Help! Trying to decide between PSP and DS Lite.

[Dazed]

Need some help here. Looking to buy a handheld game system and am torn between the psp and the DS (Im willing to wait for the lite version).

Ive seen Mario being released on the DS but love lemmings which is on the psp lol. Does anyone have both and can provide me with pro and cons of each ?

Thanks

[Setzer]

If you want an all-in-one device to watch movies, play games and listen to music then get a PSP. If you're just in it for gaming then get a DS.

In my opinion, the selection of quality of games is better for the DS than the PSP but it's all about what types of games you're into. I know the PSP's game library is starting to get better but it pales in comparison to that of the DS.

[darkside]

I have both and the DS is used 80% of the time for gaming compared to about 20% for the PSP. However, I use the PSP daily for its multimedia features. I watch videos on it all the time and love that I can directly download podcasts to it with the RSS feature.

If you want to talk purely gaming though the DS slaughters the PSP. Its not even close enough to talk about. If I could only have one it would be the DS.

I would wait for the DS Lite though and get those amazing new screens.

[Mikael79]

I bought a DS, after debating for a while on whether to get it or a PSP. Being that I already have an iPod video, I've never once regretted my decision to get the DS.

I just bought two new games for it today, and there are a lot of great upcoming titles coming up. The PSP library is getting better, but I'll wait until a few price-drops until I get one.

[PalmerJoss]

I've had my PSP since launch day last year and haven't played it nearly as much as I thought I would. There are a couple good games for the system(GTA, Syphon Filter, Daxter, Lumines) but the selection of games for the DS is much, much better IMO. I personally can't wait to finally hold the DS Lite in my hands so I can see how much better the games look on those new screens.

[sracer]

Also keep in mind that there are cartridges for the DS that enable it to play media... display photos, play mp3s, play videos. If I didn't pick up a Sansa e250, I would've waited for a DS Lite.

[spainlinx0]

I don't have the PSP therefore I won't comment on it, but I will say that I cannot believe how many hours of play I have logged on that damn DS. It just seem like game after game comes out that I have to try.

[lukewarmwater]

I had a psp and currently have a ds. The psp could be great but isn't. The games aren't very good and the few that are decent are just decent ports of the original games.
And on top of that if you buy a psp you have to then get a memory card and then get a game and probably the logitech case and you're looking at 300 plus. The ds is maybe 130 + 40 for a game.


I actually enjoy playing the ds. Metroid and New super mario brothers are fun and are games that can only be enjoyed on the ds. Brain age is pretty good too.


so imo wait for the ds lite.

[jediwicz]

I'll be buying a Lite and already own a DS and PSP. My own collection:

PSP - 3 games, 15 UMD movies
DS - 30 games

Willing to sell my PSP...

[ScandalUMD]

When the DS came out, I thought it was just a gimmick, and I got the PSP. I'm planning to get a DS as soon as the Lite comes out. Mario and Luigi, New SMB, Mario Kart, Metroid, and Advance Wars justify a purchase on their own, and the new Zelda coming out pretty much seals the deal for me.


I really love the PSP hardwarel, but the games so far have not done it justice. I've bought 5. Wipout, Burnout, Twisted Metal, GTA, and Lumines. Lumines gets the most play by far.

The media capabilities of the PSP are really neat, but, as implemented, they border on worthless. If the thing could rip a couple of DVDs in compressed form to its memory stick or a rewritable UMD, so I could use it to watch a movie on a plane, that would be really, really cool. But UMD movies packaged for sale are horrible. They cost as much as DVDs, and don't play on anything but the PSP. They should at least have kiosks in airports where you can rent these things.

[Dazed]

Sounds like DS Lite is the one to get so far. When I originally saw the DS when first released I thought it was a gimick too but have to hand it to nintendo for pulling it off.

In terms of the touch screen, do most games use it or hasnt it really caught on ?

[darkside]

Most games use the touch screen, but some like Mario Bros and Castlevania are more traditional and only make very light use of it. So far I have liked the balance. Some games like Advance Wars, Age of Empires and Animal Crossing give you the option of using it or just using the control pad and buttons.

