Size Matters: Comparing the Gameplay Experiences of Mobile and Console Gamers

The video game industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, emerging as one of the top entertainment sectors. Technological advancements have played a crucial role in expanding gaming platforms, with consoles and mobile devices being prominent examples.

Each platform possesses its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consoles offer larger screens and high-quality graphics, allowing for immersive gaming experiences. Additionally, they enable users to perform numerous actions using game controllers. On the other hand, mobile devices are known for their ease of use and accessibility, offering the convenience of being portable and playable anywhere. Moreover, both platforms boast an extensive collection of captivating games across various genres.

In this article, we will compare mobile games and console features, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their respective characteristics.

Console vs Mobile Gaming: By the numbers

Mobile gaming has emerged as a major contender in the gaming industry in recent years. As indicated by a report from Newzoo, mobile games amassed a global revenue of $77.2 billion in 2020, surpassing the $45.2 billion generated by console games.

This upward trajectory is projected to persist, with estimates suggesting that mobile gaming will reach an impressive $286.50 billion by 2023, constituting 59% of the total revenue of the global video game market. The growing popularity of mobile devices and technological advancements have made it convenient for individuals to access and engage in gaming activities on their smartphones, regardless of location.

Notwithstanding the surge in mobile gaming, console gaming continues to generate substantial profits. While mobile games may hold the upper hand in terms of profitability, console games provide a distinct advantage in terms of superior graphics and immersive gameplay experiences that are challenging to replicate on mobile devices.

The multipurpose smart device

Mobile devices serve various purposes, including social media usage, photography and video recording, video streaming, movie watching, and making phone calls. As a result, the hardware and infrastructure of mobile devices significantly differ from those of dedicated gaming consoles.

In addition, mobile devices can tap into the broader gaming interests of the consumer, such as online casino games or sports wagering. A player can seamlessly transition from one of the trusted online pokies providers to a game of Candy Crush within seconds, thus giving a wider range of gaming options beyond the typical console offerings.  

Many mobile brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google offer different device-specific features and configurations. Consequently, game developers must ensure their games are compatible with all mobile platforms. They also conduct thorough playtesting on multiple mobile devices to eliminate any technical glitches, errors, or bugs that may arise during gameplay.

Mobile vs Console Gaming: The pros and cons

Nearly everyone owns a smartphone these days. Thanks to advancements in technology and widespread internet access, mobile games have become the preferred choice for entertainment.

To comprehend the immense growth of the mobile gaming industry, a recent study conducted by analyst firm GlobalData predicts that the market will reach a value of $272 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 11%. But what are the pros and cons of mobile gaming?

Mobile gaming pros:

• Easy to develop – The time spent creating a mobile game is significantly shorter than console games.

• Easy to publish – The distribution process of games on iOS or Android is far easier.

• Easy to promote – Reaching audiences far and wide is achieved through paid advertisements. Mobile games are simple to advertise through digital channels such as social media.

• Easy access – The ability to play a mobile game anywhere and anytime is a key factor that makes them so popular.

Mobile gaming cons:

• Saturated market – The mobile gaming market is overly saturated as more than 6,000 apps are uploaded daily on Android alone, and only 0.01% find success.

• Lacking quality – There isn’t a high demand for quality control in mobile game publishing; this results in a high chance that many mobile games will present poor-quality experiences.

• Limited genres – Small screens in a portable format limit the game types mobiles can offer, and specific game genres aren’t suitable for mobile whatsoever.

• Battery damage – Mobile devices are powered by batteries that often struggle to avoid damage with constant gaming.

Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft's Xbox are the leading consoles in the gaming market. Many console enthusiasts eagerly purchase the latest console versions to enjoy the newest game releases. As a result, gaming consoles have fostered a distinctive community of players.

 Consoles have been a part of the gaming industry since its inception. However, in recent years, they have undergone significant advancements, making them user-friendly, facilitating multiplayer interactions, and often providing a more affordable alternative to gaming PCs or high-end mobile devices.

Console gaming pros:

• Affordable – Consoles are affordable and almost half the price of most high-end mobile devices. They also stand the test of time and can operate for decades after your purchase.

• Exclusive content – Many consoles have exclusive content reserved for a specific console. An example is  Spiderman on the PlayStation, a game that cannot be played or accessed anywhere other than on PS hardware.

• A strong community – Consoles have a dedicated fan base who support the interest of watching and playing console games.

• High quality – The quality of console games is incomparable to mobiles due to the significantly more powerful hardware used and the rigorous quality control they undergo before release.

Console gaming cons:

• Development time – A console game can take years to create, develop, and publish.

• Pricing – Due to the high investment costs of creating and producing a console video game, this is reflected in the price of purchasing AAA titles, which are now between £50-£80.

• No TV, no gaming – For a true console game experience, you must sit in front of a television and have a dedicated gaming space. Handhelds are an alternative, but they cannot compete with a console's high frame rate and visual experience, thus eliminating the ability to play consoles on the move.

Conclusion

Gaming on a large screen with reliable controls, no delays, and excellent audio and visuals remains incredibly appealing. Although mobile games have gained immense popularity and profits, it is evident that there will always be a demand for dedicated gaming consoles.

The enduring popularity of the PS5 and strong sales numbers of the Nintendo Switch demonstrate that the traditional gaming experience can coexist with newer platforms. Ultimately, we consumers benefit from this variety, and there’s a place for both console and mobile gaming within the industry.