Nintendo DS or Sony PSP?

[sethypoo]

There are two new handheld systems hitting the merket soon, the Nintendo DS (www.nintendo.com/ds), and the Sony PSP (psp.ign.com).

I think both systems are really excititing. The Nintendo DS has my attention though. It's got 802.11b wireless capability, voice command options, and dual screens, one of which is a touch screen. I've been a Nintendo fan forever, and I view purchasing a Sony videogame product as "cheating." The DS will be released on November 21st, 2004, retailing for $149.99. It's also backwards compatable with all Game Boy Color and Advance games, as well as the new DS games. It will ship with Nintendo's proprietary wireless protocol too, which, along with the 802.11b protocol, will allow for wireless gaming and chat. Nintendo also claims that gamers will be able to play each other wirelessly even if only one person has a game cartridge.

However, the Sony PSP (short for PlayStation Portable) has a lot of amazing features, considering it's size. It'll play media off of an optical disc format, called UMD's (universal media discs). The PSP will also be able to play MP3's, AAC, and movies distributed on Sony's proprietary discs. It will too have 802.11b wireless protocol, and a higher resolution screen (16:9 format). It will retail for "under $200" and will be released, I think, in early 2005. The PSP also has more memory then the Nintendo DS and a slightly faster processor.

So what do you think? I think the DS rocks, and am definately hoping for it for this Christmas.

[MrMacMan]

The DS has a greater chance of beating the PSP easily.

Since Ninentdo basically gave up the GameCube, their handheld stuff is the only stuff to focus on now.


I believe the DS will reign supreme.

[DavidLeblond]

I hear Metroid on the DS is sweet.

Nintendo has given up on the Gamecube? They have Paper Mario 2, Metroid Prime 2, the new Legend Of Zelda coming as well as tons of 3rd party games (Resident Evil and Viewtiful Joe 2) ... I don't think Nintendo has given up yet... besides they have to butter people up for their next console.

[sethypoo]

Since Ninentdo basically gave up the GameCube, their handheld stuff is the only stuff to focus on now.

Say what?

Get your head out of the sand boy! The GameCube is far from given up upon. As David said, Metroid 2, the new Zelda, and Paper Mario are going to have a very good holiday season.

[homerjward]

i'm gonna go with the psp, because it's basically the power of a ps2 in handheld form is it not? if battery life is on par with my 3g ipod i'll be quite happy, plus i've seen several games for it and they look awesome, especially need for speed underground. i also love the analog stick like the neo geo pocket :p

[agreenster]

Ive been a long time fan of Nintendo, but I'm going to have to say the PSP is going to whoop its ass. Nintendo's will come out first, which is one advantage--plus it's battery life will be higher.

Other than that, the PSP will have a bigger screen (hello?), better graphics, and more games. The DS screens are just TOO small. Watch some videos online and you have to squint to see any Metroid Prime action. And honestly, the touch screen sounds more like a gimmick than a feature. I think they are scrambling to put as much stuff in there to make up for the smaller screen size. Sony has em runnin scared.

[Wyvernspirit]

It will retail for "under $200" and will be released, I think, in early 2005.

Last I heared it was going to ru between $300 to $400. If its "under $200" then I think the PSP is the way to go. I know its what I have been "dreaming" of sence the Sega Nomad (Although this isn't quite the same given that it doesn't use Playstaion (1 or 2) disks, but close enough I think).

If it runs over the $200 mark, then the DS is what I will check out, and I think a lot of other people will too.

[Laslo Panaflex]

Last I heared it was going to ru between $300 to $400. If its "under $200" then I think the PSP is the way to go. I know its what I have been "dreaming" of sence the Sega Nomad (Although this isn't quite the same given that it doesn't use Playstaion (1 or 2) disks, but close enough I think).

If it runs over the $200 mark, then the DS is what I will check out, and I think a lot of other people will too.

Sony annouced last thursday the price of the PSP will be $195 in japan when it launches right before christmas there. The price should be the same here in the US.

The thing to remember is that both the PSP and the DS are not region coded, so if one really wanted to they could buy an import PSP, and have no troubles using it with US games when the PSP is finally released state side. Same would go for the DS, but the DS is coming out here in the US before japan, so no need to import. :)

[Wyvernspirit]

Sony annouced last thursday the price of the PSP will be $195 in japan when it launches right before christmas there. The price should be the same here in the US.


Cool, then I will need to consider a way to come up with $200 to purchase this monster. I am travelling to/from work most of the time (the wonders of the T) and would love a good game system to bring with me (Don't own a laptop and no money to get one).

