Why we can't wait for iPhone gaming
by Kyle Orland 
{ Jan 9th 2007 at 2:35PM }
Like most of the rest of the tech-obsessed world, we were following along with rapt attention today as Steve Jobs revealed the iPhone to a massive MacWorld audience. Sure, it's pretty cool that you'll soon be able to make phone calls on the world's most popular MP3 player, but what we're really excited about is the gaming potential of the device. Why? Here's why:
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Dual-touch: Imagine the Nintendo DS touch screen. Now stretch it out, design it for fingers instead of a stylus, and let it recognize two different inputs simultaneously. We can only imagine the gaming possibilities designers can create with this.
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Accelerometer: Sure, Jobs uses it to simply switch between portrait and landscape modes, but we don't see any reason this feature can't be used for WarioWare Twisted-style games with tilt-based controls
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Internet: Wi-Fi is already old news on the Nintendo DS and PSP, but since the iPhone is a cell phone, you could theoretically connect to your cell network and play online even without a Wi-Fi hot spot. The built-in web browser has the potential to allow for mobile play on thousands of free Flash games as well.
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Built-in camera: This may sound a little silly, but we were really excited about the EyeToy-like functionality of the Gizmondo. Now that that's crashed and burned, the iPhone's built-in two-megapixel camera and detailed widescreen could bring the concept back.
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Distribution: iTunes is already on millions of computers and has trained users to accept making micropayments for downloadable content. Oh, and it already has games. Dare we dream of downloading games-on-demand over a cell phone network?
While Jobs didn't specifically mention any gaming applications for the iPhone during his keynote speech, we think it's only a matter of time before some form of interactive entertainment is announced for the device. At least, we hope it's only a matter of time. Please?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Erwos @ Jan 9th 2007 2:41PM
You forgot one:
Price: This thing is $600 _with a plan_. There's no friggin' way it could achieve market penetration with a price like that.
zero2dash @ Jan 9th 2007 2:52PM
$500 or $600 depending on HD size...compared to $300-$400 Palm/Smartphones that don't offer half of the features that this does?
mywhitenoise @ Jan 9th 2007 2:46PM
I was anticipating a $500/$600 price...and I would totally accept it, but 8 GB is not enough. I don't have a cell-phone as it is, I just wanted a widescreen iPod. I can wait for a price drop. But, man, that phone is fucking awesome.
Marty @ Jan 9th 2007 2:44PM
Exactly. To bill this thing as a potential game device would be to set it up for a fate worse than the NGage and PSP combined.
I have my reservations as to whether this phone will be successful regardless though - who says that Apple has to try to push it's way into the phone business when they are doing just fine as they are? I think they might just be extending beyond their own reach with this one.
steve @ Jan 9th 2007 3:46PM
Yeah, the N-Gage was a huge success with most of that gaming functionality.
GunForHire @ Jan 9th 2007 2:47PM
I'm with #3, I was hoping for a widescreen iPod. They've gone and made it, only you have to pay $600 and get a phone attached.
How hard would it have been to simply take the phone features out and sell it?
As for gaming on it, it would have some very cool possibilities, but it'll never take off at that price.
KBeat @ Jan 9th 2007 3:00PM
That has to be the coolest freakin' thing I've ever seen. Sign me up.
Virtua Fanboy @ Jan 9th 2007 2:51PM
My impression of "The Truth":
Duurrrrr...this $600 phone is goin to put Xccesory box 360 out of business, duurrrrrrr. Don't you know cell phones, mp3 players, and video game consoles directly compete with each other, duuurrrrrr! Joystiq's in bed w/bill gates, duurrrrrrr! They don't show anything about iphone, duurrrrrr!
What do all of you think?
LunarDuality @ Jan 9th 2007 2:58PM
From everything I read/saw at Engadget that is one of the sweetest devices ever. And this coming from someone that hates Jobs and had avoided iPods and iTunes like the plague.
But the $600 *with* a 2-year contract officially priced me out ever having one in the next 2 years.
Ken Bukkake Kutaragi @ Jan 9th 2007 2:59PM
OMG OMG OMG
tHIs WiLL KIll WindOWs GAMINg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MICOsOFt HAs ALwaYs BEeN Ahead BUt wITH dIz APPLE WILL HaVE AN aNsWER FOR pC gAmIng!
