We have several options when it comes to gaming and plenty of fantastic games to play. In terms of devices, there are now two major consoles, with the Xbox and PlayStation dominating the console market. However, there are also handheld devices, with the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck among the most popular. Will Microsoft and Sony turn to handheld systems like Nintendo or stick with producing home consoles?
Mobile Gaming on the Rise
More people than ever before choose to play games using a mobile device. We have such a huge array of mobile games to play, ranging from classic platform games to Casumo live casino games featuring a real dealer. By the end of 2022, there will be more than 3 billion people playing mobile games, and this number will continue to rise in 2023 and beyond. If we concentrate on the United States alone, the mobile games revenue generated in the US was over $40 billion. So, it is no exaggeration to say billions of people are playing games using a handheld device, and, in many cases, this is a smartphone. However, those who enjoy playing using a handheld device are also opting to buy a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck.
Benefits of Handheld Over Console
The major benefit of choosing to buy a handheld device over a home console is you can take the handheld device with you and play games on the go. It does not matter if you are using public transport to get to work, traveling on a long flight, or enjoying a relaxing holiday by the pool; you can always use your handheld gaming console.
The same cannot be said for home consoles, which must be plugged into the mains and used in conjunction with a television. The choice of games on handheld devices closely matches that of consoles, and if you want to play the best Nintendo games, you have no choice but to purchase a Nintendo Switch because that is the only place to find all their games.
Advantages of Consoles
Home consoles still have their advantages, and handheld devices will never be able to match the graphics and framerate of the leading home consoles. Nothing beats playing your favorite game on a big screen, and that is something a handheld device will never be able to match. When playing on a console at home, there are no worries about the battery dying, which can be a concern when using a handheld device. However, it is worth noting the Nintendo Switch can be played using a TV at home, so the handheld device can cater to both home and travel use.
Microsoft has never made a handheld console, and that is unlikely to change in the near future. It would be like creating a whole new Xbox, and that would be a massive task in conjunction with the home console. Sony has released handheld devices in the past, but they are focusing on the PSVR 2. The PSVR 2 may have a limited audience compared to a handheld device by that is the direction they are heading. Mobile gaming is big business, and console manufacturers may not get involved now, but that could change in the next few years.
