iPhone and iPod Touch threaten DS dominance

Forbes recently wrote an article entitled "Why Apple Could Kill the Nintendo DS." We could write a more convincing argument called "Why Apple Won't Kill the Nintendo DS," but we won't waste your time. Even in Japan, a country where mobile phone gaming isn't considered the bastard child of the video game industry, the DS has become its own mighty empire.

To say that the iPhone and iPod Touch could kill the DS is a bit alarmist, but that doesn't mean they won't offer Nintendo's handheld some healthy competition. Come Monday, the App Store will launch on iPhones and iPod Touches (via a firmware update), allowing users to download games and applications straight onto their devices.

Aside from the ease of getting games, the iPhone and iPod Touch utilize a stylus touchscreen play, like the Nintendo DS. Trying to one-up Nintendo, Apple even added motion-sensitivity into the two machines.

We're interested to see how the App store will affect the handheld gaming market, but is the DS in danger of dying off now? Not likely.

[Thanks, Racecar!]