Holygrenade writes: "Fans aren’t losing interest nor are the console-makers running scared. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. Sony recently purchased Gaikai, a cloud gaming service, hinting at a cloud basis for its next system. Microsoft is taking the “entertainment” route, providing a service equal (if not overtaking) the presence of gaming on its platform. And Nintendo is appealing to the uptick of tablet users by familiarizing the controller."
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It's good to be a gamer in this day and age.
:-D
XperiaRay
Good day for gamers in this age of day... wat
The argument has been made, often, that the rise of mobile gaming will result in the "death" of dedicated portable gaming devices. Which is very valid, I think. Sony has proven, multiple times, actually, (and so has Apple, of course) that consumers almost always prefer generalized tech to specialized tech.
And I know this is the kind of thing that results in the sort of kneejerk, emotional denial from gamers who don't really understand what it means.
Look at it this way.
Portable consoles are already overlapping quite a bit with mobile phones in terms of additional functions--cameras, messaging, web-browsing, etc., etc.
Honestly, I think that if Sony had changed their strategy a little bit with the Vita and given it phone service, not only would it be trouncing the 3DS, it could have also offered some serious competition in the iPhone and android markets.
It was one hell of a missed opportunity, and you can damned well bet Sony's next handheld will an analog-stick wielding smartphone with enough hardware to handle some awesome looking games.
PS3 came out and was marketed as the cheapest blu-ray player you could get.
Xbox 360 is a media machine that plays games and is an entertainment hub.
Consoles as we know them right now are likely to change in principle as technology changes. Next generation is no different as PS4 and Xbox 8 will be all in one devices and playing games will just be one of its purposes.
When the PS3 came out it was late comer but with Bluray. Toady its the console that actualy delivers great games.
Funny stuff...
Meanwhile, the people who mostly play games on smartphones and tablets have no loyalties to anybody. They will just play whatever game is "cool" or popular atm. Once the next big thing comes out people will drop whatever game the fad is atm for the next thing.
Though consoles themselves may go through some changes, I don't think real gamers would ever allow them to disappear.