What to Buy: The DS or the PSP?
The two current handheld gaming systems are Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP. Read on to find out what you need to know about these cutting edge handhelds to make a smart decision on which gaming system to purchase.
If gaming is what you are after and price plays a part in what you can buy, then the DS is a good choice. Both kids and adults will be served well by the DS because of the low price of the system and the broad variety of games, as well as the device's small size and easy portability. Unlike the complications that go along with a PDA-like device, the DS is as simple as charge-and-play. For the more mature, graphics-loving gamer who expects a lot out of an expensive full-fledged electronic device, the PSP may be the right choice.
DS vs. DS Lite vs. DSi
Nintendo released the DS in 2004 and replaced it with the smaller, superior DS Lite in 2006 and the slim multi-functional DSi in 2009. The systems have the same basic hardware and play the same games, but the DS Lite and DSi include adjustable screen brightness, a larger stylus, better button design and battery life, and a lighter weight in a slimmer design. The DSi boasts larger screens, two cameras, a photo editor, media player, SD card
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Nintendo DS Lite Design: The DS clamshell design opens up to a two-screen gaming experience, giving the system its name: DS stands for dual screen. The keypad setup, shoulder buttons, and directional button are similar to other Nintendo products, so veteran Nintendo users should be very comfortable with it. Size: The DS Lite is slimmer and more uniform than the original DS model, and the DSi is slightly longer and thinner than the DS Lite. Both devices are vey pocketable. Screen Resolution: 256x192 pixels with 260,000 colors. More isn't always better. The two screens lack in resolution compared to the PSP, but they have minimal glare and the bottom screen is actually a touch screen. You can use a stylus or a thumb piece to navigate around it for writing messages, drawing in PictoChat, or other innovative, game-specific uses. The DS Lite and DSi also have adjustable brightness settings. Media and Memory: The DS and DS Lite have a dual-slot design for the game cartridges, meaning that they can play DS titles but also have backwards compatibility with the Game Boy Advance -- a big plus for your wallet if you already own lots of GBA games Connectivity: Wireless connection capability allows gamers to play with or against each other as well as chat and send messages via PictoChat. For direct connections (LAN play), you must be within 150ft. in open space, but only 30ft. when there are walls between. The DS also offers online play using Wi-Fi, allowing users to play against others over the Internet or, in the case of the DSi, download new software and use online applications from the online DSiWare Store. All you need is a WiFi hotspot or available wireless network. Some DS software and many functions of the DSi allow for wireless connection to the Nintendo Wii as well. Audio: The audio on the DS makes a big difference with two large speakers that simulate surround sound. You can also plug in a pair of headphones. Battery Life: Great battery life on this baby. The DS Lite and DSi can last well over 15 hours, depending on the brightness setting. |
Design: The slick PSP resembles its full-size PlayStation counterpart except for the analog nub, which doesn't protrude like on a normal PS2 controller. The non clamshell design leaves the screen exposed, but you can buy a plastic screen guard. Size: While the PSP doesn't have dual screens, it does have one massive 4.3" widescreen, which makes gaming on this device a real treat and very easy on the eyes. The system is slender but long, and thus tough to carry around in your pocket. Screen Resolution: 480x272 pixel resolution and 16.77 million colors. While not impressive compared to a PS2, the PSP is pretty accomplished for Sony's first shot at a handheld system and it definitely outshines the DS in graphical quality. The screen doesn't have any touch functionality like the DS and it tends to attract smudges and fingerprints. Media and Memory: The PSP requires UMD discs (they look like mini discs) for watching movies and playing games, but they aren't rewritable. The PSP also connects with the internet or with a PlayStation 3 to download unique games and applications. You also need a separate Memory Stick Connectivity: With built-in WiFi, you can access the Internet via the Web browser and use an ever-growing number of other applications anywhere you have access to a wireless signal. You can also connect wirelessly to the PlayStation 3. Audio: Sound quality through headphones is okay, but not comparable to listening to a dedicated MP3 player like an iPod. Extras: The PSP does more than just play games. It can play movies, MP3s, M3Us, WAVs, and AAC-formatted files, but not songs downloaded from iTunes, which are file-protected. It can also display photos that are stored on a memory chip (TIFFs, PNGs, JPGs, GIFs, and BMPs). There are numerous other applications available on the PSP as well, including downloadable content and software from Sony's online store. |
External Links
- IGN: IGN compares the DS with the PSP.
- Epinions: Epinions' head-to-head DS vs. PSP site.
- DS Lovers: Message boards for DS fans.
- PSP Lovers: Message boards for PSP fans.