The PSP vs. The DS

Ah yes, finally an article that is available for you to decide which system is better for you. The Sony PSP takes gaming to another level with amazing visuals and a UMD disc that holds so much more memory than a cartridge. On the other hand we have the DS, the handheld system that takes gameplay to new heights and provides gamers with different, innovative experiences.

Both systems have so much to bring to the plate that it makes it almost impossible to decide which one is best for you. In this article that I worked so hard on it will explain which system would be best for the different gamer.

Please note that I have put everything in separate sections so that it would be easy for readers to navigate.

Specifications for both handhelds

The Nintendo DS

Price: $129 system only, $149 with game bundle
Display: Dual 3-inch TFT LCD with bottom touch screen
Dimensions: 5.85 x 3.33x1.13 in.
Weight: 8.84 ounces

The DS does pack a nice big punch against Sony. By delivering the "games" they have succeeded in proving that gameplay may just be better than graphics. The DS is a bit big in size but it does fold the two sides in an effort to make it seem smaller. The bottom screen has the feature of touch-screen technology, which allows you to play your games with the stylist.

But besides these features of the DS, it also has WIFI capabilities, which allows owners to play online with many people around the world. So far we have seen games like Mario Kart DS that truly took advantage of this feature.

The Sony PSP

Price: $249 Value Pack, $299 Giga Pack
Display: 4.3-inch TFT LCD
Dimensions: 6.7x2.91x0.91 in.
Weight: 8.36 ounces

The slick PSP not only looks good, but it feels great. This isn't only a game system but also plays movies via UMD (universal media disk), music and even photos. The PSP fits comfortably in your hands and it looks so amazing and expensive (which it is) that you will find yourself constantly cleaning the screen and always putting it back in its case.

The PSP also has the feature of a web browser and online play, which really adds to the capabilities of the system. Not only does it deliver in the graphics department but it also becomes a great tech device.

Both Systems and their Games tagging along

The DS, best selling games?

With its release the DS did exceptionally well with their sales. Super Mario 64 DS, being one of their release titles sold a whopping 1.1 million copies, which clearly passed out all other DS titles. Thought this game was a huge success there were still many more innovative and fun titles to be released later down that year. Some of the games weren't really amazing graphics wise but it delivered in gameplay. That was all that gamers wanted, thus making the system a hit.

What also makes this system so successful is the use of all the features the DS has. Nintendogs was one of the games that did this and took the DS to its fullest.

I did some research and got a list of how many DS games were sold since their release. Please note this is a dated list and many of the sales have changed.

The PSP, living up to the Sony title?

The PSP in my opinion has a great array of games. However many people tend to differ, they say that the games are not original because they are just ripped from the PS2 version. I still think that the games are great, the graphics, gameplay, sound and level design are good. Though some games really make me bury my face in my hand, I still give Sony all credit deserved.

Please note again that this is an old list, and it was taken the same time as the DS, many things have changed.

WIFI and Internet Capabilities

Both systems have a lot to bring to the plate when it comes to online play.

The Nintendo DS, online or really offline?

The DS's WIFI connection (WFC) is free and works with some of the games out for the system. A great example of this is Mario Kart DS, which fully uses this feature to the absolute maximum.  Though there aren't many games with online capabilities, we know that Nintendo will soon release more.

Once there is a wireless connection around the DS can use it to play games online, wirelessly. But that isn't the only way to play. There is also a game share option where you can play with your friends with one cartridge. They have to be close or in range to you however.

The Sony PSP, free Internet browser?

Sony really took online play to the next level as usual. The PSP is able to serf the Internet wirelessly and also play online multiplayer games. So far there are many games that offer the Infrastructure mode as compared to the DS but these games may not necessarily be all that good.

The PSP's browser that comes with firmware 2.6 + is really good. It allows you to visit websites and even download media onto your memory stick.

In this section I think that the PSP has won hands down due to their Internet Browser. But when it comes to the games and multiplayer all thanks to Mario Kart DS, Nintendo is still standing strong.

Overall, who stands strong? Who deserves your money?

Well for me it's the PSP. It has everything a guy (or girl) on the go could ever want and need. However, if you are not looking for more of a mini computer and more of a gaming system the DS is the way to go. It has awesome games (some of which are a tad bit weird) and really innovative and fun features.

If its style and the hardware you want, PSP hands down again. It really takes the cake when it comes to visuals, sound and really looking shiny. But this isn't all nice, it does have a huge price tag for all the hardware you receive but you will have that tingly feeling knowing that you got what you paid for.

The PSP has everything but lacks the games. The DS clearly wins in that area. But when it comes down to it they are both excellent and great systems, it all depends on what you are looking for and what suites you best.

Thank you for reading this article, if you have questions or just want to say how helpful this was please leave a comment or send and e-mail to morph@advance-gamers.com

This article was written and edited by Lyndell Albert (Morphieous). Some content was found from various gaming websites.