So will the PSP replace the IPod as the "hip" tech item?

[trojan18]

Seems like there's an awful lot of buzz for the PSP, one week before it even launches. And since most analysts are saying there will be a shortage, demand and hype will grow even more...(kind of like what happened with the Ipod minis)....

The PSP is a sleek and sexy tech device...and that alone is the reason some people are drawn to it...just like some people were drawn to the Ipod for the same reason...the sleek, beautiful design.

So will the PSP dethrone the Ipod as the "sexiest" device of the year???

[PlaceofDis]

i find it doubtful simply because it has such a limited audience whereas the iPod can be used by anyone who listens to music, thus available and wanted by a much larger audience

just my .02

[buryyourbrideau]

i doubt it but anything is possible

[pgc6000]

I highly doubt it. All audiences and ages are purchasing the iPod. Though I'm sure the PSP will be popular, not everyone is going to buy it.

[Hoef]

PSP will be more for the gaming audience right? .... Software is expensive. If they are able to transition to portable video, it might....

[Vader]

Well, I have wanted an iPod for years, but never gotten one. When I heard and looked into the PSP, I ordered one!

I guess that may mean something...

[GFLPraxis]

No way. The PSP is a jack of all trades, master of none.

It does 4 things:

1) Play games. Mostly PS2 ports. While it does this extremely well (great graphics), it's battery life is hideous (4-6 hours).

2) Play music. While it's capable of playing music, you have to buy a memory card. Let's consider.
http://www.memorysuppliers.com/somestproduo.html
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-smarter.asp?id=964595661&rf=smarter&dfdate=03_11_2005
http://bizrate.lycos.com/marketplace/search/search__cid--465,pid--252133857.html

The cheapest price I can find anywhere is $170, and it's usually more like $200, with some places selling it for $300.
This is for a 1 GB stick BTW.

So I'll go with the cheapest price (though most consumers will just buy from the local Best Buy or something).

PSP: $250 (US price, includes a 32 MB stick and carrying case, the $200 Japanese PSP-only package will not be available according to IGN).
1 GB memory stick: $170.

You've just spent $420 to get the same music capacity as a $150 iPod Shuffle.

3) Play photos.
It can do this well, but for $420 you could get a lot more storage with the $350 iPod Photo at 30 GB vs 1 GB.

4) Play Movies.
Unlike portable DVD players or even those new portable media players, the PSP's screen is lower than TV resolution. 480x272 or something like that (the last two digits might be different). So things look different.

And you're not really gonna fit more than one movie (assuming you reduce it to PSP format and compress it noticeably) on a 1 GB stick.

AND it's illegal to rip DVD's unless you live in Canada, so you're rather stuck for media to put on it.
And for $420 you could easily buy a portable DVD player (which could also play music CD's, or better yet, you could burn MP3's on a 4.7 GB $2 DVD-R and take that with you) and have a MUCH bigger screen with full TV quality.





Oh and another thing.
http://bizrate.lycos.com/marketplace/product_info/overview/index__cid--465,pid--252128844.html
Check out the pricing for the 2 GB card. The CHEAPEST price is $500, and it ranges to $700.

For the price of that and the PSP, $250 + $500, you get $750.
You can buy a laptop with Linux from Walmart for $550. $750 should easily get you something with a DVD player and 30 or 40 gig hard drive and WAY bigger screen.



------

The PSP's media capabilities are a gimmick. They're handy extras (say, toss a few MP3's or a MB movie trailer on the included 32 MB card), but they are certainly not worth buying a PSP for. The PSP should be bought for games, and nothing else. And it's CERTAINLY not going to replace the 20 GB iPod.

[Vader]

I think the gaming capabilities alone are worth it!

[GFLPraxis]

I think the gaming capabilities alone are worth it!

Yes, but it's not worth it for the media capabilities.

If you want the gaming capabilities (I perfer the DS, personally), go ahead and buy it (it= PSP)!

BUT it's not going to replace the iPod, because it's not worth using as a media center.

[Vader]

For Music, of course it can not have as much space as an iPod, but when you add the fact that is an awesome gaming system, and that it can play music, which you could get 2 512mb sticks, and it would be cheaper than the 1gb Shuffle, also add the fact that it can play video, that is one awesome tool! Also it looks very sleek!

[Xtremehkr]

I don't know if they are comparable. The iPod is attractive to people of all ages, the PSP is youth oriented and after a certain age range people aren't interested anymore.

[pgc6000]

It just won't happen. many of us have no intrest in the PSP but own a iPod. iPod attracts ALL audiences. Including the female one. Most girls don't enjoy video games as much as boys, but they do enjoy the iPod. So again, there is hardly anyway to have the PSP replace the iPod.

[Vster]

The PSP is tempting for games only, but @ $50 US per game, that is way too much! Especially for a portable system.

All of the DS games I've bought were only $30 each.

[GFLPraxis]

For Music, of course it can not have as much space as an iPod, but when you add the fact that is an awesome gaming system, and that it can play music, which you could get 2 512mb sticks, and it would be cheaper than the 1gb Shuffle, also add the fact that it can play video, that is one awesome tool! Also it looks very sleek!

Incorrect.
2 512 MB sticks are $80 apeice, so $160 in total, and if you add that to the initial cost of the PSP you get $410. And you have to carry sticks with you and its more bulky.

Not to mention that you could to the same thing for much cheaper with a DS. Get a $25 CF card adapter, and a 1 GB CF card for $80 (yes, CF cards are that much cheaper).

Or, heck, get a $250 portable DVD player with a 6" or 8" screen. iDVD can put all your pictures on it. And most can play MP3s, so a $2 DVD can more than a $200 iPod Mini!

And you'd have to chop up video files to put them on two 512 MB sticks.

[applekid]

Bundling a 32 MB Memory Stick is a turn off for me. Sony just had to make another memory card format to confuse consumers more and not to mention it's still really expensive. If I really wanted an "all-in-one" device (which I don't), I'd probably get the DS with that SD adapter (called Play-Yan in Japan; will be coming to the U.S.; they want to be able to bundle the adapter with some special deal like free music to appeal to American consumers; iTunes support would capture that, IMHO...). The SD cards are at least well under $100 for 1GB.

Movies aren't easily obtainable except ripping DVDs which is still a gray area or you have to re-buy your movie collection on UMDs with the PSP (not cool). Photos seems still too gimmicky, so I'll dodge the PSP and even iPod Photo for now (unless they can make photos dumped from your camera display without going to a computer first). Heck, I even find camera phones useless still (the resolution isn't good and isn't as functional or simple as a digital camera). The only use I can find for a PSP or DS for that matter is gaming.

All-in-one devices are just too crippled when you're trying to accomplish a particular task. Take using a PSP vs. an MP3 player for music. The MP3 player is actually useable. You really want to jog with a PSP in your pocket? Movies on the PSP's relatively small screen vs. watching movies on a T.V. or even a laptop. The laptop is much more preferable. I find it (and most consumers seem to as well) better to pay more and carry a few more devices than to get one inadequate all-in-one device.

The only combination that I can say works is photos and (insert color LCD-based device here). People seem to be accepting how small LCDs on phones and cameras and find them adequate for pictures. And the PSP's larger than those tiny LCDs is an advantage.

Sony execs can say all they want about making the PSP into an iPod competitor, but nobody's listening. And if they have already begun competing with the iPod, Apple is stepping all over them.

[topicolo]

4) Play Movies.
Unlike portable DVD players or even those new portable media players, the PSP's screen is lower than TV resolution. 480x272 or something like that (the last two digits might be different). So things look different.

And you're not really gonna fit more than one movie (assuming you reduce it to PSP format and compress it noticeably) on a 1 GB stick.

AND it's illegal to rip DVD's unless you live in Canada, so you're rather stuck for media to put on it.
And for $420 you could easily buy a portable DVD player (which could also play music CD's, or better yet, you could burn MP3's on a 4.7 GB $2 DVD-R and take that with you) and have a MUCH bigger screen with full TV quality.


I think the PSP has the potential to be the next ipod (in terms of movie playing capacity).

1) The media needed to store downloaded movies isn't THAT expensive. In terms of movie size, a feature length movie at 320x240 resolution encoded in divx or xvid can usually fit on a 128mb memory card so by extrapolation, (480x272 is 1.7x the resolution of 320x240) 1.7*128mb is 217.6mb, which means that you'd be able to fit ~4 movies onto a 1gig memory stick. What's more likely is that people will just get a cheaper, lower capacity memory stick.

2) The player itself, at $250, is faaar cheaper than any of M$'s portable media players, has a higher resolution, is sexier, and it does other things than just movie playing.

3) Instead of just ripping movies from DVDs, people will be able to buy the movies on the UMD discs that are used for playing games since sony and a couple of other studios have announced that they're releasing their movies on UMDs (eg. the NA version of the PSP comes bundled with Spiderman 2 on UMD).

[Lacero]

Let's get this straight. NO ONE is ever going to want to watch full-length movies on a screen smaller than 12 inches. Not one that is less than 4" in size. It may be cool and novel right now, but that novelty will wear off. As an mp3 player, it is way to heavy and big to be ever seriously considered as the next iPod killer.

PSP does one thing extremely well, and that is portable gaming. But there are vastly more music listeners than active gamers.

