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Sony PSP VS Nintendo DS

Submitted by Cm2 on
Forum

Which one is the best ?

[PSP SPECS]

UMD(Universal Media Disc)
60mm
Laser Diode:660nm
Dual Layer :1.8GB
Transfer Rate:11Mbps
Shock Proof
Secure ROM by AES
Unique Disc ID

PSP CPU CORE
MIPS R4000 32bit Core
128bit Bus
1 - 333MHz @ 1.2V
Main Memory :8MB(eDRAM)
Bus Bandwidth :2.6GB/sec
I-Cache, D-Cache
FPU, VFPU (Vector Unit) @ 2.6GFlops
3D-CG Extended Instructions

PSP Media Engine
MIPS R4000 32bit Core
128bit Bus
1 - 333MHz @ 1.2V
Sub Memory:2MB(eDRAM) @ 2.6GB/sec
I-Cache, D-Cache
90nm CMOS

PSP Graphics Core 1
3D Curved Surface + 3D Polygon
Compressed Texture
Hardware Clipping, Morphing, Bone(8)
Hardware Tessellator
Bezier, B-Spline(NURBS)
ex 4x4, 16x16, 64x64 sub-division

PSP Graphics Core 2
'Rendering Engine' + 'Surface Engine'
256bit Bus, 1-166 MHz @ 1.2V
VRAM :2MB(eDRAM)
Bus Bandwidth :5.3GB/sec
Pixel Fill Rate :664 M pixels/sec
max 33 M polygon /sec(T&L)
24bit Full Color:RGBA

PSP Sound Core: VME
Reconfigurable DSPs
128bit Bus
166MHz @1.2V
5 Giga Operations /sec
CODEC
3D Sound, Multi-Channel
Synthesizer, Effecter, etc

AVC Decoder
AVC(H.264) Decoder
Main Profile
Baseline Profile
@Level1,Level2,Level3
2Hours(High Quality) - DVD movie
4Hours(Standard Quality) - CS Digital

I/O
USB 2.0
Memory Stick
Extension Port(reserved)
Stereo Head phone Out

Input Device
Two shoulder buttons
One analog stick
One D-pad
select,start,x,o,triangle,square buttons

Communication
Wireless LAN (i802.11)
IrDA
USB 2.0

-----------------------------------------------------

[DS SPECS]

CPU Core

* Main Processor - ARM946E-S (Running at 67 MHz)
Cache: 8 KB Instruction Cache, 4KB Data Cache
TCM: 8KB Instruction, 4KB Data
* Sub Processor - ARM7TDMI (Running at 33 MHz)

Memory

* Main Memory - 4 MB (Debug version has 8 MB)
* ARM9/ARM7 Shared - 32KB (16KB x 2)
* ARM7 Internal RAM - 64 KB
* VRAM - 656 KB

LCD

* Display Size - 256 x 192 RGB Screens x 2
* Display Colors - 262,144 colors

2D Graphics Engine

* Background - Maximum 4 layers
* Objects - Maximum of 128

3D Graphics Engine

* Geometric Transformation - Max 4 million vertex/sec
* Polygon Rate - Max 120,000 polys/sec
* Pixel Fillrate - Max 30 million pixels/sec

Sound

* 16 channel ADPCM/PCM (Max 8 channels can be set to PSG)
* Microphone input

Wireless Communication - 802.11 Protocol

Input Device

* Touch Panel
* Direction Pad, A, B, L, R buttons, Start, Select (X, Y buttons being considered)

Power Save

* Sleep mode (WakeUp possible at set times or by wireless communication)
* Power save for 2D engine, rendering engine, geometry engine, LCD screen possible.

Submitted by Makk on Sun, 16/05/04 - 8:31 AM Permalink

Your looking at specs, that doesnt matter to me, most of the PSP games could be played on a standard console. Where as the DS has the stylus, allowing for some new and exciting gameplay and games. So Im looking forward to the DS.

Submitted by Jacana on Sun, 16/05/04 - 5:19 PM Permalink

The other side of that argument Makk - The PSP has a more "proven" style to it where the DS is new.

Also, saying something allows for new and exciting gameplay does not mean it will be programmed to do so, or that it it may end up being awakard and different - not exciting.

Submitted by Blitz on Sun, 16/05/04 - 6:49 PM Permalink

The DS is obviosuly better, being made by nintendo, not sony, and everyone knows that everything sony makes is crap :P
Besides...2 screens!!!
CYer, Blitz

Submitted by Aven on Sun, 16/05/04 - 7:54 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Cm2

Which one is the best ?

The one that has the best games. Basically we wont be able to tell until about six to twelve months after they have been released.

