PSP Review... Impressions from a new owner

[jsupetran]

So I was planning to use my gift card to buy the psp, then resell on it EBAY but as things would have had it, it was too neat to sell. As far as battery life goes, it is from 2hrs. to 8hrs. With my experience with the ipod, and the whole hd spinning issue, I really don't have any qualmes about the battery since it is a spinning disc in there. Plus the battery is removable so that's always good. I wonder how much they cost? (will google later).

In terms of construction, the back is a little to plasticy (is that a word?); Maybe I am spoiled by the ipods construction, but yeah... The front however is gorgeous; I love the way the screen blends into the rest of the system. It almost has a nice mirror like quality so like the back of the ipod, it will attract finger prints, and you the user will be obsessed with keeping it clean. I like how sony included this special cleaning cloth which works wonders at removing fingerprints.

The head phones section. The sound is pretty great; whether it is the white headphones that come with it (it's those uneven length ones where you put it behind your neck), but the tiny internal speakers, used without headphones, is not surprisingly great by anymeans. But hey, my 1200 dollar ibook doesn't sound all that great with the internal speakers.

The screen is beautiful; clear images etc... I am watching Spiderman 2 while I type this, which came bundled with the circuitcity deal, cause I am bored. Its pretty cool cause the screen is just so nice and clear. However, I actually don't see the whole movie thing as a selling point imo. I already have the Spiderman 2 dvd so I am selling this movie pack-in, and as for other UMD (the cartridge/cd medium sony uses in the psp), it' a luxury few can afford, and I, as a college student would not even consider it. Why would you buy a movie you can't see on the tv to enjoy with others? But who the hell cares. It's the games we care about.

Like I said, I was planning to sell this. The system came with twisted metal and like I said, what the hell, I'll give it a go. I've never been a fan and my impression countinue like they have been before. I played it but I am selling it on half.com. But, I am looking forward to spending the rest of my gift card credit tomorrow on Wipeout and maybe Ridge Racer, and based on the demo, WOW!!! The graphics are nothing short of amazing. You gotta wonder how next years games are gonna be like. Plus, it is kinda special having this small device displaying beautiful textures. It'd totally kill if grand theft san andreas comes out on this thing, or maybe resident evil 4...

Other little things...Kudos on sony making clear shoulder buttoms. Very artsy, very elegant; maybe they took a hint from the g4 imac's clear screen :). Also, they included a remote and headphones. THe headphones are okay; I'd rather use my regular sony earphones though for some reason since those are the ones I use for my ipod. But the remote... ugh... feels totally cheap in my humble opinion... I don't know, I guess I may be spoiled with apples remote's feel. Also, when your watching the movie, I'll probably be 3 ft away so a remote seems almost impractical. I guess instead or reaching 2 ft for the remote, I'll reach 3 ft instead.

All in all, seems really like a great machine with a great future ahead of it. Personally, it is a game machine first and foremost, and not a movie, or music machine. You gotta wonder how can nintendo's ds will fare since the graphics on those things look so outdated already.

[Abstract]

Nice review. :)

[Vader]

I think very similarly, although, I haven't even gotten a game yet, but the previews look even more amazing on that screen than the ones I saw online!

[Chaszmyr]

I might consider buying one if they actually release a game I'm interested in. Unfortunately, Nintendo DS doesn't look nearly as cool, but it has 2 games I want :(

[nosser]

yeah I got mine yesterday and I love the screen. You seriously have to see it in person to appreciate it. I just downloaded pspware from macupdate to transfer music, photos, and movies. It syncs with iphoto and itunes and is very easy to use.

[jsupetran]

yeah I got mine yesterday and I love the screen. You seriously have to see it in person to appreciate it. I just downloaded pspware from macupdate to transfer music, photos, and movies. It syncs with iphoto and itunes and is very easy to use.

Wow really? I didn't even know it could do that :confused:

[homerjward]

So I was planning to use my gift card to buy the psp, then resell on it EBAY but as things would have had it, it was too neat to sell. As far as battery life goes, it is from 2hrs. to 8hrs. With my experience with the ipod, and the whole hd spinning issue, I really don't have any qualmes about the battery since it is a spinning disc in there. Plus the battery is removable so that's always good. I wonder how much they cost? (will google later).