[Xenious]

As others have said its a different target audience. The PSP will be technical and complex (to an extent) while the ipod is designed to be simple (read tech for the non technical). I'm buying a PSP for gaming. :)

At 1mil units for US launch I don't think there will be too much of a shortage.

[Vader]

Let's get this straight. NO ONE is ever going to want to watch full-length movies on a screen smaller than 12 inches. Not one that is less than 4" in size. It may be cool and novel right now, but that novelty will wear off. As an mp3 player, it is way to heavy and big to be ever seriously considered as the next iPod killer.

PSP does one thing extremely well, and that is portable gaming. But there are vastly more music listeners than active gamers.
Well, it will surely be better than my current mp3 cd player that only loads the cd correctly half the time and takes about 5 minutes to load! It is a stinkin' brick!

[GFLPraxis]

I think the PSP has the potential to be the next ipod (in terms of movie playing capacity).

1) The media needed to store downloaded movies isn't THAT expensive. In terms of movie size, a feature length movie at 320x240 resolution encoded in divx or xvid can usually fit on a 128mb memory card so by extrapolation, (480x272 is 1.7x the resolution of 320x240) 1.7*128mb is 217.6mb, which means that you'd be able to fit ~4 movies onto a 1gig memory stick. What's more likely is that people will just get a cheaper, lower capacity memory stick.

2) The player itself, at $250, is faaar cheaper than any of M$'s portable media players, has a higher resolution, is sexier, and it does other things than just movie playing.

3) Instead of just ripping movies from DVDs, people will be able to buy the movies on the UMD discs that are used for playing games since sony and a couple of other studios have announced that they're releasing their movies on UMDs (eg. the NA version of the PSP comes bundled with Spiderman 2 on UMD).

1) 320x240? That's a HORRIBLE resolution. You get like 1/4 of the detail from the TV screen.

2)The player itself is $250, but is incapable of anything until you buy memory.
Creative's portable media center includes a 20 or 40 GB hard drive. Compare that to the puny 32 MB in the PSP.

3) That sucks, since then you've spent the money on the movie but can't play it in anything BUT the PSP.

[Loge]

3) Instead of just ripping movies from DVDs, people will be able to buy the movies on the UMD discs that are used for playing games since sony and a couple of other studios have announced that they're releasing their movies on UMDs (eg. the NA version of the PSP comes bundled with Spiderman 2 on UMD).

How much are they expected to pay for a movie on UMD? Whatever it is, it's not really an attractive option if you already own the DVD. At least the iPod allows you to fill it with CD content that you already have.

[im_noahselby]

The PSP will be a huge success. The iPod has already been a huge success. I don't think their will be any losers.

[GFLPraxis]

How much are they expected to pay for a movie on UMD? Whatever it is, it's not really an attractive option if you already own the DVD. At least the iPod allows you to fill it with CD content that you already have.

Should be the same amount as a DVD I believe.

[Loge]

Should be the same amount as a DVD I believe.

So, reduced quality and versatility, but same price. Good luck, Sony.

[applekid]

Yep, it was like $19.99 for UMD movies from what I read. And since there's no video-out or anything to get it on a big screen, the UMD movie business is not looking good at all.

[pgc6000]

1) 320x240? That's a HORRIBLE resolution. You get like 1/4 of the detail from the TV screen.

2)The player itself is $250, but is incapable of anything until you buy memory.
Creative's portable media center includes a 20 or 40 GB hard drive. Compare that to the puny 32 MB in the PSP.

3) That sucks, since then you've spent the money on the movie but can't play it in anything BUT the PSP.
I know, who would want to watch a movie on a screen that small?

[ReanimationLP]

Lets face it. This is going to always be an area where Nintendo will hold forever. The Game Boy/DS is a unstoppable juggernaut. The games are too overpriced for a handheld. The video function isnt that great. The media is too expensive, its like 35 for a UMD movie disk. I personally think only the PS2 fanboys will buy this machine, and even most will be disappointed. All it seems to going to be is basicilly PS2 ports. Thats my opinion on the PSP.

[clayj]

So who's made the judgment that the iPod is the "hip" tech item? Sure, it is a "hip" tech item, but it's not the end-all and be-all of tech items. It's just very good at what it does, which is allowing you to carry an incredibly large amount of music around with you. That's all the iPod does. The PSP is fundamentally different; it's not a music player. At the same time, the iPod is not a video game machine, nor is it a movie player. There is room in the world for two equally "hip" tech items... I've got my hipness requirement covered, as I will soon have both. :) (Now, I probably won't carry them both at the same time... not enough room in pockets. But they'll both have space in my backpack.)

[clayj]

i find it doubtful simply because it has such a limited audience whereas the iPod can be used by anyone who listens to music, thus available and wanted by a much larger audienceNot true. You have to have a computer to use an iPod. The PSP will be a standalone device that doesn't require anything other than for you to recharge its batteries and to buy games and/or movies.

[Cfly]

Everyone here is whining about how movies will suck on it. But i read on these forums all the time how people are just waiting for an ipod with video on it. Why would video be good on a ipod 2" color screen, and not be good on a 4+ inch, million+ color widescreen, with movies specifically designed for it? Im sure that sony will release a umd recorder in the future.

ive been wanting to get an ipod for a while now but i cant justify spending 379.99 + tax canadian for a music player.

i have pre ordered a psp already.

[clayj]

Everyone here is whining about how movies will suck on it. But i read on these forums all the time how people are just waiting for an ipod with video on it. Why would video be good on a ipod 2" color screen, and not be good on a 4+ inch, million+ color widescreen, with movies specifically designed for it? Im sure that sony will release a umd recorder in the future.I agree with you that it's only a matter of time before Sony releases a (hopefully USB or IEEE1394) UMD recorder.

And the reason that people here whine about Sony's 4" screen, when an iPod Video would have maybe a 2" screen, is because of the Reality Distortion Field (i.e., "Apple always does it better and will somehow overcome the laws of physics... at least, in my mind they will"). Best not to argue with them over it, as the RDF has caused a certain amount of permanent brain damage. :)

[Otto Rehhagel]

I have a bad feeling about media that is only pushed by sony (memory stick, minidisc, now umd). This is why I think the PSP is not THE gadget to have.

The minidisc, for example, only really caught on in Japan (for a while) where minidiscs were sold with recorded music already on CD. It looked like a fad. It was.

Sony has started to use more economical types of media (they have put compact flash slots into some of their digital cameras). Many people who have invested $$ in memory sticks for their sony cameras feel like they subscribe to sony's products and buy sony again, regardless if the competition offers better cameras.

So in short, sony wants people to buy the PSP (the bundled package ~400), memory sticks (1GB ~100+), umds (both movies @$20 and games @$50) and extra sony batteries @$60. The cost of ownership is rather steep for "AWESOME GRAPIX" in your hand, and possibly soon-to-be obselete media.

I guess that is what people want today.... :rolleyes:

ps: what will people do with $20 umd movies after psp is gone (or upgraded)? I know my $20 dvds will at least be supported by some kind of player.

[clayj]

I have a bad feeling about media that is only pushed by sony (memory stick, minidisc, now umd). This is why I think the PSP is not THE gadget to have.Actually, Memory Sticks are now produced by a number of other companies... so it's a Sony standard, but there is absolutely no guarantee that Sony will reap major money from people buying high-capacity Memory Sticks, especially since the other Sticks are cheaper.

The minidisc, for example, only really caught on in Japan (for a while) where minidiscs were sold with recorded music already on CD. It looked like a fad. It was.Definitely a niche market... I still have a portable MD recorder/player, and a small selection of prerecorded discs, as well as a few "mix tape" discs that I made for myself. I used to play them quite a lot.

Sony has started to use more economical types of media (they have put compact flash slots into their digital cameras). Many people who have invested $$ in memory sticks for their sony cameras feel like they subscribe to sony's products and buy sony again, regardless if the competition offers better cameras.

So in short, sony wants people to buy the PSP (the bundled package ~400), memory sticks, umds (both movies @$20 and games @$50) and extra sony batteries @$60. The cost of ownership is rather steep for "AWESOME GRAPIX" in your hand, and possibly soon-to-be obselete media.This is pretty much true for ANY videogame system... and the games are more like $40, not $50.

I guess that is what people want today.... :rolleyes:

ps: what will people do with $20 umd movies after psp is gone (or upgraded)? I know my $20 dvds will at least be supported by some kind of player.See above. For pretty much any entertainment platform that relies on separate media, there is always the risk of your content becoming obsolete when the next Big Thing comes out. The iPod has no removable media, so it's not an issue there. But the iPod also doesn't play movies or videogames.

[Mechcozmo]

I think the PSP has the potential to be the next ipod (in terms of movie playing capacity).

iPods never played movies.... :rolleyes:

[applekid]

There's a really limited number of movies I can imagine watching on a screen of the PSP's size or smaller. Maybe something off of my digital camera, maybe a few online shows, and that's all I can think of. A full Hollywood movie is just no fun on a display smaller than 10 inches.

I personally am not hoping to see an iPod Video, unless they somehow fit a mini-projector or a really really foldable screen. That's probably the only thing to hold Apple back. That and the fact downloading movies legally hasn't caught on too well (there are services, but I don't think they're very popular).

A UMD burner is dangerous. MiniDisc went kaput because of how easy it was to pirate.

[Phobophobia]

PSP as an iPod killer? It's not even a Gameboy killer... let alone DS.

