Could the iPad 2 replace traditional video game consoles?
The iPad 2's new hardware and its popularity has led to speculation that tablet devices will soon replace consoles. Rovio Mobile's Peter Vesterbacka is the most vocal champion of this position and recently claimed during a South by Southwest panel that console games are "dying." Vesterbacka points to the lower price point of mobile games and their ability to be updated rapidly as two factors that will push mobile gaming ahead of consoles.
While Vesterbacka talks smack about consoles, former Sony executive Phil Harrison takes a much more balanced approach towards this subject. Harrison acknowledges that tablet hardware is evolving so rapidly that tablets could rival that of the console. The Apple tablet has more than doubled its performance in a year, while the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 remain unchanged after five years.
Though the hardware evolution may outpace the consoles, the gaming experience of a tablet will be different than that of the console. "I think while there are clearly some compromises in terms of user interface and user experience on a tablet, the touch screen interface will enable other forms of game experience and game design that you couldn't do on a TV-based console," said Harrison, "so I think there's going to be a tradeoff. But I think the pads/tablets market is going to be a very vibrant market for games."
Harrison points out the strength of the tablet gaming market comes from the diverse business models available to mobile game developers. Developers can choose to generate revenue from free, ad-supported applications, games with in-app micro transactions and paid games with value-added features like social networking. "These are 21st century business models that are going to prevail," says Harrison.Share
Categories
The iPad 2's new hardware and its popularity has led to speculation that tablet devices will soon replace consoles. Rovio Mobile's...
Add a Comment
I seriously can't read this blog anymore if this type of junk is to be filling my RSS feeder.
iPad to replace XBox? Are you serious?
What on earth would be the point? Also, the reason that consoles are developed at a slower rate is to ensure consistency. An xbox 360 bought 3 years ago will play any game released today (RROD issues aside).
Meanwhile my 2 year old iPhone won't even make calls thanks to iOS 4. And don't even get me started on the iPhone's inability to store game saves in the long-term.
NEVER will i play black ops or any cod on an ipad
sorry but no. this is a stupid news item
exactly, microsoft havent updated theres in 5 years, because theres no point. if they wanted to improve every year, they could if they want too.
March 15 2011 at 7:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRight idea, wrong device. It's not the iPad, but the AppleTV that has this potential (especially an updated version with the A5 processor, more RAM and more storage). All that's needed is a driver that supports blue-tooth controllers like the ones made for the PS3 or PC, and a full on app store. Obviously this wouldn't be the only control type available, but if they really want to compete with consoles it's a must.
March 15 2011 at 6:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhoever said that is a f'ing moron. Whoever agrees with him should jump off a cliff.
March 15 2011 at 1:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI don't understand where these crazy CEOs are coming from. Never say never in technology. Where is the evidence that console / desktop games are dying? There is clearly a place for both in todays market and hardware landscape. Certainly the /types/ of games that are played on the two platforms will diverge. There are strengths to both; you simply can't play an FPS very effectively on a mobile device without hardware controls and many other genres require physical hardware (e.g. Kinect) to interact in different ways. No argument that their hit, Angry Birds is perfect for a touch screen, but there are plenty of existing and yet to be created game mechanics that a specifically suited to each platform and it's controls.
March 15 2011 at 1:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOh, at least show the two CURRENT redesigned consoles on your article photo.
March 15 2011 at 12:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDeals of the Day
more deals- Used Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi Tablet for $200 + free shipping
- Apple iPod nano Multi-Touch 8GB MP3 Player for $100 + $8 s&h
- Cases for New iPad at HandHeldItems: Extra 20% off, $2 credit, from $3 + $3 s&h
- $15 Apple iTunes Gift Card for $8 for new Saveology customers
- Retro 80's Case for iPhone for $11 + $2 s&h
- HHI 360 Dual-View Stand Case for new iPad w/ $2 credit for $12 + $3 s&h
Software Updates
more updatesFeatured Stories
more stories
Popular Stories
TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
42 Comments