In terms of construction, the back is a little to plasticy (is that a word?); Maybe I am spoiled by the ipods construction, but yeah... The front however is gorgeous; I love the way the screen blends into the rest of the system. It almost has a nice mirror like quality so like the back of the ipod, it will attract finger prints, and you the user will be obsessed with keeping it clean. I like how sony included this special cleaning cloth which works wonders at removing fingerprints.

The head phones section. The sound is pretty great; whether it is the white headphones that come with it (it's those uneven length ones where you put it behind your neck), but the tiny internal speakers, used without headphones, is not surprisingly great by anymeans. But hey, my 1200 dollar ibook doesn't sound all that great with the internal speakers.

The screen is beautiful; clear images etc... I am watching Spiderman 2 while I type this, which came bundled with the circuitcity deal, cause I am bored. Its pretty cool cause the screen is just so nice and clear. However, I actually don't see the whole movie thing as a selling point imo. I already have the Spiderman 2 dvd so I am selling this movie pack-in, and as for other UMD (the cartridge/cd medium sony uses in the psp), it' a luxury few can afford, and I, as a college student would not even consider it. Why would you buy a movie you can't see on the tv to enjoy with others? But who the hell cares. It's the games we care about.

Like I said, I was planning to sell this. The system came with twisted metal and like I said, what the hell, I'll give it a go. I've never been a fan and my impression countinue like they have been before. I played it but I am selling it on half.com. But, I am looking forward to spending the rest of my gift card credit tomorrow on Wipeout and maybe Ridge Racer, and based on the demo, WOW!!! The graphics are nothing short of amazing. You gotta wonder how next years games are gonna be like. Plus, it is kinda special having this small device displaying beautiful textures. It'd totally kill if grand theft san andreas comes out on this thing, or maybe resident evil 4...

Other little things...Kudos on sony making clear shoulder buttoms. Very artsy, very elegant; maybe they took a hint from the g4 imac's clear screen :). Also, they included a remote and headphones. THe headphones are okay; I'd rather use my regular sony earphones though for some reason since those are the ones I use for my ipod. But the remote... ugh... feels totally cheap in my humble opinion... I don't know, I guess I may be spoiled with apples remote's feel. Also, when your watching the movie, I'll probably be 3 ft away so a remote seems almost impractical. I guess instead or reaching 2 ft for the remote, I'll reach 3 ft instead.

All in all, seems really like a great machine with a great future ahead of it. Personally, it is a game machine first and foremost, and not a movie, or music machine. You gotta wonder how can nintendo's ds will fare since the graphics on those things look so outdated already.
they're releasing a 3d grand theft auto, although it's in liberty city, and gran turismo 4 also but gt4 is in september...

[im_noahselby]

Is it possible (or theoreticaly possible) to hook up the PSP to your TV to watch PSP movies on a larger screen?

Noah

[ReanimationLP]

Great review. I havent gotten to try one yet. Seems the stores in my area have an abundance of them, I'm guessing they arent as hot as a seller as Sony hoped. I dont think it will live long, since they arent breaking even at all on the machine, plus then Nintendo owns the portable game market. I mean, look at the N-gage. x.x The next Game Boy will come out and crush the PSP. x.x They say its gonna have more power than the Gamecube. Which is cool, since the Gamecube has a Dirty G4, which means a G3 with some Altivec, but not all of it. :D

[nosser]

Is it possible (or theoreticaly possible) to hook up the PSP to your TV to watch PSP movies on a larger screen?

Noah

Well there is some cable that can connect the two since I read something on a psp forum that showed a store playing the demo disc from a psp to a tv screen in the window.
gt4 mobile and a poker game "stacked" are the only games i really want. gt4 is the only game I really play.

Reanimation_LP
as far as the next gameboy having more power than a gamecube, does the gamecube even have more power than a ps2? the psp is really close to the ps2. the psp has dual processors and a gpu. personally I dont really like nintendo games. they seem based for kids. (except mario party that's a fun game. is the only reason my girl bought a gamecube)

[nosser]

Wow really? I didn't even know it could do that :confused:


check it out it's pretty cool

[skubish]

I got my PSP 2 days ago and I am thoroughly impressed. The OP forgot to mention that you can use the wifi connection to play people on the internet or make an ad-hoc connection with othe PSPs nearby (within ~50ft). Ad this point the internet connection is a little buggy. NBA and NFL street work great but Twisted Metal doesn't work at all. I keep getting kicked out of a game as soon as I join. Many people have this problem so I think it is a server side issue.