[Otto Rehhagel]

Actually, Memory Sticks are now produced by a number of other companies... so it's a Sony standard, but there is absolutely no guarantee that Sony will reap major money from people buying high-capacity Memory Sticks, especially since the other Sticks are cheaper.

I think you missed my point. People are reluctant to purchase a canon or nikon because they don't want to drop more money on flash memory cards. They are subscribing to sony without realizing it.

This is pretty much true for ANY videogame system... and the games are more like $40, not $50.

Actually NFS, FIFA, Spiderman 2, Tony Hawk, Dynasty Warriors, MVP Baseball, Hot Shots Golf, NFL Street, NBA Street, GTA, Midnight Club 3, and more are all $50. Sure Sony's titles are $40 but the range is 40-50 bucks.

But the iPod also doesn't play movies or videogames.

Just the way everyone likes it. Apple should not try to be all things to everyone. I think this is what makes them strong. Nintendo seems to follow this philosophy as well. PSP wants to be the "everything" gadget (minus cell phone) because they can afford to lose.

[topicolo]

Either way, the only time we'll really find out how well the PSP does is when it comes out. All these claims about how it's not even a DS killer and how it'll never get adopted have to be taken with a grain of salt, since you can't call those statements facts and still do it with a straight face.

Personally, I think the PSP has a shot at being a ubiquitous media player in the same way that the iPod became the ubiquitous music player. The only thing holding it back is its craptacular battery life. Remember when the iPod came out? People were laughing at Apple and Jobs for coming out with such a ridiculously overpriced and underperforming music player (eg. What? $399 for a 5Gb MP3 player?) and we all know how much of a failure the ipod is :rolleyes:

[Cfly]

The psp is gonna smoke the DS

it is selling more per week now in japan, and will quickly catch up in the US, with the Ds selling only around 150k units/month. Compare that to the ps2 which still does around 400k/month

[imac_japan]

i find it doubtful simply because it has such a limited audience whereas the iPod can be used by anyone who listens to music, thus available and wanted by a much larger audience

just my .02

I guess that you haven't seen a PSP - take a look before you post !!! The first time that i saw one - i was blown away (like the first time i saw the ipod). Its so amazing that they could do it and charge a low price for it !! i mean the screen just blows anything else out of the water !! The ipod will continue to sell well but I think that this year, the PSP will be on everyone's wish list.

By the way, I have both....I used the PSP for short trips eg: 1-2 hours on the train. I listen to music and play games and watch smallville on it...I use the ipod when I go on a plane eg: a trip that takes more than 3 hours....

What Apple needs to do is to license the PSP and put an Apple logo on the front !! but we know that they won't do it........the only negative thing about the PSP is the price of sony's memory stick pro - You need at least a 1gb stick and that costs anywhere from $150 up (or in japan 25,000 yen) ...but the new sony president said that he wants the company to drop the price of the sticks because if you sell cheaper sticks more people will buy the PSP.

[imac_japan]

PSP as an iPod killer? It's not even a Gameboy killer... let alone DS.

Ah excuse me BUT its killing the DS in Japan !!!!!!!!!!!
eg:

JAN

1) PlayStation 2 - 66,543 (YTD: 255,781) (Market Share: 35.58%)
2) Sony PSP - 56,274 (YTD: 183,028) (Market Share: 30.14%)
3) Nintendo DS - 44,608 (YTD: 206,696) (Market Share: 23.85%)
4) Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP - 13,317 (YTD: 102,457) (Market Share: 7.12%)
5) Nintendo GameCube - 5,359 (YTD: 32,537) (Market Share: 2.87%)
6) Microsoft Xbox - 498 (YTD: 2,183) (Market Share: 0.27%)
7) Nintendo Game Boy Advance - 332 (YTD: 2,639) (Market Share: 0.18%)

For the week Sony's PSP outsold the DS, despite the dual-screen handheld's strong market share overall. Sony's market share for the week was 65.72%. Nintendo's market share for the week was significantly less, at 34.02%. Luckily, for both Nintendo and Sony, their market share is far greater than that of Microsoft -- whose Xbox controls 0.27% of the Japanese videogame hardware market.

MAR

PlayStation 2
32.97%

PSP
35.51%

GameCube
2.71%

Game Boy Advance
0.30%

Game Boy Advance SP
9.18%

Nintendo DS
19.20%

Xbox
0.13%

Total
100.00%

Now Please do some research before you post.......rumors and baseless facts don't interest any one

[Vader]

I guess that you haven't seen a PSP - take a look before you post !!! The first time that i saw one - i was blown away (like the first time i saw the ipod). Its so amazing that they could do it and charge a low price for it !! i mean the screen just blows anything else out of the water !! The ipod will continue to sell well but I think that this year, the PSP will be on everyone's wish list.

By the way, I have both....I used the PSP for short trips eg: 1-2 hours on the train. I listen to music and play games and watch smallville on it...I use the ipod when I go on a plane eg: a trip that takes more than 3 hours....

What Apple needs to do is to license the PSP and put an Apple logo on the front !! but we know that they won't do it........the only negative thing about the PSP is the price of sony's memory stick pro - You need at least a 1gb stick and that costs anywhere from $150 up (or in japan 25,000 yen) ...but the new sony president said that he wants the company to drop the price of the sticks because if you sell cheaper sticks more people will buy the PSP.
Oh, I do hope they will lower the memory price!

[GFLPraxis]

Ah excuse me BUT its killing the DS in Japan !!!!!!!!!!!
eg:

JAN

1) PlayStation 2 - 66,543 (YTD: 255,781) (Market Share: 35.58%)
2) Sony PSP - 56,274 (YTD: 183,028) (Market Share: 30.14%)
3) Nintendo DS - 44,608 (YTD: 206,696) (Market Share: 23.85%)
4) Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP - 13,317 (YTD: 102,457) (Market Share: 7.12%)
5) Nintendo GameCube - 5,359 (YTD: 32,537) (Market Share: 2.87%)
6) Microsoft Xbox - 498 (YTD: 2,183) (Market Share: 0.27%)
7) Nintendo Game Boy Advance - 332 (YTD: 2,639) (Market Share: 0.18%)

For the week Sony's PSP outsold the DS, despite the dual-screen handheld's strong market share overall. Sony's market share for the week was 65.72%. Nintendo's market share for the week was significantly less, at 34.02%. Luckily, for both Nintendo and Sony, their market share is far greater than that of Microsoft -- whose Xbox controls 0.27% of the Japanese videogame hardware market.

MAR

PlayStation 2
32.97%

PSP
35.51%

GameCube
2.71%

Game Boy Advance
0.30%

Game Boy Advance SP
9.18%

Nintendo DS
19.20%

Xbox
0.13%

Total
100.00%

Now Please do some research before you post.......rumors and baseless facts don't interest any one

So they outsold them for ONE WEEK. Overall I believe the DS has, in fact, outsold the PSP, unless that has changed very recently.

And overall the PSP hasn't even begun to CONSIDER approaching the GBA SP, which outsold the PS2.

You're just quoting the sales for one week and acting like it's the total sales.

[neoelectronaut]

I think the gaming capabilities alone are worth it!

So it's worth it to spend $250 for a poorly built handheld that plays 2 to 3 year old videogames that can be played on a much larger screen though a system that now costs $150.

Right.

[Cfly]

The Gba+Gba sp have not outsold the psp.

ps2=82 million units sold
gba=65 million

the original gameboy is the best selling system of all

[Cfly]

So it's worth it to spend $250 for a poorly built handheld that plays 2 to 3 year old videogames that can be played on a much larger screen though a system that now costs $150.

Right.

Much better than playing 15 year old games on your gba or 10 year old games on your nintendo ds

packing ps2 like power into a handheld you can bring anywhere costs money and you will see that many people want the handheld ability with amazing console like graphics.

[neoelectronaut]

The Gba+Gba sp have not outsold the psp.

ps2=82 million units sold
gba=65 million

the original gameboy is the best selling system of all

Where did you get this information, out of curiosity?

[GFLPraxis]

The Gba+Gba sp have not outsold the psp.

ps2=82 million units sold
gba=65 million

the original gameboy is the best selling system of all


My apologies.
http://www.gamebattles.com/news/20040115/8p1.html
They outsold the PS2 (by nearly 2 million units) and XBox in 2003. Not overall.

[GFLPraxis]

Much better than playing 15 year old games on your gba or 10 year old games on your nintendo ds

packing ps2 like power into a handheld you can bring anywhere costs money and you will see that many people want the handheld ability with amazing console like graphics.

I'd rather play the best N64 games for 10 hours than the best PS2 games for 4 ;)

Okay, just kidding with that, but 10 year old games on the DS? There are a couple ports, but 90% of the DS games are brand new games utilizing the touch screen.

In fact, the only ports are Ridge Racer, and Mario 64 DS (which has so much new stuff I don't know if it can even be considered a port. More of a remake. New levels, and the old ones are completely revamped, and the graphics are way better, and there are new characters, and no longer any caps), and later on Rayman DS will be released.

Every other DS game is brand new.

The thing is, the PSP is designed as a portable console rather than as a handheld. You have everything you'd expect from a console. That includes the problems of a console as well, such as requiring a memory card, and long loading times. The DS avoids these.

