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by decuerrola
is essential to the sucess of PSV. I don't mean beating 3DS in sales, but giving Sony a good profit and a balanced market share. Monster Hunter was an awesome response to Pokemon IMO, with its own appeal to a less childish audience. Now Nintendo has both IP.
I think a good strategy is getting the Call of Duty fever in the PSV. If Sony could make one third of CoD players to buy a version to play on the go, would be a great start.
Swancrysta lerrorPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by CarlMenger
Skynight alredy mentioned it , but he is correct I also owned all three of them and can assure you regular games worked on color and crystal. (very gbc style)
*Jumps off the Hating Is Cool bandwagon*Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by BIGMercenary
The N-gage is actually one of my favorite handhelds. I was completely amazed since its almost like a handheld PS1 in terms of graphical capabilities. The QD's design is a bit small but its aesthetically pleasing. Its easy to navigate, it doesn't have to deal with a lot of processing, and there's a decent selection of games that used the hardware properly.
Meanwhile the ONLY reason the PSP failed is due to a second thumbstick? Obviously people never played SOCOM or the MoH Heroes games. Both of them had different control schemes for FPS games that worked. Well, at least they worked better than the clunky controls of the Metroid Prime game on the DS.
FavoritesPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Pacario
My favorite portables were, ironically, those that could be played on the TV. The Game Boy, GBA, and PSP all stand out as my favorites for this very reason--sometimes it's just nice to play something on a larger screen, especially if friends are around. And the games didn't really look half bad despite being stretched far beyond their normal proportions.
It's a pity there's no way to play 3DS or Vita games this way.
the iphone is relevant to this discussionPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by sunmofo
because, if memory serves me, nintendo has noted in the past that they consider apple to be among their biggest competitors. sure, people buy iphones for more than just games, obviously, but there are many wonderful games available on ios.
but what nintendo really means is they're competing for mindshare, and in that regard, apple has come at them like no other company before.
Hold it!Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by naroyto
how was the ds a "last-ditch resort to fighting the impressive and elegant Sony PSP"? if the psp hasn't released until the year after? no one knew what the outcome would be just like no one knows what the outcome of the PSV is going to be because when you ASSUME, you make an ASS out of U and ME.
Sorry Jeremy, you are wrong about the SwanCrystalPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by skyknight
"The Wonderswan, Wonderswan Color, and SwanCrystal had their own specific libraries. Game quality remained uneven, and Bandai seemingly never considered international support. And by upping the system's power to be competitive with GBA, Bandai sacrificed its price and power advantages over the competition."
Not to pick out your bones Jeremy, but as an owner of all three systems, here are some things you did get wrong on "Swan" Song: the WSC and SC can play all WS games B&W and color (the first Gunpey is B&W and I can play it on my SC), and like the NeoGeo Pocket, some WSC games can be played on the older WS (Tetris is one of them). And did you ever mention that all you need is just ONE AA battery to play any of the three consoles!? But yes, it didn't offer a price advantage over the GBA, but it did received plenty of SquareSoft games before they jumped over to Nintendo.
Also, there was an attempt to bring the WonderSwan to the North American market by no other than Bernie Stolar (did a great job with planning of the Dreamcast NA launch):
But there were no news on why the deal fell apart, perhaps you guys (you are journalists after all!) can talk to Bernie directly about it.
You Also Forgot The...Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Mr.LametoWatch
Tiger R-Zone, VG Pocket, the portable NES, portable SNES, portable Msster System, and the generic portable Genesis.
You Forgot The...Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Mr.LametoWatch
Mattel Microvision and two of the most important portables of all-time, the Vectrex and the Virtual Boy. OK, I admit, you have to plug the Vetrex in, but it's handy to pull out and play and you pretty much have to keep the Virtual Boy plugged in... if you can stand to play the system more than 15 minutes at a time.
No...Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by jparish
This was about systems that have appeared SINCE the Game Boy's launch. Systems that predate the GB by more than half a decade aren't its competition any more than the N64 is the Xbox 360's competition. And I deliberately excluded Virtual Boy, because no one ever played one of those on a plane or bus.
