The most popular contenders in the mobile gaming arena are Nintendo’s DS system and Sony’s PSP. Any chances of beating either will be tough but what may pose a threat and a handful of memorable Sony quotes could be the iPhone and one factor: innovation.

Currently Nintendo has hit the prime spot especially amongst consumers in the price aspects of a handheld gaming device and features that everyone can love. The PlayStation Portable is a media device and a gaming machine all in one and while It doesn’t sport the most amazing features, its customizable Software make it a favorite amongst more tech savvy users.

There also has been some rumors that Apple may provide some serious competiton to Nintendo in the portable gaming market so I thought I would delve into this and evaluate Apple’s potential approach.

Essentially Apple and Nintendo have been working on tehcnologies similar to the accelerometer in that a device will be able to sense where it is and react accordngly. This is evident in the iPhone and the Nintendo Wii’s remote control.

Nintendo has been developing similar technology for an upcoming version of the DS handheld that would further mimic the Wii in its unique interface. Apple has even responded to this claiming to have given game companies an early iPhone prototype to develop games for. In addition there have been references to games within the AppleTV’s Software. 

It really is interesting once you think about it, two companies developing nearly the same interface for a device yet with totaly drastic views. But it will take more than innovation to save Apple’s ass.

The reason Nintendo had been doing so well and continues to do so is all due to their passion of what made them Nintendo, the core elements that were around since the comany’s inception as a game console manufacturer. The simple yet enjoyful consoles produced can relate to a wide audience.

My guess is Apple would fail to grasp this and follow the path of Sony and Microsoft.

Current console offerings by Sony and Microsoft are multi functional and are becoming more like cheap super computers which raises the price. This overcomplication of features markets the hardware as something a more advanced user would use and not the casual gamers.