[neoelectronaut]

I'd rather play the best N64 games for 10 hours than the best PS2 games for 4 ;)

Okay, just kidding with that, but 10 year old games on the DS? There are a couple ports, but 90% of the DS games are brand new games utilizing the touch screen.

In fact, the only ports are Ridge Racer, and Mario 64 DS (which has so much new stuff I don't know if it can even be considered a port. More of a remake. New levels, and the old ones are completely revamped, and the graphics are way better, and there are new characters, and no longer any caps), and later on Rayman DS will be released.

Every other DS game is brand new.

The thing is, the PSP is designed as a portable console rather than as a handheld. You have everything you'd expect from a console. That includes the problems of a console as well, such as requiring a memory card, and long loading times. The DS avoids these.

Indeed. I'd much rather play Super Mario 64 for hours on end than "Metal Gear Ac!d" for....hours on end.

Seriously. These "15 year old" games that you speak of, while old, are the classics. The games that everyone grew up with, that everyone loves, and that will never degrade in quality.

As for the PSP...out of the launch lineup, how many of the games are remakes and rehashes of PS2 games?

Of the ones not remakes and rehashes, which are worth $40-50 for?

See what I mean?

Edit: Again I say it. The only reasoning I can get from people interested in the PSP is: "Holy crap did you see those graphics?" Games are more then graphics, folks. I'm going to need some concrete evidence beyond graphics for proof that the PSP is worth it. I'm also tired of reading, seeing, and hearing "You'd have to be a braindead orangutan to want a DS over a PSP." NOT EVERYONE ********** CARES ABOUT GRAPHICS MORON.

There I feel better.

[GFLPraxis]

By the way, I have both....I used the PSP for short trips eg: 1-2 hours on the train. I listen to music and play games and watch smallville on it...I use the ipod when I go on a plane eg: a trip that takes more than 3 hours....

Smallville absolutely rules. Gotta give you points for taste :D

What Apple needs to do is to license the PSP and put an Apple logo on the front !!

Absolutely not.
1) Apple stays far away from Sony's memory sticks.
2) Sony and Apple are competitors in the music department.
3) Apple doesn't want the bad PR of selling products with terrible battery life.

[neoelectronaut]

Smallville absolutely rules. Gotta give you points for taste :D



Absolutely not.
1) Apple stays far away from Sony's memory sticks.
2) Sony and Apple are competitors in the music department.
3) Apple doesn't want the bad PR of selling products with terrible battery life.

4)Apple doesn't sell products with poor build quality. Apple would be better paired with Nintendo in this department.

[GFLPraxis]

4)Apple doesn't sell products with poor build quality. Apple would be better paired with Nintendo in this department.

Agreed, except Apple likes to have the most expensive one with nicest hardware AND nicest build quality. Like the iMacs.

Apple would go and make their own handheld that costs $300, has better graphics than the PSP but the touch screen from the DS, and kill everybody :p Except they're not into gaming, sadly.

They should do that, actually. It'd be awesome.

Hey, since the Nintendo Revolution has IBM processors and ATi graphics cards and is rumored to have a hard drive, I wonder if Apple might make an OS X for it? Highly unlikely, but it'd be sweet.

[neoelectronaut]

Hey, since the Nintendo Revolution has IBM processors and ATi graphics cards and is rumored to have a hard drive, I wonder if Apple might make an OS X for it? Highly unlikely, but it'd be sweet.

Not to mention the built-in wi-fi. Apple's all about that "Airport" stuff, remember? :P

[Cfly]

Funny how the DS has been out since November 2004, and still has less games available than the psp will have in the launch period.

shows that 3rd party support is very weak and the system may not be supported by companies other than nintendo in the future.

Oh well nintendo still has the next gameboy to back up the DS when it fails

[Cfly]

Where did you get this information, out of curiosity?

i go to this forums site

people keep posting weekly updates of console sales and stuff like that

http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/folder.php?fid=12

[GFLPraxis]

Funny how the DS has been out since November 2004, and still has less games available than the psp will have in the launch period.

shows that 3rd party support is very weak and the system may not be supported by companies other than nintendo in the future.

Oh well nintendo still has the next gameboy to back up the DS when it fails

The PSP has been out for almost as long as the DS has in Japan.
Further, 90% of the PSP games are ports, while only a tiny fraction of the DS games are ports.


The DS has a huge upcoming games list for 2005. The problem is that the companies are actually MAKING the games, which is why its taking months to finish. With the PSP, companies just add WiFi support and set it to a lower screen resolution and put it on a UMD disk, bam, instant port.

[Yvan256]

I don't know if it's been said before (don't want to read 3 pages worth of "iPod vs PSP" or even "PSP vs GBA"), but one point the PSP doesn't have going for it: size.

People buy the lower-capacity, high sticker price iPod mini over the regular iPod. Why? Because it's smaller. The PSP is so much bigger than a regular iPod it's not even funny.

Will PSP replace iPod as the "hip" tech item? Perhaps. For the elitist "look-at-me-I-got-more-money-than-you", it's a given. Especially since the iPod prices keep going down (good thing for marketshare).

Will PSP replace iPod as the "hip" music player? Not a chance.

[Sol]

This idea of the PSP being a threat to the iPod is nothing more than marketing by SONY. In the real world the PSP competes with the Nintendo DS but the SONY hype machine pretends that the DS is not relevant so they avoid mentioning it and instead compare it to the iPod. In the minds of consumers, SONY has not sold less PSPs than Nintendo sold DS's in the same period; SONY sold more PSPs than Apple sold iPods in its launch.

[neoelectronaut]

The DS has a huge upcoming games list for 2005. The problem is that the companies are actually MAKING the games, which is why its taking months to finish. With the PSP, companies just add WiFi support and set it to a lower screen resolution and put it on a UMD disk, bam, instant port.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

The reason that the PSP has more games at launch is because they're all just codebase from PS2 games tweaked a bit to run on the handheld...so your "OMG THE PSP HAS MORE GAMEZ" arguement is invalid.

[dubbz]

Most girls don't enjoy video games as much as boys, but they do enjoy the iPod.

I'd say that will depend alot on what games is released for the PSP. But I do have a feeling that the Nintendo DS will sell more, especially since it as more "social functions".

Don't disagree that any of them will sell more to the boys, though..


But what whould I know. My sister likes to challenge me in Dead or Alive 3 and Soul Calibur 2 :p

[kuyu]

These threads inevitably turn into a DS vs. PSP argument. The rub is that Nintendo never intended for the DS to replace the gameboy. It's a new third pillar product and a seperate SBU (strategic business unit).

Nintendo execs have already said that there will be a successor to the gameboy. Rumor has it that it will be called "gameboy evolution," to match the "revolutionary" name of their new console. The whole point of the DS is to try something different. Nintendo wants to offer people a new experience, not the same old game with better graphics.

On the gbevolution: Ever wonder why Nintendo gamecube discs are tiny? The evolution will likely use the same discs, meaning that on day one of launch there will be hundreds of available titles. Nintendo has the advantage of seeing the PSP and measuring what works and what doesn't, then coming out with a better gaming platform.

Don't buy a PSP before E3. It's a marvelous product, but we haven't even seen its competition yet. I'm buying a DS for now, and will decide between the PSP and the gbevolution later this year.

[Powerbook G5]

I think the iPod will still be solid, even next to the PSP. I remember last month I was in EB talking to the manager about the PSP and how it looks pretty cool and all the technical stuff that makes it look like it will blow everything away. At some point, we got on topic of the iPod mini and how if I hadn't bought my girlfriend one for her birthday, I'd have more money to blow on games. The manager and one of the cashiers were like "yeah, the iPod is really awesome" and when the cashier asked his manager what he'd rather get if he had the $250, he was just like "well that is a no brainer...I'd take the iPod". This is from a serious hardcore video game fanatic, too. I know the guy and he is pretty into the video game culture and even he just hands down thinks the iPod is more hip and a better cultural icon than the PSP will be. I think this will go with a lot of people, I just think music transcends the cultural condition more than a video game system and even though the PSP will in theory be able to play movies and music and all that also, I just don't see it taking the iPod's place in people's hearts. I sit in class at school and I see so many people with all sorts of iPods. It is seriously a cultural icon now. The PSP just won't do that. The Gameboy is an icon, the iPod is now an icon, but like anything else, to history the first thing that came out is the defining icon of its time and the iPod became the must have gadget that has shaped the way the computer/electronics gadget world for recent memory.

[CAM]

We in the computer world, even on the Apple side, tend to make tech things too complicated. That seems to be the case here for those worried about the PSP eating into the Ipod's part of the market. Here's what it boils down to for "normal" human beings:

PSP = Game machine.

Ipod = mp3 player.


See, there really is no confusion or competition. Well, that is until the salesmen enter the picture. Then all bets are off. ;)

[neoelectronaut]

Funny how the DS has been out since November 2004, and still has less games available than the psp will have in the launch period.

shows that 3rd party support is very weak and the system may not be supported by companies other than nintendo in the future.

Oh well nintendo still has the next gameboy to back up the DS when it fails

Funny, because I count about 250 games available to play on the DS. (Approx.)

[ZildjianKX]

Funny, because I count about 250 games available to play on the DS. (Approx.)

And how many excluding backwards compatible GBA games?

[neoelectronaut]

And how many excluding backwards compatible GBA games?

That's not the point. All I'm saying is that the amount of games available on the DS is many, many more than on the PSP.

