The rules of the game have changed. Just a few years ago, handheld consoles such as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP ruled the roost of portable gaming. I remember in my childhood being captivated by Zelda DX and Pokémon Blue on my Game Boy Colour; back then the must-have device for gaming on the go. The birth of the app and evolution of smartphones have brought to light an increase in the quality of apps games available on your mobile phone. Not only do the likes of Android and iOS offer quick fix games such as Angry Birds, or Plants vs Zombies but fully fledged blockbusters with lengthy storylines and awe blasting 3D graphics such as GTA III and Infinity Blade II. With the next generation of smartphone releases set to run faster and blast even more power, is it game over for the portable games console?

The Problem

Statistics from Flurry Analytics suggests that portable consoles are losing their slice of the pie. In 2009, Sony PSP and Nintendo DS were recipients of 81% of total portable game software revenue in the United States. Fast forward to the end of 2011, and their share has halved to 42%. Where has it gone? Smartphone operating systems iOS and Android have leapt from a combined 19% share in 2009, to a dominating 58% in just two years.

Out of control?

Hard core gamers may criticise iOS and Android games apps for their lack of a physical game pad to control the game; often the player has to touch the screen repeatedly. Even this hindrance can be removed thanks to an Android app which allows Bluetooth synchronisation with your PS3 controller. It won’t be long before apps games have this feature coded into their official titles and smartphones steal another life from the portable games console.

Power to the smartphone!

The iPhone 4S released with a dual-core A5 chip, has given the 1UP in smartphone apps games and offers power and graphics unseen in mobile devices previously. Even consoles such as the Nintendo 3DS, which offers 3D gaming without the need for glasses, could be matched for technology. We’ve already seen the release of the LG Optimus 3D smartphone and further rumours suggest the Samsung Galaxy S3 will come with eye trickery technology to match Nintendo.

Apps Games cost less

The apps games streamlined digital approach, eliminates the need for physical manufacturers and distributers. This means cheaper games for the consumer. Combine this factor with an ultra-competitive OS platform that releases new games daily, and you create a market where £6 chart toppers are frowned upon as too expensive – effectively the price of a bargain bin Nintendo DS game in the supermarket. Why would you pay £40 for the latest handheld title when you can download entertaining apps games that all your friends have for under £3?

What does the future hold for portable gaming hardware? Visit our blog tomorrow for Part 2 of our apps games review…

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What titles currently top the Apps Games Chart?
Android | iOS | Windows Phone