My GBA just doen't cut it. Its not the graphics, I could care less, many of my favorite games are older ones. Its content, and the GBA disks don't seem to be able to hold enough to give the games real content, I am hoping the PSP changes that situation. If game makers can make games that ate even at Playstation quality (or do I mean quantity) then I will be happy.

[pyrotoaster]

The DS. I want innovative gaming, not glitzy gaming. :cool:

[macfreek57]

i am definitely looking into buying one of the two systems, and i'm still deciding.
i looks like i'm gonna go with the psp, especially if it's under $200. i think the DS is a really uniquely innovative system, and i rue the day (if it comes) that we will be forced to say 'goodbye' to nintendo, but i think a sub-$200 psp will be a better system.
interms of what we can look at now, the psp kills as far as power goes, and thus has much room for expansion of gaming ability.
but, the DS's dual and touch sensitive screens (only one is touch sensitive) could bring in a whole new level of creativity on the side of game developers, maybe even new game genres.
so who knows?

[Jovian9]

The pricing of the PSP definitely makes this decision a little more thought provoking....no way would I have considered it at +$200. I think I'll get the DS though......$50 cheaper and it comes out this year in the U.S. Also I'm sure there will be more games I like that will come out on it (especially since it plays Gameboy Advance games). I just really do not like Sony video games that much. I had a PS2 for about 6 months and I gave it to my nephews. The only game I really liked on it was Castlevania.

[agreenster]

http://media.ds.ign.com/media/682/682835/vids_1.html

Meh. Too small.

[sethypoo]

The PSP will have a bigger screen (hello?), better graphics, and more games.

Yes it'll have a bigger screen, but to run that screen it has two processors (one dedicated entirely to the screen, the other for the game disc), both of which will eat away at the battery life.

The same for the PSP's "better graphics." Considering the relative size of the screens, I don't think graphics are going to really make a huge difference there. After watching videos of the DS and the PSP in action, I can't tell a big difference. There's only so much you can do with a screen (or two) that size.

The PSP will not have more games! The Nintendo DS will have all of the Game Boy Advance's games available to it at launch, as well as the 12 DS made games at launch. the PSP will only have PSP games available.

No one has mentioned yet the fact that the DS has two game card slots, one for DS games and one for GBA games. This could allow developers even more creativity in designing games.

[agreenster]

Legacy games dont count!! :P If I want to play gameboy games, Ill get a gameboy. The PSP will have way more next-gen handheld games than the DS. Sure, the several games Nintendo produces (Zelda, Mario) will be kickass, but there will be hundreds of PSP games.

Look, I'm not trying to fuel the flame, but I think it DOES matter how big the graphics are. When you're playing a tiny handheld game, its important to have a large screen to play on.

http://www.nintendo.com/ds/img/ds/mario4p/Mario_4P_1.jpg
http://pspmedia.ign.com/psp/image/article/547/547240/metal-gear-acid-20040913093756920.jpg

The DS doesnt look BAD, but I think the extra screen is a waste of space. We, as Mac people always brag about bigger screens are better (not to mention widescreen 16:9)

I just think Sony out-engineered Nintendo on this one. The battery may kill the PSP, but other than that, it's a one horse race. Time will tell.

[homerjward]

I just think Sony out-engineered Nintendo on this one. The battery may kill the PSP, but other than that, it's a one horse race. Time will tell.
i disagree with that. who games for like 30 hours straight or however long the DS lasts? battery life didn't kill the ipod and i assume the psp's will be on par with that so i think it'll be a big hit.

[DarkNovaMatter]

I'm already sold on the DS, but i will get a PSP if Sony shows their battery life to be true. I am a little sketchy on the psp- when adjusting the volume affects battery life that much. Also with the DS I get pictochat and metroid prime:first hunt, while with the PSP I will have to spend about $60-$70 on top of the game unit to get a game and a card to save games on. Even if I buy another game for the DS thats only going to increase me $30-$40 ($180) still about $60 less (or even more). DS- Will buy if I get the money, PSP- will wait on battery life and for a price decrease. Also I have had fun with the Iridon games- and Majesco is comming out with a new one :)

http://www.shinen.com/games/game.php3?nanostray

[Capt Underpants]

i disagree with that. who games for like 30 hours straight or however long the DS lasts? battery life didn't kill the ipod and i assume the psp's will be on par with that so i think it'll be a big hit.

There's no way the PSP will get 12 hours of battery life...

[homerjward]

There's no way the PSP will get 12 hours of battery life...
what about 8? if it gets 8 i'm happy, if not, suck fony ill stick with my trusty gba.

