PSP And DS Duke It Out

With the looming launch of Sony's handheld console, X-Play has a series of articles comparing and contrasting the new and shiny portable gaming consoles. The articles are broken into three parts, The PSP vs. the DS, The DS vs. the PSP, and The Final Verdict. From the final article: "Are two screens better than one? Are graphics all that matter? In this third and final edition of my Sony PSP vs. Nintendo DS editorial, I'll compare each handheld bit-by-bit and determine which of the two is worth your hard-earned cash."

Comments

Warning, Spoiler ;)

[tquinlan]

He recommends the PSP. However, it's an extra $100, so only for those with disposable income.

Re:Warning, Spoiler ;)

[dmf415]

yes, I think $250. is way too much for a handheld device, anyone else agree?

Re:Warning, Spoiler ;)

[Donoho]

I own a DS and have played with a PSP (mine should be arriving shortly).

I was so disappointed by the DS and lack of titles I had any interest in, I gave it to a friend of mine a couple days after I got it. I have a gamefly account and there aren't even any I was compelled to rent.

The PSP on the other hand gave me goosebumps to hold and use. Then I put a game in... It is as solid a device as I could ask for.

I am still playing my GBA SP on a regular basis. The PSP is Sony's GBA SP in that it does exactly what it needs to very well. The DS is an experiment I hope goes well because it will inspire other innovations.

Re:Warning, Spoiler ;)

[AdrainB]

It depends on the size of the memory stick. You can get over 200 songs on a 1gb stick. Power consumption when reading from the memory stick isn't an issue. The UMD access and the screen is what drains the battery. If you turn off the screen and only access the memory card I'm sure it will last for several hours. The PSP is actually lighter than the DS (9.2 vs. 9.7 oz). It is heavier than an Ipod which is 5.6 oz.

Re:Warning, Spoiler ;)

[NanoGator]

"The PSP plays MP3s, movies, games and has wireless connectivity built in. I don't think the price is out of line."

Games: Yep, it does that pretty well.

MP3s: From your MemoryStick(TM). Might as well get a flash based MP3 player.

Movies: Yep, if Sony gets the rights to any movies you want. Hopefully your battery life will be adequate. (Note: I don't understand why 2 screens, one of them being a touch screen like on palm devices is a 'gimmick' and playing movies isn't.)

Wireless Connectivity: So does the DS.

Re:Warning, Spoiler ;)

[Ayaress]

I'm pretty much like you are. Take a browse through my post history and you'll probably see that I've been less than kind to the PSP historically. But, Nintendo dropped the ball. Again. I still like the DS system more than the PSP, but the games just aren't there. I feel the same way I do about my Gamecube. I WANT to like it. I want to like it a lot. But it just didn't have that many games I liked, and they came out too late to save my love of the system itself.

At least the Gamecube has a lot of good games, they just don't interest me for the most part. The DS doesn't even have that yet It's got a couple games that feel more like tech demos, then there's metroid and a mario remake. Metroid's good, but it can't do for the DS what Tetris did for the original Gameboy.

I was counting on a big rush of DS games in December and January, but it's been a bit of a fizzle. I bought two games the day I bought my DS, and nothing since. It's a shame. A lot can be done with the DS. A lot should have been done, and a lot still can, but it's too late to make a difference now. It's pretty much a done deal now, Sony wins.

Nintendo's made another mistake and now they're going to lose their last safehold. The Gameboy line was the thing that kept Nintendo a big name while the N64 and DS lost ground to Sony. I'm not even sure I'd own a Nintendo system since my SNES if it weren't for them. Back in the SNES days, they let themselves think they were untouchable, and they ended up being behind the game when the PS1 came out and Nintendo had nothing to work with except the SNES yet. I think they got that feeling again, after so many challengers fell short against the Gameboy, and now they're getting their pants pulled out from under them again.

The thing I really have to wonder: If the DS didn't come out, I think the GBA would have put up a great fight with the PSP.