Submitted by tbag on Sun, 16/05/04 - 8:43 PM Permalink

The PSP does look more powerful and all but what about the DS and its backwards compatibility? I think it will probably dominate in sales as opposed to the PSP; think though something like 40 or 50 million GBA's have sold worldwide havent they? I dont think many gamers will be dropping Nintendo just so they can play different games on a different handheld when they can buy a DS for $100-$150 less then that of the PSP, and besides the DS plays their old GB/GBC/GBA games which is always an ultra plus [;)].

Personally i dont think i am going to buy another console or handheld anymore. I always end up back at my computer within an hour, so why should i go and waste another $300-$400+ [;)]?

Just my 2 cents and a slapstick of handhelds [;)].

Submitted by Rahnem on Sun, 16/05/04 - 8:54 PM Permalink

God damn, they dont have much memory do they.

Submitted by Cm2 on Sun, 16/05/04 - 10:38 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Aven


quote:Originally posted by Cm2

Which one is the best ?

The one that has the best games. Basically we wont be able to tell until about six to twelve months after they have been released.

I agree in the end the games will determine which one is the best.

Submitted by Kane on Mon, 17/05/04 - 6:35 PM Permalink

quote: Aven said: The one that has the best games. Basically we wont be able to tell until about six to twelve months after they have been released.

Well I agree with this too, but I think deep down we all know which one that is going to be...

Go DS! [:D]

Submitted by Aven on Mon, 17/05/04 - 7:11 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Kane
Well I agree with this too, but I think deep down we all know which one that is going to be...

Go DS! [:D]

I have to go aginst everyone here and say that I am looking more forward to the PSP. For the simple fact that in recent times, Nintendo have always done something stupid to their handhelds. GBA: No backlight. GBA-SP: No normal headphone jack.

Game wise, if you have a look at the previous consoles, Sony have always had more variety on their systems than what Nintendo have. Although I am not the biggest Nintendo fan, I do realise they have had some fantastic games (Mario Tenis). I still think that Sony will have better variety. From kids games to the usual testosterone driven teen male games, up to some more adult oriented games. BTW, I think about as much of Sony as I do of Nintendo.

Submitted by Kane on Mon, 17/05/04 - 9:15 PM Permalink

Very true, Sony do have a greater variety, but it is also true that one good Nintendo game can compete with several dingy Sony games. Now, I like Sony's stuff, but from what I have experienced, Sony does have a LOT of mediocre games...Nintendo tends to have the same standard in most of its games, but yes they do have some crap-tastics too

Also, again this is just my opinion, but I think that the PSP is much more adult oriented, with its multimedia capabilities and so forth...I personally don't think kids would get the same experience from the PSP as they would from the DS...advanced features don't mean much to kids, my guess is they just want to play games...

Thats my thoughts anyway, be they wrong or right...[8D]

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Mon, 17/05/04 - 10:06 PM Permalink

I think the DS might usher better use of innovation (and hence, will push gaming forward), but the PSP will probably grab the bigger market share. Having said that - the backwards compatibility of the DS will ensure that many upgrade from the GBA SP.

With regards to kids; most kids these days don't want to play Mario - they didn't grow up with him and don't have that rose tinted nostalgia when his name is brought up. They want to play GTA.

Submitted by palantir on Mon, 17/05/04 - 10:40 PM Permalink

Like a few people have said, it of course all comes down to the games. And Sony seems to have the edge when it comes to sheer volume of games. Just having a massive selection to choose from, even if half the games suck, could be what sells the most units. When a games machine has so many games to select from, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Submitted by MoonUnit on Tue, 18/05/04 - 1:14 AM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Blitz

The DS is obviosuly better, being made by nintendo, not sony, and everyone knows that everything sony makes is crap :P
Besides...2 screens!!!
CYer, Blitz

right your going in the pen with all the other rabid fanboys :P

ive never really had a need for portable gaming, the prices are so near to a console/PC game and i dont really get the oportunity to play them outside and the like usually because when im travelling i have to watch were im going :P

Submitted by denz on Tue, 18/05/04 - 1:21 AM Permalink

I'm with moonunit, I look at computer screens enough as it is.

Submitted by souri on Tue, 18/05/04 - 3:20 AM Permalink

I'm with Moonunit also. The only time I would find a portable gaming system handy would be if I were waiting around or travelling a lot (unfortunately, I don't). I wouldn't be able to find the time to play a portable if I did have one - I don't even watch tv anymore (along with the many who've replaced tv with computers in some recent statistic). Things are getting interesting with portable gaming though..

Submitted by tbag on Tue, 18/05/04 - 5:26 AM Permalink

The day that Unreal Tournament 2004 runs on a handheld (Not a laptop) with a decent size screen is the day i will buy one, despite my GBA which i rarely use anyway...

