PSP, is it worth it?

[e²Studios]

Pretty much debating buying myself a PSP. I dont do a lot of travelling around but i cant seem to get play time on my console since the wife is always watching something that TiVo recorded. I figure it would also be good to burn the 3 hours i have between work and my MBA courses. Just looking for a fun system to use and play with, i can careless about the movies. I noticed on Sony's website that there are no RPG's for the PSP, to me that seems really odd, thats a huge market to lose by not having any.

Ive heard the system is better specification wise than a PS2, but unless the quality and content of the games take advantage of it the specs are meaningless. I would just like to get some opinions, hopefully some from both the "i like it" and the "its not worth it" camps to help me decide if its worth spending $250 on the machine and then oodles more on game software.

Thanks!
Ed

[noelister]

Ed,

I really like the little thing. I have only had it for a week though.
I am going to buy PSPware tonight I think (unless someone has a better suggestion). Because my 512MB Duo card came today. I only have Darkstalkers which is really fun but I am sure there won't be any lasting appeal to it. As far as RPG go, Square Enix is supposed to realese a game that ties into the advent children movie(At least i think thats right) which I really am looking forward to buying. However, the US firmware 2.0 was supposed to be released today but I have not seen any thing about it.

All in all it is an expensive device. The duo cards are a bit pricey as well. But since it can play movies and stuff it can be used for other types of enertainment, not just games.

[persianpunisher]

trust me, its worth it. I have had it since it came out. AMAZING SYSTEM. I just wish GT4 would come out sooner

[AlBDamned]

Go for it. I think the standard of the games is incredible for such a tiny machine and it looks supremely trick too.

It certainly makes my hour long round trip train ride a lot more fun. Battery life has never been an issue. Memory sticks are dirt cheap compared to yesteryear. The only thing is, it does make you look 10 years old, but when you're screaming round a track on Ridge Racer with the superb sound blaring in your earphones, you don't really care.

The screen gets grubby easily and it's another set of cables, another thing to lavish funds on, but I'd definitely say get one.

[crachoar]

No. Not worth it.

I really wish it was - but it's not.

I've purchased nineteen PSPs so far - all of them had defective screens and plastics.

If the LCD itself wasn't flawed (dead / stuck / lit pixels) then the plastic was covered in scratches, pits, air bubbles, etc. And if that wasn't the case - there was dust trapped under the plastic.

The quality is quite ass. Also, it smudges more than an iPod. I think the White PSP would be a lot better - unless you have really dirty hands.

When you first turn it on, you feel like you have to own it. And once you see a game in motion, you're stunned. But, after a while of playing it - you'll notice something on the screen that shouldn't be there. And after that - your eye will be glued to the imperfection...

It's really not worth the price - considering there aren't any 'must-have' exclusive games (besides Wipeout). And the chances that your screen will have some annoying flaws will be extremely high.

Frankly, if you're forking over $250 for a portable game console - it damn well better be perfect.

Personally, I've gotten so much more use out of my GBA SP. Tons of RPGs and Strategy games. Really, it's my all-time favorite system. I play it more than all three of the consoles. Some of the really good RPG/Strategy games - I've poured over 40 hours into.

It's sturdy, the screen isn't defective - it has a long battery life, plays every Gameboy game from every Gameboy System etc.

The only downside is - a lot of the really good games (Castlevania) are extremely rare and hard to find. Well, and it lacks a headphone port (how worthless is that?). However, you can buy an adapter to use headphones - which will cost you about $3USD.

If you want, you could spend the extra $50 and get a DS (since it will play GBA games (only GBA, not older GB games) - minus the multiplayer) - but personally - I think they're a gimmick, and the games are even more mediocre than PSP games. Having an entire screen dedicated to a map...wow...

I've yet to play a PSP game besides 'Wipeout Pure' that made me want the system, so I really can't recommend it. Although, 'Virtua Tennis' is coming out soon - and that game is amazing...

If Sony ever lowered the price and redesigned the system - I'd be all over it. But for now, I think I'll just write nasty letters to Sony Corporate - explaining to them how I won't be purchasing Sony products ever again.

If you like RPGs and polished 2D games, seriously, get a GBA. Nothing else comes close.

Should you purchase a GBA - I highly suggest the following games:

1) Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
2) Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
3) Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
4) Metroid Zero Mission
5) Metroid Fusion
6) Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
7) Advance Wars 2
8) The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
9) Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga

There are at least a handful of other games worth owning - but those are my favorite.

[e²Studios]

So these memory stick Duo cards are the same that my DSC-T1 uses? I hope so cause i have 3 1GB and 2 512mb sticks laying around :D

Thanks for all the input! Has anyone noticed on the PSP site there is only 2 pages of games total? How long has this been out in the US?

Also i heard that region doesnt matter for the games only the movies? My Wife's brother sent me couple games from Japan and he said i should be able to play them if i buy a US system since his unit could play games from Europe and the US (his unit is stock no mods whatsoever). I remember the GB and GBA had this ability also. Hopefully the US version is the same.

Ed

[crachoar]

It's been out since March.

Neat huh?

And yes - it's region-free for gaming.

[AlBDamned]

No. Not worth it.

I really wish it was - but it's not.

I've purchased nineteen PSPs so far - all of them had defective screens and plastics.

If the LCD itself wasn't flawed (dead / stuck / lit pixels) then the plastic was covered in scratches, pits, air bubbles, etc. And if that wasn't the case - there was dust trapped under the plastic.

The quality is quite ass. Also, it smudges more than an iPod. I think the White PSP would be a lot better - unless you have really dirty hands.



I'm sorry but that sounds ridiculous. 19? I've noticed 3 dead pixels at the bottom of my screen, but you only ever see them when it's on a black screen in between scenes. Then again, the Japanese versions are supposed to have better screens than the UK or US versions but I don't know that for sure.

Have you seriously sent that many back? Wouldn't you give up after 10?

Sorry if I sound incredulous, but I never understand people who have bad runs of luck spanning multi shipments of products. What are you doing to them?

I guess they should be 'perfect' at that price but really, few things are going to meet actual 'perfect' standards. Even if you spend 50k on a BMW M3 it can have a couple of minor things wrong with it. Deal with it.

[FadeToBlack]

I'll be getting a PSP when GTA: Liberty City Stories comes out, as it's exclusive to the PSP.

[AlBDamned]

I'll be getting a PSP when GTA: Liberty City Stories comes out, as it's exclusive to the PSP.


That and GT4 Mobile are killer apps that beat any Zelda or Mario adventure to *****.

Buy a PSP Ed, seriously. It will do what you want it to do, spectacularly.

[e²Studios]

That and GT4 Mobile are killer apps that beat any Zelda or Mario adventure to *****.

Buy a PSP Ed, seriously. It will do what you want it to do, spectacularly.


It uses these right? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006IEV7E/qid=1123885960/sr=8-3/ref=pd_bbs_3/104-5945452-0213534?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

I figure that would be one less thing i would have to buy if it does use them.

Good thing the games are region free, i can trade back and forth with my brother in law :D

I have the weekend to think it over, but it seems like it would be a good deal. Just hope the screens arent as unreliable as the one poster said above, for the price i would hope it would be somewhat sturdy.

Ed

[AlBDamned]

It uses these right? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006IEV7E/qid=1123885960/sr=8-3/ref=pd_bbs_3/104-5945452-0213534?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

I figure that would be one less thing i would have to buy if it does use them.

Good thing the games are region free, i can trade back and forth with my brother in law :D

I have the weekend to think it over, but it seems like it would be a good deal. Just hope the screens arent as unreliable as the one poster said above, for the price i would hope it would be somewhat sturdy.

Ed

Those are the ones, though you can buy SanDisk or other 3rd party sticks for roughly half that price on ebay and elsewhere.

Sony have sold thousands and thousands of these things. I think crachoar has had a very bad run of luck or is a little to particular.

Games are definitely region free. Movies are not. If you're worried about reliability, buy a Japanese one. I have the Jap model in England, updated the firmware here, can play anything I want on it using memory cards and play region free games (I think buying movies on UMD is a complete waste of time so the Region incompatibility does not bother me at all in this respect). Only downside is the instructions came in English on a CD, but it's not been a big problem, I just cry for help (on here) when needed and those more in the know can help every time.

I guess in terms of games, it comes down to one thing. Are you a Nintendo fan or a sony games fan. By this I mean Zelda, Mario, RPG (you mentioned them before) and so on. Or are you a GTA, Ridge Racer (the DS version of Ridge blows), Gran Turismo fan?

I didn't pay for my PSP and I hadn't intended to buy one before I got sent it but now I'm a champion of the cause and my new flatmate took little persuading once he saw it. Roll on Wi-Fi battles. At 23 and soon to be 24, I should really be growing out of it but like I sad earlier - who cares!

[risc]

I imported my PSP from Japan when they were released back in December, I'm still amazed by the quality of the games, audio quality is great with headphones, video is great if you have a big enough memory card. I say go for it, as for the guy who purchased 19 of them and they were all defective - all I can say is YEAH RIGHT! :rolleyes: I always find it interesting that these people that have so many problems with them always seem to recommend the big N as the fix. My PSP is perfect 0 dead pixels, 0 stuck buttons, it's 9 months old now and if it was going to break it would of buy now, the PSP is an amazing piece of well built hardware.

[TheGimp]

PSP is a bargain for what it does, provided that you actually want it to do most of what it does.

A few amazing games, and the rest uninspiring. Clearly the PSP is not at all on par graphically with the PS2, but in several games it comes close. Ridge Racer and Wipeout are exceptions.

Outstanding sounds with headphones, and a screen that looks sharper than most laptops.

If not for Wipeout, Hot Shots Golf, Ridge Racer and Lumines, I would have already sold it by now (bought it in May). Somewhat bored with those, no new games of the same caliber, and the thing is too bulky to use as an iPod. Besides a new ipod can cost around the same as a 1gb memory stick, and has several times the capacity.

Avoid Smart Bombs and MVP baseball at all costs.




No flaws on my unit except that the memory stick door seems just a little loose, and intensive use of the analog stick (i.e. in Gretzky NHL) sometimes causes it (the door, not the stick) to open.

The PSP is one of those gadgets that give great pleasure for a few months, wanes in interest, regains interest periodically when news of a new firmware or downloadable wipeout track emerges, and then promptly becomes boring again.

If you have cash to blow then I say go for it.

