PSP or Nintendo DS?

[Blade]

Hey all,

Lately, I have been thinking of getting a handheld console. There are a few reasons I would like to get one: portability, ability to play while the Wife steals the TV, that kind of stuff.

I did some searches here, but I can't find much in the way of PSP versus Nintendo DS. Does anyone have both, and can make some comparisons?

I am mainly interested in playing strategy, RPG, and single player sports games...

Thoughts?

Thanks all!

[terpkristin]

DS hands down. From somewhere else I posted it (a Hattrick federation conference):

I have a GBA, DS, and PSP.

Of the three, I play the DS the most (by far). The DS plays GBA games in addition to DS games, so the only time I play the GBA is when I need to do something to communicate between 2 GBA games. It's unfortunate, but though the DS is a sweet little machine, you can't use it to talk to a GBA either via link or the local wireless linkup, so when I'm playing a GBA game and want to play head-to-head with someone or want to make 2 GBA game cartridges talk to eachother, I have to use the good old GBA. That happens maybe once a month maybe and is really more of a nerd thing than anything else. 99% of my GBA game playing is done on the DS.

I have a PSP that I haven't touched in...months, I think. The concept behind the system is really good, but it's pretty poorly implemented. The games that they have for it are either pared down versions of PSOne and PS2 games or are sports titles. Nothing's really wrong with sports games, but I find I like to play a lot of other types of games, too. The chief complaints against the PSP are the game selection, the stupid Sony Memory Stick format, how much of a pain it is to use the PSP for music and movies/videos (granted, I have an iPod and Pocket PC for that, so I don't even pretend to know much about using the PSP for anything other than gaming), and the loading times for the games (which are pretty bad in some games). That said, for sports games, it's the best handheld system, easily.

As I said, the DS is the unit I play most often. I love the selection of games for it (from the classic Nintendo games like Mario and Castlevania) to the fun RPGs (the Mana games, some of the Final Fantasy games--though the only FF game specifically for the DS is awful, IMO), to the quirky games that Nintendo is really pushing with the DS (like Animal Crossing: Wild World, Brain Age, Phoenix Wright, Nintendogs, Big Brain Academy).

All of the systems are pretty durable, though the PSP is the one that's "least" durable (which is why I bought a $20 case for it that virtually allows you to accidentally step on it and keep it safe). I do recommend getting a screen protector for the DS if you get one, as it extends the life of the touchscreen. And, as I've said, I enjoy the games for the DS infinitely more than the PSP games, especially in terms of variety and addictiveness.

If it were me making the decision knowing what I know, I'd get my kid a DS (and get one for myself if I didn't have one). There are some 2 player games that can be played with only one cartridge when the players are close to eachother that would probably be fun to play with my kid. As for first games for the youngin', I'd definitely get Animal Crossing, maybe Big Brain Academy (never played it, personally, but I hear good things), maybe Clubhouse Games, maybe Nintendogs (if it's your thing) and probably Mario. Games an adult might find fun include all of the above, the Castlevania games, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. PW is kind of quirky but I found it quite enjoyable to play.

I continued..
You can play GBA games on the DS out of the box, no accessory needed. There are 2 cartridge slots on the DS, one for the GBA games (which are little rectangular things, maybe 3/4" by 1.5" or so-ish), and one for the DS games (which look a lot like SD cards).

I can only really vouch for games I have and/or have played, but this is the rundown of what I have and if I'd recommend it or not:

Mario Hoops 3-On-3: A basketball game with the characters from Mario's world. For me, the control scheme doesn't seem to work, so I've given up on this game (and plan on trading it in at some point at EB Games or whatever).

Lego Star Wars II: Not a bad game, very similar to the game on the other consoles. I happen to have it because I wanted a handheld version, but I've finished it and will be trading it in soon.