Submitted by smeg on Tue, 18/05/04 - 5:46 AM Permalink

All fanboy craziness aside.

The PSP looks like its screen and raw grunt will provide some seriously pretty visuals.
The DS looks like a GBA and N64 rolled into one (a good thing) plus a stylus.

I can't wait to hold a PSP in my hands. But i get positively giddy when i think about the crazy stuff that will be possible on the DS.

And whats this about the PSP having a battery life of 2-10 hours? wha??
cheers

Submitted by souri on Tue, 18/05/04 - 8:29 AM Permalink

Animal Crossing on DS looks like a really nice start [:)]. Nintendo have gotta make more games like that! One of the complaints about AC on the N64 was that you had to be in the game at certain times (the game uses the machines inbuilt clock) for special events on the calendar.. with a handheld, it'll much easier to stop what you're doing and play, no matter where you are..

Oh, and Animal Crossing is great because you don't need to play it a lot to enjoy it.

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Tue, 18/05/04 - 9:08 AM Permalink

I use my GBA sp for things other than travelling. If I'm down at the fish shop picking up some fish'n'chips, I might have a blast on Streetfighter Alpha 3 for 20 minutes while I'm waiting. Basically I use my for travelling (duh) but also for when I have no choice but to wait.

Submitted by homagos on Fri, 28/05/04 - 6:49 PM Permalink

Nintendo brought back a virtual video game corpse from the dead.
Nintendo introduced the handheld market.
As Nintendo continued to make games for their pea-green screen, bigger (not too convenient), "better" (specs) handhelds came out with color ("bell and whistle" for the time) like the Sega Gamegear and the beefy (quite beefy for it's time) Atari Lynx and made a run at the pea-green screen and were smitten severely. No these companies were not as big as Nintendo, but the point is playing on the go is not the same as playing at home. "Little discs" suck when your kid just dropped a bunch of them in the back seat of the car and as he fumbles around getting them he scratches the hell out of them and gets them dirty. Who would hand their kid a portable dvd player w/screen and say "go watch a movie"? Ok now who would hand their kid a PSP? How about after he drops it once and now it's toast? Take a Sony PSP camping. Take a Sony PSP on a long family trip and see how long it stands up to two or more kids fighting over it. It is meant for hard-core gamers only. It'll sell, but DS will outsell it, and GBA will even outsell DS for awhile. Durability is one of the key things that kept the pea-green screen kickin' butt against everybody, that and killer apps and a long battery life. Gaming on the go is gaming on the go, the rules of home console gaming do not apply to it.
Nintendo DS has more features, better graphics than N64, Sony PSP has a slightly inferior graphics to PS2, so both fall into the Sega Dreamcast slot, essentially. Nintendo will not only walk away from this they won't even break a sweat.

Submitted by Doord on Fri, 28/05/04 - 7:32 PM Permalink

I personally think that Nintendo (as big of fan that I am) maybe making a big mistake with the DS. I can see how the "Touch Panel" could be cool and something different. But I do think there will be a large lack of support for this by 3rd party developers. But then again the game cube has done well with little 3rd party support and most 3rd party game sucks ass anyway.

The PSP looks to be a fine little unit. But it will be host to many ports, and the cost I would bet be over $1000.

The bottom line for me is that hand held are for good puzzle game, but I haven't see one for a long time and give my GBA to my sister because I never played it. So I can't see myself buying an other hand held.

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Fri, 28/05/04 - 8:58 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by homagos

"Little discs" suck when your kid just dropped a bunch of them in the back seat of the car and as he fumbles around getting them he scratches the hell out of them and gets them dirty. Who would hand their kid a portable dvd player w/screen and say "go watch a movie"? Ok now who would hand their kid a PSP? How about after he drops it once and now it's toast? Take a Sony PSP camping. Take a Sony PSP on a long family trip and see how long it stands up to two or more kids fighting over it. It is meant for hard-core gamers only.

That's the problem in your argument. Have you seen the supplementary marketing material Sony have been supplying? The pics with the young 20 somethings looking at their PSP? The PSP is not aimed at kids, it's aimed at the iPod crowd. Adults wont buy a piece of kit like this for their kids.

iPod crowd = 16-28 age group (and further as music is much more universal in popularity than videogames).

Hardcore gamers will buy it, but like the PS2, Sony are banking on others to buy it for it's other capabilities.

Submitted by stonedwal on Sat, 29/05/04 - 3:48 AM Permalink

Right now, I'm leaning towards the DS. I've got too many issues with the PSP right now - mainly battery life concerns (only 2 hours (apparently) when the UMD is in use [:0]) and the software lineup - a few original titles, but a lot of PS2 trim downs. I can't say I'll ever use the movie feature, either. While the DS currently features the usual suspects (2 x Mario, Metroid, Mario Kart), they can at least expand on the ideas offered in those franchises with the dual screens and the stylus.