[GFLPraxis]

IMHO, no. The PSP has excellent hardware, don't get me wrong. Well worth $250. However, the disadvantages pile up;


$50 for each game.
Expensive memory sticks to actually use the multimedia features
Weak battery life
Not-so-good build quality, dead pixel replacement policy
Load time
Weak games lineup so far, IMHO.

The DS makes a more convincing arguement when you're on a BUDGET, at $150 for the system, generally $30 per game, almost no loading times, double the battery life, one-pixel-replacement policy, clamshell (protects the screens), and an INSANE upcoming games lineup. I can name ten games I want to buy in the next four months, several of them online.


It's a fine gadget, and I may buy a PSP when the price goes down (using my sister's Best Buy Employee discount on top of the price drop as well) EVENTUALLY (next year perhaps?) for Battlefront 2 and Burnout (I still don't see how FPS can be done on the PSP). But I do not feel its worth the high price tag.

[skubish]

I have had a PSP since US launch and I love it. Don't buy it for movies though they are expensive and the memory cards are big enough to put many movies from your DVD collection to PSP.

The games are pretty good but I feel the library is still pretty limited. The battery is swapable so battery life really isn't an issue.

I don't belive a word of the guy who bought 19 PSP with dead pixels. It just doesn't happen that often.

[crachoar]

You guys can be assholes and use emoticons all you want. Doesn't change the facts.

I have the receipts to prove it.

Nineteen defective PSPs and counting. The screens are ass.

It happens a lot. I'm proof. And every store I've been to says that it's their number one most returned item.

Whenever I go to return one, there are already a few behind the counter.

One Circuit City employee helped me open a bunch. He was pissed himself, and wrote Sony a letter because their entire batch had pixel and plastic defects.

And Sony Tech support is hilarious. I called with my first PSP. The tech support guy told me he'd be glad to replace my screen. He kept me on the phone for thirty minutes, asking me all kinds of questions, and right at the end, he mentioned:

'Alright sir, we'll just need you to mail your PSP to us with your original receipt - the PSP will be under a manufacturer's warranty for 90 days when you get it back...'

I explained to him that I got it as a gift - and that my relatives don't give me receipts for gifts. I asked, '...shouldn't this be covered under the one-year? It's only been out for a few weeks...'

He told me that if I didn't have the receipt, it would 'only cost $120 to replace', despite the fact that the system itself is most assuredly - covered under the one-year. Yeah, that's awesome.

My options were:

-pay a lot to have a manufacturer's flaw 'fixed' and throw away my warranty
-throw away my one-year warranty and hope Sony fixed the problem

I decided to return it to Wal Mart and just told them that I didn't have the receipt. I then proceeded to buy PSPs from all over the state - hunting for a unit without pixel and plastic defects.

Why didn't I give up? Because:

1) I wanted to play Wipeout (which I own)
2) I had vowed to purchase one a year prior - and was hot in the pants for it
3) I couldn't help but laugh at the fact that every PSP I've touched has some kind of major screen flaw - I wanted to see how long it would take for me to find a perfect one

And did I not mention the downside of 'the Big N'? Did I not say that I didn't like the DS, and that I thought it was a gimmick?

Yes. Yes I did.

I mentioned the pros and cons of both Nintendo handhelds.

The OP mentioned concern about RPGs. I suggested the GBA. I even listed the downsides of the GBA. But the facts still remain - the GBA is the best platform for RPGs.

Try reading my posts and perhaps - thinking - before you accuse me of being a fanboy in any way, shape or form.


k-thnx-bai! <3 kekekeke

[zelmo]

I am very happy with my PSP.
Had it since launch day. No dead pixels, and battery life is around 4-4.5 hours for gaming. Bought a 1GB memory stick for $90, which holds two movies plus some photo's and game saves. Bought PSPware for syncing with my Mac.
Wipeout Pure is awesome, but it's always been my fave racing series. Downloaded tracks, skins, and vehicles are great, and add some playability.
Lumines is great, and pretty addictive. Not quite up to Tetris, but what is?
Ape Escape is a good platformer.
Tiger Woods is a good golf game, but I think I'd rather have Hot Shots.
Have MGS Ac!d, but haven't played it yet.

I think there are so few RPG's primarily because of load times coupled with the fact that they are so immersive that they are tough to play in short bursts required by battery life. Not an RPG fan, so it doesn't bother me.

Installed the Jaapanese v2.0 firmware update, and web browsing is very cool. Where is my keyboard, Sony (Pelican, whoever)?

If you aren't convinced to buy one yet, there's always Burnout, Liberrty City, and GT.

[themacman]

i got mine when it first came out. I use it all the time. ITs incredible. The graphics are amazing. and its so portatble.

[iKwick7]

You guys can be assholes and use emoticons all you want. Doesn't change the facts......



Wow, did you overreact. I agree with you with the screen thing, but come in man. Relax.


Personally, I want one. But a white one. And not for $250- the only game out right now that I would buy is MLB and MAYBE Ridge Racer.

So when white ones come out at under $200 and there are more games, I might get one. And if lazy ass developers would get off there ass and make games compatible with their console brothers (like madden or mvp baseball, just imagine if you could continue your season on your PSP, holy F I would buy one immediately), mand are there possibilities.

Until then, I am happy not having one. But I want a white one. So sexy. :)

[Macamus Prime]

The PSP is getting all my attention!! More than my DS,....

I use to play the DS with Mario DS and plenty of GBA games all the time. Now, I find it myself playing Lumines, Ridge Racer, Wipeout and some Coded Arms all the time.

It IS expensive. If you want, wait for a price drop, you are not missing much in respect to games. Once more games come out, you can decide for yourself if you want to dive in. Do not buy the PSP because of the hardware, buy it for the games.

Same thing goes for any system out there really....

[Phat_Pat]

Two Words: Get it.

[GFLPraxis]

If you want, you could spend the extra $50 and get a DS (since it will play GBA games (only GBA, not older GB games) - minus the multiplayer) - but personally - I think they're a gimmick, and the games are even more mediocre than PSP games. Having an entire screen dedicated to a map...wow...

Just want to make a quick point. Well, sorta two. The thing with the screen dedicated to the map with Metroid Prime; not exactly. It's there for the touch screen. You put the pen on the bottom screen and move it to control your character like you would with a trackpad. They NEED the second screen, because with only one screen you finger covers what you are actually doing. So the second screen, in those games (Mario 64 and Metroid Prime are the ones that come to mind), is used for a map AND input at the same time. When you use the touch screen and see the accuracy you won't feel its a gimmick.

Anyway, just want to give a rundown for the DS lineup for ONLY the next four months. This fall is the reason I got a DS.

The games I am specificly interested in are bold, the underlined ones have been specificly announced as online.
date game title
August 22, 2005 Advance Wars: Dual Strike
August 22, 2005 Nintendogs: Chihuahua & Friends
August 22, 2005 Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends
August 22, 2005 Nintendogs: Lab & Friends
August 23, 2005 Pac 'n Roll
September 2005 Yu-Gi-Oh: Nightmare
September 6, 2005 Ford Racing DS
September 13, 2005 Big Mutha Truckers DS
September 19, 2005 Tak: The Great Juju Challenge
September 20, 2005 Dig Dug: Digging Strike
September 20, 2005 Lunar: Dragon Song
September 20, 2005 Snood 2: On Vacation
September 20, 2005 Zoo Tycoon
September 26, 2005 Trace Memory
September 26, 2005 Ultimate Spider-Man
September 27, 2005 Frogger: Helmet Chaos
September 27, 2005 Lost in Blue
Fall 2005 Fairly OddParents
September 2005 Scooby-Doo! Unmasked
October 4, 2005 Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
October 10, 2005 Metroid Prime: Hunters
October 18, 2005 Spyro Shadow Legacy
October 18, 2005 Tony Hawk DS
October 30, 2005 FIFA '06
Fall 2005 Nicktoons
October 2005 Scurge: Hive
Fall 2005 SpongeBob SquarePants Multiplayer [working title]
Fall 2005 SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger T
Fall 2005 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Fall 2005 The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer
Fall 2005 Top Gun
Fall 2005 Age of Empires: The Age of Kings
Fall 2005 Disney's Kim Possible: Kimmunicator
Fall 2005 Disney's Lizzie McGuire & That's So Raven
Fall 2005 Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team
October 2005 Real Time Conflict: Shogun Empires
October 2005 Shrek SuperSlam
Fall 2005 The Sims 2
November 1, 2005 Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects
November 7, 2005 Mario Kart DS
November 8, 2005 Ultimate Card Games
November 8, 2005 Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble
November 14, 2005 ATV: Quad Frenzy
November 14, 2005 Crash Tag Team Racing
November 14, 2005 Sonic Rush
November 15, 2005 SBK: Snowboard Kids DS
November 2005 Texas Hold 'Em Poker
November 2005 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
November 21, 2005 Animal Crossing DS
November 29, 2005 Guilty Gear Dust Strikers
November 2005 Need for Speed Most Wanted
November 2005 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare
November 2005 Trauma Center: Under the Knife
December 1, 2005 Ultimate Brain Games
December 14, 2005 King Kong
Q4 2005 Battles of Prince of Persia
TBA Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon: Blue Rescue Force
TBA 2005 Cerulean Dreams *TBA Shooter
TBA 2005 Dark Reflections *TBA RPG
TBA 2005 Digitylish
TBA 2005 Dragon Ball Z Atari
TBA 2005 Dynasty Warriors
TBA 2005 Egg Monster Hero
TBA 2005 Final Fantasy III
TBA 2005 Ford Racing 3 Destination Software, Inc. (DSI) Racing
TBA 2005 Golden Nugget Casino DS
TBA 2005 Harvest Moon DS
TBA Jeff Corwin Experience
TBA 2005 Katamari Damacy
Q4 2005 Metroid Prime Pinball
TBA 2005 Mobile Suit Gundam Seed
TBA 2005 Moonlight Fables
TBA 2005 New Super Mario Bros.
December 31, 2005 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
TBA 2005 SSX 4
TBA 2005 Street Racing Syndicate
TBA 2005 Tetris
TBA 2005 Worms
TBA 2005 Worms Forts Under Siege






In the next few months, the DS will have a killer games lineup.


To the original poster; if you get a GameBoy Advance, or a DS, I HIGHLY recommend MegaMan Battle Network 3. I know, sounds dumb, and the storyline is silly, but it is IMHO the best RPG I have played for the GBA in terms of the way combat is handled and awesome in multiplayer.

Battle Network 1 and 2 sucked and 4 is too short and overcomplicated. 3 is the best one. Get it.