[Capt Underpants]

what about 8? if it gets 8 i'm happy, if not, suck fony ill stick with my trusty gba.

I'm no expert. Look here for some comments from nintendo about the PSP.Click me! (http://www.joystiq.com/entry/7043830061761463/)

edit: Nintendo has said that the DS will have battery life comparable to the GBA SP. I expect 8 hours.

[ZombieChef]

I have already reserved a DS and I'm really excited about it. I am wary of the PSP as Sony announced that it would have only between 4-6 hours of battery life. That seems disappointing and someone from Sony said that it would have even less battery life on the more graphically complex games. Besides, I currently own a PS2 and have to say that Nintendo systems just plain have better games, and how can you say no to Super Mario 64 on a portable.

Go DS!

[DavidLeblond]

I gotta say one thing about Nintendo's first party software though, and that is I hope Super Mario 64x4 isn't a preview of things to come, ie rehashes of old titles. If the Zelda title for the DS is Ocarina of Time I'll be very disappointed.

[Chaszmyr]

I think PSP looks like it may be a little better only because of the nice screen, but if I get either it will probably be DS... Mostly for Metroid.

[eclipse525]

The DS. I want innovative gaming, not glitzy gaming. :cool:

That's great BUT hell, it's portable device to pass the time in short spurts. That's what most people are going to be doing with it. I don't think the intend is for hardcore gaming.

If the PSP is priced similar to the Nintendo device the PSP will most likely prevail.


~e

[phreakout13]

One of Nintendo's biggest mistakes was waiting too long to release an optical disk videogame system. The N64 was great, but could have been better with 64 bit graphics and a cd rom drive. Lets hope the same thing doesn't happen with the Nintendo DS. If I had to choose, I'd pick the PSP just because it uses those cool li'l disks. I love Nintendo, and the DS would be worth the cool nintendo games that'll come out for it. Will nintendo still make the GameBoy Advance SP?

[Will Curran]

I'll probably get the ds. Just because I'm faithful to Nintendo, but the PSP does look yummy.

[agreenster]

F*ck it. I'll get both. I'm going to working in video games soon anyway so I might as well have em both!!

[MrMacMan]

Say what?

Get your head out of the sand boy! The GameCube is far from given up upon. As David said, Metroid 2, the new Zelda, and Paper Mario are going to have a very good holiday season.
-_-'

Please, they have no GTA, they have no GT.

there is no Halo.


There is no super breakout console defining game.

[sethypoo]

-_-'

Please, they have no GTA, they have no GT.

there is no Halo.


There is no super breakout console defining game.

Breakout title(s): Metroid Prime 2, Paper Mario 2, the new Zelda game.

Gosh, I hate typing things twice.

[sethypoo]

F*ck it. I'll get both. I'm going to working in video games soon anyway so I might as well have em both!!

Good idea, if I had that kind of money, I would too. I'm getting the DS for sure, maybe the PSP so long as Sony doesn't charge as much as they probably will charge. A memory card with the game unit with a game? That's near $300!?!

[homerjward]

Breakout title(s): Metroid Prime 2, Paper Mario 2, the new Zelda game.

Gosh, I hate typing things twice.
but do they have Breakout? :p

[Jaz]

DS for sure, it's for games! I've got an iPod for music, a phone for contacts, and a GBA for games on the run (Fire Emblem mostly).

PSP looks like a nice engineering challenge but it is not a competitor, they both do different things in different markets. Games in common but that's it. PSP does games, movies, music and who knows what else. DS does games, and wireless games.

To the Nintendo Gamecube sucks crowd I must sadly agree, I bought one and tried to avoid a PS2 or Xbox but this is what happened to many of us:
Bought Gamecube, much love for Metroid Prime and Zelda:WW .... then silence or constant delays from Nintendo regarding great or AAA games. Sold the cube on eBay, bought an Xbox. Now playing Halo, PGR2, GTA3 & Vice City and waiting on Halo 2 and much more.

[Wyvernspirit]

DS for sure, it's for games! I've got an iPod for music, a phone for contacts, and a GBA for games on the run (Fire Emblem mostly).

PSP looks like a nice engineering challenge but it is not a competitor, they both do different things in different markets. Games in common but that's it. PSP does games, movies, music and who knows what else. DS does games, and wireless games.