I think the DS and PSP are 2 different markets. PSP is not durable enough of kids. DS is more suited for kids because of durability and the games. PSP is more of an adult toy.

Some things I would like to see for the PSP in the future:
1. recordable UMDs or cheap large capacity memory sticks. I agree with the OP, who wants to buy movie UMDs.

2. internet browser. This would be handy but also I would need a sample keyboard.

3. Great games. GT4moblie, GTA, and others.

[jaseone]

Everyone knows the PSP looks great, has a big screen and gorgeous looking games but it is a PORTABLE unit, try taking it with you on a few >10 hour flights, heck just take it on the bus or the train to work a few times. How does it handle being in your bag/luggage? How quick and easy is it to pick up and play while you wait for a flight? Can you have it in your bag for an extended period and suddenly get bored all of a sudden and pull it out to play?

I've actually contemplated getting one just because I like getting all the latest and greatest gadgets but I don't think it is something I would come back to after the initial wow factor has worn off.

[Tuned MP5T]

The PSP is awesome to say the least. But as for Metal Gear Acid it sucks :mad:

[nightdweller25]

I agree with all the posts here, but I really think it's personal preference. I was going to buy a PSP as soon as they released, but I bought a DS instead. It may not have the amazing gfx the PSP has, but has different things to offer. I know many people think that the touch screen is just a gimic, and if it is, then it's the best gimic I have ever seen. Has anyone played WarioWare: Touched? Those mini-games keep you coming back for more, purely touch, not buttons whatsoever. Plus Nintendo has the legacy of their awesome games which is the real reason why I didn't buy a PSP. (waiting for Zelda, Mario Kart, etc) But like I said, they're completely different. As for the Game Boy, well, let's just say it has a bright future ahead of it that might make some people return their PSP...

[skubish]

Everyone knows the PSP looks great, has a big screen and gorgeous looking games but it is a PORTABLE unit, try taking it with you on a few >10 hour flights, heck just take it on the bus or the train to work a few times. How does it handle being in your bag/luggage? How quick and easy is it to pick up and play while you wait for a flight? Can you have it in your bag for an extended period and suddenly get bored all of a sudden and pull it out to play?

I've actually contemplated getting one just because I like getting all the latest and greatest gadgets but I don't think it is something I would come back to after the initial wow factor has worn off.

The sleep mode on the PSP is actually very cool. If you put it to sleep with a game loaded, the game will be right where you left it when you come back. Or if you are playing a game and want to jump over and listen to music or look at photos you can do that and come back to the game where you left off.

I fly on 5 hour trips to california and 14 hour trips to Japan frequently so I will get a chance to check it out. I would like to be able to record my on movies to UMDs because I have plenty of DVDs and memory sticks are too expensive. But doing this is illegal in the US so it will probably never happen.

[Jalexster]

The PSP is a good system, and I will be getting one, but I must say the following:

First off, I HATE SONY. Let me make that clear: SONY CAN GO BURN. I say this for several reasons:

They make crappy hardware, they lock you into proprietary formats like Memory Stick, they have crappy warranties, they have crappy support, they don't replace PSPs due to dead pixels, etc...

Oh, and about the dead pixels, if you have ANY sort of problem with your DS, even a single dead sub-pixel, Nintendo will replace it. Just contact them, you send it off, and they send you a new DS. They even pay shipping I think.

I also prefer the DS over the PSP, I think it is a better system in terms of gameplay. I think it has better games out for it, and I think there will be more great games coming out in the future (which there is).

Also, I really, REALLY hate it when people say Nintendo is kiddy, and they only make games for kids. Nintendo doesn't make games for kids, they make games that ANYONE can enjoy. Between playing a game which relies on violence for kicks like Manhunt, I'd prefer to play Super Mario Sunshine, which is easy enough for kids to play, and has enough cool stuff for more experienced people to get. It was also kind of hard when it got to the later levels.

Also, there are plenty of "mature" games for the gamecube, like the entire Resident Evil series, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (a highly updated version of Metal Gear Solid 1), Eternal Darkness, etc...

So, in conclusion, get a DS.

[risc]

Um was that meant to be a troll or what?

