Loose Threads: What online services do handhelds need?

[Fraser]

So far, the N-gage has got a full on digital delivery and ranking system and the iPhone has the wireless version of the App Store. Indeed, mobiles have boasted digital delivery of games for years now. Meanwhile, the so called main contenders of the handheld space, the DS and the PSP, have nothing to speak of.

The PSP is supposedly going to get wireless access to the PSP Store before long, though it could be seen as too little too late. The DS on the other hand is unlikely to get any new online service at this stage. Is it time that handheld consoles joined the home consoles with their own versions of things like Xbox Live or PSN?

Lots to think about this week, but don't let that stop you firing your opinions off unchecked

[Mandark]

I think I agree with the assessment that it's probably too late for the current gen of handhelds to have full-on online services. I'll probably surf around the PSP store wirelessly but it will be more out of curiosity than real need.

I think in future handheld users will probably expect to see services similar to what they can access on their mobile phones. So first will be the console manufacturers' own N-Gage style community services. People will also want to see proper web browsers - better than the PSP's current effort with its memory problems and the DS with its dodgy and expensive Opera browser - and easy access to mobile friendly versions of Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, BBC iPlayer and so on. May be 3G connectivity with free data use will be required in addition to Wi-Fi, to fight the threat of the high powered Nokias, iPhone and the Google phone.

But there is no doubt that handhelds from now on will have to be online powerhouses in order to fight off the threat from mobiles.

[hunter_alien]

Well to be honest I dont think that handhelds need a good online service. Yes I know that they will get one, and as Mandark stated chances are that the next-gen handhelds will probably arrive fully ready for this "new stuff", but is this really what handhelds need? As much as I like Sony, to be honest for me Nintendo proved that you dont need to have a high-end monster to win a war, and a simple take on a non-demanding market ( handheld gamers ) is more then enough to not only secure yourself a #1 spot, but also to be one of the best selling gaming machines ever created.

The thing is that when it comes to handhelds the younger crowd still represents the biggest market from them all. No kid whom is in the 5-14 years region will demand a full-blown technology beast. Why? because they dont need it and they probably wont be able to use 20% of what it can truly offer. Yes, a working internet browser is a good thing ( so the 12 year old teen girl can check her e-mails every 10 seconds or just upload a pic to her myspace profile, a pic that she made on the gizmos built-in camera ) and a download service is also needed so the hardcore gamers can get oder goldies for less money, and also get cool new DLC, but why put in more? The fact remains that the handheld market is still a gimmicky market, and who needs more then what a PSP or DS can offer, probably already has a 3G phone.

SO PLEASE... don't overdo it! To be honest IMO the PSP, functionality wise came out a generation faster then it should have. IMHO if they add a bit of a graphical update and some built-in memory for it, the PSP2 would be ready to go. Lets be honest, except a phone, the PSP is everything else, hell, if you are near a hotspot, with Skype you have a phone to. So do we need more.... or better yet, do kids need more? NO. Handheld devices need to be simple, they dont need to be complicated. They have to be compact, efficient, fast and reliable. When you ad tons of features to the menu, it only complicates things to most users, and it makes the device less apealing.

A handheld needs to be able to play great games, to have masterpieces like Metroid prime Hunters, TloZ: PH, God of War: Chains of Olympus or Syphon Filter: LS, it needs to have some basic extra functions ( browser, mp3 player, built in memory etc.) and last, but not least, a good, affordable price. Thats what handheld gamers want, and IMO this will be the way both Nintendo and Sony will surprise us next-gen... their handhelds will NOT be the tech-dream most are expecting, but "surprisingly" both will sell like warm bread.

[madjo]

I think what's missing for the DS, is a way to sample games before you buy them (of course there's the piracy option, but that's not exactly what I'm looking for.)
I have been burned by bad DS games (well not literally, of course), and if there was a way of trying before buying, I'd do that in a heartbeat.
Such as a demo channel, either through a connection with the Wii, or a direct connection over WiFi (which I prefer).
That's sorely missing, if you ask me (aside from WPA support for the DS, but that's a different discussion)

Also handy, would be to have easy access to for instance the reviews on sites like PocketGamer. So that, when buying games, you can easily see what the reviewers think of them.

[HiddenAway]

Such as a demo channel, either through a connection with the Wii, or a direct connection over WiFi (which I prefer).
That's sorely missing, if you ask me (aside from WPA support for the DS, but that's a different discussion)

Err, there is one. On the Nintendo Channel for the Wii, click Titles and the DS download service can be found at the bottom.

[madjo]

Ah, didn't know there was a Nintendo Channel for the Wii.
Will have to look into that. Thanks
How up to date is it?

[Fraser]

Hidden Away is quite right, though it should be pointed out that though the Nintendo Channel will provide new comers with a good few demos to try, those who have been tracking it for a while will know that it is updated infrequently and is populated mostly with out of date titles. To be honest, it's even worse than the European PSP Store (which sometimes goes for weeks without new demos being added).

[HiddenAway]

Hidden Away is quite right, though it should be pointed out that though the Nintendo Channel will provide new comers with a good few demos to try, those who have been tracking it for a while will know that it is updated infrequently and is populated mostly with out of date titles. To be honest, it's even worse than the European PSP Store (which sometimes goes for weeks without new demos being added).

Ironically, according to my sources, Lock's Quest is available as a demo on the channel.