Apple iPod Touch 'Best Device For Portable Gaming' >

	2008/09/10 13:39:44: Posted by DM
	According to statements made at today's Apple "let's Rock" event, the new iPod Touch is the best device available for gaming on the go. The revised Touch, which is now more like the iPhone than ever, has had its gaming capabilities ramped up, it seems. They device was shown off playing Need for Speed, Spore, and more. >Link
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Um, I think you mean yesterday's event... ;-)

As big of a fan as I am of the iPhone/iPod touch platform and it's future prospects, I'd be the first to admin that that claim is arguable on a number of points, namely shear selection of AAA titles. I don't believe they actually think this is the case, but made such a bold statement just for the pure PR value. In this respect it's mission accomplished I would say, since nearly every gaming blog is now discussing this very topic.

But I don't think there's any denying that the iPhone/iPod touch WILL become a major player in the mobile gaming space. I just don't think people will be generally playing the same kinds of games as they do on the DS/PSP. But it's not unthinkable that one day, more people will be playing games on an Apple touch device than on a DS or PSP. The big difference is that people are buying the Apple device for other reasons (iPod or phone) and now finding that it makes a decent gaming device. Whereas people buy a DS or PSP primarily as a gaming device.

The iPod touch and iPhone do have a leg up on screen/graphics quality, horsepower, innovative input and portability, not to mention storage, media playback and internet capabilities. Mind you, those benefits come at a cost premium of $40-100, but those who do buy one will most likely find that difference easily justified, all things considered.

^^^^^^^Dont be surprised if the next PSP is a fusion between a phone and console , just to compete with the iphone.

While I don't ever see the iPod touch/iPhone becoming a parent's first choice to give to their kids, namely due to durability concerns, price and the security risks of young kids being exposed to the internet, given that the average videogame player's age is something like 40, I don't think being shut out of the under 14 market will prevent them from being a huge success in the portable gaming market.

@Makaveli

Not sure about the phone, but I definitely think it will borrow some aspects from Apple's products, namely having built-in storage and probably no physical media whatsoever, except maybe a memory card slot for expansion/backup. With Sony starting to distribute PSP games via the PS Store, it's a logical progression that they move to 100% digital distribution, although I suspect they will probably add accelerometer controls and *maybe* a multi-touch display like the iPhone, I don't see them ditching the traditional D-pad, 4-buttons+shoulder buttons and adding a second analog stick. They have way too much invested in older IP that they could benefit from. My guess is the next-gen PSP will be able to play PS2 games like the existing one plays PS1 games. This would be pretty awesome, and regardless of whether Apple sells more gaming handhelds in the future, I still think there will be a strong market for a more traditional gaming handheld.

where is the fun in having your big ass thumb or fingers all over the screen covering the graphics and special effects. I don't see screen touching as a way to play video games. I see it more for retards or people learning or relearning how to use body parts and therapy, kid painting type sh!t.

If anything, it's Nintendo that has more to worry about since Apple's offerings are likely to appeal more to the DS crown than PSP buyers. While I don't think it'll happen, if Apple were to release a quality game controller that the iPhone/iPod touch snap into to give it more traditional controls, this would be the time for Sony to really worry.

crown = crowd

@B1ueBurneR

That's only an issue if you're thinking about traditional games on the iPhone. I agree, I don't find games with an on-screen d-pad and buttons enticing at all. Just as traditional games ported to the Wii's motion controls typically suck. I think we (and game developers) have to think outside the box. There are some traditional games that actually work far better on the iPhone/iPod touch than on any past platform. Card/puzzle games for instance where your interaction with the screen is limited to quick selection and drag and drop control. Also, games that can take advantage of the accelerometer for control. I could see an awesome and innovative RPG or strategy game being developed for instance. The finger is even more intuitive than using a mouse for selecting units and giving orders.

In some respects the iphone is as powerful as the Dreamcast, and overall more powerful than the psp and DS.

Traditional controls are more than possible on the iphone. I can't find the youtube link, but there's one particular iphone game that is VERY impressive and it's closer to a console type game than anything I've seen on a mobile device.

The only negative I can think of is Apple's control over IPs from independent developers.

gotta pay for an ipod touch update. i think thats g@y

new ipod touch made for me so i can tipp drill girls wit it =)