[e²Studios]

To the original poster; if you get a GameBoy Advance, or a DS, I HIGHLY recommend MegaMan Battle Network 3. I know, sounds dumb, and the storyline is silly, but it is IMHO the best RPG I have played for the GBA in terms of the way combat is handled and awesome in multiplayer.

Battle Network 1 and 2 sucked and 4 is too short and overcomplicated. 3 is the best one. Get it.

You know the tempting part to a DS is that i already own a GBA, i didn't know that my GBA games could be played on a DS. Are the DS graphics about up to par with the PSP? I haven't heard much about the specs of the DS.

Ed

[risc]

Are the DS graphics about up to par with the PSP?

Not even close. The DS has Nintendo 64 (ish) graphics, the PSP is more comparable to the PS2.

[Dagless]

Firstly, absolutely no game can beat Zelda, Metroid and Mario gameplay wise, which is the only thing that counts to gamers, not PSP multimedia people. Need i bring up links to Metacritic with their world-wide scores?

You wouldn't see me dead with a PSP just now, to me its like the Xbox. at first there was absolutely nothing bringing me to it. its just overpriced faulty hardware. But then a few years later I bought one, chipped it, and now using it as a Media Centre. So many i'll get a PSP when the price drops to something barely reasonable for a handheld gaming machine.

as for visuals on the DS; http://www.nanostray.com go download a trailer or 2. the graphics are stunning. And people constantly comment on Nintendogs looking 'real'.
Frankly the DS can do amazing visuals. Just seems like developers just dont want to for the most part, after all its a handheld machine. Not a console? right?

If i were you i'd just go out and buy a 2nd hand PS2. After all the PSP is just a watered down version of that but with early Dreamcast quality graphics with the high possibilities of a faulty screen, analogue button/stick thing, low battery life, overpriced console/memory sticks/games, terrible sales figures etc...

Just bulk up your GBA collection :cool: greatest handheld system ever. If you want it to look pretty get a DS (the GBA graphics are really bright and vivid there). Whilst your at it get Nintendogs, Nanostray (if you can find it now), Metroid Prime Hunters, Advance Wars, Mario Kart DS, Tony Hawks, Animal Crossing DS, New Super Mario Bros etc... unparalleled gameplay.
Then get that M3 Adapter for your DS which does everything a PSP can do multimedia-wise... AND uses cheap SD cards (last time i checked 512mb cost £20/$36).

Final thing to say though; if you like FPS games. don't get a PSP. :D

[CorvusCamenarum]

Seeing as how you already have a console, why not just go pick up a second television and hook your console up to that?

The PSP seems overrated anyway. I can think of a lot of things from which I can get much more enjoyment for the money. Then again, I fall into that category of people that doesn't always have to be entertained by something electronic.

[TheGimp]

Are the DS graphics about up to par with the PSP? I haven't heard much about the specs of the DS.

Ed

As different as night and day. The classic comparison is between Ridge Racer DS and Ridge Racer on the PSP. Google some screenshots and you'll see what I mean, but even those screenshots won't adequately represent the astonishing lead that the PSP has over the DS in the graphics department.
True, some of the difference can be attributed to coding, but once you play ANY game on the PSP, the DS will look shamefully underpowered. Great for little kids though.

[PharmD]

You absolutely cannot judge one system as being better than another simply on its graphical quality. Who cares if a system has better graphics if the games suck? I'm speaking hypothetically as I have neither a DS or a PSP but I just have to laugh at people who think a PSP is better merely because it has better graphics than the DS.

Ed, evalutate your gaming preference and go with the handheld that mirrors that preference.

[GFLPraxis]

You know the tempting part to a DS is that i already own a GBA, i didn't know that my GBA games could be played on a DS. Are the DS graphics about up to par with the PSP? I haven't heard much about the specs of the DS.

Ed


No. The DS is on par with the Nintendo 64; the PSP is about equivilant to the Dreamcast.

However, the DS is $100 cheaper than the PSP and the games are $10-$20 cheaper each. And the screen is backlit (not frontlit like the GBA SP) so all the GBA games look far better.

BTW, some people have called the DS touch screen a gimmick. I have a hard time understanding this. It seems rediculous to me to call something that affects every game and changes the way a lot of games are controlled a gimmick.

Dictionary.com:
to clutter with gadgets or attention-getting details.

I'd call the PSP multimedia features a gimmick, because they don't affect the gameplay of the GAME CONSOLE at all. Meanwhile, the touchscreen is used in every game (some use it as a gimmick, like Star Wars Episode 3 DS, where you can go through the whole game without using it if you wish, while others use it as the primary means of control, such as every FPS, or Kirby's Canvas Curse).


Raggedjimmi made a comment about the PSP in FPS. I was wondering; how DO you play FPS on the PSP? I mean, there is no right analog stick. No way to control your aim, other than the buttons which would be horrible for it.

[AlBDamned]

You absolutely cannot judge one system as being better than another simply on its graphical quality. Who cares if a system has better graphics if the games suck? I'm speaking hypothetically as I have neither a DS or a PSP but I just have to laugh at people who think a PSP is better merely because it has better graphics than the DS.

Ed, evalutate your gaming preference and go with the handheld that mirrors that preference.

This is an age old debate of course (graphics or gameplay), but the last comment rings true. See what games you like and choose accordingly.

Graphics are important though, PharmD. If they weren't we'd all be playing pixel perfect stick man games. To further your comment and take in what someone said earlier, put the DS and PSP next to each other, and play Ridge Racer. Which one would you choose... No contest.

The PSP may not have the extreme innovation of the DS, nor the Nintendo franchises (which to me is no big deal as I got bored with Mario and his pals years ago), but it's a console marketed at those who bought a PS2 and like PS2 games. A part of it is to steal sales from the Gameboy, but it's also about creating a new market as they did with the original PlayStation.

PSPs are going to be pretty popular things in the UK. The major high-street games seller, GAME, has already sold out, three weeks before release.

[GFLPraxis]

A part of it is to steal sales from the Gameboy, but it's also about creating a new market as they did with the original PlayStation.


Sorry to nitpick, but...
How did the original Playstation create a new market?


(which to me is no big deal as I got bored with Mario and his pals years ago)

I see, another person who equates Nintendo with Mario.
Play Metroid Prime sometime and you'll understand. Better than Halo (except in Multiplayer where Halo rules), easily. Beautiful game.

[spyker3292]

No. Not worth it.

I really wish it was - but it's not.

I've purchased nineteen PSPs so far - all of them had defective screens and plastics.

If the LCD itself wasn't flawed (dead / stuck / lit pixels) then the plastic was covered in scratches, pits, air bubbles, etc. And if that wasn't the case - there was dust trapped under the plastic.

The quality is quite ass. Also, it smudges more than an iPod. I think the White PSP would be a lot better - unless you have really dirty hands.

When you first turn it on, you feel like you have to own it. And once you see a game in motion, you're stunned. But, after a while of playing it - you'll notice something on the screen that shouldn't be there. And after that - your eye will be glued to the imperfection...

It's really not worth the price - considering there aren't any 'must-have' exclusive games (besides Wipeout). And the chances that your screen will have some annoying flaws will be extremely high.

Frankly, if you're forking over $250 for a portable game console - it damn well better be perfect.

Personally, I've gotten so much more use out of my GBA SP. Tons of RPGs and Strategy games. Really, it's my all-time favorite system. I play it more than all three of the consoles. Some of the really good RPG/Strategy games - I've poured over 40 hours into.

It's sturdy, the screen isn't defective - it has a long battery life, plays every Gameboy game from every Gameboy System etc.

The only downside is - a lot of the really good games (Castlevania) are extremely rare and hard to find. Well, and it lacks a headphone port (how worthless is that?). However, you can buy an adapter to use headphones - which will cost you about $3USD.

If you want, you could spend the extra $50 and get a DS (since it will play GBA games (only GBA, not older GB games) - minus the multiplayer) - but personally - I think they're a gimmick, and the games are even more mediocre than PSP games. Having an entire screen dedicated to a map...wow...

I've yet to play a PSP game besides 'Wipeout Pure' that made me want the system, so I really can't recommend it. Although, 'Virtua Tennis' is coming out soon - and that game is amazing...

If Sony ever lowered the price and redesigned the system - I'd be all over it. But for now, I think I'll just write nasty letters to Sony Corporate - explaining to them how I won't be purchasing Sony products ever again.

If you like RPGs and polished 2D games, seriously, get a GBA. Nothing else comes close.

Should you purchase a GBA - I highly suggest the following games:

1) Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
2) Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
3) Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
4) Metroid Zero Mission
5) Metroid Fusion
6) Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
7) Advance Wars 2
8) The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
9) Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga

There are at least a handful of other games worth owning - but those are my favorite.

If you want a GBA why not a DS

[plasticparadox]

I can't speak for anyone else, but my PSP is great. No dead pixels on mine, though I'm not sure if I was just lucky. The 1 sore spot, in my opinion is the selection of decent games. Hopefully that will change when GTA comes out. I'm also going to pick up Coded Arms.

The 2.0 firmware makes this thing a lot more useful. I can chuck this in my bag and use it to find WiFi hotspots, and if I don't have my iBook with me, I can surf the net. It is a bit embarassing to pull out, because it does look like a kid's toy. Music has also been improved with the 2.0 firmware, as iTunes AAC is now supported.

I recommend you try PSPWare (http://www.nullriver.com/index/products/pspware) (syncs PSP and OS X) and PDF 2 PSP (http://pdf2psp.sourceforge.net/)/ (Convert PDF files to JPEG images to view on PSP, works with PSPWare).

[AlBDamned]

Sorry to nitpick, but...
How did the original Playstation create a new market?

The PlayStation is directly responsible for the 16-25 year old 'casual gamer' demographic. It did not exist before.

Equally, the people that supposedly buy a PSP are not the ones who already own a Gameboy (at least, that's the idea).

The price difference between the two products says a lot about it. I live and commute through London on a daily basis. Now this isn't meant as a slur on the GBA or DS, I can appreciate a good product, but you do mostly see kids playing with gameboys during the holidays, save for one or two people wearing ties. Already, and even though it's not even out here, I've seen half a dozen adults using PSPs on the trai even during rush hour (one guy was even comically wedged right in the middle of the cabin, standing and furiously playing his PSP - the looks he was getting were brilliant).

The PSP is aimed at quite a different market.


I see, another person who equates Nintendo with Mario.
Play Metroid Prime sometime and you'll understand. Better than Halo (except in Multiplayer where Halo rules), easily. Beautiful game.