Since you included the Turbo Express....Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by sean697
And you also included the irrelevant Gizmondo and all the wonder portables, I'm dissapointed you didn't include one that I actually own (Even if it also is irrelevant). You did not include the Sega Nomad. Which really was good for playing Genesis games on the go. (Especuially with battery pack accesory that could swap out.) Plus it basically was a portable Genesis because you could hook it up to a TV and had a port for player 2 controller on the system.
The NomadPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Captain_Gonru
was awesome. But talk about battery comsumption! Even with the battery packs, you still only got 2 or 3 hours tops before it died. And if memory serves, I think it took 8 AAs.
The dedicated rechargable battery was one battery.Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by sean697
And it lasted a pretty long time. The other replacement pack it came with did hold 8 AA I think. I honesly mostly played it plugged in. But at least with the battery packs I didn't have to buy batterys.
Did some fact checking..Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by sean697
Was six AA bateries. Also got 2-5 hours and reported up to 8 depending on what batteries used. The battery pack supposedly had up to 12 hours life when new. From personal experience I got at least 6 from the battery pack. So that is fairly decent. When I got this I already had a Saturn but thought it was a great system to take with me when I was on Submarines as I could take selectd Genesis games I already owned with me. They had a nice case that would hold about 6-8 games, the system and cables, spare battery pack, and an extra controller. It served my purposes even though it was released at the end of the Genesis lifespan. In my opinion was worlds better than the Turbo Express except for the bulk of the game cartridges.
iPhone numbersPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Captain_Gonru
should be taken with some qualifiers. An iPhone sold doesn't equal a game sold. My wife has an iPhone, and only downloads free games, which basically is the same as buying no games (I suppose it still feeds into user numbers, but that's not the same as spending money). So when I hear that Angry Birds has x number of downloads, I don't know if that's the same as x number of sales, since there are free versions out there.
I'm not trying to totally disqualify the iPhone, but, as a few other people pointed out, it's also a phone, and there are quite a few people who bought that phone with no intention of ever spending a dime (or 99 cents) on a game. Whereas a person buying a 3DS or Vita is pretty much guarenteed to be buying for the purpose of using it for gaming.
Well JeremyPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by TheGreatMoltar
I suppose you shouldn't right articles anymore because everyone things you're "wrong".
And with all of these companies paying you off to write "wrong" things, you must be pretty well off.
The Vita is capablePosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by JOYFUL_NOISE
of so much more than what sony is allowing it to be. At this point it's more than a glorified PSP.
Apple's innovation...Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by andyrew
"Let's make something that looks fairly nice, and appeals as heavily to pretentious hipsters as it does people who prize name-brands. We'll add a mediocre feature or two with each update, which we will release every year! Gentleman: to evil!" *toast*
Don't get the wrong idea, I love my iPod touch. It just pisses me off that all of the features Apple's i-devices flaunt were invented by other people. They're the Thomas Edison portable products. It doesn't matter who invents them, it matters what name takes them to market. I think my opinion of them would be less judgemental if there weren't so many people (hipsters) who adamantly spend their money exclusively on Apple branded merchandise. That in itself isn't bad if you're doing it because you think they make the best product. These people suck because they do it for its name only, so they can feel "cooler."They are just as lame as Ed Hardy douchebags, only without the muscles and proper jobs. (IE: not art students or Starbucks employees)
So...Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by bzzzzt
...you own an iOS device yourself, but you're calling out a nonspecific fraction of other customers for being pretentious douchebags?
Apple moved over 37 million iPhones last quarter. Not iPads, not iPod devices, just phones. They've moved way, way beyond the trendy elite. Annoying hipsters got sniffy and moved on to Android years ago.
what about Tapwave?Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by Flassh81
I recall seeign a ton of Ads for this back in the day.
While you're on forgotten systemsPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Captain_Gonru
look up "Cybeko". With a built-in modem, it was doing the "app store" thing years before Apple. Most of the games were crap, but still...
I've never really thought of the Game Gear as "compact" beforePosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by kadrom
That's aPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Captain_Gonru
GBA Micro, right? Kinda unfair to compare tech 15 years apart. My first cell phone was "compact" for it's time, but would be enormous by today's standards. And with a much wider gap in tech level, no less.
umm, no, butPosted: Feb 24, 2012 12:00AM PST by mysteriousgamer
Compact? No. Portable? Yes.
