PS Vita, 3DS under pressure from Android and Apple

Dedicated mobile gaming devices are under increasing pressure from mobile handhelds, and are now little more than niche products

This is according to Michael Inouye, senior research analyst at ABI Research who says: “Mobile devices will compete with dedicated handheld gaming devices, but select consumer segments like core gamers and those individuals who do not want or have a smartphone or tablet will still provide some demand.”

According to ABI Research, Sony and Nintendo will ship around 38 million mobile gaming consoles in 2013, down substantially from a peak of 47 million units in 2008.

The company also predicts that shipments will continue to decline over the next 5 years.

Nintendo faced low demand for its 3DS mobile console following the launch last year, with sales only taking off after a substantial price cut.

Sony’s PS Vita meanwhile experienced strong sales after launch, however since then sales have slowed and been described as “decent at best”.

A MyGaming column raised doubts as to whether mobile handheld devices could withstand the onslaught of tablet and smartphones back in February.

Read the full story at: Cnet.

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Tags: ABI Research, active, Michael Inouye, Nintendo, Sony