Opinion: iPhone 3.0, Beating the PSP and DS at their Own Game

Over the last year, we have seen Apple slowly position the iPhone OS as a gaming platform. Today, the games section remains one of the largest and most popular categories in the App Store and has brought in a lot of profit for both third party developers and Apple. While the iPhone OS 2.0 gave us a great taste as to what the platform is capable of and also gave Apple an impressive debut into the gaming world, it is OS 3.0 that may deliver the coup de grâce to other handhelds like Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP.

Looking Back

Today, I was contemplating on how racing games have matured and evolved on the iPhone platform since the App Store was launched. All I can say is, "Wow, what a difference a year makes!".  For me, it all started with Andy Qua's Cube Runner - my first iPhone game (and coincidentally, perhaps the one I've played the most). A true classic at heart, Cube Runner was loads of fun -simple, addictive, customizable - and your only competition was the clock. It didn't have great graphics or an amazing soundtrack, but it surely kept my friends and I entertained for hours on end. Then came Crash Bandicoot from Vivendi and Cro-Mag Rally from Pangea. Oh, the endless debates about which was better. With a resonating fun factor attached, these casual racers attracted gamers both young and old and ran the App Store hot last summer. Gameloft then released Asphalt 4: Elite Racing that really grabbed everyone's attention. You now had models of actual cars and could customize them to your liking. Zipping through cities, escaping from cops, winning money, unlocking events and extra features, upgrading your cars and racing against your friends - this game had it all. Though the graphics could be much better, this still remains one of my favorite racing games for the iPhone. Finally, we saw video previews of EA's upcoming Need For Speed: Underground for the iPhone. EA definitely upped the ante with this one and saying that it looks amazing would be a gross understatement. 

iPhone OS 3.0

I have heard the arguments that iPhone OS and the DS and the PSP really cannot be compared because they service different markets. However, I'm sure Sony and Nintendo cannot help but notice that Apple is boldly encroaching on their territory. Apart from seducing the young generation with its awe-inspiring design and multi-functionality, Apple has also managed to deeply penetrate the casual gaming market. I am yet to find someone with an iPhone or iPod Touch who has not played (or would love to play) at least one game on their device.

Before I look at the important changes that iPhone OS 3.0 brings to the gaming arena, let me highlight 5 advantages that it has over the PSP and the DS.

1. There is no need for multiple cartridges/discs, games are stored locally on the device. The typical counter-argument to this is usually the fact that you can't borrow (or lend) a game to a friend. My response is "What do you think devs would prefer?".

2. The ability to purchase additional games on the go. With the built-in App Store, games are always available for purchase from anywhere at anytime. 

 3. You can get updates for the game after it has been purchased. Unlike cartridges/discs, after you purchase a game, you can still receive additional levels or features in software updates.

4. Cheaper for developers. Since it's all software, only one copy of the game will be necessary for distribution, compared to thousands of discs/cartridges. Thus, smaller developers have the opportunity to create and distribute their games just like large developers.

5. Versatile. The iPhone and the iPod Touch are compact, all-in-one devices that are attractive to many. While the DS and the PSP do offer additional features other than gaming, the bottom line is that the iPhone OS is just a more versatile platform. 

iPhone 3.0 adds to these advantages with 2 new features:

Peer to Peer

On the current iPhone OS, many game developers such as Gameloft have already enabled multi-player capabilities in their games over wi-fi. iPhone 3.0 will usher in a new era of peer to peer multi-player games over bluetooth. Not only will connections be more stable, but you will be able to play anywhere without the need for a wi-fi network. Do you really think you can take me in Asphalt 4?

Accessories

Remember our article last year on the ambitious aspirations of a group of iPhone devs who conceived the iControlPad? While creating such a device was very difficult before, iPhone 3.0 makes this task much easier. Using the new External Accessory framework, developers will now be able to create attachable controllers that can provide a more traditional and hardcore gaming experience. By establishing some sort of standard, any game will be able to take advantage of the external controls. I wouldn't be surprised to see popular game developers make their own controllers. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple released an official controller to establish this standard. 

Let The Games Begin!

Now don't get me wrong, if you are a frequent reader of my blogs, you will know that I welcome competition in business. Inevitably, one day, a company will rise to Apple's challenge and outshine them. Hopefully their forward movements with the iPhone OS 3.0 will force companies like Sony and Nintendo to push the handheld gaming experience to even higher heights. So, if there are no reservations, let the games begin! I think I'll put my money on Apple for this one.