The second screen experience is a major theme at E3.

What started with the Wii U and Xbox Smart Glass expanded this year to every press conference.

Microsoft showed off using the tablet to set up multiplayer matches during their Killer Instinct demo, EA allows a player in Commander mode to drop different type of artillery strikes, and Ubi Soft shown off different tablet features in the two new IP reveals at their event.

Is the idea of having a smartphone or tablet sitting on your lap an enticing evolution of gameplay, or a gimmick that you hope vanishes?

Eh, if it allows someone stuck at work or such to be able to join in on some gaming then its ok. What I'm afraid of is the online only theme I'm seeing a lot of in the next gen games.