Apple News, Analysis and Podcasts

The iPhone and iPod touch have proved to be stiff competition for Sony and other hand-held game console makers. While standard handheld game consoles are supposed to be better at gaming, the iPod touch and iPhone can do so much more than just games. This has led to a majority of non-hardcore gamers switching to the iPod Touch or iPhone. The iPad is adding to this trend for those who want a bigger screen.

With the launch of the iPad 2, Apple added the ability to mirror the iPad's screen on a TV with a HDMI output option, which allows the iPad to compete with traditional game consoles. iPad games can now be viewed on a HDTV at 1080p, instead of looking over someone's shoulder. This changes the iPad from a personal gaming device to becoming the social gaming console.

Social games can be played just about anywhere, and the iPad 2 delivers this ability in spades. Games optimized for the iPad 2 look as good as any console game. Multi-players options are still limited, but that will change in time. iPhones and iPod touches can also be added into the social environment for even more fun. This makes the iPad a real contender in the family room gaming scene.

As the iPad gains popularity, more big games will be released. Games like Infinity Blade are starting to out-sell some console games. While the iPad is more expensive than a game console, the games themselves are significantly cheaper. Xbox games average prices are around $50, which is ten times the price of average iPad games. This allows iPad gamers to play more and spend less overall than Xbox gamers.

The iPad is not just a gaming device as it can do so much more than games, which pushes it well beyond mere game consoles. Sony and Microsoft have added more media playback features, like video on-demand, but is it enough? When adding all the things users can do with an iPad and a HDTV, game consoles could look like a waste of money. When paired with a Apple TV for only $99, the iPad becomes a real entertainment powerhouse.

The iPad will never be able to play Blu-ray movies like a PS3 or sound like a jet engine while playing Madden Football, but it does not need to. The iPhone and iPad will continue to eat away at the market-share of single use devices like game consoles, and their manufacturers will need to add more uses or risk obsolescence.

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