Loose Threads: What online services do handhelds need?

The online components of console's such as the PS3 and the Xbox 360 have become core selling tools for those products. In the handheld space however, everyone seems to have a different approach and the gaps are starting to show. Last week we put the question, 'What online services do handhelds need?' and this is what you had to say.

First to the debate via the weekend reminder was newie, IxianD:

"I always found the PSP online service rather lacking. The ability to surf on it, though tricky, is its only saving grace. The DS has great online gaming support if you can get past the 'friend code' side of things, and its built-in voice chat is always welcome.

"Improvements? A better keyboard interface for the PSP and more online supported games. Also a little more slack on the friend codes for the DS, with maybe an online chatroom/messaging service added (touchscreen would be great for this)."

Well we'd argue that most PSP games do have at least one online multiplayer mode - the problem the lack of players. Perhaps if the system was more unified, like PSN. Next to the debate was veteran poster, Mandark:

"I think in future handheld users will probably expect to see services similar to what they can access on their mobile phones. So, first will be the console manufacturers' own N-Gage style community services. People will also want to see proper web browsers - better than the PSP's current effort with its memory problems and the DS with its dodgy and expensive Opera browser - and easy access to mobile friendly versions of Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, BBC iPlayer and so on.

"Maybe 3G connectivity with free data use will be required in addition to wi-fi, to fight the threat of the high powered Nokias, iPhone and the Google phone."

It's a sound argument, but then who foots the bill for that extra connectivity? Will future iterations of the PSP and DS require a monthly data subscription so that you can use 3G services? Following Mandark, hunter_alien had a pop at the debate:

"A working internet browser is a good thing (so the 12 year old teen girl can check her emails every 10 seconds or just upload a pic to her MySpace profile, a pic that she made on the gizmos built-in camera) and a download service is also needed so the hardcore gamers can get golden oldies for less money, and also get cool new DLC, but why put in more?

"The fact remains that the handheld market is still a gimmicky market, and whoever needs more then a PSP or DS can offer, probably already has a 3G phone."

Yes, but can a 3G phone offer you something like God of War? We reckon there's a fair old chunk of handheld gamers who would like the best of both worlds and a fully comprehensive online service would be a good step forward.

We have a feeling this is a topic that will continue to run for a while (Accelorata Jengold, where are you? You missed your big moment to beg for the Virtual Console to come to the DS) and there have been some other goings-on in our forums that are worth pointing to.

First of all, a little help for one of our newest members Cantello with the mobile version of Age of Heroes IV: Blood and Twilight:

"I am looking desperately for any ancient to talk to in order to gain access to the rainbow vale. I have been virtually everywhere, all 6 (?) maps discovered and both subterranean complexes cleared. The "talk to ancient" quest is the only one that is still open. Any help on this? The official forum is Russian and my Russian is rather rusty…"

Yep, that old chestnut: the ever-elusive rainbow vale. If any of you have the solution, or can speak Russian, Cantello would surely be delighted to hear from you.

And now for something special. The forum has been ticking over nicely for the last year or so and slowly but surely a community is growing. It's growing so much in fact that some of our members have pointed out that perhaps managing the forum is too much of a Herculean effort for a single Admin to manage and that maybe it's time some of you were handed the reins too.

Therefore, we are accepting applications from anyone who would like to help monitor our forum. In order to apply, simply PM me (Fraser) from within the forum with your details and a brief note about what relevant experience you have and I will announce who has had their forum privileges bumped up to Admin level, next week.

That's almost it for this week, but before we go, there's time to tell you that next week's topic is:

What will TGS have in store for handhelds?

There are lots of rumours circulating about this at the moment, and with the conference less than two weeks away, now's the time to get busy with some wild speculation. As always, there are more details in the forum.

So until next week, remember to click 'Track It!' to be sure not to miss next week's Loose Threads, and happy posting.