Software sales...Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by JonathanD
Your forgetting something, the 360 may have sold around the same amount of systems as the PSP but it has moved a LOT more software. The system really isn't where the money is made. Selling a piece of software over and over 20 million times is when you start making real money. So from a financial standpoint the PSP was a total flop.
Once again, ALL TOGETHER NOW!Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by EKGTrooper
Say it with me "The PSP was not a failure. It sold well over 70 million units. More than the Xbox 360 and PS3". One more time in case the people in the back row didn't hear us "The PSP was not a failure. It sold well over 70 million units. More than the Xbox 360 and PS3".
There. I am NOT saying this article labeled the PSP a failure. I am simply correcting all the "gamers" who, for some strange reason, think the PSP was a failure. Do you think the Xbox 360 was a failure? No? Well according to gamer logic it must have been a failure, since they consider the PSP a failure even though the PSP sold many millions more units than the Xbox 360.
3DS/VitaPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by Drfever
Are going to square off like Tyson and Holyfield did. Sony will look like it's winning and then, out of nowhere, Nintendo will take a chunk out of Sony's ear. The bite will be in the form of a Nintendogs/Brain Age casual game that will appeal to quirky girls who like to think they're gamers and Baby Boomers who lack the manual dexterity for real gaming beyond the crossword puzzle in the morning paper.
a couple of pointsPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by sunmofo
1. the 3DS is already winning. handily. and the vita just came out in the states today. we've got a long way to go before the Vita even 'looks' like it's winning.
2. you obviously never played nintendogs or brain age and realized how charming and addicting they are. i'm a very hardcore gamer, and i spent more time on those two titles than many of my favorite 'hardcore' games. just because they appeal to a casual audience doesn't mean they're not appealing to more intense gamers, as well.
I guessPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by ngamer-90
The Moral of the story is that you'll lose if you go against Nintendo. However the market has changed since and who knows what the outcome is. And it's also worth noting that it doesn't matter how powerful your device is, the thing that matters is the software. The software is what makes or breaks a system, as long as the games are there the sales will follow. Great article, I've own most of Nintendo's portables except the original Gameboy and a Gamegear. We'll see how this turns out, I personaly don't care as long as both of them have great games.
Batteries, batteries, batteries!Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by milkman_v1
Moral of the story.
iPhone doesn't count...Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by paranoid_kanser
Not to discount the fact that it opened up a new business model, etc., it is NOT a gaming device, people buy it as a smart phone first and foremost, the little games are simply extra distractions along with all the other apps. Nobody buys an iPhone to play Angry Birds and a few others....they play those games because they bought the phone and it offers a little extra. That's like calling the 3DS an exercise accesory because it has a pedometer.
Never mind the iPhone is boosted by being essentially on a yearly or so release system that is specifically meant to be upgraded to every time, especially as phone contracts themselves are renewed every 1-2 years, whereas a console generation is more like 5-6 at least, and even their redesigns are only there specifically for new customers, the hardcore technophiles, or old customers who simply need to upgrade because the age is finally hitting their old one.
Everything I Was Going to SayPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by AquinasD
I've always thought it ridiculous to consider the iPhone to be a competitor to handheld game systems. Unless the iPhone (now also iPad, though I'm willing to bet it won't have a hold on the market that the iPhone does in its own specific sector) comes out with its own massively popular game series which is unique to the platform and more than a diversion, say its own Pokemon (which you'd think would've been exploited by now, considering the vast user base of those with iPhones and other similar devices), I see no reason to consider it a competitor to the 3DS like the Vita is meant to be. They're completely different markets, aimed at people who consume these devices for different reasons.
Yes and noPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Ryoga!!
The reasoning behind including the iphone here is simple. A reasonable person could figure out that your average gamer (or person for that matter) only has so many hours in the day. I Apple sells you and iPhone, and you begin using it for all kinds of little games here and there, you satisfy your gaming needs (if only temporarily and in very small bites). All talk of quality of games aside, your average person isn't going to buy a DS, or a PSP if they're phone can play games, therefor Apple (or android as well) manage to steal a percentage of sales from Nintendo and Sony.