[Cfly]

i doubt that people are buying a ds to play gameboy games.

they bought it to play mario 64ds then realized it gets boring because they played it 10 years ago on the n64, and the only decent game coming out is Metroid. Now they will all be up on ebay, so they can preorder their psp

[GFLPraxis]

i doubt that people are buying a ds to play gameboy games.

they bought it to play mario 64ds then realized it gets boring because they played it 10 years ago on the n64, and the only decent game coming out is Metroid. Now they will all be up on ebay, so they can preorder their psp

ONLY DECENT GAME?

If people think Metroid Prime Hunters is the only decent games, they're a bunch of BLIND MORONS.

http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/platform.php?platformid=84

Unless Age of Empires, Advance Wars, a new Zelda game, Need for Speed Underground 2, Rayman, Sonic, Star Wars Episode III, a new Mario game, Wario Ware Touched!, Animal Crossing DS (online), and all the others don't count.


And btw, GameBoy games rock. MegaMan Battle Network 3 and MegaMan Zero 3 are top notch and more fun than some console games.

[neoelectronaut]

ONLY DECENT GAME?

If people think Metroid Prime Hunters is the only decent games, they're a bunch of BLIND MORONS.

http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/platform.php?platformid=84

Unless Age of Empires, Advance Wars, a new Zelda game, Need for Speed Underground 2, Rayman, Sonic, Star Wars Episode III, a new Mario game, Wario Ware Touched!, Animal Crossing DS (online), and all the others don't count.


And btw, GameBoy games rock. MegaMan Battle Network 3 and MegaMan Zero 3 are top notch and more fun than some console games.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Chu Chu Rocket, Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Pokemon Leaf Green/Fire Red/Ruby/Sapphire Versions, Sonic Advance 1, 2, and 3, The Classic NES Series, Super Mario Advance 1-4 (Super Mario Bros. 2, 3, Super Mario World, and Yoshi's Island), Rayman Advance, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Final Fantasy: Dawn of Souls (I & II), Metroid Fusion, Metroid Zero Mission, Astro Boy: Omega Factor, Wario Ware, Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Advance Wars, Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, Fire Emblem, F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, F-Zero: GP Legend, Golden Sun, Golden Sun: The Lost Age, The Megaman Zero and Megaman Battle Network Series, Puyo Pop, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town, Grand Theft Auto Advance, Doom, Doom II, Sonic Battle, Sonic Pinball Party, Metal Slug Advance....

AND A BUNCH OF STUFF I'M FORGETTING

DS' Available Library > PSP's Available Library

[imac_japan]

Edit: Again I say it. The only reasoning I can get from people interested in the PSP is: "Holy crap did you see those graphics?" Games are more then graphics, folks. I'm going to need some concrete evidence beyond graphics for proof that the PSP is worth it. I'm also tired of reading, seeing, and hearing "You'd have to be a braindead orangutan to want a DS over a PSP." NOT EVERYONE ********** CARES ABOUT GRAPHICS MORON.

There I feel better.

Well The PSP can play games, music and movies !!!! I care about all three.....and well the PSP games are much better than the DS - people just get sick of having another mario game (by the way, I have a gamecube not a PS2)..and if you want to compare systems - the DS looks and feels like a piece of plastic crap....I do like the idea of the DS pen system but the games just don't interest me.

But since this is a PSP vs ipod thread.......if you like music, buy the ipod....if you wanna play games and wanna watch videos, buy the PSP.....if you want both, buy both !!!

[GFLPraxis]

Well The PSP can play games, music and movies !!!! I care about all three.....

Movies: Sure, in low resolution, and without any of the features of DVDs, for the same price.

Music: Sure, except once you buy the memory stick and PSP you could have gotten 20 times the space with an iPod, or the same amount of space for a third of the price.

and well the PSP games are much better than the DS - people just get sick of having another mario game (by the way, I have a gamecube not a PS2)..and if you want to compare systems - the DS looks and feels like a piece of plastic crap....I do like the idea of the DS pen system but the games just don't interest me.


Gotta disagree, look at the upcoming games list.


But since this is a PSP vs ipod thread.......if you like music, buy the ipod....if you wanna play games and wanna watch videos, buy the PSP.....if you want both, buy both !!!


The PSP should be bought for games and only games. It is a mediocre video player and overpriced music player.

[shortyjj]

I would love to be able to listen to music and play games at the same time, but got bored with the ipod's games REAL quick.

Will either the DS or the PSP let me do both simultaneously? That's the question.

I'd love to replace my stolen ipod but would gladly trade a majority of the storage for the ability to play PS2 games...

... and I'm not buying an ipod mini AND a PSP/DS.

[topicolo]

Agreed, except Apple likes to have the most expensive one with nicest hardware AND nicest build quality. Like the iMacs.

Apple would go and make their own handheld that costs $300, has better graphics than the PSP but the touch screen from the DS, and kill everybody :p Except they're not into gaming, sadly.

They should do that, actually. It'd be awesome.

Hey, since the Nintendo Revolution has IBM processors and ATi graphics cards and is rumored to have a hard drive, I wonder if Apple might make an OS X for it? Highly unlikely, but it'd be sweet.

No. If Apple made their own handheld, it'd made out of titanium/magnesium, cost $800, have a slightly smaller screen than the PSP, a slower processor, and almost no launch games, but everything would work flawlessly, with no reports of defects at all.

[GFLPraxis]

I would love to be able to listen to music and play games at the same time, but got bored with the ipod's games REAL quick.

Will either the DS or the PSP let me do both simultaneously? That's the question.

I'd love to replace my stolen ipod but would gladly trade a majority of the storage for the ability to play PS2 games...

... and I'm not buying an ipod mini AND a PSP/DS.

Nope, neither the PSP nor the DS w/media player let you do it at the same time.

[Vader]

Will some PSP games incorporate this feature, like some xbox games let you use your music in games, so the PSP could too, right?
I think that is a great feature, I love having my music in the Xbox games, so this would also be great in a handheld!

[GFLPraxis]

No. If Apple made their own handheld, it'd made out of titanium/magnesium, cost $800, have a slightly smaller screen than the PSP, a slower processor, and almost no launch games, but everything would work flawlessly, with no reports of defects at all.


No way, it would have a 'liquid metal' case ;)

[ziwi]

Obviously ;) - it plays better games...with a good music/content store it may be the 'in' thing.

[clayj]

Will some PSP games incorporate this feature, like some xbox games let you use your music in games, so the PSP could too, right?
I think that is a great feature, I love having my music in the Xbox games, so this would also be great in a handheld!Exactly so. I remember that the original Wipeout (or maybe it was Wipeout XL) let you select what songs you wanted to hear off the original game CD... of course, there was no hard drive in the PSX, so you couldn't use your own songs. And quite a few Xbox titles allow you to play songs off the Xbox' HD. But since you can't put songs onto the game UMDs, the only option on the PSP would be to play songs off the Memory Stick.

[admford]

I gotta add that the PSP out selling the DS in japan is quite a stupid arguement. The DS is priced at about 143 dollars in Japan, while the basic PSP system is priced at 189 dollars. It's about a 50 dollar difference between systems. What would you get in that case? A more powerfull and hyped system, or the system that's only dedicated to gaming?

While in europe and the states, the question might be different. 250 dollars for a PSP with only a 32MB memory card? For that price they should give at least 256MB worth of space, since there aren't that many games out when it's released (yeah, sure. New console released and you *have* to get at least 5 games for it, and at 50 bucks a piece? yeah right).

Even though the DS is a less capable system, the initial release games are fun and quite enjoyable. The battery life is great, and over all it's not a bad system. On the plus side, Nintendo is barely using even a quarter or less of the DS's capabilities. We still have to see what they come up with.

One market that's particularly difficult to enter is europe. europeans don't part with their money unless they *have to*. As for the number of games, good battery life, and low cost (100 euros less than a PSP), and single cartridge multiplayer (thus cheaper and better), the DS soon is gonna take off in sales (it's been out here since the 11th, though I managed to get a pre-release version of it a month earlier). In europe, if you want a PSP that's not an import, you're gonna have to wait till June, at the earliest (it's been pushed back three times already). And considering you're gonna have to get a whole new set of accessories for the PSP (Oops! Mom I dropped it, screen's broken :p, or the memory card is full with game saves, and I don't have space for my music anymore :D ).

In truth, the PSP has a tough road ahead of it, and I don't think it'll dent Nintendo's rule of the hand held market in the near future or even farther along.

[GFLPraxis]

In truth, the PSP has a tough road ahead of it, and I don't think it'll dent Nintendo's rule of the hand held market in the near future or even farther along.

It WILL dent it. Thats for sure, even Nintendo's CEO said that.

Nintendo has a 90% (if not higher) handheld marketshare. The last bit is split between the NGage (LOL), Zodiac, and a few other wannabees.

There's nowhere to go BUT down.

I think its safe to say that the PSP will outsell the crappy NGage or overpriced/gameless Zodiac. So Nintendo's market share must drop at least a LITTLE bit.

I don't think it will SIGNIFICANTLY hurt them. But they'll have to lose *some* market share. They can't get much higher ;)

[Cfly]

From march 24th on nintendos marketshare will probably be like 25%

[GFLPraxis]

From march 24th on nintendos marketshare will probably be like 25%


LOL.