Re:Warning, Spoiler ;)

[kingsmedley]

I was so disappointed by the DS and lack of titles I had any interest in


I own a GBA SP. Both my kids have a DS, actually SAVED their allowance for months prior to launch to buy them. But between them they only own one DS game. I agree that the software, until recently, was very dismal - ESPECIALLY to a small kid. But man, that DS screen (either one, take your pick) is SO MUCH BETTER than my SP! Just as a step up from their old GBAs, my kids are very pleased with the DS. And I like using it too, when I can get my hands on one of theirs.

I have barely used the unit's special features (touchscreen, microphone, both screens at once, etc). But we are eagerly looking forward to Animal Crossing DS, Nintendogs, AoK, and the recently released Wario Ware Touched also looks good. Personally, I think they should've waited for a few more titles to be ready before launch (reminds me of the dearth of titles we saw in the first six months of the Jaguar's life). But as an improved GBA-SP, the DS rocks!

IMHO DS is far better and the review is comparing

[cOdEgUru]

apples with oranges as well..

This review reads like a hastily put together altar for PSP for whatever reasons. For e.g, the author gives a lot of credit to PSP for something it will have in the future, meanwhile comparing the same with what DS currently has. True the touchscreen may not be the best option for navigability, but a button pad will pale before what a stylus can do when it comes to writing, careful manipulation of onscreen items. Sure yes, in a game you dont need much fine control, but what when DS starts supporting movies, mp3s and productivity apps for kids? Are you going to type using a button pad or are you using a stylus?

The PSP costs 250 or more. DS is available now for around 120. Are you willing to pay more than double for the promise of better games, graphics and a better screen? Havent we learned enough from forking over hundreds to the Nvidia and ATI's?

PSP Loading times??? A kid can be all grown up with in that time..

In the end the author gets it right when he stops comparing PSP with DS since the PSP should be compared with what Nintendo would throw next in to the ring.

I feel Sony is almost at its death throes after poking their finger in to far too many verticals than they could manage. And quality went downhill as well for almost everything they make.

X-Play

[Nomihn0]

Because X-Play is the pinnacle of games journalism. An ideal blend of style and content that all should strive to match. . .

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[GFLPraxis]

Definitely. Not to mention the upcoming games list!

DS:
http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/platform .php?pl atformid=84

PSP:
http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/platfor m.php?pl atformid=74

DS definitely wins!

I will pick up my PSP this Thursday.

[FireballX301]

I will not pick up the DS. Because frankly, although the DS is innovative and unusual, the PSP has the goodies. MP3 playback, media, etc.

Plus, Sony's 3rd party gaming support is superior. I buy the PSP not because I particularly like Sony, or dislike Nintendo, but because it will provide me with a more satisfactory general experience. That's all there is to it.

In MY day...

[Cr0w T. Trollbot]

We didn't have no fancy E-lec-tronic games! For "handheld games" we had a paddleball! And some days we didn't even have the string! Or the ball! Or the paddle! And we liked it! We liked it justy fine!

You tell kids that these days, and they just don't believe you...

- Crow T. Trollbot

I'll wait for the real review

[Grayden]

I'll just wait for Penny Arcade to make a comic comparing the two before I make any decisions.

My take

[th1ckasabr1ck]

I have had a DS since launch and it has basically felt like a complete waste of money. There are very few good games for it, the thing hurts my hands when I play it for too long, and it definitely seems like a solution in search of a problem. I honestly just bought it for the upcoming Castlevania - which is a system seller for me.

Two weeks ago at GDC they had the PSP on the floor with a bunch of games to demo, and I was extremely impressed. After playing it there I don't see how there is any way I can NOT own a PSP. There were five times as many good games right there on the floor than have come out since the DS launch.

Also I get a little annoyed at all of this "innovation" talk. Just because something is different doesn't mean it's better. I really believe that the DS is a weaker handheld system with all of the extra crap than it would have been without it. People talk about innovation and all of these wacky ideas for games.. Why not start with at least an analog stick for the 3d games? Playing Mario 64 with the directional buttons is not the experience it should/could be.

Duke?

[isecore]

Hmmpf, the header fooled me into thinking they were using Duke Nukem Forever as a benchmark!