Imagine if phones still didn't play games. It would be a different conversation if we still had to have an MP3 player, phone, and gaming system on ourselves, but when one device can do it all, it makes carrying around another piece of hardware that much harder to buy.
Just my opinion.
Any article that mentions GizmondoPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by Epic Greenman
Gets a thumbs up from me.
I was going to sayPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Captain_Gonru
the same thing regarding it's mention of the Game.com.
And Jeremy, I have to disagree with you about Resident Evil. While not great, it was pretty fun for it's time.
Moral of the story?Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by lillupe
Nintendo wins on namebrands and price,others lose because they don't know how to fit smart design with better technology. Plain and simple the best anyone else can do is come in second(PHONES DON'T COUNT UGGHHH) because simple=fun not pretty and the quicker people learn that I'd rather play Pokemon(simple+addictive=phenomenon) than something on a Diablo or D&D level the better for those companies.
Nostalgia CreepPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by James_McClellan
This is a really nice breakdown. The nostalgia really creped in when reading about the Game Gear. My parents bought me one instead of a SNES or Genesis, so I had to enjoy it for the whole 16bit console cycle. It is a bit saddening that I had to sell it off after graduating college to pay for rent.
That SucksPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by Funkymonkey_777
I have fond memories of my game gear. One of my sisters somehow lost it so I have a bunch of game gear games with no actual game gear. Very cool system.
The game gearPosted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Captain_Gonru
got me thru many a night at my evening coffee shop job. This was in the long long ago before Starbucks got people used to paying 4 bucks for a mocha that didn't come out of a dispenser at a gas station. I did have to use an A/C adapter though, as it ate batteries like M&Ms.
WhyPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by sepewrath
even add the iPhone to this? Of course it sold more than the DS, its a cell phone. You have been able to play games on cell phones, long before the iPhone came along and there were a lot more non smartphone cell phones than DS and PSP combined. Add on top of that, that a new iPhone comes out every six hours and while people play games on them, they don't buy them to play games. People paid $600 dollars to play Uncharted, I never heard anyone say they paid $600 to play Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja.
When it comes down to the 3DS and Vita, it will simply come down to the software, a common theme touched on in this article. Nintendo had Tetris, Mario, Pokemon and everyone else didn't. Sony is going to need the Vita to offer more than be just another place for Activision to park Call of Duty or Capcom to spin their Street Fighter ports.
Simple answer...Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by GoKickyFastOK
why the iPhone? Because its a sign of things to come. The dedicated gaming portable has an expiration date. The idea of carrying a seperate MP3 player, GPS, phone, gaming system, and web browsing device is quickly becoming obsolete.
I find it laughable that the same people who chastise smartphones for dipping into gaming seem to having nothing to say about gaming devices doing the opposite, and adding smartphone-like functionality to handhelds.
GTA3, the Square/Enix reboots, Rage, Sonic, Pocket Legends, and other higher profile, console-quality titles are starting to close the gap between smartphones and portables. The third party support is already in smartphones, and its growing.
I had a PSP, a DS, and a dual core Android, and out of the 3, far, far more gaming took place on the Android. The others just weren't convenient. Add in fantastic emulators* for classics, and you have one hell of an argument for portable gaming on a smartphone.
*(Before anyone says it, I own the physical copy of every game I ran on the emulator. I'm not down w/ Sony and Nintendo's "hey, buy this same title again, for $10" strategy on classics. I have a catalog of over 300 classics that I don't need nor intend to repurchase digitally.)
iPhone/AndroidPosted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by Drfever
Are poor gaming platforms though. They're often buggy, lack dedicated support (especially true in the case of the Android games) and the inputs are unfortunate.
I paid the 5 bucks for GTA III. It's uncontrollable on my Galaxy II S, suffers from poor framerate, need I go on? Also, when was the last time you played a truly original smartphone game? Angry Birds was just a riff on Castle Crashers, and how many "running" games are there that just riff on Canabalt? Let's not even talk about all the Zynga games. A vast majority of these games are pure and utter crap. But hey, you only paid a buck right?