Submitted by LiveWire on Sun, 30/05/04 - 2:54 AM Permalink

DS all the way!! touch screen sounds... interesting. two screens is cool (see metriod) but touch? could be sued good, but could be fiddely. the new metroid game for it uses it for turning and aiming, which sounds cool seeing as there is no analog movement otherwise (buggered if im gona play 3d games with a DP, i thought were over the tap tap 3d control scheme), but i dont like the idea of holding the system stable with one hand and covering half the screen with the other.hopefully the stylus is long and thin enough.

but there are reasons to get it still:
>metroid (looks just as good as the GC version)
>new mario 2d platformer!!!!!!!!!!!
>mario 64x4 (fourplayer mario 64 - apparently the DS has better 3d power than the 64, probably due to the smaller resolution)
>and heaps of others

one thing i will say though, at least the DS has still got a bunch of 2D games going for it. Next round of handheld consoles will see 2d platformers disapear for ever (i was afraid it would be this round cos of the PSP, but looks like nintendo are hanging onto it at least a little). That would suck though. When i bought Metroid Fusion for the GBA over a yeah ago it was instantly my 'best game since i dont know when', then Metroid Prime claimed that title. i am yet to try Metroid Zero Mission (much to my displeasure) - damn my student level income!

so that said, why would you want ut2003 on a handheld system when you've got some of the greatest games ever made - even if they are 2d platformers, and realativly ne games at that!

Submitted by bullet21 on Sun, 30/05/04 - 8:14 PM Permalink

I have to agree with Jon Kerr here, i think that the PSP and the DS are aimed at to very differant markets, just like the N64 and PSone. When i was in primary school the N64 and Psone were out, i was in grade 5 and my Bro was in year 9. It seemed him and all his freinds wanted the PSone and the N64 was for all the kiddies. Some how i think nintendo has a childish image attached to it where as Sony are "cool".

But anyway i don't care for portable gaming systems, especially after seeing the N-gage and that game on it called red faction

Submitted by Kalescent on Sun, 30/05/04 - 9:39 PM Permalink

Hand-helds rock, for what they do, and for what they are aimed at, I think they rock. On the train or bus, I'd hate to have to setup my ps2/3 xbox/2 and plug it into the backs of the chair in front to play.

Rather whip out a small device, plug in my headphones, and I'm away.

Of course Nintendo has that kidsy rep chasing it all over, due to one title / brand name IMO and thats mario.

Weve all grown up a good many years since mario came out, yet the poor bugger is still being pumped out, and immediately we all think "Man that used to be so cool, hell it still is!" BUT we were playing it when we were 5 or so.

No matter what people say, I dont think sony or even xbox, has something with their consoles that even rivals mario. Not in terms of sales, not in terms of fun, but in pure terms of how many gamers can remember the jolly little bloke in red and blue, or has even heard the name. The game is timeless, but we arent.

I think the handheld market is something to keep an eye on, yes the capabilities are getting better, will I buy one ? depends on the games available. If there's a game I want, I get it, regardless of platform.[:)]

Submitted by Blitz on Mon, 31/05/04 - 3:28 AM Permalink

*still remembers sonic the hedgehog* :)
Give me a spiky blue critter with super speedy red sneakers over a fat italian plumer with a big moustache anyday :)
CYer, Blitz
PS. I guess the rumour about Sega unveiling new hardware at E3 was a bust.

Submitted by LiveWire on Mon, 31/05/04 - 4:00 AM Permalink

wasnt this supposed to be about PSP vs DS??

Submitted by Kalescent on Mon, 31/05/04 - 5:38 AM Permalink

Blitz: [:D] - as for sega, well . although i must admit, sonic did take up MUCH of my time, back in the day....

Livewire: Threads meander,.. what more can i say. [:)]

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Mon, 31/05/04 - 8:17 AM Permalink

See - this thread has proven that people always want 'cool' over 'kiddy' (or family, if you prefer). Even kids (who are probably more obsessed about cool than adults) always tend to lean towards something cool, or whatever it is that their older brothers are doing. Personally, I think only the under 11's are the ones that love the family stuff. After that, kids start getting to the intermediate school age and what's cool suddenly becomes a bit more important.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love both machines to do well and while I think the DS offers more opportunities for developers to be innovative, I think the Sony system might sell better. Having said that, Nintendo should take the opportunity to work on some more franchises. Mario is getting old - as shown by Mario Sunshine's underperformance at retail (compared to what people thought it should have sold).

