Nintendo DS versus PSP Buying Guide

Do you really want a handheld video game console? Nintendo DS Lite  and Sony's PSP  are the biggest names out on the portable video game market. So how do you know which one is right for you? Well, they both have their strengths and weaknesses of course. The best handheld console for you depends on a variety of factors, including what types of games you like and what exactly you are looking for in a gaming experience. For example, if you want a portable console for gaming and you're on a budget, the DS Lite is probably your best choice. Kids usually prefer the DS because most of the games cater to a younger market. The PSP is much more PDA  like, and allows you to play MP3s and is filled with tons of extras for a little extra price. Mature game players will find plenty of first person shooters on the PSP. 

DS Lite  vs. PSP
Nintendo DS Lite  Design: The controls are similar to other Nintendo consoles, so seasoned Nintendo fans shouldn't have any trouble with that. The titanium shell opens up to reveal two screens, giving this console a unique dual sceen (DS) gaming experience. Size: It's pretty compact and easy to carry around, though it would probably do best in a bag rather than your pocket.  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 also has adjustable brightness settings. Media and Memory: The DS Lite has a dual slots, so it can play regular DS games along with Game Boy Advance games. If you already own tons of GBA games, you may prefer going with the DS Lite. 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. However, Nintendo has recently brought the DS online, allowing users to play against others via the Internet. All you need is a WiFi hotspot or wireless network in your home. Also, if you want to download new games and even use the device as a type of PDA, supposedly Nintendo will release V-pocket, making the DS palm-compatible in the very near future. Audio: The DS has two large speakers that act as surround sound speakers would. Battery Life: The DS beats out the PSP in battery life by far. It lasts 10 hours plus.	PlayStation Portable  Design: Playstation fans will see the same aesthetic designs in the PSP, except the controls are a bit different. The analog nub doesn't protrude like it does on a Playstation controller.  The screen is exposed, but there are plenty of protective cases  out there for reasonable prices. Size: Though it's thin, it's a bit too long to carry in the average pocket. The screen is large and easy to see and not hard on your eyes. 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. 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. You then need a separate Memory Stick to store games, game saves, music, photos, and video. Connectivity: The built-in WiFi connection allows you to surf the Internet anywhere there is a wireless connection. Audio: The sound quality is average. It's not as good as listening to an iPod  of course. 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. It can also display photos that are stored on a memory chip (TIFFs, PNGs, JPGs, GIFs, and BMPs).

External Links

• IGN: Read this comparision between the DS with the PSP.
• Epinions: Epinions' head-to-head DS vs. PSP site.
• DS Lovers: Check out this message boards for DS fans.
• PSP Lovers: Or, check out this message boards for PSP fans.

Related Guides

Nintendo DS Lite	Handheld Gaming Guide	Playstation Portable	PSP Games	Gifts for Gamers