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There was a time when Nintendo was synonymous with portable gaming. But now the company is being shoved aside.

According to research firm Flurry Analytics, by the end of 2011, 58 percent of total U.S. portable game software revenue will go to titles being played on Android and iOS. Nintendo's DS family of devices will only be able to grab 36 percent of total U.S. portable game software revenue this year, followed by Sony's PSP with 6 percent market share.

But that's just part of the story. As Flurry points out, in 2009, Nintendo's … Read more

It's no secret that the Nintendo 3DS has suffered from a dearth of compelling software to play on its unique 3D glasses-less screen. While we were shocked to see the system debut without the company's leading plumber, Nintendo calmed gamers' fears with the announcement of Super Mario 3D Land at this past summer's E3 2011 expo.

Just in time for the holiday season, Mario is back in his first-ever portable 3D adventure. He's got an enormous gaming void to fill, so how does the latest game stack up?… Read more

During the six-month period ended September 30, Nintendo saw its financial performance decline significantly, the company reported in a financial earnings release today.

Nintendo generated 215.7 billion yen ($2.84 billion) in revenue during the six-month period, representing a whopping 40.6 percent decline compared to the same period last year. Even more concerning, Nintendo's net loss hit $926 million, down significantly from the $26 million it lost in the six-month period ended September 30, 2010.

Judging by Nintendo's earnings report, the company was hit by two main issues: hardware and software sales were off, and it … Read more

When Scribblenauts made its Nintendo DS debut back in 2009, it instantly joined the ranks of the console's showcase games. GameSpot gave it an 8.0 rating and called it "a jubilant experience that is sure to delight."

Scribblenauts just arrived for iOS, going under the name Scribblenauts Remix, and it feels as original now as it did two years ago. It's not perfect, and it's definitely going to appeal more to kids than adults--but if you're looking for a unique gaming experience, it delivers.… Read more

Augmented reality in smartphones is just getting started.

If you have a smartphone or Nintendo 3DS, you've probably played with some form of augmented reality, which superimposes graphics, words and other useful information over real-life images.

Yelp, for instance, offers its Monocle feature, allowing you to see local listings superimposed over the image captured by the phone's camera. It uses the compass and gyroscope to locate the specific listings, which move in and out of view depending on where you hold the device. The augmented browser Layar came to prominence by accomplishing the same feat on Android smartphones. … Read more

Throw in the towel, Sony and Nintendo; it's game over. Portable console gaming no longer has a practical place in the current landscape of casual flick, drag, and swipe games. There is no room for the 3DSes and Vitas of the world when all-in-one functionality is now more important than high-tech, gaming-focused mobile systems.

Current consumers are more concerned with brief sessions of stimulation than they are with playing a complex 25-hour RPG. Take it from me, I've played those games on a Nintendo DS and Sony PSP before. I know how great they are.

But gaming is a serious business, and if consumers are content with an iPhone for music, video, and games, there is absolutely no practical need to carry around another bulky piece of hardware that is more than twice a smartphone's size and needs to be recharged after five hours of play time. The audience--or attention span--for hard-core mobile gaming may be shrinking. … Read more

Hulu Plus will be arriving on the Nintendo Wii and 3DS by the end of the year, the game company announced today.

As with other Hulu Plus integrations, Wii and 3DS owners will be able to access the streaming company's entire library of movies and television shows, including "Modern Family" and "Battlestar Galactica." In order to watch Hulu Plus content from the devices, users will need to pay the $7.99-per-month fee required to access the service.

The addition of Hulu Plus to the 3DS comes just a few months after Nintendo announced that Netflix's streaming service would be made available to the portable's owners. Both integrations are part of a broader strategy on Nintendo's part to bring more consumers into the 3DS fold.… Read more

Whoa! Check out these fancy new digs! Don't know about you, but I'm seriously liking the CNET makeover. Hubba-hubba!

When it comes to mobile gaming, I don't know how much longer dedicated devices like the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP can survive. The average iPod Touch or smartphone can play a zillion more games, most of them priced from free to $3, with no cartridges to schlep around.

That said, the kids sure do love the DS--and I'll admit it's a pretty sweet gaming gizmo. Hence today's deal: today only, and while supplies last, … Read more

At today's Apple event, a new iPhone was announced. Surprise, surprise: the iPhone 4S is a modest upgrade, at least in terms of design. However, it shares a benefit with its larger iPad 2 cousin: significantly improved graphics.

It's no longer a secret or even an aspiration: the iPhone and iPod Touch are now the most popular gaming handhelds on the planet. The Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita are, at best, hopefuls trying to steal away Apple's newfound crown. So, how does Apple's latest iPhone hold up the mantle as the reigning gaming handheld du jour?

In short: by continuing to do what it does best.… Read more