Smartphones are like horny teens. They don't know what they want, and when they get it, the result is often quick, rough, ugly, and tedious.
The problem here...Posted: Feb 21, 2012 12:00AM PST by GoKickyFastOK
... is you're basing this on time spent with a Galaxy IIS, probably one of the worst of the 1st run of 1ghz Androids. Gaming on 4/4S iPhone is stable, smooth, and responsive. Minimal if any loading. Same on most of the dual core Androids.
When was the last time you played a truly original portable game that doesn't have a superior counterpart on home consoles?
Some people just want quick and dirty, without a major financial commitment, on something they already own and always have with them. The hardware is there, the software is catching up quickly. I realize the hardcore portable crowd will be slow to transition (and understandably so), but I think they're representing a shrinking minority.
Shrinking Minority?Posted: Feb 22, 2012 12:00AM PST by Drfever
Actually, my II S is a dual core 1.5 GHz device (it's the X variant). Hardly any loading, it has a gig of RAM and a dedicated GPU, and has a 4.5 inch AMOLED screen. The only hardware limitation is the battery life, which is poor at best.
It should run or play anything like a breeze, like the music or video that it does extraordinarily well with. But the games are often haphazard, if not outright homebrew applications that make the worst of the dregs of Newgrounds look awesome. Most are absolute garbage... But therein lies the problem. Even I have downloaded them because of the inexpensive cost, or in the case of Angry Birds, I downloaded because it is absolutely free (although ad-supported). So, the popularity of the smartphone game is strictly due to the cost, how many people "bought" the game is directly linked to whoever owns or purchases the device, which isn't a true representation of those who continually play it or those who buy the iPhone/Android platform for gaming alone. Even now, comparing a smartphone to a 3DS/Vita is like comparing the knife on a swiss-army knife to a full on hunting knife. "You call that a knife?! THIS is a knife.".
When I'm commuting and have 40 minutes, I play my PSP. When I've got 5 minutes to kill waiting for an appointment, I haul out the phone.


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While everything on the list may be something the couple needs, sometimes its fun to break the mold and go for something that isnt on the gift registry.
Items a couple register for tend to be practical, but not exciting, said Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics, a Hopkins, Minn.-based home décor company. If you know the couple well enough to choose something they will enjoy, theres no reason not to get creative with your gift, he said.
A Lasting Memory
The happy couple will want to remember their special day. Just about everyone has wedding photos and videos, but how about a watercolor painting to commemorate the occasion?
To mark the joining together of two individuals, www.bust-ed.co.uk offers exquisite illuminated initials painted on vellum using centuries-old techniques of illumination and gilding. The artist uses 23-carat gold leaf and colors authentic to the period and the historical manuscript from which the letter is taken. Certain to become family heirlooms, each design comes with a description of its history, and is presented in a beautiful wallet covered with paper hand-blocked in gold.
Something for the House
Many newlyweds may not yet be able to afford the house of their dreams, but you can help them imagine that day with innovative wall murals from Environmental Graphics. Easy to install and just as easy to remove when relocating, these colorful, room-size murals can transform any room into the perfect get-away.
If the couple would love to live by the shore, theyll appreciate the Lighthouse Cove mural; you can almost feel the refreshing breezes that propel graceful sailboats across the cove and around a rustic lighthouse.
If the forest is more their thing, consider the Morning Forest mural, with mist rising from the forest floor and light shining among the trees as a new day unfolds.
The Lake in the Wood mural features a perfectly calm lake reflecting the blue sky and trees that surround its shores.
If the happy couple likes a more urban feel, the Manhattan Lights mural, with a nighttime view of the New York City skyline is the perfect choice.
Because of their size, the murals transform a room in a way artwork or wallpaper cannot, all for around $100, said Imholte. Environmental Graphics eight-panel, 8-foot tall by 13-foot wide murals are available in 21 nature- and sports-themed styles. They are printed on high-quality paper and come with specially formulated paste, making them easy to install and easy to remove without damaging wall surfaces.
