Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
3.6
Trend score
Trend
What is the Smartphone Console trend?
Smartphone Console: Smartphone gaming tends to evoke images of mainstream consumer-friendly apps, however, peripherals and in some cases, tweaked mobile design is skewing more toward the hardcore gamer. This is being executed by taking direct cues from console gaming. This shows a convergence of two opposing subcultures within gaming culture as a whole.
Trend themes
Themes within the Smartphone Console trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Mobile Gaming Peripherals
As mobile gaming becomes more nuanced, peripheral developers will experience both expanding consumer demand and a growing pool of engaged, hardcore users.
02
Design Specific Smartphone Controllers
Tweaks to the smartphone form factor and companion steps will cement mobile gaming dominance over console for both casual and hardcore users.
03
Retro Gaming Meets Mobile
Integration of retro gaming with the modern smartphone will open up new revenue opportunities for both established retro gaming brands and for smartphone developers seeking to differentiate their products.
Industry implications
What the Smartphone Console trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Mobile Gaming Accessories
Developers of peripherals, such as customized smartphone gaming controllers, can anticipate greater attention from both casual and hardcore audiences.
For
Smartphone Manufacturing
Designers of new, innovative smartphone configurations, like the concept device Cubimorph, will see the success of mobile gaming peripherals as a key component to expanding the functions and demand of handheld devices.
For
Retro Gaming
Retro games manufacturers will have a new platform to introduce their classic software to a wider market as mobile companies look to incorporate classic gaming software into new devices tailored for the smartphone form.
Workshop question
How can you innovate around products that are already performing well with your consumers?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Smartphone Console
Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 54%, freshness 8%.
Popularity46%
Activity54%
Freshness8%
Audience
70%Men
30%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Smartphone Console trend
4 featured examples from May 31 to Jul 6, 2016CategoryTech
Shape-Shifting Touch Screens
Researchers Developed an Adaptable Touch Screen Prototype
The consumer electronics industry has the opportunity to innovate and develop shape-shifting touch screens that will revolutionize the market.
CategoryTech
Smartphone Gaming Controllers
The Nintendo Controller is Being Remodeled to Incorporate iPhones
Companies in the gaming industry can capitalize on smartphone gaming controllers by developing new games and accessories that leverage the enhanced control and immersion they prov…
CategoryTech
Gaming Smartphone Concepts
'Nintendo Plus' is a Smartphone and Gaming Console Hybrid
The 'Nintendo Plus' concept highlights a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for the technology industry in the development of hybrid devices that combine multiple functio…
CategoryTech
Physical Smartphone Gaming Controllers
The Hyperkin Smart Boy Smartphone Games Console is Retro
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture gaming accessories that cater to the growing demand for retro gaming experiences.