So you're saying that Sony is going to march along with the PSP, with half the battery life, nearly double the price ($150 vs $250), more expensive games, and better graphics, and topple Nintendo's entire 90% market share in ONE MONTH?

Apple has great battery life, BETTER software and hardware, and is only SLIGHTLY more expensive, yet after 20 years still cannot overcome Microsoft's 90% market share.

I don't think so. Consumers like things that are more affordable. The PSP will find its niche, but not become the mainstream.

[ioremac]

Ah excuse me BUT its killing the DS in Japan !!!!!!!!!!!
eg:

JAN

1) PlayStation 2 - 66,543 (YTD: 255,781) (Market Share: 35.58%)
2) Sony PSP - 56,274 (YTD: 183,028) (Market Share: 30.14%)
3) Nintendo DS - 44,608 (YTD: 206,696) (Market Share: 23.85%)
4) Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP - 13,317 (YTD: 102,457) (Market Share: 7.12%)
5) Nintendo GameCube - 5,359 (YTD: 32,537) (Market Share: 2.87%)
6) Microsoft Xbox - 498 (YTD: 2,183) (Market Share: 0.27%)
7) Nintendo Game Boy Advance - 332 (YTD: 2,639) (Market Share: 0.18%)

For the week Sony's PSP outsold the DS, despite the dual-screen handheld's strong market share overall. Sony's market share for the week was 65.72%. Nintendo's market share for the week was significantly less, at 34.02%. Luckily, for both Nintendo and Sony, their market share is far greater than that of Microsoft -- whose Xbox controls 0.27% of the Japanese videogame hardware market.

MAR

PlayStation 2
32.97%

PSP
35.51%

GameCube
2.71%

Game Boy Advance
0.30%

Game Boy Advance SP
9.18%

Nintendo DS
19.20%

Xbox
0.13%

Total
100.00%

Now Please do some research before you post.......rumors and baseless facts don't interest any one


Ah the number game however you refuse to acknowledge that the psp is not even at 1 million units sold in japan but the ds is almost at 2 million. So in terms in total market share the ds is kicking the psp's ass. Also nintendo just almost sold out in europe which is just crazy thats about 600,000 Ds's. Also in japan the ds is selling software like crazy the psp did have a game in the top ten last week but software wise it doesnt seem to be doing so good.

[ioremac]

Also you guys are forgetting that nintendo has another handheld out THE GBASP this thing is a monster in america. It sold almost 400,000 in January. I doubt at least for this year that the sp will go away.

[Dagless]

in a nutshell? no.

movies on the go does not work, there was an article by Gordon Laing recently in some PC mag talking about how the masses have iPods and other audio devices, but no portable video players. why? funny he didnt put it down to cost, but rather watching movies on the go just dosnt work. you cant walk through the streets watching the latest blockbuster on a 4" screen.

i compressed some Leage of Gentlemen and Phoenix Nights episodes down and stuffed them onto a 256mb SD card for my Pocket PC. but it was crap. much rather play music on the go.

anyways i dont know the answers or whatever but videos on the go=nope. music on the go=already a huge sucess.

PSP sales fans really should note: that the DS sold 60,000 (or was it 6000) more units than the PSP in the PSP's own launch week in Japan. erm :rolleyes: *KAPOW!*

when will people realize that the PSP is just a portable PS2 (portable at 2 hours battery life? hmmm) that brings nothing new to the table at all. heh and i thought mac owners loved innovation ;) and need i go on about how the Gameboy has already beaten down 13 competitors in the past, 75% of which were more powerful that the GB. that the DS is backwards compatible. that it has double the battery life and is half the price (round about).
nintendo knows handhelds which is why they dropped uber real graphics for simple graphics which saves a hell of a load of battery power.

"buy another battery!" they say
Lik Sang stock official DS batteries for £6.99, PSP batteries are £35.99 :eek: or at least they were when i imported my DS a month ago.

Joe Public likes things cheap.

[Dagless]

Also you guys are forgetting that nintendo has another handheld out THE GBASP this thing is a monster in america. It sold almost 400,000 in January. I doubt at least for this year that the sp will go away.

very true, nintendo have repeatedly said that the DS is NOT ANOTHER GAMEBOY. the SP will live on until the GBA2 appears.
ok the display isnt as bright or beautiful as the DS but meh 15 hrs battery life and a miniscule size does it for me :)

[Macamus Prime]

I think the PSP is about the size of a VHS tape.

http://www.tape.ca/Images/vhshand.jpg

http://www.tokidokijournal.com/misc/E32004/photo/psp.jpg

NOT as tall, but just as wide. Don't get me wrong, its a nice peice of hardware. Impressive graphics, nice games, looks pretty slick. But, it barely passes the portability function. Its big, poor battery performance and has no cover. A clam shell design would have been better.

Eitherway, there is a good chance I will buy it later on when the price drops. $250 is not worth it.

[kuyu]

NOT as tall, but just as wide. Don't get me wrong, its a nice peice of hardware. Impressive graphics, nice games, looks pretty slick. But, it barely passes the portability function. Its big, poor battery performance and has no cover. A clam shell design would have been better.

Eitherway, there is a good chance I will buy it later on when the price drops. $250 is not worth it.

My thoughts exactly. Yes the PSP is slick, but for portability it falls short. Battery life is key. I often spend 6-8 hours on car trips, and the DS will last the whole trip. The sleep mode of the DS is amazing and very useful. Clamshell design makes it more rugged by default, even if it's plastic.

[DavidLeblond]

I didn't read all 4 pages of posts, but just remember that the DS is basically just a handheld that Nintendo threw out there to compete against the PSP. They plan on releasing a new Gameboy soon, or so I've heard. Who knows that THAT will be like.

(of course, if that is true I think its a dumb idea. I know they're pretty vocal about the DS "Not being a Gameboy"... but its a handheld, and it can play Gameboy games. If it quacks like a duck...)

[GFLPraxis]

I didn't read all 4 pages of posts, but just remember that the DS is basically just a handheld that Nintendo threw out there to compete against the PSP. They plan on releasing a new Gameboy soon, or so I've heard. Who knows that THAT will be like.

(of course, if that is true I think its a dumb idea. I know they're pretty vocal about the DS "Not being a Gameboy"... but its a handheld, and it can play Gameboy games. If it quacks like a duck...)

Not at all a dumb idea. The GameBoy's stick with the traditional "one big screen and good graphics" idea, the DS line goes for the touch screen/ dual screen/microphone approach.

DS will probably be the system of choice for FPS, RPG, puzzle, and minigames. The next GB will probably have the best graphics and be good for RPG (as well), platformers, etc.

I wonder if the next GB will use disks and play GameCube games. That would be interesting.


As for the DS being something thrown to compete with the PSP, I doubt it since they were demoed on the same date and announced at almost the same time. And Nintendo always stated it wasn't meant for competition for the PSP, they're in a seperate class (look at the price gap!).

[clayj]

In the interest of not creating a new PSP thread here... the launch of PSP in Europe is being delayed by several months (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7189689/) so that Sony can make sure there are enough PSPs available for the US market.

[Mechcozmo]

Its big, poor battery performance and has no cover. A clam shell design would have been better.

The original Game Boy Advance wasn't a clam shell design... the original Game Boy wasn't... the original Game Boy Pocket wasn't....

I'm just pointing something out-- don't mean to imply the PSP is the messiah of portable gaming or anything.

[GFLPraxis]

The original Game Boy Advance wasn't a clam shell design... the original Game Boy wasn't... the original Game Boy Pocket wasn't....

I'm just pointing something out-- don't mean to imply the PSP is the messiah of portable gaming or anything.

That probably explains why my original GameBoy's screen cover actually FELL OFF :D

And why the GBA was so criticized before the SP came out.
Or maybe that was just the lighting...
http://img.penny-arcade.com/2001/20010613l.gif

[risc]

I think the PSP is about the size of a VHS tape.

I don't have any video tapes here to compare but for those who are interested in the real size of the PSP...

http://nakedsoul.org/IMG_0798.JPG

Sorry about the crappy quality photo - lighting is bad and here, and I haven't even looked at the digital cameras manual.

Do most of you still think the DS is more portable?

[GFLPraxis]

They're about the same when you fold the DS up. *shrug*

I never said either was smaller than the other.

[risc]

I never said either was smaller than the other.

Yep but a lot of people here who haven't used either really need to stop making comments about hardware they don't own, and I'm not talking about you here I've enjoyed our "discussions" on the subject. ;)

And as you can all see now the bigger piece of hardware is actually the DS - OMFG! Can I get a witness!

[Jalexster]

Actually, I think the PSP is bigger than the DS, even when the DS is closed.

Also, the DS has a bloody brilliant feature. It's sleep mode is identical to those on the iBooks and Powerbooks. But faster. Just snap it shut, and it instantly pauses and goes into low power mode. The PSP has a similar feature. But it's just not the same as simply opening and closing it.

[iriejedi]

i doubt it but anything is possible


NO! Because you can't use PSP in your cube - but iPods are everywhere at my work. :p

[Mechcozmo]

That probably explains why my original GameBoy's screen cover actually FELL OFF :D

And why the GBA was so criticized before the SP came out.
Or maybe that was just the lighting...
[IMG]http://img.penny-arcade.com/2001/20010613l.gif[IMG]

Yup, I remember seeing that issue with the screen covers falling off. And I didn't know the GBA was criticized-- just thought that all the people saying Nintendo could do no wrong should take a quick look back into the past.

