DS and PSP. Which one to get?

[Vergil]

I will have the chance to get one of the two systems above for my birthday. Which should I invest in, given that I like action-type games?

[Novasol]

I... HIGHLY doubt this thread will end well. At all.

I'd say the DS is probably your best bet.

[Meister]

Thread title changed to something less knee-jerk-reaction inducing. ^^

[Eltargrim]

DS. For the love of all that is holy, DS.

[Mondt]

That really depends on what you like. From what I know, DS has very few games that will last you longer than a week. Problem is, the PSP only has debut-week's games (exaggeration). PSP is better graphically and has a wider screen. DS two screens which can be used as aone tall one in games. You have to brush fingerprints off of PSPs.... which is annoying...
The DS will eventually get noticable scratch marks on it's touch screen, but that would take years. I could go one for a while, but let's end it saying that I got a PSP and I'm happy. XD

[Althane]

DS can play GBA games.

If you have a GBA, get a PSP. It has several fun games that will last (Burnout being one of them. I love that game! ^-^), while the DS has games that last a week or two (in my opinion... I tend to burn through games (haha, I made a pun))

If you don't have a GBA, get a DS, you'll have a huge store of games opened up to you. Granted, a lot of them are bad, but you'll have the top 10% of games as good. Megaman Battle Network... Naruto.... FFTA (which can eat up days, even weeks!)

[ZAKtheGeek]

But I'm fairly sure you'll agree that there are more good games for DS, making up for any length issue you'd have. Relatively, anyway.

Also, don't forget the online play. DS has some great online gaming action.

[Mondt]

But I'm fairly sure you'll agree that there are more good games for DS, making up for any length issue you'd have. Relatively, anyway.

Also, don't forget the online play. DS has some great online gaming action.But that eats your money. Wouldn't you rather have a game that would alst you a month or more? Or would you like to spend $50 every week?

[Loyal]

But that eats your money. Wouldn't you rather have a game that would alst you a month or more? Or would you like to spend $50 every week?...Wait, what?! That's completely untrue! All you need is to buy the USB adapter and the rest is free. If you already have wireless internet available, DS Online play is COMPLETELY free (Excluding your already-present internet costs, of course). Hell, you can just go to most McDonalds resturants and you're good to go. Where on earth did you get "it costs $50 a week" from?

...Yikes. Haven't had an urge to do that in awhile. *Ahem*

That said, if my name or above rant didn't give it away, I'd say the DS. It has an excellent selection of good games (Mario Kart DS, Super Mario 64, Animal Crossing, Advance Wars, Castlevania, etc), and since it's from Nintendo, you KNOW there's going to be a lot more from their usual franchises (Zelda, Metroid, Mario...), with some such titles already announced.

The PSP I can't say anything for or against, as I never picked it up. One handheld that does the job of two is good enough for me.

[EDIT]: Looking back, I realize the above rant was misplaced: I thought you were saying that online play costs $50 a week. My apologies.

However, the games are about 30-40 dollars anyway, and it's not likely that one would want to buy that many games at once anyway.

[ZAKtheGeek]

Yeah, dude, what are you talking about? It's very amusing to see price used as an argument against DS in a DS vs. PSP thread.

DS costs more than a hundred bucks less, and the games are only ~$35, not $50. Is that how much PSP games cost?

And we've yet to acknowledge the online play, I see.

[Sky Warrior Bob]

I don't own either, so I'm no real judge for quality, but when the DS was initially released, I remember Nintendo going out of its way to suggest that the DS would not be a replacement for the Gameboy. The underlying message I picked up on, was that a replacement for the Gameboy/DS will come out, sometime in the nearish future. Maybe I read the subtext wrong, but I'm a tad paranoid that DS users find themselves looking at the prospect of owning a system with few, if any, games being developed for it in the near future.

But of course, what do I know? Since I don't have a call for a portable gaming system anyway, both aren't on my must-buy list.