Re:The PSP is technically better...

[AuMatar]

Who the hell wants "grittier titles geared twoards mature players"? We want games that are *fun*. Grit doesn't do that. In fact it usually detracts from it, it tends to be an added layer just so they can claim its "hardcore" or "GTA-like". And if I'm going to put money on which company will manage to produce fun games, its Nintendo all the way.

It's all about the games

[tyagiUK]

There are two sides to any new console launch and the purchasing decision.

Firstly, and the one that probably influences the vast majority of less professional reviews (such as this one in my opinion), is the WOW factor. This is that burning desire to own the latest, greatest, most powerful, coolest, piece of gaming kit. The excitement and anticipation of getting hold of that highly powerful and sleek piece of hardware is a very very strong pull.

However, now we need to look at the other side. Once the novelty of having this rather expensive toy has started to wear off, it really comes down to what software is available to run on it. It's quite rare that any new console has very high quality titles available at launch that will still be classed as "classics" in 12 months' time. Generally, they're a bit rushed in order to meet launch deadlines and based on limited experience with development equipment and console hardware.

So you may have this nice, new, slick, piece of harware, but at the end of the day, it's all about the games. I can guarantee (because I've been there myself several times) that once the novelty of having the hardware has worn off, unless the games are there to actually engage you and keep you playing, it's a bad purchase.

The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to look at the launch schedules for both consoles. Look at which titles, coming out over the next six months, you actually want to play. If there's a good handful of titles for a given console, then it's probably worth buying. Otherwise, I can guarantee that it'll end up sitting there gathering dust, or get traded in for the next big thing.

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[GFLPraxis]

Hm, after reading the whole review...I've gotta question the last page.

Firstly, beter controls. The analog 'nubs' are known to not control as well as an analog stick. And if you've played Metroid Prime Hunters...

Which has better controls depends on the gam eyou are playing. For example, I would take the PSP's analog nubs for a racing game any day. But for an FPS game, I would take the DS's touch screen any day.

Second, value. What the heck is up with his verdict? He proclaims the PSP has better value?

Okay, firstly, the initial cost. The PSP cost twice as much.

Of course, many people know that initial cost is not what matters (thats why people use Macs). Let's look at the other costs.

Want to use the PSP as a media center? 1 GB cards start around $150, but you still get less than TV resolution. For that price you could buy an extra DS.

Just want to play games? PSP games are $50, compared to DS games at $30. So you pay a LOT more for PSP games over DS.

So it seems to me that in value, the DS blows away the PSP. Cheaper priced system, cheaper priced games.

Give it time

[stratjakt]

Many have come to challenge Nintendo in the handheld market, and many have died.

Sony is no doubt the most serious contender, but they have some problems, the way I see it:

- First party development. Face it, N makes good games that sell well. Sony relies on third parties. Until Sony has an answer to Pokemon, Mario and DK, there are millions of kids with 0 interest in PSP (and that's a big market wrt handhelds).

- The discs. The drive will suck batteries, and if it's anything like any DiscMan I've owned, it'll skip with even the slightest bump. Unlike a serial-reading cd discman, you can't buffer everything in their ESP system, either.

- The battery life. From what I hear, the DS battery life is on par with the GBA, which is outstanding. I've never had the battery die in my GBA, and I played it both ways on a 5 hour direct flight (forgot the charger.. didn't need it).

We'll see in the end. IMO, if Nintendo was a couple years earlier to market with N64, PSX never would have gotten a foothold, and would be in my "obsolete console collection", next to 3DO and Jaguar.

Either way, competition is good, and I'm looking forward to being able to afford to get both for my kids by christmas time. Right now, they're all about the DS, and couldn't give a rats ass about the PSP, for the first reason I mentioned.

Re:Give it time

[necrognome]

I have a DS and a Japanese PSP and several games for each (including one US game - Wipeout Pure - for the PSP). In response to a few of your concerns I can say the following:

- First party development
The PSP has better launch titles than the DS currently has DS-specific games. I say this as a Nintendo fanboy (my opinion will change when Kart and Zelda games are released).

