Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
Gamer
Portability
A desire for authentic gaming prompts more engaging mobile add-ons.
3.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Gamer Portability trend?
Gamer Portability: While mobile gaming provides a more practical method for on-the-go play, smartphone apps often lack the excitement and physical interaction of consoles and gaming systems. Seeking to add a more authentic feel to portable play, consumers are turning to mobile add-ons that help add traditional gaming features to compact, cellular devices. Touchscreen stickers and console attachments combine conventional aspects of gaming with the desire for more convenient, and accessible methods of everyday entertainment.
Trend themes
Themes within the Gamer Portability trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Mobile Gaming Accessories
Consumers are turning to mobile add-ons, gaming stickers, gaming controllers, portable gaming tablets, and virtual reality headsets that add features, tactility, and console-like authenticity to mobile gaming with smartphones and tablets, offering more convenient, portable, and immersive entertainment gameplay.
02
Tech-enhanced Gaming Accessories
Expect to see more enhanced gaming accessories such as gaming tables with sound systems, LED lighting and Bluetooth connectivity. Meanwhile, Samsung Gear VR and Oculus tech-powered virtual reality headsets will change the way that consumers interact with mobile devices and offer a platform for endless possibilities in entertainment and presentation, moving beyond standalone consoles.
03
Gaming Communities and Crowdfunding
Gamer-friendly mobile device accessories are being introduced through crowdfunding platforms, including mobile gaming stickers and phone sleeves that mimic and refresh retro games from Game Boy or Nintendo, serving as a disruptive innovation in the gaming industry.
Industry implications
What the Gamer Portability trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Mobile Devices
Developers of smartphones and tablets can further innovate by partnering with gaming accessory makers or developing their own mobile gaming accessories, taking the gaming user experience to a whole new level.
For
Entertainment
The entertainment industry can create seamless user experiences with multimedia ping pong tables and other gaming accessories, by incorporating virtual reality technology, and by linking gaming content via mobile devices to TV viewing experiences.
For
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter offer ways for gamers to showcase their creativity and make prototype gaming accessory products available to consumers, introducing disruption to the gaming industry while meeting the needs and interests of the consumer base.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Gamer Portability
Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 41%, freshness 8%.
Popularity62%
Activity41%
Freshness8%
Audience
70%Men
30%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Gamer Portability trend
8 featured examples from Jan 7, 2013 to Sep 26, 2014CategoryTech
Multimedia Ping Pong Tables
The Stiga Studio Table Has Subwoofers and Bluetooth Connectivity
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate technology and multimedia features into traditional sports equipment to attract tech-savvy customers.
CategoryTech
Gaming-Inspired Smartphone Controllers
The MOGA iOS Controller Makes Best Mobile Gaming Experience
Developing and producing mobile gaming gadgets and accessories for smartphones to meet consumer demand.
CategoryTech
Exteme Gaming Phone Attachments
The MOGA Pro Transforms Your Phone into a Mobile Gaming Device
Gaming accessory manufacturers can develop mobile gaming controllers that cater for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
CategoryTech
Touchscreen Gaming Stickers
The 'Invisible Gamepad' Gaming Stickers Makes Playing Apps Easier
The mobile gaming industry could utilize these invisible gaming stickers as an innovative way to enhance their user's mobile gaming experience
CategoryTech
Smartphone-Enabled Physical Gamepads
Samsung Has Released a Mobile Gamepad for Android Smartphones
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Bring new and creative gaming experiences to smartphones by developing unique games that leverage the capabilities of mobile devices.
CategoryTech
Gamer-Friendly Phone Sleeves
'G-Pad' Gamepad is a Game Boy Controller for Your iPhone
Mobile accessory companies can capitalize on the trend of retro gaming by developing and marketing similar products like the G-Pad sleeve.
CategoryTech
Portable Gaming Tablets
The Nvidia Shield Tablet Aims to Take Mobile Gaming to the Next Level
Companies in the gaming hardware industry can leverage this trend by creating specialized gaming devices like gaming-centric tablets, controllers or smartphones.
CategoryTech
Virtual Reality Tablet Tech
The Samsung Gear VR is Powered by Oculus Technology
Virtual reality headsets like the Samsung Gear VR have the potential to disrupt the consumer electronics industry by revolutionizing how we interact with mobile devices.
