QWERTY BB10 = Superior gaming

So everyone just assumes: Z10 has a bigger screen, therefore its better for gaming. It has a similar aspect ratio to other platforms, so it'll get more games. The later is almost definitely true; however, does the lack of tactile input really lead to a better experience for a large number of games? I don't think so. A QWERTY device could easily give a better experience for a large number of games. Better productivity doesn't necessarily mean less effective entertainment :p.


The screen isn't "too small". Here is why: the Q10's screen measures in at 2.19" x 2.19". Here are dimensions of the screens on some portable consoles that have proven to be very successful. The GBA SP had 1.61"x2.41" and a screen on the Nintendo DS is 2.5"x 1.8". In both cases the Q10 has a taller screen and smaller width by 0.2-0.3". The area of the Q10's screen is larger in both cases so you will be getting a device with a larger screen found in popular dedicated gaming devices.

Tactile input. Enough said. Precision and control when you control games such as platformers. When the Z10 user runs into a bottomless pit due to the unreliable virtual joystick and buttons the awsd controls on the keyboard let you jump high into the air with complete precision. Your thumbs won't be blocking half the screen either. There's a reason why there's a constant stream of physical joysticks and game-pads coming out for the iphone: touch screens aren't precise!

Not all games would be better, in particular games that rely 100% on touch screen interaction with no reasonable qwerty mapping like Angry birds (touch and pull bird = game). In those cases a bigger screen is just plain better (game is touching. Bigger screen = more touching) but for traditional games/emulated games or games that require complete precision the Q10 would be plain better than a full touch phone.

So, when you are done typing your 50th consecutive email and decide to take a break by playing some Sonic 4, know full well that you are beating down your full touch toting buddies. :D

This was one of the factors I considered for the X10. I wanted to try running a SNES emulator on it and use the keypad for the controls.

So there should be a GBA and Nintendo DS portathon :-)

um dont want to be bursting anyone's bubble, but i think many people who get q10, would be more the non multimedia crowd , u know , Just texting, emails , chats, etc

I didn't mention it above, but on the Q10 you'd also be able to play flash games that rely on a keyboard. Can't do that on a full touch. Also Q10 has a smaller screen and bigger battery so much better battery life (= more productivity, more games) .

Originally Posted by Masahiro

This was one of the factors I considered for the X10. I wanted to try running a SNES emulator on it and use the keypad for the controls.

Yeah same here. I've tried playing old games like Mario 3 and Sonic 2 on a full touch but they are almost unplayable on the touchscreen. I've found the only games that are really playable are games where time and precision aren't of the essence like turn based strategy games and JRPGs. Even then, they're not that great. Having a keyboard would make the experience way better.

So there should be a GBA and Nintendo DS portathon :-)

Totally. I know there's a gba emulator on the PlayBook, but having companies port them directly would be awesome.

um dont want to be bursting anyone's bubble, but i think many people who get q10, would be more the non multimedia crowd , u know , Just texting, emails , chats, etc

The entire point of this thread is I'm trying to dispel the myth that the Q10 is worse than the full touch for multimedia. They have different strengths and weaknesses.