As smartphone popularity rises, demand for handheld games consoles has been dropping, especially for Sony's PS Vita. With an the upgraded PS Vita Slim set for release later in 2014, Sony is trying to earn back its momentum with a thinner and lighter industrial design. However, with the entry of smartphone gaming peripherals, handheld games consoles are expected to face a greater challenge in the future.
Gaming peripherals for smartphones can be separated into two major categories: protective case type which directly attach to smartphones, and controller type, which are an independent controller that can be connected to smartphones. The former type has advantages in mobility, while the later is pushed for its usage experience. Logitech's PowerShell Controller is an example of a protective case type peripheral, while Samsung's Wireless GamePad is an example of a controller type.
With game designers aggressively moving their latest games to mobile platforms, Digitimes Research believes handheld games consoles will eventually be replaced by smartphones and the trend will also open up new business opportunities for gaming peripheral players.