[milo bloom]

My wife bought me a PSP for my birthday this time last year, and I hardly touched it. My wife has a DS and I have far more fun with it. We sold the PSP, and we'll pickup a DS Lite next month.

[bigsoos]

Don't ask this guy:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6405445518216376043
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=902109023681812200

[Decker]

I know I'm in the minority here. I love my PSP. I got a system to play console-style games on a portable system and I can do that with the PSP. Love playing Syphon Filter online. Enjoy causing 30 minutes of havoc in Liberty City. Amazed by the quality of Daxter.
I know that the DS is a wonderful system with some amazing first party games and may very well pick up a DS Lite eventually (if only for New SMB, it would be worth it to me), but now the system is big and clunky and the 3D graphics aren't very nice. Both systems have their stengths, but I'm really enjoying my PSP and am frequently baffelled by people who complain that there are no good games on the system.

[spainlinx0]

How is the battery life on the PSP by the way?

[Decker]

How is the battery life on the PSP by the way?
It depends on the game. Usually about 4-6 hrs, but some (like GTA:LC) just eat it up by streaming off the UMD all the time. I picked up a spare battery at BB for $8 recently and I'm glad to have it.

[darkside]

It depends on the game. Usually about 4-6 hrs, but some (like GTA:LC) just eat it up by streaming off the UMD all the time. I picked up a spare battery at BB for $8 recently and I'm glad to have it.
That thing comes in handy. I almost wish I had bought 2 of them while they were $8. I agree its not like the PSP has nothing to play. I love MLB06 and had a blast playing GTA. I also love the Loco Roco demo. Honestly, I love both systems but I have just found a lot more DS games I have enjoyed and the DS games are much more affordable.

[Decker]

Honestly, I love both systems but I have just found a lot more DS games I have enjoyed and the DS games are much more affordable.
Huh? A $35 game is much more affordable than a $40 one? :hscratch:

[Setzer]

Huh? A $35 game is much more affordable than a $40 one? :hscratch:

Yah, the cost of the games is not really an issue, they're both pretty close. It's just the DS library has a better selection of games than the PSP does - at least right now. Who knows, that may change in the next couple years. Doubt it.

[spainlinx0]

Not all DS games are 35. A few of the more quirky ones are starting to retail at 20. And I also see a lot starting out at 30.

[GreenMonkey]

I know I'm in the minority here. I love my PSP. I got a system to play console-style games on a portable system and I can do that with the PSP. Love playing Syphon Filter online. Enjoy causing 30 minutes of havoc in Liberty City. Amazed by the quality of Daxter.
I know that the DS is a wonderful system with some amazing first party games and may very well pick up a DS Lite eventually (if only for New SMB, it would be worth it to me), but now the system is big and clunky and the 3D graphics aren't very nice. Both systems have their stengths, but I'm really enjoying my PSP and am frequently baffelled by people who complain that there are no good games on the system.

A DS is big and clunky but a PSP isn't? :scratch2:

http://arstechnica.com/images/psp/ds-psp-3.jpg

I own like 10+ consoles, so I'm kind of brand agnostic. It's all about the games.

The DS game selection pretty much owns the PSP lineup at this point. I'm still waiting for good enough games to get a PSP. There's maybe 2-3 PSP games that I want to play...Valykrie Profile is drool-worthy. Where the hell is FF7, or FF9, for the PSP?

With the DS, it's dripping with unique and original games. Phoenix Wright. Kirby Canvas Curse. Trauma Center. etc.

And its re-treads are awfully good. Mario Kart DS, Castlevania DoS, New Super Mario Bros, etc.

[lordwow]

I pre-ordered a DS lite myself. I've been out of the handheld games since... hmm... well the last game I got was Tetris on the huge grey GameBoy... hah.