For a full-color brochure of the murals, call EGI at (888) 205-0914. You can also view and purchase the murals online at www.primop
- Courtesy of ARA Content
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Daughtry and 3 Doors DownTue, July 9, 2013 - 7:00 PMBank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH
We are sorry, the date for this event has already passed. This event took place on 7/9/2013. Click here to view upcoming events for Daughtry and 3 Doors Down.
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Orientation 2016
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
8:00-9:30 Incoming Freshmen/New Students (A-J)10:00-11:30 Incoming Freshmen/New Students (K-Z)
12:00-2:00 All Upper Class (Grades 10-12)
Textbook Distribution
Campus Tours
Transportation Department Available
Cafeteria Services
Athletic Boosters
Lyman Clothing Kennel
Skyward Family Access Registration
Students Services Department
Parking Decals, PTSA, Senior Lunch Forms
Click Here for more information....
Congratulations to Lyman High School's Boys Track Team for being the 2016 State Champions!
Individual state winners are: Jordan Armstrong, Bryce Bell and Joshua Jacques for distance. Sean Clarke for pole vault and Tyreek Thyme for hurdles.
Click Here to Order the 2016 Graduation DVD!
Lyman High School will have a new Principal. Mr. Rice will officially become Lyman's new Principal on June 1st. Please welcome Mr. Mike Rice to Lyman.
Dear Lyman High School Families & Community,
It is with sincere joy that I write this letter to you, our Greyhound Community, as the newly appointed Principal of Lyman High School. I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to lead a school with such a rich tradition of excellence, including an "A" rating for the past three years. As your Principal, I can assure you that I will dedicate myself to maintaining our high level of achievement while working to challenge our students daily with a rigorous, yet spirited learning environment.
Since being named last week, I have had the opportunity to visit the campus and I have been nothing short of impressed with the alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff that I have met. Everyone has provided such a warm and welcoming environment for me and I look forward to learning more from those that have made such an impact on the school. Over the next few months, my goal will be to meet with our stakeholders. Whether you are an alumnus of Lyman High School, member of the community, business partner, or just curious to meet the new guy on campus, I encourage you to stop by to say hello anytime during the summer.
I began my career as a Music Educator at both Oviedo High School and Hagerty High School prior to moving into a leadership role as a Dean and Assistant Principal at both Lake Mary and Seminole High School. I have enjoyed each of these experiences, but I am anxious and excited to begin the next phase of my career, serving the community of Longwood as Principal of Lyman High School.
Thank you for the warm welcome you've provided me! I look forward to meeting each of you as we prepare for the upcoming school year.


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Tea Towel Tuesday: Take 15% off 1+ yards of Linen Cotton Canvas Ultra Through 11:59 PM EDT July 26th.
I often wondered if I would ever settle down with just one art but happily came to the conclusion that I am just not a monogamous artist. See more at www.eveningsongink.com ~ blog, shop, galleries and random craftiness.
© 2008-2015 Spoonflower Inc


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A mindless sheep of a person who is always trying to change or challenge people who are fun free thinkers.
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by Dean Jéan-Pierre
by Dean Jéan-Pierre
Natural Presence's review
Jan 22, 2011
Sensual and Arousing..I did crave for some..oops I mean more! I love this collection of passionate and erotic short stories and prose. The stories are rich with imagery. The sex is explicit but not pornographic...and there is enough of a storyline where I was able to to relate to and sometimes yearn for the desires, fantasies or dreams of the characters. I highly recommend The Pussy Whispers..
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read The Pussy Whispers.Sign In »
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Sign up for Equitymaster's free daily newsletter, The 5 Minute WrapUp and get access to our latest Multibagger guide (2016 Edition) on picking money-making stocks.This is an entirely free service. No payments are to be made.
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has declared results for the quarter ended June 2016. The company has reported a 3% QoQ increase in consolidated sales while the consolidated net profit was up 0.3% QoQ.
Tata Motors Ltd has reported a 19% YoY and 202% YoY growth in sales and net profits for the quarter ended March 2016.