Off topic, I haven't played Metroid Prime or MP Echoes, but I'm afraid nothing beats Halo for me in my all-time fave list. Playing through that game with my best mate was an experience unlike any other. And, like it or not, Mario and Nintendo are inextricably linked and the stigma of a whooping mushroom and fat plumber is firmly attached to Nintendo.

The best console ever in my opinion is the Super Nintendo, with Streetfighter 2, Super Probotector, Sim City, F-Zero and so on, so I'm not anti the company per se. I recognise its iconic place in games history and its incredible knack for putting out truly landmark games but another problem besides the kiddy image is the inconsistency and lack of effort when supporting the European Market. We toyed with the idea of a Gamecube during college, but the Xbox won out cos it had more games on it that we wanted to play. The 'Cube at the time had a poor range and it didn't look like getting any better. Mind you, at the £30 including game that you can buy them for now, new, it may be good value for a rainy afternoon some day.

[crachoar]

It's not that I want a GBA. I already own one. And I love it. I was suggesting that the OP get one - thinking that he didn't have one - since he raised concern for the lack of RPGs on the PSP.

I don't want a DS because it is the cheapest, most lame-feeling system I have ever used in my entire life. And the tacky colors don't help either.

I've considered buying one when the white or black version is released, and possibly when Castlevania (with the new 'little kid' anime artwork - yay) comes out - but I'm more than happy with my GBA. The only reason I'd ever buy a DS is for a few GBA sequels. And I think that's the main selling point behind the system. It's the 'We're-Not-Done-With-The-New-Gameboy-Yet-And-Need-Something-To-Fight-The-PSP'. Kind of like how the Gameboy Color was to the Advance.

I hate the fact that the touchscreen is a gimmick. I remember during a press statement last year, Nintendo stated that it wouldn't just be used as a map or stats screen - yet - that's all it really is.

It's a map, or a bad replacement for something that already worked (an analog stick).

Sure, you can control Mario 64 with it - but it feels awkward - and it's not nearly as pleasant or accurate as the analog stick.

If I wanted to play games with fake buttons and a pen - I'd use my PocketPC.

Playing games with a pen sucks. It's not new. It's not fun.

As for 'no load times'? Haha - you should try playing 'Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory' for the DS. Quite possibly the worst game ever.

That's one of the selling points of the PSP for me. I'd kill to have a portable console version of 'Splinter Cell' - and the fourth game has been slated to release on the PSP. That, and I love 'GT4'. I just hope they make it so that you can import all of your cars and stats from the PS2 version...

Also, the DS is not up to par with the N64. It is slightly less powerful.

And for the record, Metroid Prime sucks. This is coming from somebody that owns every other Metroid game. The controls are a complete regression (no dual analog - 'locking-on' to enemies?), the soundtrack was awful - that game was so far from being 'Metroid' that it made me physically ill. Nobody from the original Metroid team (the guys that make 'Fire Emblem' - 'R&D 2' they used to be called) even touched the 'Prime' games. They were awful. 'Hunters' finally allowed dual digital - which is better than nothing...but still...

Nothing beats the 2D Metroid games.

[GFLPraxis]

The PlayStation is directly responsible for the 16-25 year old 'casual gamer' demographic. It did not exist before.

Equally, the people that supposedly buy a PSP are not the ones who already own a Gameboy (at least, that's the idea).

The price difference between the two products says a lot about it. I live and commute through London on a daily basis. Now this isn't meant as a slur on the GBA or DS, I can appreciate a good product, but you do mostly see kids playing with gameboys during the holidays, save for one or two people wearing ties. Already, and even though it's not even out here, I've seen half a dozen adults using PSPs on the trai even during rush hour (one guy was even comically wedged right in the middle of the cabin, standing and furiously playing his PSP - the looks he was getting were brilliant).

The PSP is aimed at quite a different market.

In fact, no. Nintendo is specificly targetting the DS at an older demographic. They've said it themselves. The casual gamer.




Off topic, I haven't played Metroid Prime or MP Echoes, but I'm afraid nothing beats Halo for me in my all-time fave list. Playing through that game with my best mate was an experience unlike any other.

Don't get me wrong; Halo is THE best multiplayer first person game to date (I have to say I prefer Super Smash Bros for versus, but Halo has the co-op, and beats any other FPS for versus). But for a single player game, Metroid is unrivaled. No stages; one gigantic world, where the gameplay experience is constantly changing as you gain more and more capabilities until you become basicly all-powerful by the end of the game. MP Echoes adds a second dimension to travel in and out of.


And, like it or not, Mario and Nintendo are inextricably linked and the stigma of a whooping mushroom and fat plumber is firmly attached to Nintendo.


It might be, but dismissing the entire company because you're "tired of Mario" is absolutely ridiculous. Mario is just one of their games. Or shall we dismiss Vivendi because they also publish Barbie Horse Adventures? Oh, better not buy Half-Life 2 and WoW now.

A company can have COMPLETELY different types of games.

The best console ever in my opinion is the Super Nintendo, with Streetfighter 2, Super Probotector, Sim City, F-Zero and so on, so I'm not anti the company per se. I recognise its iconic place in games history and its incredible knack for putting out truly landmark games but another problem besides the kiddy image is the inconsistency and lack of effort when supporting the European Market. We toyed with the idea of a Gamecube during college, but the Xbox won out cos it had more games on it that we wanted to play. The 'Cube at the time had a poor range and it didn't look like getting any better. Mind you, at the £30 including game that you can buy them for now, new, it may be good value for a rainy afternoon some day.


I have to say my favorite console I ever played was, in fact, the GameCube. Despite its flaws. My room was far from an ethernet jack so I didn't care about online anyway, and Zelda: Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, and Super Smash Bros Melee have left a permanent impression on me. Absolutely awesome games.

[GFLPraxis]

I believe it's sufficient to say that, having a DS, I strongly disagree with most of your statements.


I hate the fact that the touchscreen is a gimmick. I remember during a press statement last year, Nintendo stated that it wouldn't just be used as a map or stats screen - yet - that's all it really is.

It's used for CONTROL. I don't get why people don't understand this. Maybe because when you look at screenshots you just see a map. But when you use it, it's MUCH MORE THAN A MAP.

It's a map, or a bad replacement for something that already worked (an analog stick).

Sure, you can control Mario 64 with it - but it feels awkward - and it's not nearly as pleasant or accurate as the analog stick.


Depends on the game. I agree for Mario 64. However when it comes to FPS; not even my PC has the kind of control I get with Metroid Prime. It's the best control system to date.



Also, the DS is not up to par with the N64. It is slightly less powerful.


Polygon wise, the DS is capable of rendering more IIRC, but it lacks texture filtering. So it's both more and less.

You'll note that in Mario 64, Mario has a lot more polygons and looks better, but if you walk up to a wall the wall looks worse than the N64 version.



And for the record, Metroid Prime sucks. This is coming from somebody that owns every other Metroid game. The controls are a complete regression (no dual analog - 'locking-on' to enemies?), the soundtrack was awful - that game was so far from being 'Metroid' that it made me physically ill. Nobody from the original Metroid team (the guys that make 'Fire Emblem' - 'R&D 2' they used to be called) even touched the 'Prime' games. They were awful. 'Hunters' finally allowed dual digital - which is better than nothing...but still...

Nothing beats the 2D Metroid games.


I completely disagree, sorry. Dual analog is unneeded, this isn't an FPS. The locking on gave it a unique feel. And the soundtrack was excellent.

[Dagless]

i was going to say stuff but GFLPraxis got there before me :)

Metroid is an incredible experience. I got into quite late, my first game was Metroid Fusion. critics hate that but i loved every minute. Then i got Prime and was bowled over. this epic world where you can go back and forth. Its IDENTICAL to the 2D forays in gameplay. nothing has changed. which is why it probably is the best 2D to 3D progression since Ocarina of Time back in the 90's. Its probably the single greatest 3D game i've played, cant decided which though; 1 or 2. both are just... wow... especially the series recurring near-end boss in Prime 1 ;)

I suppose everyone has their opinion. but i mean commenting on it not having Dual Analogue control (and going to what GFLPraxis said), which it doesn't need. its amazing people confusing Metroid Prime as an FPS.

Also, the old gameplay vs. graphics debate. I've had this a billion or so times on the game making forums im on. and a game with brilliant graphics can only look good for so long, but if the gameplay is perfect then nothing else is needed (its good to have a balance of good music and graphics but hey look at Tetris and Mario Bros 3). unless your an idiot. who rather than playing a game would like to show off.

last of all, i wish people saying the DS's graphics are bad would just look here ( http://nanostray.com ), sure they aren't console standard. but they're early-dreamcast quality no problem. AND they dont make a single dent on the battery life :rolleyes:

[PharmD]

Graphics are important though, PharmD. If they weren't we'd all be playing pixel perfect stick man games. To further your comment and take in what someone said earlier, put the DS and PSP next to each other, and play Ridge Racer. Which one would you choose... No contest.

I see where you are coming from AlBDamned and agree with you. It just seemed like some people were saying the psp is better simply because it had better graphics. There is no point in buying a system on the basis of better hardware if the software is lacking. For example, I never bought an XBox because the only exclusive games that interested me were the Halo series. It didn't make sense for me to fork over the cash for a box when I could get the same non-exclusive games on PS2 of GC that took a graphics hit but were fun nonetheless.

[iKwick7]

Just want to make a quick point. Well, sorta two. The thing with the screen dedicated to the map with Metroid Prime; not exactly. It's there for the touch screen. You put the pen on the bottom screen and move it to control your character like you would with a trackpad. They NEED the second screen, because with only one screen you finger covers what you are actually doing. So the second screen, in those games (Mario 64 and Metroid Prime are the ones that come to mind), is used for a map AND input at the same time. When you use the touch screen and see the accuracy you won't feel its a gimmick.

Anyway, just want to give a rundown for the DS lineup for ONLY the next four months. This fall is the reason I got a DS.

The games I am specificly interested in are bold, the underlined ones have been specificly announced as online. ......

While I don't really want a DS (or a PSP for that matter), I absolutely agree with some of your choices. When Age of Empires comes out (although different than the Age that we know, but mabye even better) and Advance Wars DS coems out, boy am I going to have a super hard time not buying a DS. Those two games alone will make me want one soooooo bad!

