Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

USA Today

What's PlayStation Vita got that my smartphone doesn't?

Sales of dedicated handheld systems have declined even as more Americans play video games. About 135 million people play at least one hour a month, up from 58 million in 2008, according to the research firm Park Associates.

Though computers and traditional home consoles remain the most popular devices, younger players prefer mobile phones, the firm says in a recent report. And three-fourths of those who own tablets play games on them.

Handheld systems have a market "for the time being," says Parks Associates research analyst Pietro Macchiarella. "As long as handhelds manage to deliver unique experiences, there will be room for them on the market."

From the article, "What's PlayStation Vita got that my smartphone doesn't?" by Mike Snider

Previously In The News

Pac-Man' is going digital

This is just the beginning, says Michael Cai of Parks Associates research firm. "Gaming companies are realizing the value that is buried in their catalog." Money spent on online video gaming is e...

Cable eyes profits from pay-for-play

Cable operators at their annual convention here this week have games on their minds — and not just the corporate kind. Recent industry efforts to standardize digital transmissions and speed processi...

Has your TV room gone upscale yet

Only a fraction — perhaps less than 1% — of the nation's home theaters are marquee presentations such as the Cleage family's. Still, about one-third of home-theater owners spent more than $1,500 for...

Cocooning is back with a vengeance

The big-screen experience comes home. The average consumer will spend 78 hours watching movies at home this year vs. 13 at theaters, according to forecasters Veronis Suhler Stevenson. And people are...