JohnQAnonymous @ Jan 9th 2007 2:56PM
I have a terrible phone, and I really didn't want any phones. The iPhone looked really cool, but given Apple's propensity to never drop prices on things, there is absolutely no way in hell I will ever buy that phone at $599. Even if it comes down to $300 with a 2-year plan I am NEVER shelling out that much for a phone.
In addition to all, all the functionality is going to cost you extra. Oh, I want to download a new ringtone. $3. I want to access the internet. $.50/minute.
I'm going to stick to my 3 separate devices, thank you very much. I don't care how slick it looks. There isn't any way in hell I'm paying $600 to play games on that thing, either.
juicebytim @ Jan 9th 2007 2:58PM
Who cares, it's only on Cingular til at least mid 2008. Cingular is terrible, and my contract with T-mobile was just extended a year anyway.
I actually feel a bit alienated with this phone, only because a vast majority of people that would want this phone, can't have it because they are locked into a contract with another carrier than Cingular.
It's not going to be like the iPod where anyone can walk into the Apple Store and pick it up, or buy it as a gift for a relative. If you want it and you don't have Cingular, you will have to wait until your contract expires (for some that could be up to two years!), or you have to cancel your current contract and pay about $250 to do so.
Of course you will be able to unlock the phone most likely and use it with other carriers, but this isn't something your average consumer will know much about. Plus you will be paying much more than you would if you were to buy it with a contract.
Point being, Apple slipped up big time by going into an exclusive contract with Cingular, or any carrier at that. This should have been a universal device, supported by all carriers. How does this effect the potential of gaming? Honestly, I don't know and I really could care less because this phone will not be effecting me until T-Mobile carries this phone anyway.
Virtua Fanboy @ Jan 9th 2007 2:56PM
I think that this is a really cool phone. Maybe Apple will get the "all in one" aspect right w/this phone.
DWells55 @ Jan 9th 2007 2:57PM
599 US DOLLARS!
I'm sorry, but that was entirely necessary.
Erwos @ Jan 9th 2007 2:58PM
"$500 or $600 depending on HD size...compared to $300-$400 Palm/Smartphones that don't offer half of the features that this does?"
This phone makes a terrible smartphone for the price. No HSDPA, no hardware keyboard, and it's bigger. That more or less kills it for the smartphone crowd. It could be better described as a combination phone/AV device - and I think it'll do very well in that space.
Of course, I have no idea why you're comparing it to a Treo or PocketPC anyways - the competition in the gaming sphere would be the DS and PSP.
Marty @ Jan 9th 2007 2:59PM
So... how long do the batteries last, gentlemen?
pe @ Jan 9th 2007 3:02PM
What's so wrong with a phone thats durable and makes phone calls reliably. THey don't seem to make a whole lot of those anymore.
Matt @ Jan 9th 2007 3:04PM
Well seeing as the menu screen shows a big "Games" button, I'd imagine it's on its way.
And @ #8, regarding the $.50/minute for internet --- it's got WiFi. You don't need to pay for cell-network internet. Though I suppose if there's no WiFi nearby and it switches to it, there may be a charge -- who knows what kind of plans Cingular will cook up for it.
Damn you Cingular!! Why won't you put more towers in my area.
Silver R. Wolfe @ Jan 9th 2007 3:02PM
This is not one of the most fully featured phone. The fact that it doesn't support Cingular's 3G network is ridiculous when the BlackJack does.
As for gaming? Does it support 3D Accelerated graphics? And I doubt you'd want to play online games over EDGE.
Matt @ Jan 9th 2007 3:07PM
And regarding unlocking the phone to use on other carriers: Cingular and Apple jointly developed the visual voicemail feature, I wonder if that would even work on any other carrier's service.
LMAO @ Jan 9th 2007 3:06PM
Did you guys remember the 1st gen ipod? 20GB for $399, and it was selling like hotcakes.
Apple is yet another step ahead of the competition.
kodec @ Jan 9th 2007 3:08PM
No. Just, no. It's too fucking expensive, meanwhile I'm not going to lose any sleep over missing out on the gaming potential of a portable Mac, given the stellar gaming experience normal Macs currently offer.
Meanwhile, will Joystiq just jump on any bandwagon? Hey, I'm going to develop $2000 tennis shoes with little screens on them that you might be able to play games on someday, why not write an article about why you can't wait for shoegaming?
mike @ Jan 9th 2007 3:14PM
two words..... battery life
SickNic @ Jan 9th 2007 3:09PM
So I had to worry about people jumping me for my ipod before, and now they want me to use it as a phone for all to see? Thats just asking to be robbed. It looks pretty damn cool, but I'll pass...