[GFLPraxis]

i was going to say stuff but GFLPraxis got there before me :)

Metroid is an incredible experience. I got into quite late, my first game was Metroid Fusion. critics hate that but i loved every minute. Then i got Prime and was bowled over. this epic world where you can go back and forth. Its IDENTICAL to the 2D forays in gameplay. nothing has changed. which is why it probably is the best 2D to 3D progression since Ocarina of Time back in the 90's. Its probably the single greatest 3D game i've played, cant decided which though; 1 or 2. both are just... wow... especially the series recurring near-end boss in Prime 1 ;)


Ironic; Metroid Fusion was my first, and Prime my second, Metroid games as well :)

[crachoar]

I had a DS. I hated it. This has nothing to do with looking at screenshots - I've played enough of it...

The screen was a gimmick - and in 90% of the games being made - it's simply an alternate control to an analog stick.

There are mini-game styled games (like Warioware) that make good use of the system's gimmicks - but really - I have zero interest in short games like that.

'Control' (or lack of it) was simply thrown in because they had nothing better to do with the screen. It's incredibly hard to use in fully 3D environments (such as Mario 64).

Dragging my thumb or a pen around a tiny LCD screen is not my idea of 'precise control'. I'd much rather have an analog stick.

Like I said, it's not new and it's not fun. I liked playing Age of Empires II on my PocketPC with the stylus - but anything else was pretty lame.

Also, 'Metroid Prime' is a first person shooter game! Fancy that!

Let's run through the checklist:

-First Person Camera View (check)
-3D movement (check)
-Shooting (check)

Well I'll be...

The 'locking-on' is lame - but I wouldn't have minded much, if I had the ability to free-look while I move around (like in every other FPS style game). 'Hunters' allows this, and it feels so much better - although, I dislike how there is 'ammo' now.

I still can't find a better game than 'Metroid III' or 'Metroid Zero Mission'. I just wish they'd remake 'Metroid II' on the SNES engine.

[Whotheheck]

I have a ds and a psp. I think the psp is the better hardware, but I would probably keep my ds if I could only keep one. Why? The GBA games are, at the moment, more fun than both the psp and ds games. Also, the only game I'm looking forward to on the psp is GTA. On the ds, we have the new castlevania, animal crossing, advance wars, mario rpg, mario kart, and super mario bros. games. That is one hell of a lineup. Too bad the only good game out now is Wario Ware. Well, pac pix was fun but too repetitive.

[Dagless]

Also, 'Metroid Prime' is a first person shooter game! Fancy that!

Let's run through the checklist:

-First Person Camera View (check)
-3D movement (check)
-Shooting (check)

Well I'll be...

The 'locking-on' is lame - but I wouldn't have minded much, if I had the ability to free-look while I move around (like in every other FPS style game). 'Hunters' allows this, and it feels so much better - although, I dislike how there is 'ammo' now.

Thats a very black and white view of stereotyping games. i mean how many FPS games have a massive free flowing world? or are based around exploration rather than shooting mindlessly?

in most FPS games you just shoot at a moving target, move onto the next scene, load up level, cant go back, keep going forward. in Metroid Prime you have to shoot certain parts, learn when you can attack and with what weapon, then you go forward pick up an item that adds a new move to your list and run backwards and forwards through the world.

would you call the original Metroid games a scrolling shooter? no. of course not thats where you place Metal Slug, Turrican and Contra. would you say Super Metroid in the same genre as them?

the objective of Metroid is to explore rather than kill (other than the bosses). in FPS your objective is to mindless kill.

Hunters is an FPS. there is no exploration involved. you just... oh yea... mindlessly kill :rolleyes:

[rdweaver]

Just a quick question. How good is the psp for watching movies, and what sort of battery life do you get when doing so. I've been toying with the idea of a portable dvd player for a while but battery life isn't great. (around 2 hours) however I've seen mention of the psp battery lasting 3-4 hours. Any comments would be appreciated.

[GFLPraxis]

I had a DS. I hated it. This has nothing to do with looking at screenshots - I've played enough of it...

The screen was a gimmick - and in 90% of the games being made - it's simply an alternate control to an analog stick.

There are mini-game styled games (like Warioware) that make good use of the system's gimmicks - but really - I have zero interest in short games like that.

'Control' (or lack of it) was simply thrown in because they had nothing better to do with the screen. It's incredibly hard to use in fully 3D environments (such as Mario 64).

Dragging my thumb or a pen around a tiny LCD screen is not my idea of 'precise control'. I'd much rather have an analog stick.

Like I said, it's not new and it's not fun. I liked playing Age of Empires II on my PocketPC with the stylus - but anything else was pretty lame.

As I said, the good games are coming in the next few months. The second screen may be a gimmick in, oh, Rayman DS, or Mario 64. But NOT every game. The touch screen sucks for platformers; I'll give you that. But it's great for FPS and RTS and RPG and TBS games. Basicly, anything you would play with a mouse. It's just that the early DS games were all platformers, which are not the kind you want a mouse for.

Well, there's the DS's first TBS being released in two weeks (Advance Wars) followed by Age of Empires.

There's the DS's second FPS (GoldenEye was the first and it sucked) in a week or so (Metroid Prime Hunters).

The first RPG's are shipping in the next four months. Lots of Japanese RPG's. And Mario & Luigi 2!

Then there's Shogun Empires, the DS's first RTS.

All these are coming out very soon. All the previous DS games were platformers (with which the touch screen was a gimmick), puzzle games, and Kirby. Now they come.

Also, 'Metroid Prime' is a first person shooter game! Fancy that!

Let's run through the checklist:

-First Person Camera View (check)
-3D movement (check)
-Shooting (check)

Well I'll be...

The 'locking-on' is lame - but I wouldn't have minded much, if I had the ability to free-look while I move around (like in every other FPS style game). 'Hunters' allows this, and it feels so much better - although, I dislike how there is 'ammo' now.

I still can't find a better game than 'Metroid III' or 'Metroid Zero Mission'. I just wish they'd remake 'Metroid II' on the SNES engine.

Just because it's from the first person view does not automatically make it a shooter game. Let's check, shall we?

http://cube.ign.com/objects/015/015316.html

IGN lists it as an "Action Adventure" game.


Nintendo and Wikipedia call Metroid Prime a First Person Adventure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-person_adventure

First person shooters are where the game is about the shooting. Your goal is simply to shoot your enemies. Therefore, Metroid Prime is not merely a first person shooter in the same way that Splinter Cell is not a first person shooter. Yes, in splinter cell you can pull out a gun in first person, so why isn't it a shooter game? Because the game isn't about shooting, it's about stealth. Same with Metroid Prime. It's an adventure game. It's similar to Zelda. You've got to explore the large world and figure out the puzzles. The shooting is just how the combat is done when you encounter enemies.






I can see from reading your posts that you are prone to snap decisions. Play a couple games that make bad use of the touchscreen, "OMG DS IS TEH GIMMICK!!!111one". Metroid Prime has a gun in it, "OMG ITS A FPS THAT LOCKS ON, METROID IS TEH SUXXOR!!!", then you never touch the GameCube again (remember the other thread, your "I haven't touched my GameCube since Wind Waker" comment). You don't like a couple games, you dismiss an entire console.

I'm not trying to offend you here, but really, try to be more open minded.

[supawoman]

my 9 year old plays his GBA way more than his PSP...........Im not sure if i think the PSP is worth all that money. The only positive thing i can say about the PSP is its great for watching movies.

[astupiddream]

I owned a PSP since March. I just traded it in and got a DS though. Why?

Because I don't know about you, but I like playing games on my game system. Lumines was really good, Hot shots was fun too, but that was about it for me. I'm not into racing/sports that much. And the DS has many games coming out that look like fun (Lunar Dragon Song, Nintendogs, Mario & Luigi 2, Sonic Rush, etc), while I saw nothing all that interesting on the PSP horizon.

Also, I didn't like that when I went ot look at PSP games I ended up finding more movies than games. Especially when they cost as much as a DVD and have none of the extras. I mean, sure I could put stuff I download on a large memory stick, but I didn't want to spend another 100 bucks for a stick and a usb cable.

[GFLPraxis]

Ive heard the system is better specification wise than a PS2, but unless the quality and content of the games take advantage of it the specs are meaningless.

Sorry, just was re-reading the original post and saw this.


No. The PS2 is 333 MHz. The PSP is 222 MHz. Both the graphics card and processor are underclocked to precisely 2/3rds of the PS2.

It's Dreamcast-level. It is certainly not better than the PS2 spec wise.

[e²Studios]

Are the game carts for the DS like the GBA and PSP where they are not region coded? Meaning i can trade back and forth with family in Japan and not have to worry about it working.

By the sounds of it I'm leaning heavily toward the DS atm, the screen is nice on the PSP, movies don't interest me on a 4" screen, and if the games don't use the hardware they are made for then they are just poor ports and probably not worth the heavy price tags.

It also seems like the DS will have more RPG and Strategy type games which are more to my liking game-play wise. Did someone say a new castlevania, and age of empires for the DS, or was that for the PSP?

Ed

[GFLPraxis]

Castlevania DS (http://ds.ign.com/objects/695/695639.html)
Age of Empires DS (http://ds.ign.com/objects/736/736742.html)

I just googled about the region coding and got:
http://forum.lik-sang.com/archive/index.php/t-4903.html


Yes. More specifically, the DS System itself is region free. The games have region codes, but the DS will play any and all region-coded games.

Here's the official upcoming games list from IGN, only with games that have had release dates or timeframes specificly given to IGN;
http://ds.ign.com/release/

There's at least two Final Fantasy games and an Egg Monster Hero game (thats three Square Enix RPGs). There's also Mario and Luigi 2, a new Harvest Moon, an online Animal Crossing, Worms, three new Pokemon RPGs, Rune Factory, Lunar: Dragon Song (coming next month), MegaMan Battle Network 5 DS, and Dark Reflections are all listed as RPGs.


Gamesarefun has a list of all titles, official and unofficial (such as ones that were mistakenly listed before any announcement on sites, like Age of Empires DS was), as well as the Japanese ones and ones that don't have release dates (and therefore don't appear on IGN's release dates page).

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

There's a lot more there that aren't listed on IGN's release dates pages. Such as Xenosaga DS (http://ds.ign.com/objects/717/717313.html) and Baten Kaitos DS (http://ds.ign.com/objects/717/717312.html) .

[crachoar]

Rebuttal: The Book

...followed by Age of Empires.

Yeah, looks like they've officially ruined that game.

I'll stick with the PocketPC version...

There's the DS's second FPS (GoldenEye was the first and it sucked) in a week or so (Metroid Prime Hunters).

Try October 10th.

The first RPG's are shipping in the next four months. Lots of Japanese RPG's. And Mario & Luigi 2!