If anyone would actually take the time to read the response from Sony re. dead pixels you'd find they will exchange a unit with dead pixels this constant trolling about stuff that isn't true is lame at best.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/25/news_6121092.html

...

The Sony rep suggested that PSP owners who encounter the pixel issue should try the device "for a week or two" to see if it continues to bother them. "If you find the spots are interfering with gameplay/video viewing during this period, we will support the various elements of [the PSP] warranty," the rep said. Each PSP comes with a one-year limited warranty, which is on page 125 of the PSP manual. If a PSP is "determined to be defective" by SCEA, the company will see to the "repair or replacement of this product [the PSP] with a new or refurbished product at SCEA's option."

According to a technical support associate contacted by GameSpot, PSP owners who encounter a persistent and aggravating dead-pixel issue should contact SCEA's customer service line (1-800-345-7669) for instructions on how to exchange their unit after a week or two of using the unit. "We will work with you," he assured. The associate said the process would work much like exchanging PlayStation 2s that suffer from the dreaded "Disc Read Error" problem: Gamers will mail their PSPs in to SCEA and receive units with new screens. The associate was unsure if customers would receive an all-new unit or their old unit with a new LCD screen.

...

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/25/news_6121092.html

How about you all do a quick search on the guy who started the Sony Dead Pixel thread and look at all his posts about how bad the PSP is - the guys a troll, deal with it and move on!

So, in conclusion, get whichever portable you want!

[nosser]

The PSP is a good system, and I will be getting one, but I must say the following:

First off, I HATE SONY. Let me make that clear: SONY CAN GO BURN. I say this for several reasons:

They make crappy hardware, they lock you into proprietary formats like Memory Stick, they have crappy warranties, they have crappy support, they don't replace PSPs due to dead pixels, etc...

Oh, and about the dead pixels, if you have ANY sort of problem with your DS, even a single dead sub-pixel, Nintendo will replace it. Just contact them, you send it off, and they send you a new DS. They even pay shipping I think.

I also prefer the DS over the PSP, I think it is a better system in terms of gameplay. I think it has better games out for it, and I think there will be more great games coming out in the future (which there is).

Also, I really, REALLY hate it when people say Nintendo is kiddy, and they only make games for kids. Nintendo doesn't make games for kids, they make games that ANYONE can enjoy. Between playing a game which relies on violence for kicks like Manhunt, I'd prefer to play Super Mario Sunshine, which is easy enough for kids to play, and has enough cool stuff for more experienced people to get. It was also kind of hard when it got to the later levels.

Also, there are plenty of "mature" games for the gamecube, like the entire Resident Evil series, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (a highly updated version of Metal Gear Solid 1), Eternal Darkness, etc...

So, in conclusion, get a DS.


so basically like you first said you getting a psp. And I guess I just like the game selection sony has to offer, etc gt4, gran theft auto, socom. There has not been a game I truely wanted that was only for nintendo except mario party and the legend of zelda the one for the original 8-bit nintendo.

[terrorbite]

If Nintendo release Ocarina of Time for the DS, I am so getting one.

[hob]

Nintendo games may seem a little kiddyish at first, but even I, an experienced gamer of 10 years+ find them tricky sometimes! Anyone played Double Dash? Great stuff.

Anyway, having said that - I want a PSP! I'm just waiting for the price to come down a weeeny bit... What's the mac software like? I'm assuming it's a 3rd-party thing...?

EDIT: HOLD ON A SECOND!! The PSP isn't being released till MID JUNE in the UK :eek: :eek: :eek:

This is ridiculous! Someone told me the other day that because the DS has already been launched, the PSP is losing so many potential customers... but I guess sony are being arrogant enough to assume they'll have loads of UK customers - which they will. As someone else said, I also don't have great experience with Sony as a company, but then again that was needless trolling and this is.... me!

Anyway, this is one annoyed hob... who's gonna have no new toy for several months :(

[Vader]

...
Anyway, having said that - I want a PSP! I'm just waiting for the price to come down a weeeny bit... What's the mac software like? I'm assuming it's a 3rd-party thing...?
...(
PSPware is pretty good, it converts videos and everything, also iPSP, but they are both shareware.

