Handheld gaming tablets crowd the mobile space

Handheld gaming tablets crowd the mobile space


 

An already crowded marketplace for mobile gaming devices is getting more jam-packed.

In addition to Amazon's plan to bring new cloud-game-ready Kindle Fire HD devices to market, toss in an expected Apple mini-iPad and upcoming Xbox-friendly Windows 8 phones. Also coming: a kid-centric PlayMG handheld and the larger Wikipad gaming tablet.

"Tablets are evolving and players are evolving in how many screens they play on," says Joe Gorman of retailer GameStop, which last year began selling tablets alongside game systems.

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Spending on mobile wireless games in the U.S. is expected to grow from $990 million last year to $1.4 billion in 2016, estimates consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Games have emerged as top apps across all mobile devices and help drive sales of devices, says Michael Allenson of marketing research firm Maritz Research. "Consumers going on a trip with their children think of buying a video player or personal game system and say, 'Why buy that when a tablet allows me to do games, movies and other things?' " he says.

Such versatility is a key aspect of the Wikipad, a 10.1-inch touch-screen tablet that comes with an attachable controller, complete with joystick and buttons. GameStop has begun taking pre-orders for the $499 device, due to hit the market Oct. 31.

The Wikipad will play Android games and PlayStation Mobile games from Sony. Sony's recent acquisition of cloud-gaming company Gaikai also opens the possibility for streamed PlayStation-quality games on the tablet. "There is a big gap in the market for a crossover device that is really focused at the mobile gaming console market, but that happens to be a really good tablet as well." says Wikipad CEO James Bower.

In contrast, the Android-based PlayMG handheld gaming device, which has a 4-inch touch-screen display, targets parents who want to wrest control of their smartphone or tablet from their children. Parents can load a digital wallet in the PlayMG so kids can buy games without a credit card. Priced at $169 and due this holiday season, the PlayMG device is being sold to Kickstarter supporters for $99.

"Kids still enjoy console gaming, but they don't always have half an hour to devote," says PlayMG co-founder T. Scott Edwards. "They want to get a more digestible game experience."