Cool, I like having a system without games for half a year.

All these are coming out very soon.

And by 'soon' you mean 'Nintendo soon' - which means, half a year or longer. I'm impressed.

Just because it's from the first person view does not automatically make it a shooter game. Let's check, shall we?

http://cube.ign.com/objects/015/015316.html

IGN lists it as an "Action Adventure" game.

Yes, because IGN is the ultimate authority when it comes to life.

They also list the 'Castlevania' games as 'Action Adventure' - although - the game is an 'Action RPG'.

Whoops.

First person shooters are where the game is about the shooting. Your goal is simply to shoot your enemies. Therefore, Metroid Prime is not merely a first person shooter in the same way that Splinter Cell is not a first person shooter. Yes, in splinter cell you can pull out a gun in first person, so why isn't it a shooter game? Because the game isn't about shooting, it's about stealth. Same with Metroid Prime. It's an adventure game. It's similar to Zelda. You've got to explore the large world and figure out the puzzles. The shooting is just how the combat is used when you encounter enemies.

Wow, irony is neat. You must be the ultimate authority as well. You should totally work at IGN.

First of all - the 'Splinter Cell' series does not allow you to fire your weapons in first-person mode. 'Splinter Cell' is a third-person shooter. But, despite the fact that I own all of the games and play them religiously - I'm probably wrong - as you seem to be the ultimate authority here, and have obviously played through all three of Sam Fisher's games.

Secondly - it's not just about stealth - just as it isn't all about shooting. The game is rather open-ended - especially 'Chaos Theory'. You can take an assault loadout if you prefer, and go in - guns blazin'. You can take alternate routes, kill people or avoid them, etc. It's up to you to decide how you deal with most of the enemies.

Third, and most important - there are all kinds of FPS games. Lots of them have these neat things called objectives. These 'objectives', are completed in order to successfully complete a 'mission'.

I realize that these are all new terms to you - but stay with me...

There are FPS games that require you to accomplish objectives, such as 'capture enemy data and extract'. Any killing that happens in-between is a result of your actions. You could very well avoid the enemy entirely.

So, again, I'm sorry to burst your collective bubbles - but FPS games aren't '...just about killing'. Not every FPS is 'Serious Sam'. There are sub-divisions (I know, wild huh!) like 'stealth', 'arcade', 'simulation', etc.

So while 'Metroid: Prime' games have puzzles and relatively open world gameplay? Guess what - it's still an FPS. Just like the 'Elder Scrolls' games are - just like 'Deus Ex'. They're all in the FPS family.

Sorry. First-Person Camera + Shooting (regardless of how much shooting occurs) = FPS.

And furthermore - I recall shooting a lot of enemies in 'Prime'. And I remember not being able to 'free-look/aim' thanks to the 'genius controls'.

Case closed.

Open your own mind, sport.

And yes, I can see how you'd relate 'Metroid Prime' - an FPS - to 'Zelda' - an action adventure game. The resemblance is uncanny. I can't believe I didn't see it.

I can see from reading your posts that you are prone to snap decisions. Play a couple games that make bad use of the touchscreen, "OMG DS IS TEH GIMMICK!!!111one". Metroid Prime has a gun in it, "OMG ITS A FPS THAT LOCKS ON, METROID IS TEH SUXXOR!!!", then you never touch the GameCube again (remember the other thread, your "I haven't touched my GameCube since Wind Waker" comment). You don't like a couple games, you dismiss an entire console.

Ok, once more with Metroid and I'm done...

The 'locking-on' is extremely lame. It's even in the multiplayer of 'Echoes'. That's just stupid.

'Prime' games on the Gamecube are the only FPS games that don't feature dual analog control schemes. It was a bad idea, and a regression.

Even 'Goldeneye' let you set up your controls to do this...

I can see by your posts that you have a bad case of 'fanboyitis'. Commonly known as 'I-Bought-This-And-I-Refuse-To-Accept-The-Fact-That-I-Made-The-Wrong-Choice-So -I'll-Fight-To-The-Death-Defending-It'.

It's ok, that's pretty frequent around here. There are plenty of others here to help you through it. Sadly, there is no cure...

I don't make snap decisions - but I do manage my time and money by way of 'common sense'.

For example - I got a DS. I got Mario 64. I played it for five minutes, then I realized what a terrible mistake I had made. I didn't need to sit down with it for three weeks and decide that it was terrible.

I played plenty of other games - but they were even worse...

I looked down the road at the games being released...

I saw that they had officially 'gayed-up' Castlevania with cute anime art and gimmick touch-screen nonsense, added a static 'map/stats' screen to practically everything - butchered 'Splinter Cell' - and made little to no real use of the touch screen, aside from pasting it on to an existing game.

I'm really excited to see why I can't own 'Final Fantasy III' for my GBA. I'm dying to know how the map screen is going to enhance my experience...

If you call that a 'snap decision' - I'd hate to see what you call it when somebody doesn't buy something just because they don't think it'll be cool.

The Gamecube is most assuredly - the worst console ever created by Nintendo (I'd say 'mankind' - but the CDI and the Jaguar take the cake for that spot). I'm non-biased (aside from my preferences), and I buy every system eventually (I like to collect games). I can honestly say - the Gamecube was pretty pathetic. In all, there were only about three games that blew me away. The N64 was much better - and even the N64 sucked, compared to the SNES.

Aside from having the worst controller design known to man - there simply weren't enough quality games - especially traditional (good) RPGs. Also, still no sequel to 'Mario 64' - something gamers have been begging for since they beat the first.

I can admit that my Gamecubes (first one broke) were a bad investment - much along the lines that I can admit that OSX needs games to increase it's market share.

I bought the Gamecube before the PS2 or Xbox. I played 'Pikmin' and though - 'Wow, Nintendo wasn't kidding around when they said they were going to make some cool and original games'...

Then, they stopped making cool and original games.

I feel like I'm a pretty fair and non-biased person when it comes to the material goods, since I don't have any fanboy stock.

I'm not trying to offend you here, but really, try to be more open minded.

Of course you aren't, sport. We're all friends here - right fella?

That's why you directly quoted me - instead of claiming that I spoke in '1337' - lumping me in with your average idiot gamer and trying to make me seem like a rabid fanboy.

Well, no harm no foul - right champ?

Catch ya later, tiger.

=^.^= kekekekekekeke

[Dagless]

There is some region coding but it doesn't seem like it changes anything. my US Metroid Hunters and my sister and girlfriends Hunters are UK, but they all play fine with each other. Nothing different except the printed s/n on the cart.

Also i forgot to mention before, but to that random guy saying the DS is ok for little kids. This is purely bragging rights, but there are 7 people on my course at university, ages from the youngest (me, 19) to the oldest (Joel, 24) and they all have DS's except for one. and he wants a PSP and is a huge fan of the Creative Zen :rolleyes: and uses a windows machine. but the bragging part is that one of the DS players is a successful topless model who, incidentally, modeled in some big wrestling thing in the US for a while. she loves her DS. its brilliant how the DS is associated with kids-only. just come to Manchester and see the 'kids'.

[Dagless]

its not only IGN that state Prime is not an FPS, Gamefaqs clearly classifies it as an 'Action Adventure>Sci-fi'.

Im also pretty sure that Nintendo.com won't say FPS too. and my girlfriend who dosnt like FPS games has a love for Metroid Prime. same for a lot of people. fundamentally; its a different ball-park, you americans might say.

i would really like an answer to this as well; i made a top view shooter a few years ago, pretty much a Cannon Fodder fan game. only i included brief 'sniper' levels where you look through the eyes of a soldier ontop a hill and you have to pick off enemies... they made up about 25% of the game. does that make my game a First Person Shooter? i mean going off your classification system then i must have made one.
Zelda jumps into first person when you use the Bow. and the Hookshoot. they're classed as long range projectile weapons, and in first person.
Same for Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes.

and please dont have a go at Retro for putting a multiplayer into Prime 2. first of all they get flak because its single player only, so they add a basic multiplayer identical to the single players control system and gameplay mechanics, you know, just like Goldeneye. there's nothing wrong with that.
you seem to be pro at this, what should they have done? new control scheme for a basic multiplayer? what say you?

finally; Nintendo delays? Hmm... Since ive been buying Nintendo games (N64 days) I dont think i've ever experienced a delay in the UK. they say a date, and the game comes out. only game i can think of there is Metroid Hunters. Now... can we have a go at Sony for releasing the PSP 9 months after the Jap release, 6 months after the US? or Half Life 2 or Duke Nukem Forever?

[GFLPraxis]

There is some region coding but it doesn't seem like it changes anything. my US Metroid Hunters and my sister and girlfriends Hunters are UK, but they all play fine with each other. Nothing different except the printed s/n on the cart.

Also i forgot to mention before, but to that random guy saying the DS is ok for little kids. This is purely bragging rights, but there are 7 people on my course at university, ages from the youngest (me, 19) to the oldest (Joel, 24) and they all have DS's except for one. and he wants a PSP and is a huge fan of the Creative Zen :rolleyes: and uses a windows machine. but the bragging part is that one of the DS players is a successful topless model who, incidentally, modeled in some big wrestling thing in the US for a while. she loves her DS. its brilliant how the DS is associated with kids-only. just come to Manchester and see the 'kids'.


Good point. I also know seven people at my college who have DS's. Those Mario 64 DS LAN parties were quite fun. All are adults. Only one person we ever saw there had a PSP.

I also know two teenagers (17) with DS's and a third (19) getting a DS for Animal Crossing and the RPGs.

[Dagless]

Good point. I also know seven people at my college who have DS's. Those Mario 64 DS LAN parties were quite fun. All are adults. Only one person we ever saw there had a PSP.

I also know two teenagers (17) with DS's and a third (19) getting a DS for Animal Crossing and the RPGs.


here my sister (12) has one. my mate tom (20 in a few months), the guys at uni (19-24), my girlfriend (19)... its got a good age range. my sisters in love with Yoshi's touch n go and the uni folk are addicted to WarioWare.

[GFLPraxis]

Try October 10th.

Strange that GameSpy has it listed for August 22nd and my friend has it reserved for that date...




Cool, I like having a system without games for half a year.

I guess someone can't read "within". Nanostray just came out, and the best ones start coming in two weeks with constant releases for the next four months.



And by 'soon' you mean 'Nintendo soon' - which means, half a year or longer. I'm impressed.

Again, seems you didn't read anything I posted. Most of the games I listed are in the next 1-4 months.