Mario Kart DS: A FANTASTIC racing game featuring the characters from Mario's life. This can be played 1 player, or up to 4 players I think over wireless internet (for example, I have played against sterlingice because out of the box, the DS has wifi capabilities).

Animal Crossing: Wild World: A cute game. It's kind of like The Sims, but in a Nintendo way. The emphasis of the game isn't as much on the interactions as it is on collecting the items in the game by interacting with things. It has an online "mode" if you will where you can visit your friend's towns and they can visit yours (again, SI and I have done this before...actually we did it last night)

Brain Age: An interesting game to "develop your brain" or whatever. It's kind of fun, but I don't use it as a way to "train my brain." I believe there is an online mode where you can go head-to-head on some of the brain building activities. Big Brain Academy is sort of similar along these lines, but I think is aimed at the younger audience.

Final Fantasy III: I am a huge Final Fantasy fan, but this game has been a let-down so far. I've only had it for a week or so now, but right now I'm a bit frustrated with it (I can go into more details if you want).

New Super Mario Brothers: A fun game in traditional Mario fashion. The saving in the game is a little asinine, but otherwise, it's a fun classic game.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: A more "adult" game, you play as a defense lawyer and go through cases, collecting evidence and then finding contradictions in trials. It sounds weird and I guess the concept kind of is, but I got SUCKED into this game until I beat it about 2 weeks ago. There is a new one coming out (already out in Japan) called PW: Justice for All.

Clubhouse Games: A collection of a bunch of "game night" games. Many of the multiplayer games can be played online, too. It includes board games, card games, and other types of games (like bowling).

Contact: A quirky RPG-type game that's hot in Japan. I got it with some trade-in credit but haven't played it much yet.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow: It's Castlevania, what else do I need to say?? :)

Nintendogs: A cute game for a little while, though I got kind of tired of having to play daily (or multiple times a day) to walk my dog. It also made my cat jealous. ;)

Other games of note:
I want to get Tetris, but at $35, I'm not buying it yet. I used to be a Tetris addict, but 35 is too steep for that for me. On the GBA (and in first-second quarter 2007, the DS), the Pokemon games are actually pretty darn good. They're RPG's of sorts (SI can probably go into a lot more detail, but he got me hooked on them).

I think that's enough. I'm sure SI, if he sees this thread, will chime in (if not, ping him).

/tk

[Raiders Army]

I've been playing my PSP a lot more than my 360 lately. I'm not really sure why.

[rowech]

My wife has a DS and loves it. There are also enough fun games out there that I'll play as well. There seem to be some more games coming on the DS that will be up my alley even more. I got her the DS for Christmas after much debate between it and the PSP. For her, someone who doesn't want graphics, etc. and more fun type games, the DS was the right call.

Your graphics suffer a bit I think but the games do seem to be more fun.

[dawgfan]

Depends on what kinds of games you want to play on your handheld. Personally, I like the DS Lite a lot more - the kinds of games I feel work best on a small portable tend to be the kinds of games that are the bread and butter of the Nintendo catalog. Add in the fact that not only do you get the DS catalog but the GBA catalog as well, and not only do you get the more appropriate handheld games (IMO), but a lot more of them.

The games I've played the most on my DS are the Advance Wars series (1 of which is a DS game, the other 2 are GBA games). They are an addictive little turn-based war strategy game, and they come highly recommended. The same company that does these games also has a series of turn-based adventure games called Fire Emblem.

My advice would be to go to someplace like IGN.com and read up on the Editor's Choice game reviews for each system (make sure you include the GBA games when you're reviewing the DS) so you can figure out what kinds of good games are available for each system and which ones you think you'd be more interested in playing.

Around our office, most people have DS Lites rather than PSP's FWIW (and we're obviously all gamers, so...)

[Fidatelo]

I've hardly touched my PSP in almost a year, and the only game I'd be interested in picking up is the FM handheld game that I can't find anywhere.