[darkside]

Huh? A $35 game is much more affordable than a $40 one? :hscratch:
I've paid under $30 for most every DS title and many of the PSP games I have wanted are $49.99. I conder that a pretty steep price difference. It also seems like DS games are frequently on sale, but the PSP titles I want rarely are.
Again, if a game is good price is not of 100% importantance, but the fact is the PSP has a lot of $49.99 titles.

[Jtnguyen12]

I has DS b4 and i loved it but i sold my ds and waiting for DS LITE coming out in June 11. Also, i already get New Super Mario Bros. under $25 (still new and seal) and Brain Ages.

I plan pickup Brain Ages Academy on June 5 then pickup DS Lite on June 11 and play it on my day off (monday & Tuesday) ;)

[Josh H]

DS by far IMO. It has a great game library already (especially when you factor in GBA games) and a ton more killer games coming out this year.

The PSP has some good games, but they're mostly just ports/spinoffs of PS2 games which doesn't appeal to me. I want my portable system to offer me some type of gaming I can't get on the consoles, otherwise I'd just play my consoles.

[Chris_D]

I don't think the PSP is worth considering. Once you go touch screen you won't want to go back. So I'd buy a DS-lite for games, and maybe a pocket pc, ipod, or mobile phone for other functions. The cost of memory for the PSP, the large size, and the low battery life makes it a pretty daft choice as a media player, and the games aren't particularly worthwhile..

[Blitz6Speed]

Whats the battery life on a DS and what are the main differences from the DS and the DS Lite? I hear the screens are different?

[Chris_D]

The DS lite is 30% lighter, and the screens are brighter. I think there are 3 brightness settings or something, although someone might correct me. You can also see size comparison photos online, the lite is a bit smaller in size. The power button has been shifted to the side from the front where it was very easy to press by mistake.

For the DS I think battery life varies between 6-10 hours depending on the game(s). PSP is about 1.5-5 hrs depending on whether you're watching movies or games. Although I gather movies off the memory stick are less power hungry than UMD movies.

[darkside]

The PSP battery life isn't that bad. Its 6 hours for most games and movies off the memory stick, 3 hours for UMD movies and 10 hours for music. Batteries are also easy to change on the go so you can easily double that by bringing a battery along. I agree its not as small as an iPod, but I think the screen on the iPod is too small (not to mention the awful 2 hours of battery life for video) and for the screen size of the PSP I think its a pretty nice size for a portable movie player. Portable DVD players are just way too big to really be portable to me.

I would never even consider an iPod video for portable movies when the PSP and a 2GB memory stick (which can hold 5-6 hours of video) is cheaper, has three times the battery life, a much bigger and better looking screen and the ability to connect to the internet directly to download podcasts and of course the game and UMD movie features.

I will give the title to the DS for best game system, but the PSP is the best all around portable media system on the market.

[NZ_DVD_Freak]

I have a PSP but no other consoles. For me the games are great. I recently bought Daxter, Fifa 06, and Me And My Katamari. All three have been addictive and great fun. Perhaps I have liked them so much because I have never played their console cousins (ie versions on the PS2 and Xbox). I think the PSP graphics are fantastic (especially Daxter). GTA: Liberty City Stores is another game which I have really enjoyed, again I think the fact that I have no other console to play a GTA game probably helps. I'm also looking forward to grabbing Syphon Filter, Socom, and Field Commander. I think the PSP game library is quite underrated. Theres a lot of good games out for it now.

The DS looks interesting. Mario looks really good and I hear good things about some other titles. But for me I think the PSP has been a great choice.

[aliciaelena]

In my opinion, I would recommend both systems because I own them both and love them both for having the different features that they offer. This is however, an expensive hobby and if you cannot purchase both at this time I would definitely recommend the DS Lite for the following reasons: the variety of quality games available for it far outweigh those available for the PSP ( also note all the new games announced for the system, Zelda, for example). The DS is a much user friendlier system and I must add less prone to breaking if you accidentaly drop it. If you drop your expensive PSP, it may not survive the fall. I play my DS everyday, but my PSP I only use about once a week. I tend to agree with some of the posters on this board who feel it is most about the games. Yes, the PSP screen is awesome, but the new DS Lite screens will definitely warrant my upgrade to a DS Lite.
You will not regret the purchase of a DS Lite, the games are fun, innovative and it offers a better value for your money.

