Is Good Hardware Enough to Bring Games?

There is no doubt that the hardware on the upcoming Apple iSlate is significantly more powerful than the hardware found in most mobile phones. This certainly brings about the possibility of being able to play many games that mobile phones cannot due to hardware limitations. Some are hopeful that the hardware on the iSlate will attract enough third party developers for the tablet to have a decent library of games.

Though one would have to wonder, is hardware limitation all there is?

Take a look at the Nintendo DS, the handheld gaming system is technically far below its rival, the Sony Playstation Portable in terms of hardware specs. Despite having a touch screen interface (and thus, two screens), the device cannot compete with the PSP’s sheer processing and 3D graphics capability. But this has not prevented many game developers from making games for the NDS.

The same thing can be said about the iPhone 3G. The device is over two years old now, but we have just started to see the iPhone being recognized by game developers as a suitable system for games. The real consideration has never really been about hardware since developers will develop games for a platform as long as there is a significant market for it.

This is also the reason why it took so long for the iPhone to get so many good games. Because it was only until recently that major game developers such as Konami, Capcom and Rockstar Games recognized the market value of the device.

No doubt that Apple’s tie up with major developers such as Electronic Arts (EA) would help encourage developers to make games for the upcoming tablet. But unless the device sells well, it might take a while before we see any great games for the device.

Read about the iSlate’s gaming value on Know Your Mobile.