[stevew]

DS has cheaper games, and a lot of them are ones that are similar to the games I loved when i was a kid. Since you're like 20ish, maybe you would like the extra wifi features of the PSP more though. Especially living on campus.

[stevew]

dola, wrong blade

[Emiliano]

I've had this doubt for about a month, and last week I finally chose and purchased a PSP. The selling point for me was the ability, other than playing games, to watch movies/videos, as I'll use it a lot when I'm on trip (train, plane, etc...). Also, as terpkristin said, if you're interested in sports games, you can't go wrong, I think. The biggest EA sports franchises are available (NCAA, Madden, Fight Night), and there are some good racing games too. With that said, I think the DS is a very good system (and cheaper), and I'll probably end up buying it in the future. :D

[Blade]

Thanks for the advice so far, all.

In looking for a handheld, I am not too concerned about listening to music, watching movies, and the like. I really just want to use it to game.

I have also been giving it some thought, and I am thinking more and more that I would like to get a handheld that could offer something more unique in the way of games. I love sports games, but I also have a PS2, so I don't need a PS2 or PS3 game that is simply ported over to the PSP, because if I really want to get it, I can get it for PS2.

So, I guess I am looking more for something that can occupy my time with strategy and RPGs, or maybe something that is unique and fun.

That said, it seems like the Nintendo DS is the way to go...but does anyone else have any other opinions they would like to share?

Thanks!

[Icy]

I'¡m in the same doubt too, but as I play sport games 90% of the time, i think i'll pick the PSP to play them while my wife watches TV (Spanish TV is really crap right now, all reallity shows, american idol etc). Emiliano buddy i need to ask you about it.

[Emiliano]

In looking for a handheld, I am not too concerned about listening to music, watching movies, and the like. I really just want to use it to game.

I have also been giving it some thought, and I am thinking more and more that I would like to get a handheld that could offer something more unique in the way of games. I love sports games, but I also have a PS2, so I don't need a PS2 or PS3 game that is simply ported over to the PSP, because if I really want to get it, I can get it for PS2.

So, I guess I am looking more for something that can occupy my time with strategy and RPGs, or maybe something that is unique and fun.

Very good point. If that's your thinking, go with the DS then. I would have bought a DS too but, believe it or not, I love to watch videos (movies, TV shows...) on handeld devices, and that was a big plus for the PSP.

[Cringer]

I am not looking ot get either one, but a guy next to me on the bus ride up here to dallas monday had one and was playing it almost the whole time. I was pretty impressed with the battery life on the thing.

[dixieflatline]

Sorry to come late to this discussion. I won a free PSP a little more than a year ago. I would agree with all the points about the DS being probably the better buy for the games but because of some mistakes in the firmware by $ony the PSP homebrew scene is riding high. You can check it out here hxxp://pspupdates.qj.net/ or other places. For those of you with a PSP collecting dust I'd highly recommend checking out all the homebrew stuff.

[Marc Vaughan]

I've hardly touched my PSP in almost a year, and the only game I'd be interested in picking up is the FM handheld game that I can't find anywhere.

You can purchase it online from all the usual suspects (ie. amazon, game etc.).

[Marc Vaughan]

As far as the war between the two consoles goes I'd say its really 50-50 ... I own both (surprise surprise ;) ) and use them both fairly sporadically depending circumstances (on the train commute I normally use my laptop, handheld gaming is normally tube journeys and/or plane travel for me).

Both the DS and PSP have some good games, a lot more of the PSP stuff is 'pure arcade' action style stuff (ie. racing titles etc.) but there are some strategy games available (ie. FM, various tactical battle games etc.) although imho it could do with more of these. The PSP is also very good for watching last nights TV on (I often use it as a 'catch up' by putting last nights Battlestar Galactica or whatever on a memory stick - there's a cool video recorder for PSP device available if you look on amazon, basically records straight to a PSP style memory card you plug in!).

