Games industry analyst Michael Pachter thinks that Apple will develop a 3D iPod to scupper Nintendo’s first mover advantage gained with the forthcoming 3DS handheld.

The analyst agrees that the 3DS is indeed a revolutionary gaming technology, but thinks that the lack of innovation with the Wii home console may well harm the future of Nintendo’s handheld business.

“On the handheld side, I see the 3DS as truly revolutionary, but expect Apple to copy it and improve the design with a 3D iPod, and to again begin to erode Nintendo’s first mover advantage,” Pachter predicted in an interview with Konsolifin.net this month.

“Nintendo has iterated its handheld’s frequently, and may succeed in holding Apple at bay; it will be interesting to watch.”

Holding Apple at bay

As far as the home console battles goes, the analyst is less positive about Nintendo’s strategy, noting:

“I think Nintendo is so focused on introducing a revolutionary console, they missed the opportunity to iterate the existing [Wii] console and hold off the competition. Microsoft and Sony have released six or seven improved versions of their consoles, while Nintendo has done none this cycle.

“By the time Nintendo figures out its future console, it will be too far behind in online multiplayer to capture more share from its competitors, and it may see its share erode if Kinect and Move cause Wii owners to upgrade.”

Of course, there are also those PSP 2 and PlayStation Phone rumours, along with the gaming potential of Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 to add into the mix.

Whatever happens, 2011 is already shaping up to be an interesting year for fans of mobile gaming.

Full story here: http://3dradar.techradar.com/3d-tech/will-3d-apple-ipod-beat-nintendo-3ds-06-12-2010