# Smartphone Console Mobile gaming moves beyond apps to mimic consoles. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Dec 19, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smartphone-console ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 31 to Jul 6, 2016 - Published: Dec 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Smartphone Console trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Smartphone Console trend means for industry ### For 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 for Smartphone Console Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Smartphone Console trend 4 featured examples from May 31 to Jul 6, 2016. - [Shape-Shifting Touch Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaptable-touch-screen): Researchers Developed an Adaptable Touch Screen Prototype (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry has the opportunity to innovate and develop shape-shifting touch screens that will revolutionize the market. - [Smartphone Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-controller): The Nintendo Controller is Being Remodeled to Incorporate iPhones (Category: Tech) Implication: 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… - [Gaming Smartphone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-plus): 'Nintendo Plus' is a Smartphone and Gaming Console Hybrid (Category: Tech) Implication: The 'Nintendo Plus' concept highlights a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for the technology industry in the development of hybrid devices that combine multiple functio… - [Physical Smartphone Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-games): The Hyperkin Smart Boy Smartphone Games Console is Retro (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture gaming accessories that cater to the growing demand for retro gaming experiences. ## 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)