- The discs.
My PSP has handled the not-exactly smooth NYC subway for a month w/o skipping (the disc only spins during loads, not continuously during play). This could be an issue with movies, but that is what high-capacity MemoryStick Duos are for. :) YMMV.

- The battery life.
Battery life is decent, enough for one or two gaming "sessions" (i.e. 1+ hrs. of gaming in one sitting) a day. If you want to whip out the PSP for a quick race or ten (of Wipeout, for instance), while sitting in the cafe, battery life is not an issue.

Technically, the PSP is superb and the screen is to die for. The games will be there, though PS1/2 games may not make the console->handheld transition as well as SNES titles did. The cost is going to set folks back $350+ (assuming they want to use their new toys), and whether folks are willing to pay is the real issue.

Key feature

[m50d]

Can you use the PSP to draw penises at your friends? What's the use of it then?

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[oGMo]

Are you willing to pay more than double for the promise of better games, graphics and a better screen?

No, I'm willing to pay $100 more for better games, graphics, and screen this Thursday. The PSP launch lineup is suprisingly strong. Far stronger than even the PS2 launch. Launch titles are getting high ratings from both players and reviewers. I can't wait to see what we get in 6 months, a year, or 2+ years.

The DS isn't offering anything significant, hasn't been for nearly 5 months. It's not promising anything significant in the future. I'll probably pick one up eventually for Katamari and FF3, but only if they really get solid reviews. (If and when they actually happen.)

I buy a game unit for the games. The PSP already has those. Thus, I'll buy a PSP.

In the end the author gets it right when he stops comparing PSP with DS since the PSP should be compared with what Nintendo would throw next in to the ring.

So first you're complaining we're basing our decision on "promises" (which are actually "deliveries"), and now you think we should base our decision on something nebulous Nintendo is just starting to conceive? After the DS, the Cube, the GBA (yes the GBA with its very meager lineup of original games and overabundance of ports), and the N64 (and dare I say the Virtual Boy)... Nintendo needs to prove they've still got it.

I love Mario and Zelda like the rest. I grew up with them, the NES, the SNES, and I forever hold a special place in my heart for those platforms. But here and now, Nintendo needs to get off its ass and work on producing new stuff. And giving Mario a water gun doesn't count.

I feel Sony is almost at its death throes after poking their finger in to far too many verticals than they could manage. And quality went downhill as well for almost everything they make.

I think you're in denial.

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[tehshen]

Although I agree with what most of what you're saying (potential PSP versus current DS) I have to argue about the buttons/stylus issue.

The PSP, although it has other uses, is a games console. I want to press a button to accelerate, for example, and move an analog stick to change direction - I don't need any fine control of what I'm pointing at at all, just a vague "go in that direction". Don't argue that the DS has more programs that need fine control; in the same way, the PSP has more games that require an analog stick.
Also, I have a long history of losing pens and styluses, where buttons tend to stick with the device.

As for the price... I can buy a G5 from $1299 and a Dell box for $649. We've obviously learned from forking over thousands to Apple.

Confusing Headline

[obender]

Duke is out

For a short second I thought that Duke Nukem Forever has been released.

Bah! Here's the real indicators of....

[Dolemite_the_Wiz]

...the DS and PSP's success.

DS - Will Nintendo pull it's proverbial head out of it's backside and develop games that aren't amied at 12 year olds and start developing games that challenge the marketplace. This is the age old story of Nintendo not moving out of consistent 'Mario' releases.

PSP - Will the US public be willing to slap down $250 (US) for the PSP and another $250 (US) for 1GB + Memory Cards. This is even before games or movies are even purchased.

I personally have a DS and am sickened by the lack of attention that Nintendo is STILL giving to the crap titles that are coming out.

The DS is an amazing product but no one has even shown that they can not only take advantage of what the DS has to offer but to push the limits of the console with an amazing game.

From what I've seen so far, the types of titles that have come out or are coming out are either kiddie games or re-packaging of old games that have come out of previous incarnations of Nintendo products.

Xbox had Halo to show off what their console can do, I have yet to see an equivelant for not only the Nintendo DS but for the PSP as well.