JohnQAnonymous @ Jan 9th 2007 3:14PM
LMAO:
There wasn't a handheld portable solid-state MP3 player before the iPod.
There are, however, PHONES. And they don't cost $600 with a 2-year plan.
All Nokia has to do is step up a little bit, and boom. "Here's the new 40GB iPhoneKilla. It's $250, and available on all carriers."
n3rrd @ Jan 9th 2007 3:18PM
I think you guys are underestimating the image that Apple holds with alot of people. There are people who paid similar amounts for 60gb iPods when they first came out (atleast in Canada). This has significantly more functionality...
On another note, I think we're reaching for straws with this phone. Every blog I've been too has tugged and twisted the concept of the phone in every which way in order to make it fit with their blog's topic for some reason...
Mats @ Jan 9th 2007 3:29PM
This thing will be as much a success as if they gave out a brand spanking new console and sold it for 1000$.
Q @ Jan 9th 2007 3:21PM
so this is called iphone? what about all the other companies that call there things iphone before apple did what happens to them?
Voodoo Salami @ Jan 9th 2007 3:21PM
Internet access on a portable widesreen + phone...I'll take one!
Bob @ Jan 11th 2007 9:21AM
As a gaming platform it costs the same as a ps3, more than four times as much as the nintendo ds, please include that in your outlook.
That's alot of free flash games you're going to need to make up the difference.
Was this a well thought out post or just an excuse to put iphone on the front page?
JodyAnthony @ Jan 9th 2007 3:33PM
Cingular...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0rujUdgy-8o
CP229 @ Jan 9th 2007 3:45PM
May the Apple and Nintendo merger rumors start........
NOW!!!!!!
dru @ Jan 9th 2007 3:30PM
WOW - That phone looks incredible. I want one right now.
yoshimaroka @ Jan 9th 2007 4:21PM
Look, it's 1st gen
The first iPod had the same battery life span. The 1st iPod with video playback only had 1.5 hours. Firmware updates for iPhone should help a bit.
Contract sucks, but the interface is DEADLY!!! Check it out: http://www.apple.com/iphone/
bl13 @ Jan 9th 2007 3:35PM
Hmmm, 2 SKU's, $499 and $599. Certainly no device priced this high can appeal to mass market, right? RIGHT?
YourParody? @ Jan 9th 2007 3:41PM
...and without a contract?
Morisato13 @ Jan 9th 2007 3:55PM
I might rather buy a PS3... LoL.
JJRR @ Jan 9th 2007 3:54PM
Dual touch screen for gaming, with your fingers? Note: you can't see through your fingers.
Cabrill @ Jan 9th 2007 3:55PM
I first saw the news and was thrilled. Then I read that I'd have to go back to Cingular (ugh), but bit back my bile and started checking Apple.com, then Cingular.com to see if I could order it right away. When I couldn't find any information available, I started looking into when it was coming out. June, that's fine. Then I saw the price. $599 for a 8GB iPod/Phone?! I'd pay $399 for a 80GB iPod, or $199 for an awesome phone, but that doesn't mean if you strip out the reason an 80GB iPod is cool, and add phone to it instead that it's worth as much as both of them together! This is horrible! I'm going to keep waiting until they come out with the 80GB version, minus phone/PDA features. I just want a widescreen, large capacity, video iPod. Is that in your magic bag, too, Mr. Jobs?
john @ Jan 9th 2007 4:06PM
"19. Did you guys remember the 1st gen ipod? 20GB for $399, and it was selling like hotcakes.
Apple is yet another step ahead of the competition."
Actually it was only 5GB for $499, and it sold like hotcakes.
Mr. Khan @ Jan 9th 2007 4:29PM
The Joke should be:
Lol, we'll walk into a tech store on Monday and see it on the shelves, that's apple for ya!
Flit @ Jan 9th 2007 4:18PM
Battery life: Use up to 16 hours (i think this is a figure i saw somewhere).
Touchscreen keyboard: You don't have to touch the middle of the screen to control a game, so you don't have to see through your fingers
Price: yes, expensive, but wait til christmas with the rebates and black friday.
The only reason i would get one, is if they gave free internet access (over the cingular network) with the 2 year contract. Is that too much to ask cell phone companies for? No per minute or extra charges for surfing the net on my phone. First company to do that will get my money.