SWB

[ZAKtheGeek]

On another note, although PSP games might last you longer, playing most PSP games is essentially playing PS2 games you've probably beaten before. Meanwhile, most of the DS's games are actually quite unique, and not necessarily for obvious reasons.

[Kikuichimonji]

On another note, although PSP games might last you longer, playing most PSP games is essentially playing PS2 games you've probably beaten before. Meanwhile, most of the DS's games are actually quite unique, and not necessarily for obvious reasons.This is my main argument for the DS. The DS is a halfway-between N64 and GCN with a touch screen and microphone, while the PSP is a weaker PS2 with music capabilities (you should never buy a movie for the PSP unless it can't be bought any other way, in my opinion, since I'd rather be able to watch it on a bigger screen if I want). If I personally wanted to play kinda-PS2 games, I'd buy a PS2.

I don't own either, so I'm no real judge for quality, but when the DS was initially released, I remember Nintendo going out of its way to suggest that the DS would not be a replacement for the Gameboy. The underlying message I picked up on, was that a replacement for the Gameboy/DS will come out, sometime in the nearish future. Maybe I read the subtext wrong, but I'm a tad paranoid that DS users find themselves looking at the prospect of owning a system with few, if any, games being developed for it in the near future.Nintendo's specifically addressed this, I believe. The DS is not the next gameboy, but they've promised that DS titles won't just stop after the new gameboy comes out.

[Fifthfiend]

I don't own either, so I'm no real judge for quality, but when the DS was initially released, I remember Nintendo going out of its way to suggest that the DS would not be a replacement for the Gameboy. The underlying message I picked up on, was that a replacement for the Gameboy/DS will come out, sometime in the nearish future. Maybe I read the subtext wrong, but I'm a tad paranoid that DS users find themselves looking at the prospect of owning a system with few, if any, games being developed for it in the near future.

But of course, what do I know? Since I don't have a call for a portable gaming system anyway, both aren't on my must-buy list.

SWB

I'm pretty sure a lot of that was CYA in case the DS bombed. Then like a year later they could just be like oh well this is the REAL next Gameboy, just forget all about that DS thing.

Given the DS's success so far and that they just kicked out a new model of the system, I wouldn't worry about DS development dropping off any time too soon. I mean Nintendo's selling the hell out of these things, I don't think anyone there's in too much of a hurry to get out a whole nother console.

[Darth SS]

I'm for PSP.

Syphon Filter, SOCOM, Coded Arms, GTA, and Infected are all extremely competent action games. If you want stealth, there's Splinter Cell: Essentials which isn't near as bad as the reviews say it is. There's also the Godfather soon to be released.

The battery life isn't as much as a hassle as people say it is, and you just need a screen protector to keep scratches off.


EDIT-

And it has Daxter.

It's so good it's a reason unto itself for getting a PSP.

[ZAKtheGeek]

Since no one has mentioned it yet, some of the good DS games: mario kart, metroid, phoenix wright (good luck getting one of these though), advance wars, animal crossing, kirby canvas curse (the stylus wins), mario and luigi, meteos (or tetris DS). If you don't mind importing (and/or love fighters), bleach and jump superstars.

[Armored Bishoujo]

Since no one has mentioned it yet, some of the good DS games: mario kart, metroid, phoenix wright (good luck getting one of these though), advance wars, animal crossing, kirby canvas curse (the stylus wins), mario and luigi, meteos (or tetris DS).

Don't forget Trauma Center...even if it's hard as all hell.

Even though I'm a big Playstation fan, I have to say I enjoy my DS more than my PSP. The primary reason is that the DS games can really draw me in most of the time, whereas the only games that keep me addicted on the PSP are the block puzzle games, Lumines and Ultimate Block Party.

[Roland]

I do not have a Pee Ess Pee. I can not afford a Pee Ess Pee. If I could, then I would, buy an Ex Box Three-Six-Tee.