Idea Cellular has reported a 12.4% YoY growth in the topline and a decrease of 0.4% YoY in the bottomline for the quarter ended March 2016.
Indian Hotels has reported a 9.6% YoY increase in the consolidated topline and a consolidated loss of Rs 605 m for FY2016.
NTPC declared results for the quarter ended March 2016. The company reported a 6% YoY decline in revenues, while unadjusted profits declined by 8% YoY.More Views on News
The finance minister has spoken about high interest rates on bank deposits making the economy sluggish, without doing anything about high interest rates on small savings schemes offered by the post office.
A look inside how Warren Buffett does his analysis for his own personal investments.
A successful trader's mindset is to focus on what he can control, and let go of what he can't. This means focusing on trading strategy, and not worrying about what the market does afterwards
The five sectors that accounted for nearly 75% of India Inc's profits in the year 2015.
Will investing in Bajaj Corp yield high returns on account of a rural revival in sight?More


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Elevate the functionality of your home by embracing those high closet shelves and upper cabinets. This sturdy little stool gets you where you need to go. In addition to adding 15" to your stature, it has casters for easy movement. It retracts under pressure so there's no threat of losing your balance.
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Photo Details
On 10 Feb 1818, Rosannah's husband, Joseph Albin (18 Feb 1794-24 June 1863) married Eliza Marsh, his first wife, daughter of Wm Marsh, in Harrison County, Indiana. They had 3 children: Jane, William M., and George Wesley, left behind when Eliza died. Joseph then married Rosannah Sheeks (3 June 1805-22 March 1881) on 29 April 1824. She and her husband lived in Lawrence County for about ten years, then moved to Putnam County. They had 12 children: Lavinia, John Nelson, Elizabeth, Henry, Isaac Newton, Sarah A., Cynthia, Malinda, James Madison, Matilda, Felix Grundy, and Joseph Taylor. Joseph, Jane, his eldest daughter, who remained unmarried, and Rosannah share the same tower type tombstone at the Bricks Chapel Cemetery in Monroe Twp, Putnam County, Indiana.
in USA
Carole Mackay Hi. I am looking for a Rosannah Sheeks born 1796. She was married in 1824 in Wayne county to Robert Preston Green. Is there any connection?
Sep 22, 2011 · Reply
BettyJane Carl Dear Carole: I am sorry, but I have no idea. Was that Wayne County in Indiana? If I find out anything, I will let you know. bjc
Sep 22, 2011 · Reply
K. Clark Hi, I'm doing research on a old Cemetery, I have a listing for a burial for Henry, son of Mr & Mrs Henry Alvin. Also, another for Otis, son of Ed Alvin. Then, I have several Marsh family members here. Wondering if these families are connected, hope to hear from you, Kristal
Sep 21, 2012 · Reply


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Honda Dealers Providence, RI
Showing Honda dealers within 50 mi of Providence, RI Edit search
Authorized Honda Dealers
1. Honda Village 38.7 miles
371 Washington St
Newton, MA 02458
"Very responsive Very friendly Treated very fairly"
2. Prime Honda 33.3 miles
1575 VFW Pkwy
West Roxbury, MA 02132
"Seemed nice, but the car was already sold."
3. Majestic Honda 9.7 miles
1300 Eddie Dowling Hwy
Lincoln, RI 02865
"Mr Campbell was a great person to deal with"
4. Honda of Plymouth 39.9 miles
9 Long Pond Rd
Plymouth, MA 02360
"A great no pressure buying experience."
5. Honda Cars Of Boston 43.7 miles
100 Broadway
Everett, MA 02149
"Quick response!"
6. Weymouth Honda 35.3 miles
211 Main St
Weymouth, MA 02188
"Execelent got my cat from them"
7. Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk 4.2 miles
185 Taunton Ave
Seekonk, MA 02771
"Responded promptly bought a car before scheduled road test"
8. Lundgren Honda of Auburn 33.3 miles
163 Washington St
Auburn, MA 01501
"Was unwilling to negotiate price online and imposed unwanted warranty."
9. Saccucci Honda 20.9 miles
1350 West Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
10. Bernardi Honda of Brockton 24.7 miles
300 Manley St
Brockton, MA 02301
"Excellent customer service!! Would recommend!! Beautiful 4 year old dealership !!"