Posted by Cm2 on
Forum

Which one is the best ?

[PSP SPECS]

UMD(Universal Media Disc)
60mm
Laser Diode:660nm
Dual Layer :1.8GB
Transfer Rate:11Mbps
Shock Proof
Secure ROM by AES
Unique Disc ID

PSP CPU CORE
MIPS R4000 32bit Core
128bit Bus
1 - 333MHz @ 1.2V
Main Memory :8MB(eDRAM)
Bus Bandwidth :2.6GB/sec
I-Cache, D-Cache
FPU, VFPU (Vector Unit) @ 2.6GFlops
3D-CG Extended Instructions

PSP Media Engine
MIPS R4000 32bit Core
128bit Bus
1 - 333MHz @ 1.2V
Sub Memory:2MB(eDRAM) @ 2.6GB/sec
I-Cache, D-Cache
90nm CMOS

PSP Graphics Core 1
3D Curved Surface + 3D Polygon
Compressed Texture
Hardware Clipping, Morphing, Bone(8)
Hardware Tessellator
Bezier, B-Spline(NURBS)
ex 4x4, 16x16, 64x64 sub-division

PSP Graphics Core 2
'Rendering Engine' + 'Surface Engine'
256bit Bus, 1-166 MHz @ 1.2V
VRAM :2MB(eDRAM)
Bus Bandwidth :5.3GB/sec
Pixel Fill Rate :664 M pixels/sec
max 33 M polygon /sec(T&L)
24bit Full Color:RGBA

PSP Sound Core: VME
Reconfigurable DSPs
128bit Bus
166MHz @1.2V
5 Giga Operations /sec
CODEC
3D Sound, Multi-Channel
Synthesizer, Effecter, etc

AVC Decoder
AVC(H.264) Decoder
Main Profile
Baseline Profile
@Level1,Level2,Level3
2Hours(High Quality) - DVD movie
4Hours(Standard Quality) - CS Digital

I/O
USB 2.0
Memory Stick
Extension Port(reserved)
Stereo Head phone Out

Input Device
Two shoulder buttons
One analog stick
One D-pad
select,start,x,o,triangle,square buttons

Communication
Wireless LAN (i802.11)
IrDA
USB 2.0

-----------------------------------------------------

[DS SPECS]

CPU Core

* Main Processor - ARM946E-S (Running at 67 MHz)
Cache: 8 KB Instruction Cache, 4KB Data Cache
TCM: 8KB Instruction, 4KB Data
* Sub Processor - ARM7TDMI (Running at 33 MHz)

Memory

* Main Memory - 4 MB (Debug version has 8 MB)
* ARM9/ARM7 Shared - 32KB (16KB x 2)
* ARM7 Internal RAM - 64 KB
* VRAM - 656 KB

LCD

* Display Size - 256 x 192 RGB Screens x 2
* Display Colors - 262,144 colors

2D Graphics Engine

* Background - Maximum 4 layers
* Objects - Maximum of 128

3D Graphics Engine

* Geometric Transformation - Max 4 million vertex/sec
* Polygon Rate - Max 120,000 polys/sec
* Pixel Fillrate - Max 30 million pixels/sec

Sound

* 16 channel ADPCM/PCM (Max 8 channels can be set to PSG)
* Microphone input

Wireless Communication - 802.11 Protocol

Input Device

* Touch Panel
* Direction Pad, A, B, L, R buttons, Start, Select (X, Y buttons being considered)

Power Save

* Sleep mode (WakeUp possible at set times or by wireless communication)
* Power save for 2D engine, rendering engine, geometry engine, LCD screen possible.


Submitted by Makk on Sun, 16/05/04 - 8:31 AM Permalink

Your looking at specs, that doesnt matter to me, most of the PSP games could be played on a standard console. Where as the DS has the stylus, allowing for some new and exciting gameplay and games. So Im looking forward to the DS.

Submitted by Jacana on Sun, 16/05/04 - 5:19 PM Permalink

The other side of that argument Makk - The PSP has a more "proven" style to it where the DS is new.

Also, saying something allows for new and exciting gameplay does not mean it will be programmed to do so, or that it it may end up being awakard and different - not exciting.

Submitted by Blitz on Sun, 16/05/04 - 6:49 PM Permalink

The DS is obviosuly better, being made by nintendo, not sony, and everyone knows that everything sony makes is crap :P
Besides...2 screens!!!
CYer, Blitz

Submitted by Aven on Sun, 16/05/04 - 7:54 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Cm2

Which one is the best ?

The one that has the best games. Basically we wont be able to tell until about six to twelve months after they have been released.