If I get one, it would most likely be the PSP and I would be using it only for games. I have an iPod for music, phone for contacts, but if the PSP is set at $200 it becomes only a little more then the GBDS, and so far I like what the PSP will be able to do more than the GBDS (Coreect me if I am wrong but I believe the PSP disks will be able to hold more data then the DS disks). The dual Screens of the GB are interesting but I am not sure how usefull they would be to me (Prob get a headache) and It apears that that (although I have not seen them compare side by side) that the screen size on the PSP will be larger then both of the DS's combined.

Another thing is graphics. I am not big on games that push the Graphic realism to the max. I prefer games with solid experience, however, the PSP apears tohave far superior graphics over the DS. If game makers don't completely focus on this and creat games with good content then the greater capacity of the PSP disks (read above) would play a big role in what games I would want to play.

Just mho. Doesn't mean much, but I am hoping that the PSP (or, if I am wrong about it, the DS) is the Hand held gaming platform that I have been waiting for.

[HiRez]

One thing I worry about with the PSP is that since its capabilities are so similar to a PS2, I think we're going to see a lot of PS2 ports. Since it's easy and profitable for game studios to do this (they can reuse code and other assets), I'm afraid it might not provide a lot of incentive to make new, groundbreaking games, and many will be lazy if given the chance. Plus we're going to be seeing a lot of the same games we've already played before, at least those of us who own PS2s. Even though I'm intrigued by the PSP, I'd have to say the quirky features of the Nintendo DS might lead to more innovative games.

[Cursor]

I can't wait for the PSP to come out. It seems like it has a lot more expansion capabilites (movies, phone, chat) than the DS. And the price is very attractive, too!

[Applespider]

What about this Gizmondo thing that various people seem to be wetting their pants over and fighting to find in the stores?

www.gizmondo.com

Games, GPS (that can be worked into the games you play), messaging (tho using the SMS/MMS that's more popular in Europe than the US), music and video (tho using WMP :( )

[takao]

What about this Gizmondo thing that various people seem to be wetting their pants over and fighting to find in the stores?

www.gizmondo.com

Games, GPS (that can be worked into the games you play), messaging (tho using the SMS/MMS that's more popular in Europe than the US), music and video (tho using WMP :( )

never heard of it

looks like n-gage (how do you tpye sms etc. on that thing with those 4 buttons ? ;) )

(and i hate homepages where i can't turn off music _fast_ that alone was enough for making me not liking it)

[agreenster]

I have not seen them compare side by side) that the screen size on the PSP will be larger then both of the DS's combined.

Look at page one of this thread, goofy.

[eclipse525]

What would be great if they come out with a verison of the PSP that had Clié/PalmOS capabilities. This way you have a kick ass game handheld and functional PDA. Hell, why not!


~e

[manosira]

I don't think they will come out with one that has Palm os, since they just recalled all their Clies. I think the days of Palm are over, even Palm itself is creating a pda that is windows ce based. As far as the PSP price goes, it is pretty competitive at $200. However, the sucky thing for Sony is that it won't be here in time for the holiday season sales. So I have my DS on pre-order and that will get me through till May when the PSP comes ashore, and if by then the PSP looks to kick some ass then I will probably trade in my DS, but if not then its still Nintendo time.

[Wyvernspirit]

Look at page one of this thread, goofy.

I don't recall your post mentioning that they were of a size to compare (or both being life size). If that is the case I definately think the PSP has the edge there. The screen size on my current GBA is almost pathetic and those two screenas individually don't seem to be any bigger.

The dual screen idea could be a great feature but I think the rest of the gameboy (statrting with screen size and going to overall size) is lacking.

[brap]

I've not been looking for a video games machine for a long while, but this thread interested me because I've never heard of eith the 'DS' or the 'PSP'...

Personally, I can't see any advantage to having 2 screens, aside from crazy slow RPGs, where you need to show an inventory and such. For fast action... I've only got one set of eyes.

Now the PSP, from what I've seen looks f**king awesome. Sorta like a Sega Game Gear for the 21st century... If I can play Gran Turismo on it, then I'll certainly be having one! ;)

[Wyvernspirit]

One thing I worry about with the PSP is that since its capabilities are so similar to a PS2, I think we're going to see a lot of PS2 ports. Since it's easy and profitable for game studios to do this (they can reuse code and other assets), I'm afraid it might not provide a lot of incentive to make new, groundbreaking games, and many will be lazy if given the chance. Plus we're going to be seeing a lot of the same games we've already played before, at least those of us who own PS2s. Even though I'm intrigued by the PSP, I'd have to say the quirky features of the Nintendo DS might lead to more innovative games.

The reason I want it is to have a portable playstation. I don't get to be home and play it all that often so would like to be able to play the same games while outside my bedroom. I wish it used the same disks (i.e. like the nomad that I mentioned earlier), that would have made it exactly what I want.