[MacNut]

Nintendo is not selling the amount of DS's that they thought they would, a lot of developers are pulling out and the amount of titles will not be as large as first thought. When Nintendo licenses software they forget to make it an exclusive title so other companies make out. I think the DS will survive tho because its $100 dollars cheaper than the PSP and the franchise titles. I like Sony products, my house if filled with then. To say that Sony sucks is a little harsh. I like both companies I will always like Nintendo since I grew up on it but the PSP just has a lot of better titles.

[JoeUK]

Well there is some cable that can connect the two since I read something on a psp forum that showed a store playing the demo disc from a psp to a tv screen in the window.
gt4 mobile and a poker game "stacked" are the only games i really want. gt4 is the only game I really play.

Reanimation_LP
as far as the next gameboy having more power than a gamecube, does the gamecube even have more power than a ps2? the psp is really close to the ps2. the psp has dual processors and a gpu. personally I dont really like nintendo games. they seem based for kids. (except mario party that's a fun game. is the only reason my girl bought a gamecube)
The Gamecube is actually quite a bit more powerful than the PS2, even if at first glance it is a console for simple kids' games. Of course, the Xbox is almost in a different league power wise. And yes, I know it's made by Microsoft. Sorry. ;)

[gamestriker]

Ok, so far I agree with a lot of what has been said in this forum. As it was stated, the PSP is first and foremost a gaming machine (its called PlayStation Portable). Thus if your going to compare the PSP and Nintendo DS, then you cannot include the music player and movie features when comparing these, otherwise the PSP should then be compared to other portable with similar capabilities, like a PDA or the N-Gage.

Next, I want to point out things about Nintendo. Nintendo, I understand, at first glance and based on its reputation, its seems to be "kiddy"-oriented. However, I want to emphasize that a good amount, if not most, nintendo games are rated Everyone, which means that they are "suitable for ages 6 and older" (esrb.org). This means that they should be fun for adults and teens, as well as, kids. I have met 30 years olds who love to play Super Mario 64 DS. My point is to not always judge games by their company. Again, I know some hardcore PS2 lovers who have never played Super Smash Bros. because it was from Nintendo, the kiddy company; but when they got ahold of Melee or Resident Evil 4, they quickly changed opinions about Nintendo.

Now back to the PSP, in terms of a gaming machine, it can't compare to a DS. Right off the bat, its got better battery life, its $100 cheaper, more portable (its about the same size as the original GBA, except a little thicker obviously; it should fit in a cargo pant pocket, small bag or purse, possibly a little bulky in a standard jean pocket), its got a touch screen (which I think doesn't get as many fingerprint marks as the PSP), and it comes with everything you need right off the bat. It works with Game Boy Advance games so people are not left with nothing to do on it, and most of the few games that are out for the DS are extremely fun. Plus, the DS offers way more innovative gameplay with the 2 screens (one of them a touchscreen), a microphone, a stylus, and future online play. As for both machines, the only thing thats keeping them from their full potential is the lack of game selection, and the DS makes up for it with GBA game support. The fall game lineup is what will really decide who survives and who doesn't.

The PSP graphics are the only thing that this machine has an advantage in over the DS. Also, like it was previously mentioned, the PSP is targeted at the teen and adult market. I think that is also a factor as to why the PSP isn't doing as good as the DS, other than the later release date. DS is targeted at a wider range of consumers so it can sell far better in the long run over the PSP. And on top of that, teens don't have a lot of money on hand, so they would not be able to afford a PSP anyway, without financial support from parental units, so that would also also cut sales. Without the fall game lineup, Sony is going to continue losing money on the PSP unless sales pickup drastically.

If you can't compare the PSP without its multimedia features (music and movies), then it falls in the category of a multimedia portable. In this case, the PSP still falls short; the iPod will far surpass it in terms of music, and it works as a basic PDA. If people want to watch a DVD, they would be better off with a portable DVD player which I think would have better battery, and is still pretty portable. DVD media can also be watched on TV for a much better viewing, and for watching it with friends. And if they want all of these in one piece of hardware, you can get a PDA for about the same price and have instant messaging, address book, and email capabilities with the wireless, plus save your own data files on it, AND be able to view them. If you send about 50 more dollars, you can get one that works as a cell phone and you know it will have tried-and-true fun games like Chess, Solitare, Breakout, Invaders, Tetris, etc. then plug in some headphones for listening to music. I believe you can watch some movie clips on a PDA but I'm not completely sure about that.