Submitted by tbag on Sun, 16/05/04 - 8:43 PM Permalink

The PSP does look more powerful and all but what about the DS and its backwards compatibility? I think it will probably dominate in sales as opposed to the PSP; think though something like 40 or 50 million GBA's have sold worldwide havent they? I dont think many gamers will be dropping Nintendo just so they can play different games on a different handheld when they can buy a DS for $100-$150 less then that of the PSP, and besides the DS plays their old GB/GBC/GBA games which is always an ultra plus [;)].

Personally i dont think i am going to buy another console or handheld anymore. I always end up back at my computer within an hour, so why should i go and waste another $300-$400+ [;)]?

Just my 2 cents and a slapstick of handhelds [;)].

Submitted by Rahnem on Sun, 16/05/04 - 8:54 PM Permalink

God damn, they dont have much memory do they.

Submitted by Cm2 on Sun, 16/05/04 - 10:38 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Aven


quote:Originally posted by Cm2

Which one is the best ?

The one that has the best games. Basically we wont be able to tell until about six to twelve months after they have been released.

I agree in the end the games will determine which one is the best.

Submitted by Kane on Mon, 17/05/04 - 6:35 PM Permalink

quote: Aven said: The one that has the best games. Basically we wont be able to tell until about six to twelve months after they have been released.

Well I agree with this too, but I think deep down we all know which one that is going to be...

Go DS! [:D]

Submitted by Aven on Mon, 17/05/04 - 7:11 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Kane
Well I agree with this too, but I think deep down we all know which one that is going to be...

Go DS! [:D]

I have to go aginst everyone here and say that I am looking more forward to the PSP. For the simple fact that in recent times, Nintendo have always done something stupid to their handhelds. GBA: No backlight. GBA-SP: No normal headphone jack.

Game wise, if you have a look at the previous consoles, Sony have always had more variety on their systems than what Nintendo have. Although I am not the biggest Nintendo fan, I do realise they have had some fantastic games (Mario Tenis). I still think that Sony will have better variety. From kids games to the usual testosterone driven teen male games, up to some more adult oriented games. BTW, I think about as much of Sony as I do of Nintendo.

Submitted by Kane on Mon, 17/05/04 - 9:15 PM Permalink

Very true, Sony do have a greater variety, but it is also true that one good Nintendo game can compete with several dingy Sony games. Now, I like Sony's stuff, but from what I have experienced, Sony does have a LOT of mediocre games...Nintendo tends to have the same standard in most of its games, but yes they do have some crap-tastics too

Also, again this is just my opinion, but I think that the PSP is much more adult oriented, with its multimedia capabilities and so forth...I personally don't think kids would get the same experience from the PSP as they would from the DS...advanced features don't mean much to kids, my guess is they just want to play games...

Thats my thoughts anyway, be they wrong or right...[8D]

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Mon, 17/05/04 - 10:06 PM Permalink

I think the DS might usher better use of innovation (and hence, will push gaming forward), but the PSP will probably grab the bigger market share. Having said that - the backwards compatibility of the DS will ensure that many upgrade from the GBA SP.

With regards to kids; most kids these days don't want to play Mario - they didn't grow up with him and don't have that rose tinted nostalgia when his name is brought up. They want to play GTA.

Submitted by palantir on Mon, 17/05/04 - 10:40 PM Permalink

Like a few people have said, it of course all comes down to the games. And Sony seems to have the edge when it comes to sheer volume of games. Just having a massive selection to choose from, even if half the games suck, could be what sells the most units. When a games machine has so many games to select from, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Submitted by MoonUnit on Tue, 18/05/04 - 1:14 AM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by Blitz

The DS is obviosuly better, being made by nintendo, not sony, and everyone knows that everything sony makes is crap :P
Besides...2 screens!!!
CYer, Blitz

right your going in the pen with all the other rabid fanboys :P

ive never really had a need for portable gaming, the prices are so near to a console/PC game and i dont really get the oportunity to play them outside and the like usually because when im travelling i have to watch were im going :P

Submitted by denz on Tue, 18/05/04 - 1:21 AM Permalink

I'm with moonunit, I look at computer screens enough as it is.

Submitted by souri on Tue, 18/05/04 - 3:20 AM Permalink

I'm with Moonunit also. The only time I would find a portable gaming system handy would be if I were waiting around or travelling a lot (unfortunately, I don't). I wouldn't be able to find the time to play a portable if I did have one - I don't even watch tv anymore (along with the many who've replaced tv with computers in some recent statistic). Things are getting interesting with portable gaming though..

Submitted by tbag on Tue, 18/05/04 - 5:26 AM Permalink

The day that Unreal Tournament 2004 runs on a handheld (Not a laptop) with a decent size screen is the day i will buy one, despite my GBA which i rarely use anyway...