... I could name the DS games that pretty much solidified my getting a DS, but I dislike Mario 64 DS, and AWDS was stolen from me. Mario Kart DS's online play is horrible. Metroid Prime Hunters is leaving a bad taste in my mouth, and I haven't played it yet. It's only a futuristic TPS that was called "Metroid Prime" to sell the game to people who wouldn't know what it was otherwise.

But not much other than Power Stone interests me on the PSP. And I don't like having to pay more for lower-quality pseudo-DVDs. If I want to see a movie, I rent anyways, so...

[Eltargrim]

Just to preempt the people who will undoubtedly complain about the DS's online play system, remember this:

There are things about the way online connectivity works on the DS that are, for lack of a better word, "eccentric." When you realize that he entire setup is designed so that there will never be an article like this (http://gamepolitics.livejournal.com/171996.html) one, and that the safety of children online trumps all other concerns - ergonomics included - you can usually find it in your heart to cut them some slack.

[Lockeownzj00]

The DS wins in quantity and quality of games. The amount of imports is phenomenal.

I also donno where you're getting the idea that there aren't many games in the works for DS. There are many on the horizon.

[Octorok]

I think a good argument I heard for the PSP from someone I briefly knew who was always on tour and spent most of his time on a bus, traveling from city to city.

If you think about it, it's basically much cheaper alternative to a laptop in serving those purposes, what with watching movies, listening to music, and games, not to mention the convenience of being able to store it in your bag instead of lugging a carrying case around.
And for those of you into the sort of thing, the PSP can also play emulators from a memory stick.

I've only played one or two PSP games, but my impression is that they're briefly entertaining and will allow you to kill a lot of time, but they've got no substance to them.

So I guess the PSP's not such a bad deal if you're willing to invest that much (i.e. buying UMD instead of DVD movies, using the PSP instead of buying an mp3 player, etc.)


But purely for gaming purposes, the DS offers a much more unique variety while also having the ability to play GBA games; which gives a feeling of ultramodern while still offering classic.

So really, I think it all depends on how you use them.

[Mondt]

However, the games are about 30-40 dollars anyway, and it's not likely that one would want to buy that many games at once anyway.Well, I wasn't sure, so I put out what I thought it was. I'm suprprised it's still at $30-35. 360 games are $60 =( Anyone want to donate to the "Get Dylan The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Kingdom Hearts 2" fund?

[Zeldias]

I figure it depends on what you want to do.

The DS seems like an honest gaming machine, while the PSP feels something like, if it could talk, it would say "Yeah, games? Uh, I can do that shit too. Check out these MOVIES MAN!"

If you want a media center that can play games, get the PSP. If you want eccentric games and already own a GBA, I'd say get the DS.

Of course, if you don't have a CD player but have that cassette player converter thing, you can use the PSP as a bootleg music player in your car. Or with a big enough memory stick, it can act as a bootleg iPod, along with storing pictures on there AND being able to run movies off of it. And if you have the will, there's the homebrew stuff to play roms and emulators on there.

Also, I've heard tell that the PSP is gonna upgrade it's wireless internet stuff AND begin selling downloads for a PS emulator they're gonna make for it. Meaning it's possible to play Valkyrie Profile on the move if they release it for download. And if they do that, then dammit, I'm gonna own a PSP again.

I guess the best way to put it would be to say that if you wanna play games that are neat and out of the norm, get a DS. If you wanna be able to do a bunch of other crap as well as play games, get a PSP.

Oh, and before I forget, the PSP doesn't have region restrictions. Meaning if you understand Japanese, you can order a PSP game from Japan and play it on your American PSP. I had a PSP but sold it due to lack of interest, but it's looking like it might be worthwhile to invest into.

It's a toss-up. If they do the PS emulator thing, then I'd say PSP. If not, then DS.

Or!

DSP. >_>

[ZAKtheGeek]

DS is region-free also.

And the UMD movies, like it's probably been mentioned, are dying.

Also, you'd probably be better off with a video ipod if you go the whole "huge memory stick" route. If you care about playing mp3's, you already probably have an ipod of some sort, or a non-overpriced mp3 player.

