3D-Enabled Handheld Game Consoles to Surpass 11 Million Units in 2014

Due to advancements in autostereoscopic 3D technology, a type of 3D technology that does not require glasses to view 3D images, 3D technology is finding its way into mobile devices such as smartphones and handheld game consoles. As an example, Nintendo plans to release its first 3D-enabled handheld game console, dubbed the 3DS, in the first half of 2011. In-Stat says that this will be the beginning of what will lead to over 11 million unit shipments of 3D-enabled handheld game consoles by 2014.

“The uptake of 3D in handheld game consoles will happen more rapidly than in other mobile device segments over the next year,” says Stephanie Ethier. “This is primarily because the two leading handheld game manufacturers need something to differentiate from one another in this maturing market–3D technology will be that differentiator.”

Recent research findings include:

• In 2011, handheld game consoles will account for 65% of all 3D-enabled mobile devices shipments.
• Lack of mobile 3D content will be the biggest barrier to 3D adoption in mobile devices next year.
• By 2012, 3D-enabled smartphones will represent 45% of all 3D-enabled mobile devices shipments.

New In-Stat research, 3D in Mobile Devices: 3D Adoption Will Be Highest in Smartphone, Handheld Gaming, and Tablet PC Markets (#IN1004894ID), is one of the first reports in the industry to discuss the opportunities for 3D in mobile devices (smartphones, handheld game consoles, tablet PCs, notebook PCs, digital photo frames, and portable media players). Additional discussion and data includes:

• Developments in mobile 3D technology
• Total available market (TAM) for 3D mobile devices
• Worldwide shipment forecasts
• Key market drivers and challenges
• Company profiles including: Movidius, Myriad, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Sharp Corporation, Texas Instruments

For a free sample of the report and more information, contact Elaine Potter, epotter@in-stat.com; (480) 483-4441.