E3: Nintendo DS vs. Game Gear
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HEAD TO FUCKING HEAD
Iwata, the president of Nintendo, said that the days where better graphics power alone were a significant advancement in video games were over.
He is right.
That being said both the PSP and the DS have significantly more graphics power than the GBA. The PSP does beat the DS in this category, but that will not be the deciding factor in the systems popularity.
Below is listed the attributes that I feel will be important in the race between these two systems, and some of the things I don't. You make the call.
Head to head comparison:
Item 1: Durability
Believe it or not this is THE most important factor in portable gaming. It is one thing to have a console that doesn't leave the table, it is quite another to have one that you risk dropping it every time you play it.
DS: Solid state media. In other words, cartridges. Clamshell design that protects both screens and most of the buttons. Did I mention SOLID STATE MEDIA? Oh yeah, it's right there at the beginning.
PSP: Optical Disc. This means that the entire function of the machine is dependant on the alignment of ONE laser. When playing the screen will be exposed on both systems, but with the PSP you better not lose that case.
Winner? NINTENDO DS.
The entire Game Boy line has had rock solid durability records. The PSP might break over time with mere use and transport because of that laser.
Item 2: Battery Life
This is a close second to durability, and is much more important in the early sales period. While no one wants a lemon, it usually takes a month or so to learn if something is.
DS: 10 hours per charge
PSP: 2.5 hours per charge for video or games.
Winner? NINTENDO DS by a landslide.
You forgot to charge your PSP before your trip? That's a very expensive paperweight. 10 hours of playtime is at least a full day for any but the most hardcore of gamers, and even they would rarely use more than that in an average day. 2.5 hours is not long enough to play some movies that Sony might sell.
Item 3: Time of release
I thought this would be less of an important factor until the PS2 release. I thought that price would eventually be more important. Not the case.
DS: late 2004 in Japan and the US
PSP: late 2004 in Japan, Q1 2005 in the US
Winner? NINTENDO DS
The DS will release about 4 months ahead of the PSP in the US, and puts the US on the same priority as Japan for the first time. This will improve PR immensely in the states. The PSP on the other hand... expect one further delay. They have recently changed hardware because 8MB RAM wasn't enough, Sony is RUSHING.
Item 4: Price
Self-explanatory why this would be important.
DS: projected $150, and only game purchase necessary to play.
PSP: projected $250, will need to buy a memory stick (roughly $25-$75 depending on size), and will more than likely need an additional battery pack (I estimate $75), then the game purchase. So about $350 ready for game.\
Winner? NINTENDO DS
It isn't close. PSP will likely cost twice as much or more to buy the machine and make it playable.
Item 5: Coolness
Apparently some people are to hip to be seen using certain things. I think it is a bunch of crap, but enough people consider every device they carry around a fashion accessory to make this important.
DS: Will look a lot cooler than the original GBA, but Nintendo has a reputation of "Children's games" whether it is deserved or not.
PSP: To gamers, Sony is the Sultan of Cool. That won't change in the near future.
Winner? PSP
Sony cares about image much more than Nintendo does even now. Sony will win some users for that.
Item 6: Versatility
What can this thing do?
DS: Two screens with one touch sensitive that can be used in tandem with the digital joystick. 6 traditional buttons. Wi-Fi and Proprietary Short distance wireless. Supports up to 16 multiplayer with the local wireless connection. Plays DS, GBA, and GB games, and game info can be given to a DS without the game inserted if the developer chooses to do so. Has a microphone input.
PSP: Compatibility with UMD (that little disc thing) only so far. Can connect to TV to play movies. Has only one screen that is larger than either DS screen (but not both combined). Digital and analog joysticks, not usable in tandem. 6 traditional buttons. Can play music, and can connect to computer. Believed that Wi-Fi and infrared connection will accompany launch.
Winner? NINTENDO DS
Nintendo has the only system that will allow 2 methods of motion at the same time. This alone will win it. It is likely that the PSP will have roughly the same wireless, but that remains to be seen. PSP will be able to play music and movies, but that can be implemented if necessary. DS has so much more potential as a gaming system.
Item 7: Developer Support
Who will be making the games?
DS: "100 Developers" (this includes Nintendo, of course)
PSP: "99 Developers" (this includes Sony, of course)
Winner? NINTENDO DS
The one more claimed developer is not important, third-party support appears strong for both. The DS has Nintendo. That is what wins. Not only is Nintendo one of the most prolific developers, it is also simply the best. Sony makes very few good in-house games. Edge to Nintendo for having the good fortune of being themselves.
Item 8: Graphics Power
It will matter to some how many polygons can be rendered at once, even if you can't see them all.
DS: "Better than N64"
PSP: "Slightly less than PS2"
Winner? Probably PSP
No one has given exact specs in this area. Nintendo doesn't think it matters. Sony I think doesn't know yet and they were burned by the PS2 shipping at less than they claimed it would. Still it is generally thought that the PSP will have better graphics, but it is unclear how much better, because there is no actual game software at E3.
Item 9: Reputation
Will you support the investment I make?
DS: Nintendo has fully supported every console they've ever made, except the Virtual Boy which I consider more of a concept piece than a full fledged console. You are guaranteed quality games from Nintendo at the very least, even if the system isn't an immediate success. Since the SNES all of Nintendo's home consoles have sold less than the competition.
PSP: This company is used to leading the market it's in. It is unclear how it would handle itself if it isn't the leader.
Winner? NINTENDO DS
Nintendo has the best support reputation in the business. Sony is not necessarily worse, but the question can't be answered.
CONCLUSION, BITCH!
Look at the comparison. The DS wins almost every one. I didn't talk about the release titles, because no one knows what they will be. But barring the worst launch titles in history, the DS will murder the PSP.
End of fucking story. BITE IT, SONY! SUCK MY ASS
Copyright 2002-2004 by Joe Maywalt