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Sony PSP/Nintendo DS Opinion Piece
Mr Nash writes "The Armchair Empire has posted a lengthy op-ed about Sony's PSP and Nintendo's Dual Screen where the writer comes to the conclusion that "the market just doesn't appear to be ready for a pair of new handhelds to step onto the scene."
I agree about the old news bit. I also think the author is being quite harsh on Nintendo. Every one has been scoffing at their GBA->GameCube linking as just a profit scheme. It is a profit scheme, but there are some huge advantages to it for the gamer as well... just take a look at FF:Chrystal Chronicals.
The point of this is that Nintendo had the guts to do something different, and allowed people (like Square) to be creative. The DS with it's dual screen and stylus will be the same. It's a change of paradigm... it allows new controls, and new interfaces.
If you want something cool, take a look at the Metroid game for the DS. It's a true FPS for a hand held. And since the DS does wireless, you just have to walk up to someone else with a DS, and you can play head to head (up to 4 player IIRC). No wires, no funky cables, just play.
Who knows what new ideas will come out of it?
Zapman
I think you underestimate how deep Nintendo's pockets are.
and how thin Sony's profits have been.
Haven't had a challenge in the handheld market since the game gear? I can name five off the top of my head, all from large well established companies.
My guess is that you're posting somewhere from Europe, where Nintendo doesn't have a strong presence. Crack open their financials, take a look at the world market. These guys are not hurting in any way, shape, or form.
These pretzels are making me thirsty.