# Gamer Portability A desire for authentic gaming prompts more engaging mobile add-ons. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 24, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/gamer-portability ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 7, 2013 to Sep 26, 2014 - Published: Apr 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Gamer Portability trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Gamer Portability trend means for industry ### For 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 for Gamer Portability Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 41%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 62% - Activity: 41% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Gamer Portability trend 8 featured examples from Jan 7, 2013 to Sep 26, 2014. - [Multimedia Ping Pong Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ping-pong-table): The Stiga Studio Table Has Subwoofers and Bluetooth Connectivity (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate technology and multimedia features into traditional sports equipment to attract tech-savvy customers. - [Gaming-Inspired Smartphone Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-controllers): The MOGA iOS Controller Makes Best Mobile Gaming Experience (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing and producing mobile gaming gadgets and accessories for smartphones to meet consumer demand. - [Exteme Gaming Phone Attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moga-pro): The MOGA Pro Transforms Your Phone into a Mobile Gaming Device (Category: Tech) Implication: Gaming accessory manufacturers can develop mobile gaming controllers that cater for mobile gaming enthusiasts. - [Touchscreen Gaming Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-stickers): The 'Invisible Gamepad' Gaming Stickers Makes Playing Apps Easier (Category: Tech) Implication: The mobile gaming industry could utilize these invisible gaming stickers as an innovative way to enhance their user's mobile gaming experience - [Smartphone-Enabled Physical Gamepads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-gamepad): Samsung Has Released a Mobile Gamepad for Android Smartphones (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Bring new and creative gaming experiences to smartphones by developing unique games that leverage the capabilities of mobile devices. - [Gamer-Friendly Phone Sleeves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-boy-controller): 'G-Pad' Gamepad is a Game Boy Controller for Your iPhone (Category: Tech) Implication: Mobile accessory companies can capitalize on the trend of retro gaming by developing and marketing similar products like the G-Pad sleeve. - [Portable Gaming Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shield-tablet): The Nvidia Shield Tablet Aims to Take Mobile Gaming to the Next Level (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies in the gaming hardware industry can leverage this trend by creating specialized gaming devices like gaming-centric tablets, controllers or smartphones. - [Virtual Reality Tablet Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-gear-vr): The Samsung Gear VR is Powered by Oculus Technology (Category: Tech) Implication: 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. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)