Yes, because IGN is the ultimate authority when it comes to life.

They also list the 'Castlevania' games as 'Action Adventure' - although - the game is an 'Action RPG'.

Whoops.

Stop being smart.

http://www.nintendo.com.au/gamecube/games/metroid.php
http://www.playphoria.com/games/metroidprime/

Most places list it as a "First Person Adventure".




Wow, irony is neat. You must be the ultimate authority as well. You should totally work at IGN.

First of all - the 'Splinter Cell' series does not allow you to fire your weapons in first-person mode. 'Splinter Cell' is a third-person shooter. But, despite the fact that I own all of the games and play them religiously - I'm probably wrong - as you seem to be the ultimate authority here, and have obviously played through all three of Sam Fisher's games.

Secondly - it's not just about stealth - just as it isn't all about shooting. The game is rather open-ended - especially 'Chaos Theory'. You can take an assault loadout if you prefer, and go in - guns blazin'. You can take alternate routes, kill people or avoid them, etc. It's up to you to decide how you deal with most of the enemies.

Third, and most important - there are all kinds of FPS games. Lots of them have these neat things called objectives. These 'objectives', are completed in order to successfully complete a 'mission'.

I realize that these are all new terms to you - but stay with me...

There are FPS games that require you to accomplish objectives, such as 'capture enemy data and extract'. Any killing that happens in-between is a result of your actions. You could very well avoid the enemy entirely.

So, again, I'm sorry to burst your collective bubbles - but FPS games aren't '...just about killing'. Not every FPS is 'Serious Sam'. There are sub-divisions (I know, wild huh!) like 'stealth', 'arcade', 'simulation', etc.

So while 'Metroid: Prime' games have puzzles and relatively open world gameplay? Guess what - it's still an FPS. Just like the 'Elder Scrolls' games are - just like 'Deus Ex'. They're all in the FPS family.

Sorry. First-Person Camera + Shooting (regardless of how much shooting occurs) = FPS.

And furthermore - I recall shooting a lot of enemies in 'Prime'. And I remember not being able to 'free-look/aim' thanks to the 'genius controls'.

Case closed.

Open your own mind, sport.

And yes, I can see how you'd relate 'Metroid Prime' - an FPS - to 'Zelda' - an action adventure game. The resemblance is uncanny. I can't believe I didn't see it.


Metroid Prime and Zelda are both EXPLORATION GAMES. You'd list Metroid Prime as an FPS just like you'd list Zelda as a swordfighting game. They're BOTH ACTION ADVENTURE GAMES. The GOAL is to explore a large world, figure out puzzles, and do a lot of reading to learn the storyline.

This isn't worth arguing about. You've obviously got this "If it's first person and you have a gun, it's genre is a first person shooter, no matter what the game is about, how the game is played, or anything else in the game" idea stuck in your head.

Metroid Prime is a FIRST PERSON ADVENTURE.

Sorry about Splinter Cell, I've seen shots of a first person view on the DS game. But AGAIN, would you classify Spliter Cell as a Third Person Shooter?






Frankly, your last part of your post is not worth replying to. You proved my point.

Your Metroid comments amusing, as you are the first person I have met who did not like Metroid Prime, and yet are claiming that I am refusing to admit it sucks. A game with a 9.8 on IGN, 9.7 on GameSpot, one of my personal favorites and a favorite of at least ten people I know, and you're proclaiming I am a fanboy for not claiming it sucks.

I think your comments speak for themselves.


I'm a fanboy because I don't agree with you that one of the highest rated games of this console generation sucks. If that's what a fanboy is, then gosh, I guess I'm a fanboy. And so is anyone who likes Halo.



Our entire arguement was basicly,

"Metroid Prime is a terrible first person shooter."
"It's not really classified as a first person shooter. It's a great adventure game."
"It is too a first person shooter."
"It is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"You won't admit it sucks; you're just trying to make excuses because you're a fanboy!"

and

"The DS is a gimmick and I don't like it."
"I don't find the DS to be a gimmick and rather like some of the games."
"I had one and didn't like it and sold it. All the games suck."
"There's a lot of good ones coming in the next few months-"
"You won't admit it sucks, fanboy!"



I can see by your posts that you have a bad case of 'fanboyitis'. Commonly known as 'I-Bought-This-And-I-Refuse-To-Accept-The-Fact-That-I-Made-The-Wrong-Choice-So -I'll-Fight-To-The-Death-Defending-It'.

Do you realize how you're talking? Anyone who buys a game that you don't like, and actually enjoys it, is a fanboy! Guess what; I actually liked Metroid Prime! I actually enjoy my DS! That makes me a fanboy? Then a fanboy I am.


You outright proclaim you have no fanboy stock, then state you haven't touched your GameCube since Wind Waker (2003; you skipped RE4, Metroid, Viewtiful Joe, etc, etc), the controller is the worst known to mankind (Wavebird is one of the highest rated wireless controllers on the market), it's the worst console made in decades, etc.

I'm sorry, but I suggest you go back and read your posts and the way you are talking.

I will make no further replies on the subject of Metroid. Apparently, if I like a game you don't and defend it, I'm a fanboy. I do not want this thread to be locked for a flame war, therefore, I simply won't respond on that subject.

[Dagless]

thats a perfectly valid reply to the troll. i'd just leave him, seems to be one of those anti-Nintendo people. and theres no point in arguing with a guy who's always right

[applekid]

So, anyways, I'd go for keeping the GBA because I've been unimpressed by the PSP's games (so far) and the DS's games (so far). I'd probably buy a DS myself in the near future because I have the old non-backlit GBA and could use a DS for my GBA games and future DS games I may look into. The PSP needs to drop in price and have some games worth buying (SOCOM might just do... As long it isn't so frickin' immersive it should be for consoles instead of a handheld.) My only complaint with PSP games so far have been a long and immersive instead of being something to pick up and play once in a while. I don't want to be investing so many hours just to beat a single handheld game. And I'm just waiting for a safer batch of PSPs (dead pixels stories haven't been too good locally here either and complaints about "broken" PSPs).

[Dagless]

im a little gutted that i gave my original GBA to my sister. i installed an Afterburner too :(. as cool and tiny as the SP is, and as the DS screen makes GBA games look so colourful... i do miss the old GBA's bigness. used to be the transparent model. looked beautiful with the backlight

[e²Studios]

Welp bit the bullet and bought a PSP and 2 games, the screen looks perfect and i was even half impressed with the sound quality over the internal speakers.

Here's hoping some new RPG titles are coming out soon.

The new Final Fantasy looks like its a movie and not a game, though i could have misunderstood what i read?

Ed

[AlBDamned]

Good choice Ed.

I'm not sure GFLPraxis will be happy about it though. ;)

What games did you go for and why exactly the PSPand not the DS?

[e²Studios]

Good choice Ed.

I'm not sure GFLPraxis will be happy about it though. ;)

What games did you go for and why exactly the PSPand not the DS?


I bought Untold Legends and Midnight Club 3, MC3 really shows off the PSP's abilities albeit with slow load times, but worth the wait when its done.

Untold legends is the closest thing to an RPG that PSP has right now, it reminds me a lot of Baldurs Gate which is a good thing since i loved that series.

About 3 people in my office and 2 of my friends have a PSP one of the things that sold me was when i saw the multiplayer abilities, and yes i know the DS has that, but the people ill be around the most have PSP's so it made more logical sense for me to buy a PSP if i wanted to do multi-player.

On Friday ill be buying another game, i was thinking of getting that Hot Shots Golf game, but im open to suggestions :) So far so good, ill be playing Untold Legends tomorrow at lunch with my co-worker :D

Ed

[GFLPraxis]

Good choice Ed.

I'm not sure GFLPraxis will be happy about it though. ;)

What games did you go for and why exactly the PSPand not the DS?

Hey, it's his choice.

[Dagless]

that sorta sounds like what my mate did. many years ago a load of people around here got PS2's, so he figured he'd get one too so he could lend and borrow games etc... only now they've all moved off to university he's sold his PS2 and is a very happy guy. he never even liked that machine. soon as he saw what FFX did to the series he just never liked it.

only difference is you seem happy with your choice.

[spaceballl]

I'd say buy a DS and hold out on PSP. DS has just had an amazing rush of great games, and next week starts the explosion of even more great games onto the system. The PSP has amazing hardware... but nothing that fun to play since the launch. The PSP needs some time to catch up. Maybe in a year it will be cheaper and more fun.

[crachoar]

Try October 10th.


Strange that GameSpy has it listed for August 22nd and my friend has it reserved for that date...




October 10, 2005 Metroid Prime: Hunters

...In the next few months, the DS will have a killer games lineup.

i·ro·ny Audio pronunciation of "irony" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (r-n, r-)
n. pl. i·ro·nies

1.
1. The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.
2. An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.
3. A literary style employing such contrasts for humorous or rhetorical effect. See Synonyms at wit1.
2.
1. Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs: “Hyde noted the irony of Ireland's copying the nation she most hated” (Richard Kain).
2. An occurrence, result, or circumstance notable for such incongruity. See Usage Note at ironic.
3. Dramatic irony.
4. Socratic irony.

[GFLPraxis]

I copied and pasted the IGN listing. IGN was the one who changed the release date AFTER my original post. It literally changed last week. Don't be a snot.


BTW, classic example of a Poisoning the Well fallacy.
http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/poisoning-the-well.html

Even if Metroid Prime HAD been delayed and I didn't know about it, it does not invalidate anything I said.

This sort of "reasoning" involves trying to discredit what a person might later claim by presenting unfavorable information (be it true or false) about the person. This "argument" has the following form:

1. Unfavorable information (be it true or false) about person A is presented.
2. Therefore any claims person A makes will be false.

[crachoar]

'Crash-n-burn Slider...crash-n-burn...'

[Xeem]

Not worth it. Even official Playstation magazine admits that the games suck, unless you feel like only playing racing games.

[spaceballl]

Wipeout Pure rules. UMD is a joke. Some other launch games are fun. Memory sticks are a rip off.

[Rovias]

The fanboy stench of this thread makes me sick.

