If you have a smartphone there’s a good chance that
you’re already playing games on it. Are mobile video gaming devices at risk of
being cannibalized by touch enabled phones? Not at all.
There’s no doubt that the iPhone and its Android
counterparts have taken away a segment of casual gamers who’d otherwise buy the
Nintendo DS or the Sony PSP. At the same time, most people buy stand alone
gaming devices because they are superior to touch enabled smartphones. The
pending February 22 release of the Sony Playstation Vita in the US proves that
smartphones alone will not please hardcore gamers who want an overall better
gaming experience. Here’s why the Playstation Vita will capture the hearts of
gaming enthusiasts…
It’s Got Physical Buttons
Sure, the iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone, and their
Android competition will rival the Vita in terms of graphics. However, they’re
all missing physical, movable buttons, a feature, much like Dualshock in
controllers, which makes you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat and not
tapping on a glass window to another world. The invention of the TouchFire silicone keyboard for the
iPad shows that, despite the iPad’s success, people still want physical
buttons. Furthermore, the early reviews are that the Vita features PS3 like
graphics, albeit on a much smaller screen.
It Has the Most Controls
The PS Vita has a touch enabled front screen, a
touch enabled back, a six axis motion sensor, dual analog joysticks, a “cross”
button, and the signature four circular buttons. The combination of touch and
traditional controls is confusing. At the same time, its many controls can be
utilized by game developers to create incredibly immersive games.
PS3 Integration
The PS Vita will allow for cross playing in which
you can switch back and forth between your PS3 console. For example, you can
start playing on your Vita and finish up playing on your console, or vice
versa. You can also play multiplayer games with other Vita players and with
those who are playing on their PS3 consoles.
It’s Kind of a Like an iPhone
The Vita is targeted towards heavy gamers. At the
same time, smartphones have set a certain standard for mobile devices. The Vita
will be 3G/WIFI enabled and have GPS, allowing you to connect with fellow
gamers wherever they may be. The front and rear cameras in the Vita will allow
for augmented reality gaming.
Many people like to compare smartphone features
(gaming, camera, GPS, etc.) to their corresponding mobile gaming consoles,
digital cameras, and GPS systems. At the same time, smartphones can’t duplicate
the user experience and expertise of stand alone devices, especially in the
case of mobile video games. The Sony Vita will be a sales success and devices
such as the iPhone and iPad may actually help its sales after people realize that superior gaming
devices exist.
