Venting Why do all the handheld portable gaming computers look the same ?

[MrCasella]

They all look like a longer PSP so ugly looking.

 

[E5463656]

it's a conspiracy by the nhk!!!

 

[Wrath]

They're all uninspired. Marketing departments have taken over. The only thing that matters is sales. Not even long term sales, just whatever makes their quarterlies. Oh that product from random company sold well, great! Ours will now look exactly the same! Shortsighted decision after shortsighted decision. It feels like every company turned into general electric lol. I'm no businessman, so my opinion may be completely irrelevant haha.

It may be a personal belief of mine, but I believe that many of the people that design original things, make art, or those who care about the longevity of a product above just spreadsheets. They just get burned out in the current world. I've seen people that could do a great many things, just decide to do nothing and let it all rot. In their words, "this world deserves hell, and everyone still living in it deserves to burn.".

 

[Forever Sleep]

Practicality I imagine. We have a right and a left hand with our heads/ eyes/ ears in the middle. So- I guess a screen in the middle with buttons either side feels the most ergonomic and compact. They surely also want to make the screen as big as possible.

The Gameboy was slightly different- buttons underneath. Was that any better? What do you think would be a better design?

I guess also, if one model/ company does well, the others try to emulate it as closely as they can- without breaking copyright. Unless of course, they can come up with something better. If you can though, you'll become rich I imagine so- consider getting those patents in.

 

[Forveleth]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Putting controls on either side of the screen makes the thing easy and comfortable to hold and very steady in the hands. Also means you can easily rest your arms on something while you play. I played the OG Gameboy and that thing was so annoying to hold. You had to bring your hands in close and kick your elbows out wide. It was not pleasant for long sessions. They all have slight variations on button configurations but I think the overall shape is just the best way to do it for two-handed humans.