Overall, the PSP cannot match the DS as a game machine, or another media device as a multimedia portable. DS is simply much more innovative as a game machine, and all that the PSP can do multimedia-wise has already been done better by device already on market.

[nosser]

why are we comparing the two. first off i i liked nintendo. you know 8-bit legend of zelda, double dribble. I still like mario party but just looking at a psp next to a ds makes the ds look ten years old.

and how can you say you are going to compare the two but not enclude every feature of the psp when you would the ds. its like comparing a honda to a bmw. "its strictly a vehicle first so you cant include the navigation system, built in bt, or the leather seats" (not downing honda I like hondas too)

the psp can fit in every pocket the ds can. its worth more so it cost more. and it comes more complete too. a case, headset, strap, mem card and a movie.

come on a touch screen is innovative but look at some of the games its pointless. why do you have to see marios head move around while you play super mario. and sony has online play right now.

I think the capabilities that the psp has, target more consumers because someone wants a portable dvd player- why not a psp so you can play games too or someone wants a gaming system but would like to store mp3s and photos too-why not get a psp.

I understand that yeah a portable dvd player would be better than a psp but can a dvd player play video games or have internet access. can an ipod play video games and store photos( beside the ipod photo which is a $100 more than a psp).(i love the ipod) yeah a pda is great for some of that stuff too but why have three of four devices when you can have one. one device to play music, store photos, watch movies, and play games and one that's damn sexy too.

but you know to each his own, but I'd drive a bmw over a honda anyday.( but like i said i love hondas too my first car was a honda)

honestly it doesnt matter to me what anyone prefers but to compare the two you must include everthing both have to offer

[JoeUK]

I think to be honest, overall the PSP is a way more complete, and capable machine. It's just a jack of all trades. It doesn't do games, video, music, photo storage, or anything else people have got it to do the best, but the point is it can do all those things. The DS can just play games. I haven't used a PSP or DS, so I really can't say for sure, but I'd predict that the DS is better for gaming. Of course, visually, in terms of graphics and the look of the console, PSP wins hands down. I don't think anyone can argue with it.
If I was going to buy one of the two, I think I'd probably get a DS, as I've already got a portable music player, and I can't really see myself watching a film while on the bus. DS seems to have more little games to play for 5 minutes or less, which for me, are perfect for a handheld console. If I want to play a game.... can't think of the word... seriously maybe, I'll play my Xbox or Gamecube at home.
If I feel like showing off in public, I'd of course buy a PSP. It does look amazing.

[zelmo]

I think it is silly to compare a PSP to an iPod or even the DS. As we consumers await the arrival of the first truly successful convergent devices, everything that comes out is too different from other devices to be fairly compared.

The iPod (any flavor) handles music waaayy better than a PSP, but it doesn't play games, go on-line (hack browser for now, but wait), or let you play movies. Yes, some flavors of iPod (starting $100 more than a PSP) have a smaller, less vibrant color screen and display photos. If music is most important to you, get an iPod, not a PSP.

The DS is a great little game machine, and it is debatable whiether the PSP or the DS does games better. Give the DS props for dual screens and touch screen tech, aand give the PSP props for that freakin' gorgeous little screen. Neither has a slew of awesome games yet. Nice that DS plays GBA games in the interim, though. Which one do you prefer? Great, buy one and shut up about the other (or buy both).

PDA? I like my Tungsten T3. It manages my Word and Excel files fine, and does calendar and contact stuff better than the iPod, because I can actually input data easily. I even have a 256MB SD card that I used for photos (until I got a PSP).

All of these devices have their strengths, and if one suits your preferences, then that's the one for you. No need to trash the other tech out there. What isn't making sense for you will either make enough sense to others to succeed, or will fail. And all of it is driving the market forward.

Me, I have my iPod and PSP to go along with my PDA, cell phone, and PowerBook, and as soon as my GBA dies, I can see picking up a DS, or whatever the nexgen GB willl be. Would I like to cart only one or two devices around to cover all of these functions equally well? Heck, who wouldn't? In the meantime, though, it's all good, folks.

[ReanimationLP]

I saw the PSP. There was a puddle by the time I was done drooling. :)

[TwistedD]

I contemplated getting a DS, but the touch screen's usability while I'm on the bus didn't seem very high.

