I thought this was interesting... now Google Play store gamer spending is second only to iOS spending.

It's interesting because:

1. Doom and gloom for dedicated, locked down gaming handhelds looks to warranted as consumer spending for these devices is in decline

2. iOS still dominates Google Play in app purchases, despite having less than 1/3 the marketshare

http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/21/google-play-mobile-gamer-spending/

All of the attention on Android-powered mobile gaming has paid off: Google Play is now in second place behind iOS when it comes to mobile gamer spending. A report from IDC and App Annie that tallies up Q2 2013 purchases indicates that Google's app repository has surpassed gaming-specific devices like Nintendo's 3DS and Sony's PlayStation Vita for the first time. The numbers also show that funds spent in both iOS App Store and Google Play combined account for around four times that of dedicated devices. It's worth noting that there are a few more smartphones and tablets in the hands of consumers than the aforementioned handhelds, but content for the latter usually carries a higher price tag. Of course, integration with the next-gen PS4 and a price cut is on the horizon for the Vita, so that functionality couldhelp boost Sony's numbers next time around.

I blame Sony for driving down dedicated hand held sales. 3DS will be up YOY considering it had an excellent 2013 lineup.

Most members of this site are still at stage 1: denial.. The rest is at level 3: depression .. And two, me excluded, may be at stage5 acceptance

those bastards sony, have they ever done anything good for the industry?!

cant compete with free games that nickle and dime you to death and even $1 games that do the same.
plus apples store doesnt have as much free stuff making "purchases" appear less.

nothing like supporting the regression of gaming. also how do we know they are games? there are actual apps that do work things.

this story doesnt have enough info.

QFT

It's so much easier and infinitely cheaper for adults to give their kids a hand-me down smartphone to play games on than a 3DS.

And for the overwhelming vast majority of adults (not those indicative of this site mind) will just play on the device they already own (since there is already an unending over-abundance of games on it) than purchase a secondary device (which then also needs to be carried about) solely for that purpose.

It's not all doom and gloom, Nintendo has strong enough IPs people will still purchase a device to play them (and most likely a cheaper 3DS over the WiiU which so far offers a similar line-up of games coming) but I see no hope for Vita, not even with the price cut and major franchises coming (which they are not). 

app purchases, you mean free and 1 dollars apps? How much profit do they bring in.

Nintendo's handheld division brings in more profit then all app making companies in the bird combined

Last handheld gen was bigger than ever.. and 3ds and vita will sell a lot to

The ios and google play game.. are another kind of game.. more like a minigame.. and they are played without real buttons

So it's more like.. telephone and tablets offers some new markets.. And that offcourse will get some of the consumers money.. but i bet other producs like boardgames, calander, watches, navigation and so manufacters are much more hurt by the "smart" invasion.. than a dedicated handheld.. becurse they are futher apart..

Hah...what acceptance needs to be made?

All I know is that I am playing full console versions of Jet Set Radio, crazy Taxy, Max Payne and GTA Vice City on my Android based Nvidia Shield, in full HD, all of which I bought for less than 15 bucks combined. Can't do that with 3DS or PS Vita...

Somethng like Xcom and Deus Ex on iOS is much closer to console gaming on the go than 90% of Vita games. 

I see no reason to acept anything, other than better technology, pricing model and wider device appeal. 

Nonesence... Look in the iOS and Android app store and you will see lots of quality titles priced at 2.99 - 9.99 that aren't free to play model and are on par with 3DS or PSVita games.