[Art of Hilt]

I actually wrote an essay about this for school.

Mind you, it's still in draft form, but it'll serve its purpose in this thread!

Essay Draft
PSP and DS

In the video game industry, there are two types of gaming systems to be made. Home Console or a Hand-held System. While almost all three of the major gaming companies (Nintendo, Sony and, recently, Microsoft) have their own successful Home Consoles, the only one who sold successful handheld systems was always Nintendo and Gameboy (it should be noted that there have been many other attempts by other gaming companies to create their own handheld system, such as Nokia with their N-Gage, but they all failed due to bad battery, being over-priced, or just very bad games in general). However, two years a go, Sony decided to join the race with their PSP- Play Station Portable- around the same time Nintendo released their Nintendo DS- Dual Screen. However, while these two handhelds fight for better games and better sales, the question is this: which is better?
First of all, let us look at the battery life; an important factor with handhelds. As handheld systems are generally played in places without electrical outlets- such as a car- it is important for the system to have a long battery life. Both the PSP and the DS require to be recharged at electrical outlets as opposed to having the battery replaced (as was done with earlier Gameboys), so when the battery runs out, they would need to have electricity and the right plug. This, while it helps the consumer by eliminating the tedious process of buying new batteries, can be very inconvenient. However, the question now is not, “How convenient is it?” but rather, “How long does it last?” The answer, therefore, is this: the Sony PSP uses around four to five hours of battery life. The Nintendo DS, however, uses around eight to ten hours. Therefore, the Nintendo DS is clearly superior in this category.
Second of all is the design of these two systems. These create a wider gap of difference in the systems. The DS is made with practicality in mind: it is made in a ‘clam-shell’, which opens and closes to your heart’s desires. Upon opening it, two halves show themselves. The top one contains a solitary screen to look at. The bottom one contains yet a second screen (to be described in further detail later), and to its left there is a D-pad (aka the “Up”, “Down”, “Left” and “Right” buttons). There is also an “On” button on top of the D-pad. To the right of the screen are four buttons labeled “A”, “B”, “X” and “Y”. Two ‘shoulder pads’ are located at the ‘shoulders’ of the DS. It is important to note that the DS is a very strong system, in terms of being able to absorb much physical damage due to its casing and design. It is also a very simple machine, and not made to be ‘shown-off’ in terms of how ‘cool’ it looks. The PSP, on the other hand, is different mostly because of the one, large screen plastered over the majority of the handheld. To the right of it are four buttons labeled with an “X”, a square, a triangle, and a circle. To the left of the screen is a D-pad of its own, and an ‘analog stick’. Analog sticks are like joypads- however, in this case, it is a bad move. It’s a sliding joystick that is very much out of place, and can be easily broken off the PSP. Furthermore, the screen is very likely to collect much, much dust. However, the PSP boasts a sleek, futuristic look which is very appealing.
The third thing that we shall look into is the features; specifically, what does each handheld cater to the consumer? This is where everything becomes different. Both of the systems are unique to each other. The Nintendo DS features two screens, being true to its name. One screen, the top one, is normal and does nothing special. However, it is the second screen that has one of the DS’ many innovations. It is a touch screen, to be used with the stylus that comes with the DS. The touch screen and stylus are one of the many ways for game makers to create innovative, fresh, and fun games (Kirby: Canvas Curse is played primarily with the stylus, as you ‘draw’ a path for the title character to travel on). The DS also has a speaker in which to talk in, so one could literally talk to their characters in certain videogames (Nintendogs is a game that uses many of the DS’ features, but the speaker plays an important part: you could name your dog through the speaker, give it commands, and call your dog with the voice recognition system). Another feature is its wireless play; you can instantly play with any other person with a DS in your area (the DS comes with a built-in game called Pictochat which utilizes this feature. One can instantly chat with anyone in their area who has a DS without much