TLDR: Apple missed a perfect opportunity to make the iPad a phenomenal gaming device in addition to everything else it can do. Instead, other game companies have jumped in to fill the niche and Apple has already set down a road of freemium that is nearly impossible to reverse due to Pavlovian principles.
I don't agree.
Which companies are you talking about? Nintendo and Sony? The 3DS is selling well, but not on the level of the DS. The vita was a total disaster, saleswise. The rise of tablets (and big phones) has been hard on the handhelds. I don't think handhelds are still really a thing besides for kids.
I have both handhelds and I do play them occasionally... But in general iPad all the way here. (And i'm what you call, an hardcore gamer, having even invested in a PSVR
The iPad as a gaming device has :
- Way more games (and a lot that aren't freemium)
- Way cheaper
- An easy way to get those games
- Enormous battery life
- Good sync between devices
- family sharing
Sure you have games like uncharted on the Vita, but I find that this type of game does not translate very well on a mobile device. (and then there are other AAA type games on iPad)
Its something i would play on a TV, for longer sessions. But that's just me.