The DS has a broader range of games (as you'd expect not least because its been out longer and has the GBA catalog as well) and some true gems in amongst them - I love the quirky nature of some of the DS titles and if you get one I'd recommend - Cooking Mama, Pheonix Wright and Trauma Center as must haves ...

(which one you get is really up to you both are great machines :D)

[Toddzilla]

Sorry to come late to this discussion. I won a free PSP a little more than a year ago. I would agree with all the points about the DS being probably the better buy for the games but because of some mistakes in the firmware by $ony the PSP homebrew scene is riding high. You can check it out here hxxp://pspupdates.qj.net/ or other places. For those of you with a PSP collecting dust I'd highly recommend checking out all the homebrew stuff.If I could ever figure out how to get a homebrew OS on my PSP that would allow me to load MAME so I could play Robotron, I'd be a happy man.

[terpkristin]

I concur with MV, they're both decent machines. When I play my PSP, it's either FM 2006 Handheld or Winning Eleven. I haven't played in awhile, as I said, as I've been sucked into a few DS games/series lately. I personally have no need for the tv/movie/music functions of the PSP so YMMV with that..

I would also extend what MV said and state that what the PSP really needs is a couple of fun games that aren't arcade-y. I think I heard that they're bringing a Castlevania to it which might be awesome, a few other platformers and strategy/RPG games would do wonders for the system. An original game wouldn't hurt, either. The other thing they could really improve upon is loading times. I think it's a shame, the device has SOOOO much potential, but it's been ignored since it came out and won the "early" handheld race (between the DS and the PSP, when the DS games sucked more than the PSP ones).

Just my fraction of a dollar...
/tk

[Fidatelo]

You can purchase it online from all the usual suspects (ie. amazon, game etc.).

What about Canadian suspects? I checked Amazon.ca, no dice. Same with BestBuy.ca and FutureShop.ca. The only place I've seen it is EBay and I'm worried I'll wind up with the PAL version.

[Hurst2112]

(again, SI and I have done this before...actually we did it last night)

that's money right there.

[Marc Vaughan]

What about Canadian suspects? I checked Amazon.ca, no dice. Same with BestBuy.ca and FutureShop.ca. The only place I've seen it is EBay and I'm worried I'll wind up with the PAL version.
PSP games are region free so any version will work on any PSP in case you weren't aware.

PS> gameplay.co.uk ship to Canada happily if you didn't know ...

[Marc Vaughan]

I would also extend what MV said and state that what the PSP really needs is a couple of fun games that aren't arcade-y. I think I heard that they're bringing a Castlevania to it which might be awesome, a few other platformers and strategy/RPG games would do wonders for the system. An original game wouldn't hurt, either. The other thing they could really improve upon is loading times
That depends a LOT on the game in question - for instance FMH hasn't got any loading times at all once the game has started because it doesn't utilise the UMD at all during play ... its normally the flashier 3D based games which are the worst offenders, but imho these have improved a lot since developers started gaining more experience on the platform.

[Blade]

Well, I think I am getting pretty sold on a DS, but it seems that the games I am very interested in are impossible to find...amazon.ca does not have them, Future Shop or Best Buy do not carry them, so I may have to resort to eBay...

Sucks that it seems the DS doesn't get a lot of love here, and they only carry limited titles in the big stores...

[dixieflatline]

If I could ever figure out how to get a homebrew OS on my PSP that would allow me to load MAME so I could play Robotron, I'd be a happy man.

Well actually MAME has already been ported and you can easily get it running on your PSP. First you need to know what firmware version you have. The "Magic" firmware for the PSP is 1.50. Most likely you have a firmware much higher than this so you will need to downgrade. If it is under 2.80 then you can use the downgrader mentioned here hxxp://pspupdates.qj.net/index.php?pg=49&aid=77101. If it is above that but below 3.03 then use the downgrader here hxxp://noobz.eu. Now that you are on firmware 1.50 you pretty much can run any homebrew on the planet. That is the good news.