11. Silko Honda 22 miles
1580 New State Hwy Hwyrt44
Raynham, MA 02767
"secured good price by email. straight forward pleasant close on deal and am very happy with the financing and extended warranty"
12. Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington 47.1 miles
33 Cambridge St
Burlington, MA 01803
"Very Good"
13. Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough 34 miles
350 Turnpike Rd
Westborough, MA 01581
"I had an excellent experience working with this dealer."
14. Colonial Honda of Dartmouth 26.1 miles
225 State Rd
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
"Andrea was very honest and worked very hard to earn my business. Ultimately, we could not arrive at a dead due to interest rates but I plan to buy from her when I am able ... even though she's 2 hours from my home and there are several Honda dealers within 15 minutes of my home."
15. Bernardi Honda 33 miles
960 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
"Beware ... not very honest. Closed the deal with an agreement but didn't follow through to my satisfaction! Not worth the drive and energy to argue any more! Bernardi .Honda Natick I am very disappointed"
16. Cambridge Honda 41.3 miles
275 Fresh Pond Pkwy
Cambridge, MA 02138
"Dealer was Great. Quick Response. Car I looked at was sold at auction."
17. Kelly Honda 49.7 miles
540 Lynnway
Lynn, MA 01905
"The salesperson was pleasant however we decided that we wanted the toring rather than the sport so did not proceed to look at the car that Kelly had."
18. Herb Chambers Honda in Boston 39.4 miles
1186 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02134
"I called there first , set an appointment to test the car,I sent my daughter to test a Honda CRV.EX. The car was no there or some issues, I was looking for a particular color shown at Cargurus. She end it testing a different car. I will consider Fair"
19. Boch Honda 28.8 miles
279 Boston Providence Tpke
Norwood, MA 02062
"Nice dealership but the processing took way to long and was a little discouraging."
20. Grieco Honda 4.7 miles
1880 Hartford Ave
Johnston, RI 02919
"This dealer had awful customer service. They told us one thing on the phone when we call to ask about pricing and terms for a car and then when we got there they completely changed their terms. Wouldn't go back there if they gave us a new car!!"
21. Balise Honda of West Warwick 10.6 miles
509 Quaker Lane
West Warwick, RI 02893
"Car we called about was not ready when we arrived. Were told to wait 3 hours while it was being detailed. Three hours later received a call stating that the mechanics were done with the car, and now it was off to be detailed.It would now be ready in another 2 1/2 hours. We drove two hours to see this car, had spent all day waiting for the car, and at this point decided to cut our losses and return home. Told the salesman to cancel the $100 credit card deposit. He refused, stating that we would have to return to the dealership to void our charge! Stay away from this dealership at all costs!"
Dealers With Used Honda Inventory
1. Aero Motorcars 36.2 miles
200 Cordwainer Dr
Norwell, MA 02061
"The experience I had with Aero Motorcars was nothing short of amazing. I contacted the owner Matt through this site, as well as his business page to inquire about a listing and whether or not I could expect anything from my trade-in. He responded that same day, and I was in for a test drive the next afternoon. He was prompt, professional, personable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. He explained every step of the process, and did all the paperwork - with no extra fees whatsoever! He didn't try to push or sell me anything other than what I was interested in, and he gave me much more than I expected!!! He even delivered the car to my door! Amazing! Love my new car - which was a deal that couldn't be beat - and I will definitely be referring everyone I know to him in the future!"
2. Southern Auto Sales 34.3 miles
189 VFW Drive
Rockland, MA 02370
"It was a couple things that he left to do but on the overall was ok."
3. Champagne Motorcar Company 40.6 miles
106 Storrs Road
Willimantic, CT 06226
"they were very cool we could not agree on a price but I would shop there for sure!!!"
4. DGC Auto Sales 27.1 miles
20 Whitney Street
Holliston, MA 01746
"Car was as-advertised; Marty was very helpful during the entire process."
5. Foley Motorsports 34.2 miles
894 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
"Professional service. Communication was great."
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