[GFLPraxis]

Yup, I remember seeing that issue with the screen covers falling off. And I didn't know the GBA was criticized-- just thought that all the people saying Nintendo could do no wrong should take a quick look back into the past.

Well, it's criticized for screen problems (mostly terrible lighting though) ;) The rest of it was a great system.

They fixed that one problem with the SP.

[BZGamer]

No way. The PSP is a jack of all trades, master of none.

It does 4 things:

1) Play games. Mostly PS2 ports. While it does this extremely well (great graphics), it's battery life is hideous (4-6 hours).

2) Play music. While it's capable of playing music, you have to buy a memory card. Let's consider.
http://www.memorysuppliers.com/somestproduo.html
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-smarter.asp?id=964595661&rf=smarter&dfdate=03_11_2005
http://bizrate.lycos.com/marketplace/search/search__cid--465,pid--252133857.html

The cheapest price I can find anywhere is $170, and it's usually more like $200, with some places selling it for $300.
This is for a 1 GB stick BTW.

So I'll go with the cheapest price (though most consumers will just buy from the local Best Buy or something).

PSP: $250 (US price, includes a 32 MB stick and carrying case, the $200 Japanese PSP-only package will not be available according to IGN).
1 GB memory stick: $170.

You've just spent $420 to get the same music capacity as a $150 iPod Shuffle.

3) Play photos.
It can do this well, but for $420 you could get a lot more storage with the $350 iPod Photo at 30 GB vs 1 GB.

4) Play Movies.
Unlike portable DVD players or even those new portable media players, the PSP's screen is lower than TV resolution. 480x272 or something like that (the last two digits might be different). So things look different.

And you're not really gonna fit more than one movie (assuming you reduce it to PSP format and compress it noticeably) on a 1 GB stick.

AND it's illegal to rip DVD's unless you live in Canada, so you're rather stuck for media to put on it.
And for $420 you could easily buy a portable DVD player (which could also play music CD's, or better yet, you could burn MP3's on a 4.7 GB $2 DVD-R and take that with you) and have a MUCH bigger screen with full TV quality.





Oh and another thing.
http://bizrate.lycos.com/marketplace/product_info/overview/index__cid--465,pid--252128844.html
Check out the pricing for the 2 GB card. The CHEAPEST price is $500, and it ranges to $700.

For the price of that and the PSP, $250 + $500, you get $750.
You can buy a laptop with Linux from Walmart for $550. $750 should easily get you something with a DVD player and 30 or 40 gig hard drive and WAY bigger screen.



------

The PSP's media capabilities are a gimmick. They're handy extras (say, toss a few MP3's or a MB movie trailer on the included 32 MB card), but they are certainly not worth buying a PSP for. The PSP should be bought for games, and nothing else. And it's CERTAINLY not going to replace the 20 GB iPod.


A PSP should NOT be bought just to listen to MP3's or watch video. It should be bought just to play the games. Now that you have the PSP just to do that, you are greatful for the benefits the PSP gives you(Which is listening to MP3's on you PSP, watching Movies and Music Videos on you PSP and Browsing through pictures on your PSP.) I know, I have one and I play games, watch all the video, and listen to music as I go to College and then travel back home. And I paid $130 for my 1GB San Disk Memory stick not $170. I also got 2X512MB too for $135 bucks. Sony is hitting the older audiance with this handheld, not the kiddy audiance as Nintendo has done for years. http://money.cnn.com/2004/05/11/technology/e3_psp/index.htm?cnn=yes. Ohh yes accomodations have a price to pay GFLPraxis. I guess thats why the DS is soo cheap.

Visit http://www.capdase.com/ for your PSP protecting needs. I say this because I have come accross PSP forums where members didn't know where to go to protect their PSP. It is excellent. These protective liners, you need to have your PSP screen dust free and smudge free. When you put it on only expost a small porting of the Protective Screen and lay it down on one end of the screen. When you're done pull the tab all the way down as you bond the remaining part of the Protective Screen. If you dont do this, you will have little bubbles all over your screen caused from the tiny lint or dust that has gotten on your screen.

[BZGamer]

LOL.

So you're saying that Sony is going to march along with the PSP, with half the battery life, nearly double the price ($150 vs $250), more expensive games, and better graphics, and topple Nintendo's entire 90% market share in ONE MONTH?

Apple has great battery life, BETTER software and hardware, and is only SLIGHTLY more expensive, yet after 20 years still cannot overcome Microsoft's 90% market share.

I don't think so. Consumers like things that are more affordable. The PSP will find its niche, but not become the mainstream.


YO, GFLPraxis Look at the whole picture here.

IPOD: only plays music therefore battery life is long.
PSP: Plays both Video and Audio therefore battery life last according to your setting you have set on your PSP.

With the video setting on low screen brightness, powersave on, enhanced audio turned off, WLan turned off, and volume half way, listening to MP3's your batteries last 8-10 hours. If you have music videos or are playing games, your batteries last 4-6 hours. Now if you choose to abuse the PSP by having all the settings set to high and volume turned all the way up, yes your battery life will be short. You have to respect what you have and maintiain it. I guess that's the thing with this new generation. They don't respect or maintain what they have therefore it doesn't last very long. If you ask me I think the battery life of this kick-butt machine is excellent all across the board for what people are demanding from it.

You have to think there is a lot of power that has been put into this product, therefore, it's going to require a lot of power to make it run.

[kettle]

i find it doubtful simply because it has such a limited audience whereas the iPod can be used by anyone who listens to music, thus available and wanted by a much larger audience

just my .02

That hit the badger firmly on the head, I mean nail. :)

[neoelectronaut]

I don't have any video tapes here to compare but for those who are interested in the real size of the PSP...

http://nakedsoul.org/IMG_0798.JPG

Sorry about the crappy quality photo - lighting is bad and here, and I haven't even looked at the digital cameras manual.

Do most of you still think the DS is more portable?

Yes, I do. I can close the DS and throw it into my backpack or pocket, and have confidence that it'll be fine when I remove it from said space.

With the PSP, I can't put it anywhere without worrying that something would take a large gouge out of the screen. Like Keys in my pocket or pens in my backpack.

[BZGamer]

Yes, I do. I can close the DS and throw it into my backpack or pocket, and have confidence that it'll be fine when I remove it from said space.

With the PSP, I can't put it anywhere without worrying that something would take a large gouge out of the screen. Like Keys in my pocket or pens in my backpack.


Don't you worry with this new keypad for the PSP it will Protect the screen because it will fold over.

P.S. If you want PSP protection go to http://www.capdase.com. They have all the things for your PSP protection needs.

[neoelectronaut]

Don't you worry with this new keypad for the PSP it will Protect the screen because it will fold over.

P.S. If you want PSP protection go to http://www.capdase.com. They have all the things for your PSP protection needs.

So you're going to have to pay more to protect your system....

....you have to spend another $50 on a keyboard for your PSP that you'll never use.

Okay, seriously. A Keyboard on a handheld game system? Are you kidding me? Are you going to write your english papers on your PSP or something?

So let's see, where are we... $250 for the PSP. $40-50 per game. Let's say you got 2 games, one $40 and one $50. That's $340. Plus your 1GB memory stick at around $120. That's $460. And now a keyboard. That's about $500.

For the love of god just get a cheap laptop at this point.

[clayj]

So you're going to have to pay more to protect your system....

....you have to spend another $50 on a keyboard for your PSP that you'll never use.

Okay, seriously. A Keyboard on a handheld game system? Are you kidding me? Are you going to write your english papers on your PSP or something?

So let's see, where are we... $250 for the PSP. $40-50 per game. Let's say you got 2 games, one $40 and one $50. That's $340. Plus your 1GB memory stick at around $120. That's $460. And now a keyboard. That's about $500.

For the love of god just get a cheap laptop at this point.OK, hang on a second here. EVERY piece of consumer electronics you buy, especially a portable one, is going to require some accessories. Let's just take a look at my example, an iPod Photo:

- iPod Photo 60 GB: $449
- iSkin Evo2 (to protect it): $29
- 6' Firewire cable (USB cable wasn't long enough, and neither was the iPod Firewire cable): $19
- Firewire adapter to connect to iPod: $19
- iTrip: $39

Don't jump on the PSP because it's something you're going to tend to want to buy accessories for... iPods and laptops and DSes are just as bad.

I'd like to see a Web browser for the PSP, and it would be nice to be able to read mail on it... but I don't think I'll be TYPING any new messages on it. :)

[neoelectronaut]

OK, hang on a second here. EVERY piece of consumer electronics you buy, especially a portable one, is going to require some accessories. Let's just take a look at my example, an iPod Photo:

- iPod Photo 60 GB: $449
- iSkin Evo2 (to protect it): $29
- 6' Firewire cable (USB cable wasn't long enough, and neither was the iPod Firewire cable): $19
- Firewire adapter to connect to iPod: $19
- iTrip: $39

Don't jump on the PSP because it's something you're going to tend to want to buy accessories for... iPods and laptops and DSes are just as bad.

I'd like to see a Web browser for the PSP, and it would be nice to be able to read mail on it... but I don't think I'll be TYPING any new messages on it. :)

Okay. I'm not trying to bash anything here, but honestly, what accessories are required for the DS?