Plus, I'm predominantly a sports gamer (with racing being at the top of that heap), and beyond the better graphics the PSP also has more sim-like racers coming out for it (the tremendous Toca and Colin McRae games from the Codies), leading me to believe that the extra power is also being used to generate more realistic physics models.

Some glaring examples are Tiger Woods and Ridge Racer.

But, the DS certainly has the potential to be a very unique system. As long as original titles are developed for it, there should be enough room in the marketplace for both. But if it the two game libraries become too similar, the DS will have a hard time keeping up.

[joey4127]

I bought the DS with Mario DS and I really loved it. Then I sold the DS because I wasn't playing it enough, and I got the PSP. Now the PSP is different I was extremely amazed with the graphics and the slick design.

It's like comparing the N64 with the PS2...

[gamestriker]

Like I said, its going to really come down to the game lineup that is coming up in the fall. I'm going to be playing my friend's PSP as he is planning to get most of the PSP games, so I can see the game lineup for the PSP for myself. I'm planning on getting a DS in summer/fall. After the winter holidays, we'll see how the game lineups for each one faired.

[Jalexster]

I bought the DS with Mario DS and I really loved it. Then I sold the DS because I wasn't playing it enough, and I got the PSP. Now the PSP is different I was extremely amazed with the graphics and the slick design.

It's like comparing the N64 with the PS2...

Perfect Dark, Conker's Bad Fur Day, hell, everything from Rare, as well as Majora's Mask > Everything on the PS2. Honestly.

[Sutekidane]

Look, I bought a nintendo DS and 3 games about a month after it came out. I played it for about 3 months and quickly got bored. Most of the time I found myself playing all my old GBA games, if I wanted to play GBA games, I would have just kept my SP and not gotten a DS. I finally sold my DS in around February at a huge loss due to many other people trying to get rid of theirs as well. Just face it, people have varying opinions and nothing will change that. Move on.

[Sutekidane]

Perfect Dark, Conker's Bad Fur Day, hell, everything from Rare, as well as Majora's Mask > Everything on the PS2. Honestly.

Too bad RARE is with MS now.

[Jalexster]

Too bad RARE is with MS now.

They are still making GBA, and possibly DS games. Oh, and in Conker: Live and Reloaded, one of Conker's idle animations is to pull out a GBA SP and play it (like how he played a GBC in Conker's Bad Fur Day). How about that?

[JoeUK]

Perfect Dark, Conker's Bad Fur Day, hell, everything from Rare, as well as Majora's Mask > Everything on the PS2. Honestly.
I agree with the Perfect Dark bit.
Although pretty much every game that I loved on the N64 has now been surpassed by an Xbox game. Apart from Zelda Ocarina of Time. And Super Smash Bros. And probably a few others I can't think of..

Too bad RARE is with MS now.
The thing is, they haven't made a quality game for years now.
And judging from the demo I've got, Conker: Live and reloaded will be a very average third person shooter, with nice graphics and a few jokes.

[TheGimp]

Have played both a DS and PSP (own the latter). No comparison - PSP wins hands down. More and better launch titles (Metroid Prime Hunters was supposed to come out in March - bait and switch), and far better hardware. The UMB can store over 8 times as much data as can DS game media, has WIFI for playing not just head to head but also internet games (been playing Gretzky NHL against strangers across the nation), games such as Wipeout Pure promise downloadable tracks and other content, and much much more. The rationale that the DS is better because of backwards compatibility is bunk - just pick up a GBA for a few bucks if you need to play Mario World or Castlevania.

Look at Ridge Racer PSP and then play Ridge Racer DS and you will laugh your ass off at the latter's poor *everything*. Only very young kids and preteen girls will prefer the DS.

Yes the DS can be had for $99 now, but if saving a hundred bucks or so is imperative, you would be able to earn that difference devoting some of the time you (most of you, anyway) spend in this forum to working in a fast food joint for a couple days.

Don't mean to be so snide, but the PSP rocks - not just its screen.

[Sutekidane]

They are still making GBA, and possibly DS games. Oh, and in Conker: Live and Reloaded, one of Conker's idle animations is to pull out a GBA SP and play it (like how he played a GBC in Conker's Bad Fur Day). How about that?

Played Conker: Live and Reloaded and it blew big time, and Perfect Dark was the most overrated N64 game of all time.

