(Opinion piece)

DO WE WANT THUMBSTICKS AS WELL AS TOUCHSCREENS?

Sauce: oxm.co.uk

"The debate over whether Microsoft should release a gaming handheld is an ancient one, of course, but it's picked up a little momentum of late thanks to Xbox SmartGlass, the success of 3DS, Microsoft Surface and other industry news that pertains to portability. Which side will triumph?

[ I'm going to summarize what two autors at OXM.CO.UK wrote]

· LOG SAYS: Yes.

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Releasing a proper handheld wouldn't just enhance the abilities of SmartGlass. Make one that matches the performance of the Xbox 360, and make it compatible with my huge collection of XBLA games. Not enough storage? Sell me a hard drive on which I can store my library, accessible at home via wi-fi. Store my save games in the cloud, on my Gold membership. Let me transmit what's on my handheld to the TV, via the Xbox One. Make all original Xbox games available digitally, for a fiver. That alone would have me hurling cash at you.

This would make Microsoft look like the protector of its own legacy. It would show customers that it cares about the money we've already spent. It would demonstrate a well-deserved pride in its heritage, instead of a reckless dash for the big new thing.

· ED SAYS: No.

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If the last few years have proven anything, it's that any dedicated gaming handheld that isn't a Nintendo is basically doomed, and even Nintendo's run into difficulties of late, as smartphones and tablets wend their way ever deeper into consumer pockets.

The sales figures tell a sorry tale of people shunning dedicated devices, in favour of playing games on one they already own. Thumbsticks do have a certain timeless appeal, but touchscreen gaming is going from strength to strength. The other month I went hands-on with Halo: Spartan Assault, for instance, which features new virtual stick tech. It's rather magical, and bodes well for other first-party franchise spin-offs.

I'd also suggest that hankering for sticks presumes that analog-based game types will remain the gold standard, which seems limiting. Riddle me this: which would you rather use to play a real-time strategy game like Halo Wars - a tetherable tablet, or a pad? And what other game types might developers concoct, if they're given reason to invest in SmartGlass rather than asked to crowbar third- and first-person shooters into some botched, ungainly medley of screen and controller?

These two have spoken. But you, dear VGChartz community, what do you think? Do you agree with these people? You have your own vision in the matter? Tell us!

No. When you look at how the Vita is doing now, I can't see why Xbox should be trying to break into the market. They could try to make an Xbox phone or tablet, with buttons and rumble and all that crap, and see how that goes. But a dedicated handheld? No.

Nah. Would have the same problems as Sony.

I think they should stick to what theyre doing with games like Spartan Assault. Release games on the mobile platforms they already have on the market.

Nope. Focus on Windows Phone platform. Focus on few core excellent products rather than getting into every little niche category as possible.

Considering how well Zune, Windows Phones and Windows Tablets worked/ are working for them... NO.

OMG! Yes! now would be the perfect time. Please make it happen Microsoft!

Nope. That's Nintendo's purview, and 2 is good as is. Three would be too fractured.

no because Microsoft don't know anything about compact size and if they managed to release such a device it run hot and burn your hands.

Jokes aside, i think stick with what they know the living room and make it better in that space.

"little niche category"

I agree with this.

Entering into the Handheld market is hazardous for anyone but Nintendo, it seems. The PSP did alright (HW wise, at least), but everything else has just completely dropped off the radar.