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Analysts and experts think there's room for Nintendo's dedicated handheld legacy to expand after Switch
Nintendo merged their portable and console divisions awhile back, and now they're all focused on creating software for the Switch. It makes sense, because the Switch is obviously a console and handheld in one. That said, could there actually be a dedicated handheld future for Nintendo? While no one knows what Nintendo is up to, industry insiders and former Nintendo employees think there's certainly room. Check out comments from notable names below.
Zebra Partners' Perrin Kaplan (formerly of Nintendo of America): "There is a market for millions who love a standalone games portable system. I'm one of those millions for sure. So, never say never."
Ubisoft's brand director for international brand strategy Shara Hashemi: "As a mother to a seven-year old, I am always reticent to give my iPhone to my daughter. I would much rather have her play on a handheld with selected games tailored to her. She would love the Imagine games."
NPD's Mat Piscatella: "The tech is at a place where separating a portable is no longer necessary to have a market viable product. Today's video game consumers seem to be preferring flexibility with content engagement, so I'd expect other solutions to be preferable to a dedicated portable platform. But things change."
Jo Bartlett, former Nintendo UK head of communications and partnerships: "Part of the magic of Nintendo is never being able to predict what it's going to do next, or how it will capture the imagination of gamers, so who knows what it's got up its sleeve?"