How the Apple iPhone Could Threaten Nintendo's Dominance in Handheld Gaming

The Nintendo DS, first released in 2004, has been a force to be reckoned with in the handheld gaming market. The company freshened up its design in 2006 with the release of the thinner and lighter DS Lite. However, with Apple set to launch its App Store feature for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, Nintendo may soon face a new competitor in the market.

The iPhone and iPod Touch combine the touch-sensitive screen of a Nintendo DS with the motion sensitivity of the Nintendo Wii. This powerful combination could allow users to easily pour fresh games into their devices at the touch of a button. While it's unlikely that mobile versions of complex software like Oracle's database will make waves, putting games on the iPhone is a compelling idea.

Steve Jobs' computer and gadget company has promised to launch the App Store feature, which will allow outside developers to create and distribute software for the iPhone and iPod Touch. This move could potentially disrupt Nintendo's dominance in handheld gaming.

The Nintendo DS has had a good run, dominating the market despite determined assaults from Sony. However, with Apple set to enter the scene, Nintendo may need to adapt its strategy to remain competitive.

Will the arrival of Apple's App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch create problems for Nintendo in handheld gaming? Let us know your thoughts in the Reader Comments section below.

The combination of a touch-sensitive screen and motion sensitivity has already proven successful with the Nintendo Wii, which has turned the gaming world on its head with its family-friendly games and innovative controls. If Apple can replicate this success with its iPhone and iPod Touch devices, it could mark a significant shift in the handheld gaming market.

Overall, while the Nintendo DS is still a formidable force in the market, the arrival of Apple's App Store feature may be a game-changer for handheld gaming enthusiasts.

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