Portable gaming war heats up
A new handheld console joined the gaming fray Sunday. The Xperia Play, a Sony Ericsson cell phone, will include PlayStation games via the PlayStation Network store and other game developers. The inclusion of the Play into the gaming market only stimulates what is sure to become a very interesting year for handheld gaming consoles.
Cell phone games did not really get popular until the iPhone came out. That being said, Apple has always raised the bar on mobile gaming. The Xperia Play will feature mobile gaming, but its primary focus will be ports of countless PlayStation One titles and original titles from the PlayStation Network. In a way, the Xperia Play is like a PSP with a phone. However, do not count it out in the mobile gaming scene. It is set to release in March with Verizon Wireless as its first carrier, and just like the iPhone, expect the Play to be a huge contender for gamers on the go.
As for the NGP, it looks to blow all the competitors out of the water with its graphics. There are many claims about the NGP’s graphics and how it rivals its console counterpart, the PS3. In addition, its new look and network connectivity are sure to attract gamers. It might not be able to make calls or send text messages, but its optional 3G connection and stunning graphics could prove the NGP to be a serious opponent.
Finally, there is the 3DS. Nintendo has a long history with handhelds, and this one is sure to be popular among the fans. Its big claim to fame is the ability for the console to play 3D games without the need for 3D glasses. Nintendo is so sure about the success of their product, they are willing to even develop a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the system. Another main attraction to the system is the multiplayer option. For so long, fans have wanted a multiplayer system in Nintendo’s console, and the 3DS might be able to fulfill their wishes.
With three handhelds coming out this year, it will be hard to choose which one to buy. All have the potential for success, but each has their own faults as well. Portable gaming devices have been around for some time, but it has only been recently that is has skyrocketed. With the 3DS, NGP and Xperia Play, the popularity and demand for handheld games will only increase even further.