preparation). The final feature the DS has in its possession is the Wi-fi connection. Provided that one has wireless internet in their home and the right game, you could play with anyone instantly around the world (Mario Kart uses this feature, so that one may race with anyone around the globe). The PSP has features as well; however, they have little to do with the games themselves. It has photo storage, the ability to play movies (as long as they’re in the UMD format), an MP3 music player, and internet connection. It also has crisp, high-quality graphics. The photo storage is a nice feature in case one is ever bored and feels like showing pictures of their wife and eight kids to the random stranger next to you on the bus ride to Dakota and doesn’t possess a wallet. The MP3 system is startlingly limited. The movies, while eating up more battery than the games, shows how advanced the technology of the PSP is (it should be important to note, however, that the movies themselves are aimed at the type of audience they are trying to sell it to- the mainstream audience. Whether this is a pro or a con is up to the reader). The internet connection is a mystery to me, personally, even though I own a PSP- however, if one buys a USB connection cord, they could connect the PSP into a computer and download things into it. If one runs out of space, they could buy a new Memory Stick. The problem with most of these features is that it is required of the customer to buy several separate things- such as the USB cord- to gain access to them, and buy Memory Sticks to support it. However, the Memory Stick can carry a large amount of memory, but it still makes the PSP a tad bit more expensive compared to the DS.
Finally, the games. The one thing that either makes or breaks any gaming systems. This is the reason why systems ascend into the memories of future gamers, or become thrown away into the obscurities of time. So far, however, the DS has an upper hand. According to IGN (“http://psp.ign.com/articles/536/536716p6.html”), “The current list of Nintendo DS games are heavily weighted on the Japanese side of the scale, with a comparative few games coming from Western developers. Not that there's anything wrong with that; Nintendo's backing is the reason to get the system, with several familiar franchises in development, including Mario, Wario, and Animal Crossing, which will hopefully ship close to the debut of the DS' launch date. Other companies, like Konami and Capcom, have announced heavy-hitters as well, including Castlevania and Viewtiful Joe respectively.” Also, what they say about the PSP is that “Sony's line-up appears to have much more global support already, the company either more aggressively securing games or publishers jumping on expecting big things out of Sony. The strength will come out of the third-parties, both Japanese and western, with companies like EA announcing more than a dozen games by next year. Sony and its 989 Studios can also pick up a market that Nintendo's missed out on with the Game Boy: sports.” Those are the kinds of games that the DS and the PSP have, but it says nothing of their quality. It has to be said, however, that the variety of games on the DS are much broader. The PSP primarily host a large number of sports and shooter games (it has to be said, though, that there is the occasional excellently original game. Lumines is a wonderful puzzle game, and Tales of Eternia is a gem among the very meager supply of Role-Playing Games on the PSP. Third party producers Konami and Capcom are to supply some very good classics for the PSP as well). However, the DS provides an incredibly wide variety of original and fun games. For example, previously mentioned games use the DS’ features to great use. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney puts the gamer in the shoes of an attorney of law, something very rarely seen in video games. Trauma Center: Under the Knife also puts gamers in a delicate job as a surgeon, using the stylus to tend the sick. Advance Wars: Dual Strike turns one into an officer of war, with two ways to look at the battlegrounds (basically, by looking at the two screens). There are more games, as well.
The conclusion, however, must be made. While it is true that they are both very different systems, we want to compare them as game systems as opposed to multi-media gadgets. The PSP is a multi-media gadget, and as such their focus is not so much on their games- which, regretfully, are very average. The DS, however, is superior due to the breadth and depth of their own games. The PSP, though, will continue to improve as their Third-Party game makers- such as Konami and Capcom- continue to support it. At the moment, though, the DS is the unsteady victor.