Slaziman @ Jan 9th 2007 4:51PM
Hmm... PS3, big phone, PS3... hmmm
I'll take the PS3, and that's coming from a Sony hater.
hyperion @ Jan 10th 2007 4:58PM
"I just want a widescreen, large capacity, video iPod. "
it's called a zune, but if you buy it you cant be trendy anymore.
MrAkash @ Jan 9th 2007 4:30PM
Hey guys, it was pretty sweet. I put a Blackjack in my pocket, and then I put my Ipod in my other pocket and I made the iPhone obsolete. Me ftw.
Maxathon @ Jan 9th 2007 5:08PM
"Dare we dream of downloading games-on-demand over a cell phone network?"
We've been doing that for years, jackass.
I love Apple--been an evangelist since I was like 5 and using an Apple IIc. But mark my words, they will never, ever realize the full gaming potential of any of their platforms. I don't think Jobs approves of games very much.
dsub @ Jan 9th 2007 4:40PM
that will break. very easily. mark my word. A massive unprotected LCD screen? It will get scratched to shit and crack. Many people carry their phones with then everywhere they go. Someone like myself needs something durable. A massive 4" unprotected LCD screen is not durable.
That thing is also big as hell.
sketch @ Jan 9th 2007 5:30PM
I have a PSP for gaming and videos, a Blackberry, and a 4th gen 20gb iPod for my music, and I would still want this phone. I like gadgets and all but the reason I wouldn't mind picking it up is for the convinience of only dealing with one device. Videos, Music, Photos, Internet (Wifi), Phone, SMS texting, email, Qwerty touch screen pad, Google Maps, Widgets, for $600 is not too bad. I just have to save $100 bucks a month until June.
Sean @ Jan 9th 2007 5:28PM
Yah, they really need a non-phone version. I'm really impressed with the phone interface and such, but I have no problem having a seperate, smaller cell phone. I really just wanted a widescreen iPod, but I'm also very interested in all the other non-phone stuff that's on here as well (widgets, internet, etc). Come on Apple - sell a non-phone version for $399 and I'll buy it!
Vinton Coffman @ Jan 9th 2007 5:16PM
So its $499 and $599 with contract. Yeah that expensive, but its not priced for joe average or joe gamer. Its for people that actually have a need for constant contact with the business world. That's why it has push email, MS Exchange support, full function web browser, and can switch to wi-fi networking or EDGE. I believe the RARZ was priced quite high when it came out too and after the initial rush of people willing to pay the premium for the latest and greatest in tech the price came down. Wasn't the iPod $499 when introduced? You can now get a 30 GB (6x storage increase) for $249. I think Cingular has exclusive availability for multiple years. With it being the largest provider in the U.S., why not? The BlackJack that someone mentioned retails for $449 with a 2.2" screen and a microSD slot that supports 2 GB (doesn't include 2 GB) and can be had for $199 with current promotions. So I'm sure you'll be able to get one 6-9 months after launch with some discount, unless demand is still though the roof. Besides, with the frequency that the iPod gets updated, in 9 months time it will probably have 2x storage and a price drop. I don't think its too expensive, the price makes it a luxury item that people desire to have. Just like so many people want a Porsche but settle for a VW jetta. Apple hasn't released the affordable shuffle version of the iPhone or the nice but still attainable iPhone nano. But if this iPhone sells they will.
As for games, they didn't really talk about games on the iPhone during the keynote which leads me to believe that they are unchanged compared to the games on the iPod Video. However, with that nice screen I wouldn't be surprised if new games like PSOne, Virtual Console, or Live Arcade type games also got ported to the iPhone I guess the controls would all be done via the multi-touch screen.
Anyway, my AAPL stock is up $7.11. The market must believe it will be a success and that its bad news for PALM down $0.85 and RIMM (BlackBerry) down $11.16 or 7.85% and MS that dropped 1% too.
This may effect Sony some since they make phones with Ericcson and their mp3 players. It will also effect MS directly with Zune and their PocketPC OS used in pda's and smart phones.
@#39 A phone is more likely to get us unlimited internet access than any other device available so far. I would go as far as to say that without unlimited access the iPhone will be a hard sell. Can you imagine the backlash from the first 100,000 customers getting a $300+ phone bill for reading email and watching streaming news clips?
Now if Sony and Apple would partner up with iTunes, AppleTV, and the PS3! I'd love to use my PS3 as the interface from iTunes and iPhoto to my receiver and HDTV. MediaCenter edition for Windows not necessary!