Submitted by smeg on Tue, 18/05/04 - 5:46 AM Permalink

All fanboy craziness aside.

The PSP looks like its screen and raw grunt will provide some seriously pretty visuals.
The DS looks like a GBA and N64 rolled into one (a good thing) plus a stylus.

I can't wait to hold a PSP in my hands. But i get positively giddy when i think about the crazy stuff that will be possible on the DS.

And whats this about the PSP having a battery life of 2-10 hours? wha??
cheers

Submitted by souri on Tue, 18/05/04 - 8:29 AM Permalink

Animal Crossing on DS looks like a really nice start [:)]. Nintendo have gotta make more games like that! One of the complaints about AC on the N64 was that you had to be in the game at certain times (the game uses the machines inbuilt clock) for special events on the calendar.. with a handheld, it'll much easier to stop what you're doing and play, no matter where you are..

Oh, and Animal Crossing is great because you don't need to play it a lot to enjoy it.

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Tue, 18/05/04 - 9:08 AM Permalink

I use my GBA sp for things other than travelling. If I'm down at the fish shop picking up some fish'n'chips, I might have a blast on Streetfighter Alpha 3 for 20 minutes while I'm waiting. Basically I use my for travelling (duh) but also for when I have no choice but to wait.

Submitted by homagos on Fri, 28/05/04 - 6:49 PM Permalink

Nintendo brought back a virtual video game corpse from the dead.
Nintendo introduced the handheld market.
As Nintendo continued to make games for their pea-green screen, bigger (not too convenient), "better" (specs) handhelds came out with color ("bell and whistle" for the time) like the Sega Gamegear and the beefy (quite beefy for it's time) Atari Lynx and made a run at the pea-green screen and were smitten severely. No these companies were not as big as Nintendo, but the point is playing on the go is not the same as playing at home. "Little discs" suck when your kid just dropped a bunch of them in the back seat of the car and as he fumbles around getting them he scratches the hell out of them and gets them dirty. Who would hand their kid a portable dvd player w/screen and say "go watch a movie"? Ok now who would hand their kid a PSP? How about after he drops it once and now it's toast? Take a Sony PSP camping. Take a Sony PSP on a long family trip and see how long it stands up to two or more kids fighting over it. It is meant for hard-core gamers only. It'll sell, but DS will outsell it, and GBA will even outsell DS for awhile. Durability is one of the key things that kept the pea-green screen kickin' butt against everybody, that and killer apps and a long battery life. Gaming on the go is gaming on the go, the rules of home console gaming do not apply to it.
Nintendo DS has more features, better graphics than N64, Sony PSP has a slightly inferior graphics to PS2, so both fall into the Sega Dreamcast slot, essentially. Nintendo will not only walk away from this they won't even break a sweat.

Submitted by Doord on Fri, 28/05/04 - 7:32 PM Permalink

I personally think that Nintendo (as big of fan that I am) maybe making a big mistake with the DS. I can see how the "Touch Panel" could be cool and something different. But I do think there will be a large lack of support for this by 3rd party developers. But then again the game cube has done well with little 3rd party support and most 3rd party game sucks ass anyway.

The PSP looks to be a fine little unit. But it will be host to many ports, and the cost I would bet be over $1000.

The bottom line for me is that hand held are for good puzzle game, but I haven't see one for a long time and give my GBA to my sister because I never played it. So I can't see myself buying an other hand held.

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Fri, 28/05/04 - 8:58 PM Permalink

quote:Originally posted by homagos

"Little discs" suck when your kid just dropped a bunch of them in the back seat of the car and as he fumbles around getting them he scratches the hell out of them and gets them dirty. Who would hand their kid a portable dvd player w/screen and say "go watch a movie"? Ok now who would hand their kid a PSP? How about after he drops it once and now it's toast? Take a Sony PSP camping. Take a Sony PSP on a long family trip and see how long it stands up to two or more kids fighting over it. It is meant for hard-core gamers only.

That's the problem in your argument. Have you seen the supplementary marketing material Sony have been supplying? The pics with the young 20 somethings looking at their PSP? The PSP is not aimed at kids, it's aimed at the iPod crowd. Adults wont buy a piece of kit like this for their kids.

iPod crowd = 16-28 age group (and further as music is much more universal in popularity than videogames).

Hardcore gamers will buy it, but like the PS2, Sony are banking on others to buy it for it's other capabilities.

Submitted by stonedwal on Sat, 29/05/04 - 3:48 AM Permalink

Right now, I'm leaning towards the DS. I've got too many issues with the PSP right now - mainly battery life concerns (only 2 hours (apparently) when the UMD is in use [:0]) and the software lineup - a few original titles, but a lot of PS2 trim downs. I can't say I'll ever use the movie feature, either. While the DS currently features the usual suspects (2 x Mario, Metroid, Mario Kart), they can at least expand on the ideas offered in those franchises with the dual screens and the stylus.

