The 2010s were a wild era for gaming tech, with bold ideas like Disney Infinity’s toy-portal fusion, Nintendo’s Amiibo, Xbox’s Kinect, the Wii’s motion controls, and portable systems like the PS Vita and 3DS.
These innovations flared brightly but faded fast, relegated to bargain bins by the end of the decade. Today’s tech, however, could breathe new life into them, tapping into their unrealized potential.
Toys and Portals
Disney Infinity opened in 2013 with a masterstroke: toys that doubled as game character collectibles. A simple concept that made figurines practical and not just dust collectors on the shelves. Buzz Lightyear could leap into action with a simple placement. It sold millions but shut down by 2016 due to high costs. Nintendo’s Amiibo followed, selling 80 million units for in-game bonuses, yet it fizzled as developers lost interest.
Now, with VR and AR on the rise, this tech could evolve. Imagine this but with a twist for a more mature audience: physical poker chips with RFID tech sync to a portal table and track bets. Brands like bet365 could get in on this as well and provide an app with a system for their customers’ phones that could use the chip system and provide bonuses like free spins for a certain amount of physical chips bought, similar to the current promotion you can learn about if you click here.
Motion Control Mania
Xbox’s Kinect sold 35 million units with controller-free motion gaming, but weak titles led to its 2017 demise. The Wii, hit peaking into the 2010s, sold over 100 million units, yet its Wii U flopped by 2012 as gamers craved precision over motion. Today, kinect could shine in VR for full-body immersion, while Wii tech might gamify fitness with smartwatch integration.
Portable Consoles
The PS Vita (2011) promised console-quality gaming on the go but sold just 16 million units, overshadowed by smartphones. The 3DS, with 75 million sales, faded by 2020 despite its 3D gimmick. Nintendo’s Switch revived the concept, though modern attempts like Steam Deck lack the same commercial punch.
New Life for Old Tech
These relics stumbled due to poor timing and support, but their bones hold promise. Disney’s portals could educate—place a Lincoln figure to debate in 3D. Amiibos might morph into modular RPG gear. The 2010s dreamed big; now’s the time to resurrect and refine those visions.
