These days it has become almost unnecessary to own a gaming console. The integration of platforms and the cross-availability of games seem to be wiping out the need for additional gaming devices.

Agreed that there are hard-core gaming experts who need to hit away on their PlayStations, but others can now enjoy the luxury of playing ‘on-the-go.' The number of games a user has access to on his android mobile handset and the ‘play on the move' convenience is giving stiff competition to these bulky gaming consoles.

There are a number of “PlayStation Certified” games are available on the Google android store as well. Among the first few PS games to be available on the store are Wild Arms, Cool Boarders 2, Rally cross, Medievil and Syphon Filter. The Windows Store, which will be launched in the second half of the year, is also expected to have advanced games in it.

The demand for gaming consoles, including Nintendo Game Boys and PlayStations (PS1, PS2, PSP), peaked in the early 2000s. However, the launch of new devices, such as the Xperia Play by Sony Ericsson is replicating the PS experience on the mobile phone. Known to be the first ‘PlayStation Certified' phone, the Xperia Play promises users an immersive gaming experience. The phone's stereo sound system and the sharp graphics add to it. It also has the square, circle, cross and triangle buttons which are present on the analog stick of the gaming console.

A survey conducted by Tata Consultancy Services on the digital usage patterns of Gen Y shows a transition in their preferences to mobile phones. On an all-India level, nearly 30 per cent consider mobile phones their favourite gadget. Gaming consoles are preferred by only 14 per cent of the youth.

So, if you're the kind who needs to ‘play' your way to work or be visually engaged in your free time, you know what to reach out for!

>priya.s@thehindu.co.in

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