There's nothing wrong with comparing different things. However, it is important to keep the comparisons rational. For example, comparing one console that has plenty of supply to keep up with demand (3DS) to another that has just launched (PS4), which means supply will be at its lowest since it just went into production.

Also, it is completely pointless to bring up a comparison that the thread isn't discussing, as its just off topic and mostly done to stir up other users. If you think your comparison is valid, then just make a thread about it.

I don't really think comparisons between handheld consoles and tablets/smartphones is exactly fair. Sure there might be some overlap, but the latter are multi-purpose devices, and aren't generally purchased for the same reasons as dedicated devices. It's essentially the same as comparing home consoles to PCs. Though interestingly enough, I never seem to see that comparison here....

In any case, I don't really see the problem in comparisons, as long as the comparisons are valid. The audiences might not be identical, but I think you'll find more overlap with home consoles and handhelds than with handhelds and mobile devices.

The proximity alone is just coincidence and not enough to compare them. After all the motivation of buying them is different. It just so happens that there are an about equal number of people on both sides who would buy them. 5th gen and before were different times. Now there is a giant boom in mobile games as they gained mainstream acceptance. So technically you would have to count any mobile device to play games with but then it's blown out of proportion.

The 3DS will probably be in the same realm of sales as the consoles are at the end of its cycle but again I think that is just coincident as 2 shifts are happening at the same time. One shift away from handhelds to mobile devices(mostly casuals) but at the same time a growing acceptence of handhelds by core gamers as an extension of their gaming on a home console.

I could be wrong on the second part but that's how I see it.

This is a sales site though. I'm not trying to compare them in quality or even saying the audience is the same. People are trying to compare ones sales to the other. They have equal opportunity to sell well. People are trying to say it's unfair to compare them which is untrue. Currently, yes because PS4 has supply issues and lacks Japan but in general it is completely fair for both sides.

3DS bra

Sure, people compare apples and oranges everyday.

But should't a fair comparison be between two equally viable choices that are competing for the same audience?

I agree with you that since this is a sales site and it is valid to compare handheld numbers to home console numbers, especially since they are so close to each other. But it's still not a fair comparison.

For example: You can compare the graphics on handhelds with those of home consoles since both are trying to deliver the best graphic fidelity that they are cabable of. Still it won't be a fair comparison.

May I ask you why it isn't fair? They have equal opportunity to sell well. Everybody can have their own opinions about if it makes sense to compare the two but I want to know why people (you) think it's unfair. It isn't like it's one sided and one has a bigger audience to sell to. (Sales data shows this) 

It's your opinion and I respect that but I'm just curious.

THREAD

Honestly if you can't understand why Vita can only be compared with 3DS and Wii U only with PS4 and Xbox One i think you have a little problem, not us