I've owned both systems at one point, and I have since traded in both. I didn't feel like the game lineup of either portable was demanding enough yet to own one. But here's my opinion from an unbiased point of view:

Nintendo DS: Large, clunky, and rather lackluster next to the PSP. So far the touch-screen has proved to be nothing more than a gimmick, but that appears to be changing with this Fall's upcoming release schedule. I can vouch that Meteos is an excellent puzzler, and I've heard Kirby is great too, but I haven't played it yet so I can't back that up. Both games make excellent use of the stylus and touchscreen. I also think Nintendo's DS Wi-Fi Connection will be better than Sony's, as it seems to be more well thought out, but that's just an opinion until both portables release some Wi-Fi capable games. The DS also seems more sturdy than the PSP, and is $100 cheaper, which sweetens the deal. Backwards compatibility is icing on the cake, as GBA games look excellent on the DS screen. However, graphics are very below-par. Nintendo should have tried much harder with their tech, as the DS outputs graphics just slightly below N64 quality, which is a shame.

Sony PSP: Sleek and sexy. The large widescreen display is light years beyond anything Nintendo has ever done. It does smudge easily, yes, but you get what you pay for here. Graphics are crisp, sharp, and excellent, although not quite as good as what the PS2 puts out (but close). Two things ultimately ruin the PSP experience for me, however: COST and GAME LINEUP. So far, the only PSP game I've ever been interested in playing was Wipeout Pure. Compared to the DS's upcoming release schedule, Sony is severely lacking. Not to mention if you actually want to make use of the PSP's media capabilities, you'll need at least 1 GB Memory Stick for music and decent-quality movies. Those things are $100, and games are anywhere from $40-$50. Needless to say, to really enjoy this system, you'll need to spend close to $400, and that's just too much to spend on a portable system for me.

That's my analysis. Until both parties fix their potential flaws, I'm just sticking with my GBA SP. I'm sure someone from the Sony and Nintendo camps will just dismiss me as a fanboy for either opposing side, but I thought you deserved an honest answer as compared to "OMFG dude, buy a PSP because GTA is on it!!!!!" or "N1nt3Nd0 0wnz0rs p0k3m0n is t3h BOMB!" Hope I've helped in some small way.

[GFLPraxis]

Good review of both sides, thanks for the post.

[davidgilmour]

Pretty much debating buying myself a PSP.
I have a japanese 1.0. No original PSP games. 1 GB mem card.
One word. NeogeoCD!
Awesome emu !!!
it's worth buying a PSP for this emu, its the best ever!

only works on a 1.0 or 1.5 firmware PSP!

[EvilDoc]

I only have 1 question.. when the hell is the psp gonna go down in price??

[e²Studios]

I only have 1 question.. when the hell is the psp gonna go down in price??

I doubt it will, its sales are pretty steady. If it does i think it would be around the PS3 launch timeframe, or maybe E3 next year.

So far i love my PSP, thanks again to all that helped.

Ed

[technocoy]

I have both as well.. I love them both for different reasons.

A true gamer, much like a true music lover tends to respect an enjoy each system for it's strengths... I love HALO and mechassault, I love FFVII and wipeout, and I LOVE Metroid and Zelda.... and MarioKart.

I love the PSP for it's stunning graphics and the more gritty slick games like Wipeout and Lumines, but you also can't dismiss cool and innovative stuff like yoshi touch and go and wario.... I also finally got nanostray and it ROCKS.

It's about the game not the system, and just because it's not a technical simulation doesn't make it suck. There are people who don't want to get into all the details and precise control that is required of a lot of FPS and simulation games... Thats why there is lock-on in metroid (more about the atmosphere and the environment). I can't get enough of gran turismo but i also love just picking up and playing some ridge racer or wipeout.

I'm a moderate, some lean left or right, that doesn't mean any or the other is wrong or suXXors, it just means it's not for you...

You may not like metroid, but it was voted game of the year in several circles and recieved some of the highest ratings you can get from most any publication or site. A person is hardly a fanboy for liking it, it's a good game.

Let's all try and get along shall we?

peace out,
technocoy

[GFLPraxis]

I have a japanese 1.0. No original PSP games. 1 GB mem card.
One word. NeogeoCD!
Awesome emu !!!
it's worth buying a PSP for this emu, its the best ever!

only works on a 1.0 or 1.5 firmware PSP!

Gotta agree, but that firmware kills it...

I'm planning on buying the M3 Adapter for the DS to run all those emulators.

[ZildjianKX]

The person who said they had to return 19 PSPs, I believe it.

My PSP has about 20 stuck pixels, quality control is utter crap. I had problems with my playstation, so I skipped the PS2, I bought a PSP trying to redeem sony, now I'm skipping the PS3 because of it. Mark my words, there will be hardware issues and quality control problems with the PS3. It amazes me how Sony has so much market share with the quality of their game systems (other Sony electronics are fantastic).

If anyone hears that the quality control of the PSP has gotten better, please let me know. I had to buy a 1 year product replacement plan from EB just so I could buy a unit with a quality screen later.

BTW, the PSP screen ghosts pretty badly too.

If it wasn't for emulation, I wouldn't even touch my PSP, and I have 5 games for it. Granted, even with emulation, I haven't touched my PSP in 2 months.

With the price drop of the DS, I might pick one up just for Mario Kart and Advanced Wars

[GFLPraxis]

If you spend some extra money you can always grab the M3 Adapter or a Flash Cart with PassMe and run SNES, NES, GG, GBC, and GB emulators on the DS as well as multiboot as many commercial GBA and NDS roms as you want. You can LEGALLY rip GBA roms with a $10 cable if you have a GBA (not DS, it uses the link cable slot), or a $20 adapter if you don't.

[Phat_Pat]

i love my psp. I haven't had any problems with it. In fact I am writing this on my psp :)

[ZildjianKX]

If you spend some extra money you can always grab the M3 Adapter or a Flash Cart with PassMe and run SNES, NES, GG, GBC, and GB emulators on the DS as well as multiboot as many commercial GBA and NDS roms as you want. You can LEGALLY rip GBA roms with a $10 cable if you have a GBA (not DS, it uses the link cable slot), or a $20 adapter if you don't.

Is the M3 the compact flash one? I was looking forward to the G6flash that is suppose to come out today, should be mac compatible too since it's drag and drop.

I have a flashcart for my GBA that I use to use for pogoshell and pocketnes, emulators on handhelds are really fantastic. I've spent most of my time with my PSP playing Mario Picross for SNES.

[Dagless]

You seem to be in the know GFLPraxis... can you shed any light on the M3s release date and where to buy it? not even Lik-Sang have it :eek: or so the search tells me

[Spock]

Well that was a fun read, for a second I felt like I was in in forum created by 7th graders. I have a DS and a PSP I like them both and they both have ups and downs. You must remember the DS and the PSP are like the PS2 and Gamecube I dont care what Nintendo says the DS is aimed at younger kids. The PSP on the other hand is like a Gameboy for grown ups. It kills time and it looks alot cooler than a DS. I have had my PSP for almost 2 months and still have not got any games for it, I do have a few UMD videos that I like and I still use my PSP almost every day and the new Firmware 2.0 is sweet I love surfing the net on that thing it looks so good. But I also enjoy playing Mario and such on the DS the dual screen thing is a good idea it just needs to be implimented in the games a little better I also feel more comfortable putting the thing in my pocket without a case as the screens are covered.

[crachoar]

The 2.0 firmware was cracked 13 hours after it was released. So, don't you worry about that.

Sony will just give up eventually...

[GFLPraxis]

Is the M3 the compact flash one? I was looking forward to the G6flash that is suppose to come out today, should be mac compatible too since it's drag and drop.

I have a flashcart for my GBA that I use to use for pogoshell and pocketnes, emulators on handhelds are really fantastic. I've spent most of my time with my PSP playing Mario Picross for SNES.


The G6 is a flash card with build in memory.

The M3 will come in SD card and CF card flavors, thus allowing it much higher capacities (check the prices for a 1 GB CF card).

ALSO, remember when comparing that the flash carts are always measured in gigaBITS. Gb instead of GB. Remember that 1 Gb is 1/8th of a GB.

[GFLPraxis]

You seem to be in the know GFLPraxis... can you shed any light on the M3s release date and where to buy it? not even Lik-Sang have it :eek: or so the search tells me

http://www.m3adapter.com/

"We decide to release M3 perfect and Passkey in 30th of this month."

[takao]

i would say:
if you are highly interested in those additional media capabilities like movies or music and plan on using them a lot (perhaps you already have memory sticks) and don't have a this generation console already i would say "yes it might be worth it"

personally after expierencing the loading times first hand the psp is kinda more of a gadget kinda thing for me ... heck the online multiplayer didn't work during the gc "because there are 200 of them around"


that aside it could be worse ... it sells better than the gamegear or the nokia n-gage ...though the last one has music playback as well ;)

[Dagless]

Well that was a fun read, for a second I felt like I was in in forum created by 7th graders. I have a DS and a PSP I like them both and they both have ups and downs. You must remember the DS and the PSP are like the PS2 and Gamecube I dont care what Nintendo says the DS is aimed at younger kids. The PSP on the other hand is like a Gameboy for grown ups. It kills time and it looks alot cooler than a DS. I have had my PSP for almost 2 months and still have not got any games for it, I do have a few UMD videos that I like and I still use my PSP almost every day and the new Firmware 2.0 is sweet I love surfing the net on that thing it looks so good. But I also enjoy playing Mario and such on the DS the dual screen thing is a good idea it just needs to be implimented in the games a little better I also feel more comfortable putting the thing in my pocket without a case as the screens are covered.

"It looks cooler"... sorry. but you sound like the 7th grader there :) I haven't heard a single person here ever say the word 'cool' since college.

[oldschool]

You guys can be assholes and use emoticons all you want. Doesn't change the facts.

I have the receipts to prove it.

Nineteen defective PSPs and counting. The screens are ass.



to paraphrase ray romano, you shouldn't offend obsessive compulsives because they'll send you a letter. Then they'll send you another, check the stove, send a letter, send another letter, wash their hands, check the stove, send a letter.

[jaseone]

That and GT4 Mobile are killer apps that beat any Zelda or Mario adventure to *****.

Buy a PSP Ed, seriously. It will do what you want it to do, spectacularly.

Uhm that is highly subjective... Personally I'm much more likely to play AND enjoy something like Mario or Zelda, same way Mario Kart is much more enjoyable than any of the highly realistic yet so unrealistic street racing games out there.

[MacRy]

I brought a PSP a week ago. It has one dead pixel right in the middle of the screen which annoys the hell out of me. I'm going to take it back and get a replacement when I can stop playing with it. Totally rocks. Fantastic screen (apart from the pixel obviously), great graphics, brilliant extras (media player, web browser etc.). I don't regret buying it for one moment.

[Must.Get.nano!]

It was great usin it the 1st month, then after that, RARELLLY use it, EXCEPT on long trips...



iPaul