[Archaeopteryx]

I just tested out the DS, let me say, I was one of the skeptics.. I seriously thought the whole dual screen touch screen thing to be nothing more then a gimmick.. Its Pimp.. In fact I am returning to buy it tomorrow.. Its just that cool. :D

[Deefuzz]

Personally I am for the DS. I have been a long time Nintendo fan. Nintendo has always dominated the handheld market, and I feel/hope that they will continue to do so.

Their new design is very innovative, and all Sony is offering is a bigger screen, less battery life, and PS ports of games you can get better versions of on your home system. Their system will also be more expensive, and is going to be more of a media device??? Personally, I don't need my portable gaming system to play mp3s, I have an iPod for that. I don't need it to play movies either, I want a portable gaming system to play games.

I for one love innovative and quirky games, and that Feel The Magic XY/XX (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/245935.asp) looks to be like an entertaining one, and will make great use of the touch screen...I also was able to play the Metroid Prime: Hunters demo at Best Buy on their DS display...and it was amazing. Using the touch screen to look around as you would with a mouse on a PeeCee based FPS was awesome. I see great potential for this system.

Just my $0.02

[Drgnhntr]

Check out this link:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5251

Sony says that the PSP will get 4-6 hours battery life, but they don't say what types of games are being played. High 3d graphics games, or games that require more access to the optical disk will be much less. The article mentions that sony will sell battery upgrades in the future. So while a $200 price tag is appealing, I don't think it is the final cost to own a PSP.

Been a long time Nintendo fan so naturally the DS is my first choice. Before I buy one, I need to try out how much the touch pad makes a difference in game play. If it is not all that great, I will stick with my Sp. Then again, if there is a new zelda game on the DS, that changes everything.

The gamecube has had its moments and shortcomings. Around E3 nintendo announced a new peripheral that will change how games are played. It was a microphone. How lame. Nintendo has also announced that their next console "revolution" will focus on having great graphics but a unique user interface/interaction. I have to admit it has me a bit scared for the future of nintendo.

[FelixDerKater]

The PSP looks like an all-around better performer. Add to that the fact that it comes in a quality form, unlike the odd looking Nintendo offering.

[Capt Underpants]

I just picked up my Nintendo DS. My first impressions are good. The touch screen is prefect for first person shooters. It is very accurate. The one game I bought with the system, Super Mario 64, doesn't really seem to benefit from the touch screen. If anyone wants, I can post pics, but I'm sure there are alot already on the internet. I can't wait for Mario Kart and Metroid Prime...

[bousozoku]

After seeing the DS in person this weekend, there is no doubt that it will be a great product. I still find either display to be small but I think that they're used in clever ways and it will be better than Sony has the notion to do.

[zim]

DS. I have not even given the PSP a thought, not an option. I love nintendo's stuff and will surely love the DS.... can't wait for zelda!

[Will Curran]

DS all the way. Got mine on my amazon wishlist waiting for christmas.

[Deefuzz]

Picked up my DS today!

Posted some pics in my recent blog entry at: Deefuzz DOT Com (http://www.deefuzz.com)

So far I dig it alot.

I played a bit of the Metroid demo, and the touch screen doesn't seem AS responsive to my finger touches as the demo at Best Buy did...but that is most likely a sensitivity setting I can adjust. I looked around in the game with the stylus R and L buttons fire, and actual movement is performed with D-pad or X, Y, A, B buttons...Double tapping the touch screen makes Samus jump. I thought all that was pretty cool. The downside was the only way I found to go into ball mode was tapping a specific icon on the touch screen, but there may be another way to do it, I haven't studied it enough.

I also played a little bit of Super Mario 64 DS. It is beautiful. I also noticed that it made great use of the "Surround Sound" capabilities of the unit. The sound from the little speakers on the unit was outstanding.

Two different cart slots is great so I can always have 2 games actually inserted in the unit at the same time. 1 DS game and 1 SP game. When starting up the unit it brings up a menu allowing you to choose between which slot to read, or if you want to adjust settings or go to picto-chat.

So far I am quite pleased.

Just thought I would share my first experiences with the unit with you all. Feel free to check out the pics at my site if you so desire...Hope you enjoy my small "review"

-----------------
Regards,
- Deefuzz

http://www.deefuzz.com

[Jovian9]

I played with the DS at Target Friday night and I was very impressed. I'll probably pick it up when Metroid comes out on it.....or maybe sooner than that since I have a bunch of Gameboy Advance games to hold me over until Metroid:)