I think the concept of two-screen gameplay is okay, at best. I imagined it would play out more like an interactive heads-up display around a Laser Tag game.

I wouldn't call it revolutiionary though. The Kinect was a lot more useful in my opinion. I like using my body to interact with the screen. Hopefully someone will think of a better way to integrate mobile devices, maybe by using more hand gesture controls.

They want to keep your gaming lifestyle close at hand.

If Nintendo has an app on your phone (that you're already using), maybe you're more likely to check in on Miiverse. If that Wii U controller also works as a TV tuner (that you're already using), hey, it's right there. Why not play a NintendoLand mini game while you keep one eye on your sports program?

I think Nintendo heard those dust-collecting jokes loud and clear. They were already tracking usage data, and I think they'd rather have people buying AND engaging with their products than forgetting about them.

 

Well, yourself aside almost everyone I know who games has a smartphone and/or tablet already, and the major companies clearly feel this is where things are going.

At some point your tablet/phone is so powerful that you don't need a console. It can just stream the video to your TV. You don't need the cable box, you don't need the DVR, you don't need a PC, you don' t need a phone you don't need a camera. You just need one device that you use wireless peripherals with (like mouse and keyboard for some things) and your entire media experience goes with you, whether that's on the road or in the living room. Obviously we're not there yet, and maybe we'll never get there, but ti's a strong trend at the moment. And they all want to own that market, or at least be a credible player in it.

Me, I don't mind SmartGlass at all because I already own the devices (so it's free) and it's a much better navigation interface than gamepad or Kinect. If it ever becomes mandatory then it's an issue.

Why do we need multiple devices to enjoy one product?

Because people have certain desires that can't be satisfied with just one way to view or interact. It's the same reasons that movies can: be purchased on DVDs, watched in a theatre, downloaded and watched on an iphone/ipad/laptop. Or as another example: The internet can be accessed from your computer, smartphone, game console, tablet, etc.

Making your games accessible or interactive through various outlets will keep people's attention focused on your product. The more focus, the more likey someone will spend more money on your product(s). Gaming is evolving and you sound like a curmudggeon complaining about change instead of actually waiting to experience some of this and then making a decision. 

I'm not completely opposed to the idea of "secondary screen" gaming. For instance, I'd love having an always-up Pip-Boy in the next Fallout.

As far as the Madden/smartphone connection, I can see myself using the feature if I'm, say, waiting for a bus or stuck in an airport. There are times I'd like to compare and contrast ratings of players to maximize my depth charts (instead of just relying on OVRs), but don't have the time or patience to do it on console. With a finite amount of time to play games, I'd rather *play* while I'm sitting in front of my tv than cycle through ratings screens. If I'm on the crapper at work, though....

2 screen gameplay works

the ds proved that