3DS: In a slump or over the hill?

Hot off the heels of the highly successful DS and Wii systems, Nintendo has a high bar set for itself. But the much anticipated and recently released 3DS handheld hasn't sold as well as its predecessor did in the early going, likely not helped by a weak launch game lineup. However, the tech landscape has undergone quite a change over the last few years, as iPhones and Android phones have been widely adopted. Casual, as well as hardcore gamers, can now whip out their phone and play anything from Angry Birds to ports of popular DS/PSP games such as Grand Theft Auto and Phoenix Wright. Further bolstering Nintendo's competition is the game pricing on phones. While 3DS games are $40 a pop, iOS and Android games can usually be had from $1 to $5. Are specifically gaming handhelds such as the 3DS losing relevance in the face of such smartphones?

The short answer is no, at least not yet. Nintendo's loyal fanbase all but assures that the 3DS will find success, coupled with a strong lineup of upcoming games. Next week, a remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will be released, sure to boost system sales immediately. And familiar favorites such as Starfox, Super Mario, and Mario Kart are due later this year. Though mobile phone games have become significantly more sophisticated over the last several years, they still lack the level of detail and polish Nintendo have always been famous for, and the familiar franchises that we all know and love. Jus the same, it will be hard for the 3DS to outsell its older brother in the new tech frontier. Even with these games, and innovative 3D-without-glasses tech, many casual gamers will be happy with the gaming experience they can get out of their mobile phones. It also remains to be seen how many existing DS gamers will elect to upgrade to the new system.

The 3DS in its current form is far from perfect. The battery life is mediocre, the system is bulky by today's standards, and the much heralded 3D tech is what we expected it to be: new tech, in need of refinement, specifically as far as viewing angles are concerned. Finally, at $250, entry cost to the platform is hardly appealing. With the PSVita due later this year at the same price, it's hard to see Nintendo being able to maintain that price point and be successful. A price drop is sure to occur by this holiday season, with a game bundle or two likely as well. And heading into next year, a redesign (think 3DS Lite) is hardly out of the question. However, the competition won't be sitting on its heels waiting for Nintendo. PSVita, as previously mentioned, will be released this holiday season. And mobile phone tech is continuously being updated. Nintendo may yet have a winner in its 3DS system, but it definitely will face a lot more competition than the original DS did during its prime years. Nintendo has always won over gamers because they have what matters most: high quality, fun games. And as more titles are released, 3DS sales are sure to pick up. Yet it will be interesting to see its sales figures a year from now, or even 5 years down the line. Only then will we truly know if Nintendo's days as kings of handheld gaming are numbered.