WHO’S WINNING CONSOLE WARS?

The modern video game console market is dominated by three companies: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. Sony’s current- generation consoles include the handheld PS Vita and the PlayStation 4. Microsoft’s home console is the Xbox One, and Nintendo sells the handheld 3DS, the Wii U home console, and a new hybrid handheld and home console called the Switch. Nintendo’s 3DS is currently the most popular console in the world, followed by Sony’s PlayStation 4.

Smartphone games were expected to render handheld consoles obsolete. Its popularity was mainly fueled by compact versions of Nintendo’s hit first- party franchises like Pokemon, Mario Kart, and Super Mario 3D Land.

The market will likely be fragmented this year, with casual gamers favoring the Switch and hardcore gamers focusing on 4K and VR gaming with Sony’s and Microsoft’s updated consoles.