The Nintendo Wii is already taking a pounding on the high street. And with the DS and DSi also said to be struggling to entice more punters, Ninty has admitted its disastrous financial figures are down to the new–found status of the iPhone and iPod touch as handheld gaming’s great new hope. Keep reading to see just why Nintendo’s so concerned by Apple’s growth.
Nintendo’s profits have slumped in recent months by a massive 66 per cent. And while the recession is clearly giving the Japanese giant a money–based migraine, it also says games from Apple’s App Store on the iPhone and iPod touch are also wreaking havoc with sales of the DS and DSi.
In an otherwise dull conference call about their dire results, a Nintendo representative claimed the DS and DSi were suffering, “due to harsher competition in the portable arena stemming directly from Apple devices.”
Nintendo DS outselling all consoles combined
There are myriad reasons why the iPhone and iPod touch are giving the Nintendo DS a beating. On the most basic level though, Apple doesn’t have to shift games to shops before selling them, keeping the costs lower than a Woolies fire sale. The Secret of Monkey Island only costs £4.99 on the App Store.
How the PSPgo comes into this handheld play remains to be seen. But with direct downloads, Sony should be able to undercut Nintendo when it comes to price. The battle for your daily commute’s gaming time is well and truly on.
Out now | £149.99 | Nintendo (via AppleInsider)