[Dazed]

Yep, Think I will definetely get the DS Lite. I do like the look of the PSP but relized I can play most of those games on my PS2 (Which I dont use much at all). The DS seems to have a far wider range of titles and far more unique too.

One question though. How do you save games on the DS ? It doesnt seem to have a memory slot so does each game cartridge store the saved games or does it have internal memory?

Thanks

[pinata242]

You save to the game cartridge.

[jediwicz]

Each game has it's own internal memory. There's even some built into the DS. It's how 2-16 people can play a game off of a single DS cart. You can even go to Target, Best Buy, EBGames/Gamestop and download trailers and demos to your DS and keep them as long as the system is on. When you close the system without turning it off it goes into "sleep mode", and you can instantly jump back into a game just by opening your system. Sleep mode won't drain your battery to badly since the system is practically shut down.

There's also a Tag Mode that's built into certain games that will allow you to interact with other DS users while you system is closed and in your pocket (Animal Crossing, Metroid Prime Hunters, Nintendogs). The thing with this mode is it drains the F out of your battery liFe because the built in wireless is always searching for other DS users.

I'm not ragging my PSP but I think the only game I have tried multiplayer on was Twisted Metal. With my DS, it's all of them.

[Lee Harvey Oswald]

Are Gameboy games compatable with the DS (or DS Lite)?

I've been trying to decide which to go with also. I think I'm going to go with the DS. Since there is a back catalog of games that are pretty cheap. I prefer "old school" platform games which DS seems to have quite a bit of.

I also like sports games, so I may pick up a PSP at the end of the year if the new wave of sports games get good ratings.

Does anyone know if the Call of Duty games will be released on the PSP?

[pinata242]

DS compatibility only extends to the GBA. You won't be able to play GB or GBC games on it :( They got rid of that processor for the DS hardware. You'll still need an SP or Micro for that. Unless the mystery flap on the Wii supports it -pray-

[spainlinx0]

As someone mentioned above I have to say the DS is a sturdy piece of equipment. I have dropped it from 3 feet at least 5 times (don't ask how that happens) and I have seen no effect on the system whatsoever.

[Michael Corvin]

Ive seen Mario being released on the DS but love lemmings which is on the psp lol.

:lol: Another Lemmings fan. I would love to get a PSP to play lemmings, but $240 is a bit much for one game.

I picked up New Mario last week and am eagerly awaiting the DSlite to arrive. I just wish Lemmings would hit a console other than Sony. :( A Lemmings 360 Arcade Game would kick all kinds of ass.

[Chris_D]

Lemmings with touch screen support on the DS would have made a lot more sense IMO. It's not likely to be a game that pushes the PSP hardware either.

[Dazed]

yes, touch screen lemmings would be amazing. it just seems it would be hard to control just by using the dpad

[DJ_Longfellow]

Yeah, I rented Lemmings for the PSP recently....I enjoyed it, nothing great, it's Lemmings, so most will like it.

There are some GOOD games for the PSP, I never played a DS, but was tempted to get one, until I realized I'm not a handheld gamer. I only play it on trips, and sometimes use the media features at work for music and movies :)

The PSP makes you go WOW for sure...but games are what most look at. Loco Roco is innovative at least.

[Jtnguyen12]

DS LITE is ROCK and i can't wait to get in on June 11. My local Target has it in the backroom but they won't sell it early. Also, i did bought New Mario Bros. and waiting for DS LITE :(

[slop101]

The problem with developing games for the PSP is that they can cost just as much to make as any PS2 or Xbox game. So why should they sink so much time and money into development for an original game, when they can sell a ton more if they made it for the PS2/Xbox and then cheaply port it over instead?

[MWB]

Just in case anyone's still on the "DS vs. DS Lite" fence:

Comparison video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OKXnvIk2H4)

(Which side of the fence are you on now?)

:)