Still not convinced of the iOS as a handheld?

[ZenErik]

I'm convinced with iOS because of Cave's shmup releases on iOS. SOOOOOO GOOD!

Heh, yeah, I've considered just getting an iTouch so that I can play some Cave goodness mobile. But, then they announced that they are going to start releasing them on the Android, so I'm glad I held off.

I do still want a DS for Ketsui DL though.

That's why I got an iPod Touch. Luckily I only paid $85 for it. 32GB 4th gen with AppleCare. Almost $400 value. So, once the games hit Android I may just sell the iPod for $220 - 250. Have they announced any release dates or which games yet? Mushihimesama please!

[Inazuma]

First off, there is no ownership of iOS games. Also, there are no buttons. So yeah...

They are cheap and simple games that work well for what they aim to do and it's not surprising that the iOS world has exploded over the past few years.

For the most part, they don't really compete with traditional dedicated portable gaming devices. However, some casual gamers may ditch their DS or PSP, and just use their phone.

They are definitely starting to have a noticeable affect on the dedicated portable gaming devices, and I worry that things will continue to get worse.

If Apple adds buttons to their portable devices, Nintendo and Sony may be kicked out of the portable market.

[Pichu]

My stance? I will never formally recognize the iOS as a video game device. Although I do have an iPod Touch, I didn't pay for it, and now I know I won't if mine breaks because it's simply too much for what I get. Don't get me wrong, it's convienient and the timewasters are great, but they really should lower the price.

In my mind, DD/Streaming platforms are in a different category than actual video game systems.

[baphomet_irl]

I'm convinced with iOS because of Cave's shmup releases on iOS. SOOOOOO GOOD!

yeah they are definitely the most playable 'proper' games I've used on my iPad, but still, I utterly need a stick to really have fun with a shmup, I'm useless enough at them as it is! :p

[dsheinem]

In the past year or so I have beaten games as such:


PSP: 8
NDS: 5
iOS: 18

In most cases, the iOS games were as long or longer than the PSP/NDS games I beat. I didn't expect iOS to become my go to platform for portable gaming, but it undeniably has. Yes, iOS has more shovelware, but there is an insane amount of quality games that rival or best even the top PSP/NDS titles. Since they are usually $0-$5 on iOS, I have a hard time purchasing full priced games for those other systems, and don't really care about "ownership" since I can be confident I'll always have the digital copy of the game as long as I continue to back it up.

Playing Dead Space or Rage HD on the iPad 2 is leaps and bounds more impressive than anything on PSP/NDS and the best games never make you miss buttons. Plus, there's the sweet iCade which gives me something I can't get from other portables. I'll admit I was in the "iOS has no buttons and is a shovelware swamp" crowd for a few years, but these days I am a complete convert.

[Hazerd]

Touch controls will never beat a nice controller, and most games on Android/iOS are for quick thrills i refer to J T's thread.

Also im starting to feel like my grandparents and how they refuse to change with technology, as much as i dont want these smartphones to take over, i think it's imminent.

[dsheinem]

touch controls will never beat a nice controller, and most games on Android/iOS are for quick thrills i refer to J T's thread.

in some games, a controller would never beat nice touch controls.

[Hazerd]

touch controls will never beat a nice controller, and most games on Android/iOS are for quick thrills i refer to J T's thread.

in some games, a controller would never beat nice touch controls.

Well then it's not a game for me.

[dsheinem]

touch controls will never beat a nice controller, and most games on Android/iOS are for quick thrills i refer to J T's thread.

in some games, a controller would never beat nice touch controls.

Well then it's not a game for me.

Don't you think that's a bit closed minded? I am speaking as someone who was once on your "side" of the fence. I now couldn't imagine playing some of the excellent high quality iOS games I have played - many of which are on par with or better than games on Sony or Nintendo portables - with a controller.

[ZenErik]

Some games are better with a touch screen. Just like some games are better with Kinect, Wii remotes, Move, etc.

And hey, I prefer my arcade games with an arcade stick, but some people prefer a controller or even a keyboard.