[dotdotdot]

Okay. I'm not trying to bash anything here, but honestly, what accessories are required for the DS?

A game isn't even required - a free demo of Metroid, it has Pictochat and download play...

And comes w/ a stylus and thumbpad AND an extra stylus...

OK so you are a moron if you dont get games for it, but besides games you need nothing

[neoelectronaut]

A game isn't even required - a free demo of Metroid, it has Pictochat and download play...

And comes w/ a stylus and thumbpad AND an extra stylus...

OK so you are a moron if you dont get games for it, but besides games you need nothing

Exactly what I thought...the user's comment of "all electronic gizmos need accessories" is invalid then.

[Vader]

You technically don't need a game for the PSP then either, because you can put movies and pics and movies on it out of the box.

On a side note, why did this thread turn into a PSP vs. DS thread?
It was originally iPod vs. PSP, and if thatdiscussion has ended, then this thread should die, and the DS vs, PSP thread should be discussed in the many other PSP vs. DS topics, and maybe they could be merged...

Sorry, now I will go turn off the megaphone :D

[imac abuser]

I have a Nintendo DS, and I bought a PSP the DS is on ebay now any questions? I have to say I am a gadget guru and love ipod i have had many (4) I think the PSP kicks major A$$. The graphics are great, being able to play online free in about 2 minutes is amazing! and I use sony products to memory sticks are no issue for me. Although I long for apple to come out with an all in one and will buy it this one the psp is the king of the hill right now. worse case I can lug my shuffle for music ;)

[GFLPraxis]

Okay. I'm not trying to bash anything here, but honestly, what accessories are required for the DS?

Well, when Nintendo releases their PDA software... it won't be required per se...but it has been reported that it's PalmOS based (Palm licensed it out to Nintendo), meaning web browser and video playback...I think a lot of DS owners will consider that a requirement :D

[BZGamer]

So you're going to have to pay more to protect your system....

....you have to spend another $50 on a keyboard for your PSP that you'll never use.

Okay, seriously. A Keyboard on a handheld game system? Are you kidding me? Are you going to write your english papers on your PSP or something?

So let's see, where are we... $250 for the PSP. $40-50 per game. Let's say you got 2 games, one $40 and one $50. That's $340. Plus your 1GB memory stick at around $120. That's $460. And now a keyboard. That's about $500.

For the love of god just get a cheap laptop at this point.


Ok first of all the PSP is aimed at people with money not any kiddies.. I know I myslef spent $1,050. I got 2XPSP Value Packs(Japanese Version), 2X1GB San Disck Memory stick, 2X512 Sand Disc Memory Stick, PSP Liners from http://www.capdase.com, and 2 UMD's. And why of course, I already wrote my english papers on my PSP.

[zap2]

Ok first of all the PSP is aimed at people with money not any kiddies.. I know I myslef spent $1,050. I got 2XPSP Value Packs(Japanese Version), 2X1GB San Disck Memory stick, 2X512 Sand Disc Memory Stick, PSP Liners from http://www.capdase.com, and 2 UMD's. And why of course, I already wrote my english papers on my PSP.
1050!!!!!!Why did you not get a ibook it can write,play games, internet more hard drive, all around better then a psp. I can think of so many better ways(for me) to spend 1050

[applekid]

Ok first of all the PSP is aimed at people with money not any kiddies.. I know I myslef spent $1,050. I got 2XPSP Value Packs(Japanese Version), 2X1GB San Disck Memory stick, 2X512 Sand Disc Memory Stick, PSP Liners from http://www.capdase.com, and 2 UMD's. And why of course, I already wrote my english papers on my PSP.

HOLY CRAP! :eek:

Not exactly the wisest of financial decisions, IMHO. An iBook would be so much better at that price. Wait a second... it looks like you bought a pair of PSPs... I'm hoping one of those PSPs and accessories are for somebody else...

And how exactly did you go about writing your English papers on the PSP?

[BZGamer]

1050!!!!!!Why did you not get a ibook it can write,play games, internet more hard drive, all around better then a psp. I can think of so many better ways(for me) to spend 1050


I already spent $6,000 on building 2 of my own computers, $3,000 on a Powerbook and a Alienware gaming laptop so why would I need an IBook???

[BZGamer]

HOLY CRAP! :eek:

Not exactly the wisest of financial decisions, IMHO. An iBook would be so much better at that price. Wait a second... it looks like you bought a pair of PSPs... I'm hoping one of those PSPs and accessories are for somebody else...

And how exactly did you go about writing your English papers on the PSP?


I already spent $6,000 on building 2 of my own computers, $3,000 on a Powerbook and a Alienware gaming laptop so why would I need an IBook???

Yes, the second PSP I bought for my roomate, she is a fine one too, 22 yrs, and very sophisticated. :)

About the papers I chose my own topic and wrote about them. I am in an Art Institute. Career Field "Game Art Design" I'm geting my Bachelors and hope to be making video games and designing it all in the future, anything to do with games that is. I wont stop there ither, movies will have a secondary role due to the fact of 3d animation I will be familiar with.

I am a 25 yrs young man, not an 18 yrs boy.

[Vader]

Oh, I thought that you meant that you actually typed the English paper using the PSP, and I was just thing...why?

But now I get it.

[BZGamer]

Oh, I thought that you meant that you actually typed the English paper using the PSP, and I was just thing...why?

But now I get it.


That's cool, but you might be able to in the future. They are coming out with a keyboard for the PSP its about the size of the PSP screen. Already http://www.slashdot.com has already reported of a someone who hacked the PSP's web browser. So I would give the PSP 6 months for new things to pop up.

[Vader]

I heard about the web thing, and the keyboard, but I really doubt there would be a text editor, I mean it is a portable gaming system(a very nice one I might add) and it has nice extra bonuses, like movies, pics, and music, and possibly a web browser, but that is all for fun, a word editor would be well, just strange.

[BZGamer]

I heard about the web thing, and the keyboard, but I really doubt there would be a text editor, I mean it is a portable gaming system(a very nice one I might add) and it has nice extra bonuses, like movies, pics, and music, and possibly a web browser, but that is all for fun, a word editor would be well, just strange.

True. Well the music videos I have on my PSP are soo amazing for the quality they are at. I have a PSP Video converter. Not too many people have this. This program will allow you to take U.S. formated avi files and mpegs and convert them to M4 files allowing you to change the screen resolution to 416X176 which is like widescreen for the big wigs.(Is the same screen size on the PSP.) There is a program called Image Converter 2. It will take any avi and mpeg file and convert it. But you will not be able to turn it into a widescreen showing.

[AudiGuy]

gaming= i think the PSP is better than the DS, better graphics, more features.

music= the ipod will still be a favorite, just because its "cool" to have one.

when im on the train to school i bring both my 20GB IRIVER and PSP. they are both small enough to fit in my backpack or pockets.
the PSP is awsome in person. i will never be bored on the train again!!

[Jalexster]

You technically don't need a game for the PSP then either, because you can put movies and pics and movies on it out of the box.
SNIP

Yeah, you can fit a ton of movies, music and videos on the included 32MB Memory Stick Duo.

Oh, and by the way: DS OWNS ALL.

[GFLPraxis]

gaming= i think the PSP is better than the DS, better graphics, more features.
Correction: Better graphics, less features.
Its tough to say which is better for gaming based on that.

[ZildjianKX]

Correction: Better graphics, less features.
Its tough to say which is better for gaming based on that.

Well, the DS has more gaming features if you count the touchscreen, but I would still take the analog nub over the touchscreen anyday though (since it's pretty horrible when games use the touchscreen as an analog replacement, the DS should have had an analog stick too!).

Plus the PSP has that "awesome bonus feature" of screen problems and a cheap warranty :p

[GFLPraxis]

Well, the DS has more gaming features if you count the touchscreen, but I would still take the analog nub over the touchscreen anyday though (since it's pretty horrible when games use the touchscreen as an analog replacement, the DS should have had an analog stick too!).

Plus the PSP has that "awesome bonus feature" of screen problems and a cheap warranty :p

The DS has the touchscreen (the touchscreen is better for FPS and puzzle games, the analog nubs are better for racing and platformer games), and the microphone, and instant loading times.

In terms of gaming machine, the PSP has more powerful hardware while the DS has more features.

[Vader]

Yeah, you can fit a ton of movies, music and videos on the included 32MB Memory Stick Duo.

Oh, and by the way: DS OWNS ALL.
I fit 20 minutes of video on it, in high quality to!

Of course for full length movies, you need a bigger card, but it is illegal to have those on your computer anyway, so it is good for little shorts that you have that will give you a laugh every once in a while.

[ZildjianKX]

The DS has the touchscreen (the touchscreen is better for FPS and puzzle games, the analog nubs are better for racing and platformer games), and the microphone, and instant loading times.

In terms of gaming machine, the PSP has more powerful hardware while the DS has more features.

I don't know, I don't really dig the touch screen for metroid prime hunters, and it really starts to hurt my hand after awhile... :-/

[AppleinJapan]

I have a PSP and it rocks !! The ipod is for music - the PSP is for games and movies...

[clayj]

I have a PSP and it rocks !! The ipod is for music - the PSP is for games and movies...See, if only people would remember this simple mantra: "iPods are for music, PSPs are for games and movies." Neither can replace the other, there's plenty of room in the world for both of them.