[MacNut]

Played Conker: Live and Reloaded and it blew big time, and Perfect Dark was the most overrated N64 game of all time.You can't be serious, Perfect Dark was a great game.

[Sutekidane]

You can't be serious, Perfect Dark was a great game.

I personally disliked perfect dark, particularly because it made me want to throw up every time I played it, but it did make #5 on game informers top 10 most overrated games.

[JoeUK]

I may have missed something, but I don't think anyone who prefers the PSP has mentioned gameplay. That's always a bad sign.

[Jalexster]

About Conker. The demo is half on one chapter. The game has nine chapters. The chapter you played "It's War!" Is mainly a third person shooter. The first five chapters are a platform adventure game. Sixth chapter mixes it up a little bit with some racing bits. Seventh is a third person shooter with flying elements added in. That chapter is a combination of Van Helsing and Dracular. During the shooting bits, Conker dresses up like Van Helsing, during the flying bits, he is turned into a vampire bat (he gets bitten). 8th chapter is mainly a shooter (It's war), and the 9th starts off with a matrix rip-off, and ends with an Alien rip-off.

So, you are judging the game based on one half of a single chapter. You really need to play the whole thing. The game also has a brilliant ending. It's actually kinda sad aswell.

[JoeUK]

That's a good point actually. You're right, I shouldn't judge a game on a short demo. Are the first 5 chapters, the platforming bits, the remade Conker's Bad Fur Day? I do like that game.
I didn't even know it was out yet actually..

[risc]

I may have missed something, but I don't think anyone who prefers the PSP has mentioned gameplay. That's always a bad sign.

Since you asked gameplay is kick ass on the PSP - what can you fault? All the buttons work as you'd expect, the screen is perfect, the discs don't fly out - um nice try at trolling though...

[JoeUK]

Thanks, now I'm happy :)
I don't think I was trolling though.. or trying to do so.

[Sutekidane]

Gameplay is really good overall, but thats always dependent on the software. Well, if meant hardware, then yes, all the buttons work as promised..
I would go out and rent Conker, but I sold my XBOX a year or two ago due to inactivity, and not being able to use XBOX live (which seems to the be the only thing people rave about when they own an XBOX).

[risc]

I got rid of my XBox last Friday to a friend thought I'd stick with World of Warcraft on the Mac and the PSP for my console gaming _BUT_ today I went to EB Games to get rid of the XBox games I had left over and some how I walked out with a PS2 I've been playing that thing online all day, it's been great fun.

I probably would of kept the XBox and got XBox Live one day but they crippled the PAL version of the XBox, there is no support for HDTV or component output, I've had the PS2 1 day and I've already ordered a component video cable for it. Shame on you M$, hopefully they don't do the same with the new XBox.

Oh well can't complain both my PSP and PS2 go online for free, it's all good! I just wish the component video cable would hurry up and get here, composite video is so damn ugly!

[Jalexster]

I got rid of my XBox last Friday to a friend thought I'd stick with World of Warcraft on the Mac and the PSP for my console gaming _BUT_ today I went to EB Games to get rid of the XBox games I had left over and some how I walked out with a PS2 I've been playing that thing online all day, it's been great fun.

I probably would of kept the XBox and got XBox Live one day but they crippled the PAL version of the XBox, there is no support for HDTV or component output, I've had the PS2 1 day and I've already ordered a component video cable for it. Shame on you M$, hopefully they don't do the same with the new XBox.

Oh well can't complain both my PSP and PS2 go online for free, it's all good! I just wish the component video cable would hurry up and get here, composite video is so damn ugly!

You should have gotten the SCART cable. It allows the Xbox to give out an RGB signal. It's no component, but it's better than composite and S-Video.

[risc]

You can only use the inputs your TV has. I've got composite and component input only.

[Minkintosh]

Does anyone know if the PSP can be connected to an external hard drive via the usb port. The only reason that I ask is that I think it would be awsome if I could put some movies on my iPod and play them through the PSP. :confused:

[risc]

I've seen nothing (and heard no rumours) about anything like this, but I wouldn't be suprised to see a 3rd party vendor make something like this. The places you would probably see this 1st would be http://lik-sang.com/ and http://play-asia.com/ so keep an eye out.

As for using an iPod to do this I couldn't ever see this happening unless it was formated for Windows use, not Mac.