Handheld market still alive, 3DS sales are amazing.

[UltimateUnknown]

mai said:

UltimateUnknown said:

Unfortunately software is where the dedicated handheld is taking a hit because of all the free games on the app stores. But at the end of the day quality software will stand out over free crap even if it comes for a premium price and there will always be people who want quality. I think a slightly lower price point for games (nothing above $30) with downloadable versions costing $5 less or so would do the handheld market a lot of good.

Rough check (VGC data, retail only) suggests it trending behind DS after 2 years in attach rate, but at the level of PSP (3 for DS, 2.5 for PSP and 3DS), not too shabby given price point. But I wouldn't mind more cheap digital games and more cheaper digital versions of retail games, otherwise there's just no point in buying them digitally (especially if they cost less in real stores).

Exactly my point with digital downloads. Its great on paper but its ridiculous that digital copies cost almost upto 50% more than their retail counterparts (some games on Live cost twice the retail versions wtf). Plus digital games don't drop in price as much as retail games. There is no reason to buy a digital copy as you said if retail copies cost less. I suppose Nintendo/Sony/MS don't want to undercut and screw around with their retail partners who promote and sell their games. Unfortunately business practices take precedence over consumer friendliness.