One Task the iPad Mini (and any touchscreen) is Not Optimized For...Gaming

Yes, I just had a post highlighting my favorite iPhone games. This is a different argument.

More and more, arguments for purchasing a smartphone or tablet have included some form of the phrase "and this device is ideal for gaming."  This is true, but only to a certain extent.

I have purchased and played some graphic intensive games on my iPad.  The animation is beautiful and the depth of gaming is impressive, but no game from the App Store can compare to a true gaming platforms like Playstation Vita or Nintendo DS.

And it's not just about the details or the number of levels, its about the physical form factor.  Hard core gamers need a joystick and buttons. A touchscreen is only good for simple games or games that are built from the ground up for touchscreens.  There is no denying the success of 'Angry Birds' and 'Temple Run, ' but life long PS3 and XBox gamers sometimes need more.

I own 'Mass Effect Infiltrator,' described as one of the best iPad action/first person shooter games.  It is a lot of fun, but I will never be fully comfortable with the touchscreen joystick and tapping to fire my rifle.  It does not feel natural.  I still really enjoy the game and I believe the Apple App Store has many such high-end games available, but they can only temporarily stave off the urge to sit on the couch and play Halo for 12 hours straight.

Is there an XBox 360 in there?

It is unclear if the Playstation Vita can survive in a climate of simple, inexpensive and addicting touchscreen games...but in my opinion, it should survive. I still really appreciate my Playstation Portable and my Nintendo DS, although both are several generations old now.  They are better for gaming because they are only for gaming.  And no matter what anyone says, touchscreen gaming will not, and should not, overpower the Playstation or XBox. Those 2 platforms are untouchable.