Dolemite
_______________

Game Boy Advance SP All

[Lobster Cowboy]

I recommend the GBA SP over either system. It's insanely cheap, plays great games, and the batteries last forever.

I only play portable games when I have a few minutes to spare. GBA SP lets me do this perfectly. What's with the PSP's lame-ass battery life and long load times? Did the designers forget the purpose of a portable console?

And screw the DS and its two screens. Stop overcomplicating matters. If ANYTHING needs simplicity, it's a portable system. Lose the stylus, drop a screen, and go back to what made Game Boy great.

Are graphics all that matter?

[dfn5]

Do all your base belong to us?

I say no!!!!

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Old-School

[alucard963]

I have a GameCube and a PC when I'm interested in 3D games. I have my GameBoy Advance for old-school classics that are in 2D. Fire Emblem (on the GBA) is easily one of my favorite games ever, and I've yet to play a good 3D Castlevania. Thing is, three-dimensions doesn't hide crappy gameplay.

DS also plays GBA carts

[enderwig]

Wonder why the author didn't mention that part at all? If you were thinking about buying a GBA, then it's almost a no-brainer to go with the DS instead. Also, there's that built in library of >500 games right there, and those games cost a lot less then $50.

Value going to the PSP? Isn't "value" too subjective? If the PSP isn't able to play the games I want, then it's got no value. Vice versa for the DS.

Giving the DS a win in gameplay, when most of the DS article was lambasting the lack of games and gameplay... WTF?

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[vrai]

Except that in the modern credit happy world 10 dollars a game and 100 dollars a console doesn't mean shit. I've got both machines - the PSP is better, period.

It is more powerful, has a bigger screen, has the capacity for larger games, has standard's compilant wireless and looks the business. The DS has the better battery life, and the touch screen is cool (the mini-games in Mario DS kick arse) but it's basically a gimic. A slightly better one that the Virtual Boy that sits atop my bookshelf, but a gimic none the less.

The battery life isn't really an issue for most people as Ridge Racer can last five hours on a single charge, and very few people with jobs get to play video games for more than five hours a day. I took a spare battery with me last time I flew and it lasted all nine hours with juice to spare. That was mostly gaming, but with a three hour stint of watching Neverwhere off a memory card.

I have a feeling that my DS is going to go the same way as my Gamecube. Dragged out to play the latest Mario Kart and Zelda, but otherwise gathering dust.

Re:Remember The Hypocrisy

[kevinx]

I think there are enough people on slashdot that we have people on both sides of the fense. Those of us who like Nintendo and/or Sony are chiming in. Those of us who don't will complain when the next article about patents comes out. (although I must admit, I am also a staunch hater of software patents as well)

Now I will go ahead and say that I think the DS will be the successful handheld. Many will rushout and buy the PSP. But in the end it will come out to cost. The cheaper cost will create a bigger demand for the DS. This will cause more developer support and better games for Nintendo. Resulting in even more people buying the DS.I'll throw $120 down to get a DS and even if I don't use it a whole lot, it won't be a great loss. The PSP just doesn't seem cost effective to me considering the amount of use I'd get out of it. For a parent buying a handheld for their child, this is also a no brainer. Nintendo knows the handheld market, I don't think sony will make it this time and wind up like Nokia and the ngage. I could be wrong though, we'll just have to see.

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[UWC]

Nitpicky, I know, but the DS has 802.11something wifi in addition to its (presumably) proprietary short-range protocol. Just no games that use it yet. Are there any PSP games yet that use the wireless connection for Internet play, or are they all currently short-range, too?

Re:What about when the PSP can play Nintendo Ds ga

[mmkkbb]

(functionality may be different because it only has one screen.)

May? MAY? I'd say that's about a 100% certainty. That's like saying your computer may work differently without a mouse.

Jesus, Slashdot needs defnses against people like you. You can't just put two ideas next to each other and draw lines to connect the buzzwords. It might have worked on your vocab tests in 3rd grade but we're a little more advanced now that you've grown up.