(I might have made some inaccuracies...)

[Big J.]

I REALLY say DS is better. PSP is just a miny PS2 and your basically rebuying old games. DS is origional and less expensive. And also, ya gotta love their slogan! "Touching is good"

[FunkyBlackMage]

PSP because you can put 8-Bit Theater on it. ;)

[Mirai Gen]

I'd put my money on the DS. It's a tough choice, considering the PSP is a laptop and the DS has, well, Nintendo...but just look at the games themselves.

With Nintendo's game console come Nintendo games, which (in short) kick alot of ass. Just do a quick Game-Rankings (http://www.gamerankings.com/) search through DS and PSP and you'll see pretty good games on both sides, but just a plethora of kickassery on the DS side.

Just stating it like it is.

[Jagos]

If you love Earthbound, Advance Wars, or Castlevania in anyway, DS is the way to go. (Various franchises)

Games that come out on other systems but are changed around for the smaller screen go to the PSP mostly. (Rehashed franchises)

Yeah, the PSP plays movies.

I like Earthbound. So you know where my bias lies.

[MFok]

mmm.. I havn't checked the PSP lately, but last time i checked, with all the bundles and games and accessories you need to buy, you could afford a Xbox360 Core.

Aside from that, I've only really thought of the PSP as a portable PS2.

If you want real gaming, get the DS, if you want a portable everything-center, get the PSP.

[EVILNess]

The PSP and the DS?

Thats a tough choice...

On the one hand, the PSP is rereleasing some of my favorite games ever, such as Breath of Fire 3, Valkirie Profile, Tales of Eternia (Destiny 2), and Suikoden 1+2 (ON ONE DISK!). Plus they have the UMD disks, even if they are dying, and the ability to be hacked into playing Emus.

On the other hand, the DS has all kinds of unique gameplay and WiFi. Animal Crossing, Mario Cart, and the Final Fantasy 3 Remake all make a good case for the DS. Did I mention the WiFi? Other games of note are of course Nintendogs, Xenosaga I + II, Children of Mana, Mario and Luigi 2, Age of Empires Age of Kings, and that LoZ game that was just announced.

Both have potenial, but the big N has the experience. Plus I like the line up better.

[The Wandering God]

Here is a video review for the DS Lite from YouTube.

Part 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xp7Be1qsblI&search=ds%20review) and Part 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=eC-3HoPOD9I&search=ds%20review).

Now I'M convinced.

The Wandering God

[ZAKtheGeek]

Note that, when held directly up to the camera and held at a normal angle, there's little difference between the brightness of the two (four) screens.

[synkr0nized]

To the essay writer -- you may want to get more sources. Sources are a better means to make an argument. This is especially true when you make claims like you have here. I'm not arguing against you -- I'm just saying that stating what many people like yourself may know without attributing it to a source (official product sheets, market reviews from known publications, press releases) is essentially the same as saying whatever you want and only letting your own reputation support it. It's not "convincing," if you catch what I am intending to mean.

To the original poster -- It looks like a few different ideas have been proposed. I don't know a whole lot of the games for either system, but maybe some of this information will shed some light upon your original query (action games)? If not, well, start poking around review sites or stores to see for yourself what games are available for each system.

Ultimately, you're the one who has to enjoy it so as to not make it a wasted effort; the opinions here are just advice and suggestions.

[Art of Hilt]

To the essay writer -- you may want to get more sources. Sources are a better means to make an argument. This is especially true when you make claims like you have here. I'm not arguing against you -- I'm just saying that stating what many people like yourself may know without attributing it to a source (official product sheets, market reviews from known publications, press releases) is essentially the same as saying whatever you want and only letting your own reputation support it. It's not "convincing," if you catch what I am intending to mean.


Ah. Good advice.

...

Now all I have to do is hope that the English teacher doesn't notice that yet during her marking that she is probably doing right about now. <_<

[Esquire]

She will. You're screwed. Suicide is painless.

[synkr0nized]

Thanks, Captain Pierce.
Shall we ship you back to Korea?

[Esquire]

I've got friends who are deplying there in two weeks. Don't knock what you aren't part of.

[Lord Jon Snow]

Easy choise, the PSP:)

[supremehyren]

Yes, the quality of the DS games far exceed those of the PSP. Also, if you get one, try to get a copy of Jump Superstars, which is an AMAZING fighting game.