Submitted by LiveWire on Sun, 30/05/04 - 2:54 AM Permalink

DS all the way!! touch screen sounds... interesting. two screens is cool (see metriod) but touch? could be sued good, but could be fiddely. the new metroid game for it uses it for turning and aiming, which sounds cool seeing as there is no analog movement otherwise (buggered if im gona play 3d games with a DP, i thought were over the tap tap 3d control scheme), but i dont like the idea of holding the system stable with one hand and covering half the screen with the other.hopefully the stylus is long and thin enough.

but there are reasons to get it still:
>metroid (looks just as good as the GC version)
>new mario 2d platformer!!!!!!!!!!!
>mario 64x4 (fourplayer mario 64 - apparently the DS has better 3d power than the 64, probably due to the smaller resolution)
>and heaps of others

one thing i will say though, at least the DS has still got a bunch of 2D games going for it. Next round of handheld consoles will see 2d platformers disapear for ever (i was afraid it would be this round cos of the PSP, but looks like nintendo are hanging onto it at least a little). That would suck though. When i bought Metroid Fusion for the GBA over a yeah ago it was instantly my 'best game since i dont know when', then Metroid Prime claimed that title. i am yet to try Metroid Zero Mission (much to my displeasure) - damn my student level income!

so that said, why would you want ut2003 on a handheld system when you've got some of the greatest games ever made - even if they are 2d platformers, and realativly ne games at that!

Submitted by bullet21 on Sun, 30/05/04 - 8:14 PM Permalink

I have to agree with Jon Kerr here, i think that the PSP and the DS are aimed at to very differant markets, just like the N64 and PSone. When i was in primary school the N64 and Psone were out, i was in grade 5 and my Bro was in year 9. It seemed him and all his freinds wanted the PSone and the N64 was for all the kiddies. Some how i think nintendo has a childish image attached to it where as Sony are "cool".

But anyway i don't care for portable gaming systems, especially after seeing the N-gage and that game on it called red faction

Submitted by Kalescent on Sun, 30/05/04 - 9:39 PM Permalink

Hand-helds rock, for what they do, and for what they are aimed at, I think they rock. On the train or bus, I'd hate to have to setup my ps2/3 xbox/2 and plug it into the backs of the chair in front to play.

Rather whip out a small device, plug in my headphones, and I'm away.

Of course Nintendo has that kidsy rep chasing it all over, due to one title / brand name IMO and thats mario.

Weve all grown up a good many years since mario came out, yet the poor bugger is still being pumped out, and immediately we all think "Man that used to be so cool, hell it still is!" BUT we were playing it when we were 5 or so.

No matter what people say, I dont think sony or even xbox, has something with their consoles that even rivals mario. Not in terms of sales, not in terms of fun, but in pure terms of how many gamers can remember the jolly little bloke in red and blue, or has even heard the name. The game is timeless, but we arent.

I think the handheld market is something to keep an eye on, yes the capabilities are getting better, will I buy one ? depends on the games available. If there's a game I want, I get it, regardless of platform.[:)]

Submitted by Blitz on Mon, 31/05/04 - 3:28 AM Permalink

*still remembers sonic the hedgehog* :)
Give me a spiky blue critter with super speedy red sneakers over a fat italian plumer with a big moustache anyday :)
CYer, Blitz
PS. I guess the rumour about Sega unveiling new hardware at E3 was a bust.

Submitted by LiveWire on Mon, 31/05/04 - 4:00 AM Permalink

wasnt this supposed to be about PSP vs DS??

Submitted by Kalescent on Mon, 31/05/04 - 5:38 AM Permalink

Blitz: [:D] - as for sega, well . although i must admit, sonic did take up MUCH of my time, back in the day....

Livewire: Threads meander,.. what more can i say. [:)]

Submitted by JonathanKerr on Mon, 31/05/04 - 8:17 AM Permalink

See - this thread has proven that people always want 'cool' over 'kiddy' (or family, if you prefer). Even kids (who are probably more obsessed about cool than adults) always tend to lean towards something cool, or whatever it is that their older brothers are doing. Personally, I think only the under 11's are the ones that love the family stuff. After that, kids start getting to the intermediate school age and what's cool suddenly becomes a bit more important.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love both machines to do well and while I think the DS offers more opportunities for developers to be innovative, I think the Sony system might sell better. Having said that, Nintendo should take the opportunity to work on some more franchises. Mario is getting old - as shown by Mario Sunshine's underperformance at retail (compared to what people thought it should have sold).