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[Momoru]

I like how everyone has to make this a versus thing...buy both! If you have to buy one, just look at the games, since that is the biggest "real" difference in my opinion. PSP can have graphics that make me feel i'm looking through pane-glass at the real world, but if none of the games interest me, i don't care. DS can have a plutonium battery but if it doesn't have any good games whats the difference? All the random specs only matter if they offer the same games, which they dont. As its stands now, DS is the only system of the two that has games that interest me...and its cool it still plays my old games. But thats all anyone needs to base it on, unless your just looking for "show off" appeal, which i think the psp wins hands down just cuz you can be like "look at me i'm watchin' spiderman 2!", but if you like Ridge Racer better then Mario buy a PSP, and vice versa.

Re:IMHO DS is far better and the review is compari

[faust2097]

Twisted Metal does internet play out of the box.

Disposable income doesn't really

[2names]

matter when it comes to devices like this. I mean, how many times have you gone to on of your buddies' houses and seen the following setup:

Big Wire Spool table

Milk crate entertainment center

Couch that was obviously picked out of the trash

Nothing on the walls but old beer spray

No stove, just a pizza oven

65" TV

800 watt subwoofer

XBox

PS2

Gamecube

Like I said, price isn't going to matter if the PSP kicks enough ass.

Re:Games are for kids!

[PhoenixFlare]

I don't mean to hate all over some of the posters here but many self-respecting adults wouldn't be caught dead playing with either one of these, in public at least

The horror! Someone might see you playing a game with bright colors or some cutsey characters! If you're really so insecure that you won't play a good game because you're afraid you'll be laughed at....Get some help. Or new friends.

Would you? I hope not, unless you enjoy getting laughed at

Personally, i've never seen anyone ever get ridiculed for playing a game in public. God knows they're not any worse than the cell phones people tote around these days.

They also forgot that the DS has MP3 and movies

[PxM]

You need a $40 3rd party extension, but that's still cheaper than the PSP. And it has good reviews too. This was an SP product that happens to work on the DS due to backwards support. The good thing about this is that it isn't controlled by Sony like their fucking UMD that no one else can use. Anyone with a flash card reader can use the DS for movies. The downside is that it's another item to carry with you which is bad for those without big pockets or bags. Given that the old GBA roms are a known format, I'm guessing that there will be a lot more third party apps for the DS than with the PSP. Particularly when someone figures out how to get the DS to play games over WiFi without a physical disk. This is a known feature of the DS, but it's not a public spec yet.

--
Want a free iPod?
Or try a free Nintendo DS, GC, PS2, Xbox. (you only need 4 referrals)
Wired article as proof

Deja Vu

[BlastM]

What follows is a story of portable gaming of olde.

When I first saw the PSP I felt like i had seen it somewhere before. Indeed, after a bit of googleimagery I thought I was seeing double.

Compare this to this. And this to this. Similar, no? The console pictured is the infamous Atari Lynx.

Back in the day, the Atari Lynx launched and had better graphics (they were colour!) and had a 16-bit processor, as opposed to the Nintendo Gameboy's 8-bit Z80. The Lynx was undeniably better in the hardware department. It was meant to trigger a worldwide revolution or something. There would be rioting in electronics stores and wars fought in playgrounds.

And you know what happened to the Lynx? It faded into obscurity. Why? Gaming historians all agree; the Lynx had poor battery life. The system simply wasn't as portable as the Gameboy, nor did the games feature that Nintendo charm that you can't quite describe.

Nintendo has triumphed over every competitor that has launched an assault on their portable gaming stronghold over the last decade and a half. Now Nintendo faces what few would argue is their toughest competition yet. The Big N got complacent and Sony caught them off their guard with the original PlayStation, but battle-hardened Nintendo won't be giving up the portable domain so easily. This battle is going to be tough, and it's going to be decided on which console has the games that are the most fun. And that little battery life issue that lead to the downfall of the notorious Atari Lynx all those years ago.

Re:Console Gaming vs. Portable Gaming

[buffer-overflowed]

I've noticed this. Mario Kart is like the Errol Flynn of video games.