The bad news is that you can't run any PSP games because all the games leverage things added in firmwares much higher. Enter custom firmware which is basically a combination of firmware 1.50 for your homebrew with the latest Sony firmware. Right now that is firmware 3.10 OE-A. You can get that here: hxxp://dl.qj.net/Dark_Alex-s-3.10-OE-A-custom-firmware-PSP/pg/12/fid/12536/catid/163
Now you are all set and ready to download MAME and use it. Download MAME here: hxxp://pspupdates.qj.net/MAME4ALL-PSP-v0-0-3-Unveiled/pg/49/aid/56762
I will admit that I have used this emulator only sparingly and it hasn't been updated in a while so you might not get the perfect results you get from the SNES, Genesis, PS1 emulation.

[Kodos]

I've been thinking of picking up a DS Lite recently. If they cost the same, I'd probably go for the PSP, but as it is, the PSP costs too much to justify.

[Crapshoot]

Yeah, I don't even use handheld's, but every time I hang out with my little brother, we go apeshit over Mario Kart DS. Just loads of fun, you know?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I've been thinking of picking up a DS Lite recently. If they cost the same, I'd probably go for the PSP, but as it is, the PSP costs too much to justify.

PSP was just dropped to the $199 price point. With that said, I have a DS and play it a lot. It's not a great action platform, but I'm a big RPG fan and also like the puzzle games, so it's a good choice for me and the games can be picked up for pretty cheap used. Comes in handy with the new baby in the house.

[TroyF]

I own both and play both in spurts. I travel quite a bit and always take both systems. This last trip I didn't touch the DS. I played Stacked and MLB 07 on the PSP the entire time.

I really should pick up FM, no real idea why I haven't yet.

I like both systems and am not sur which I'd pick if I had to only own one. Both do things differently. The pure "fun" factor of the DS is better than the PSP. But the PSP is a lot more versatile IMHO.

[Godzilla Blitz]

I've been thinking of picking up a DS Lite recently. If they cost the same, I'd probably go for the PSP, but as it is, the PSP costs too much to justify.

The majority of my gaming time is on my DS Lite now. I've been working on computers so much that I find I don't want to be sitting in front of a computer to play so much any more.

What I've found I really like about the DS is the wealth of GBA titles that you can play. There are some pretty good games out there that you can often find for less than $10.

DS games are generally reasonably priced, too. New games are often $30, and with a bit of hunting can often be gotten for $20-25.

This is a good week to grab one. Target is selling all their DS games for $24. I've always wanted to try Animal Crossing, but the $35 price tag was a bit steep. Finally got a copy today.

[sterlingice]

I should go through CAG and compile a list of quality games you can get for $20 or less on the DS but, man, that would take time and this is the busy season for fantasy baseball drafting ;)

I mention this as AC has been for under $10 at a couple of places over the past month or two.

SI

[SackAttack]

The DS is going to Wisconsin with me next week.

The PSP, probably not.

[Blade]

It is funny, but as of last night, I was pretty set on getting a PSP. But, after reading this thread again, I am convinced the DS is the way to go, and I will be purchasing it tonight. I have already bought Advance Wars from eBay, so I am committed now!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

It is funny, but as of last night, I was pretty set on getting a PSP. But, after reading this thread again, I am convinced the DS is the way to go, and I will be purchasing it tonight. I have already bought Advance Wars from eBay, so I am committed now!

Both are good systems. You can't go wrong either way. I've played Advanced Wars on my DS. It's a lot of fun. Phoenix Wright is another series that I've enjoyed a lot.

[Kodos]

Do they have a version of Tecmo Bowl on the DS? It could be my chance to finally play it!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Do they have a version of Tecmo Bowl on the DS? It could be my chance to finally play it!

Nope. Also, from the few sports titles I've played on the DS, I'd suggest that it's not the handheld to get if you're looking to play sports games. PSP would be the definite choice there.

[stevew]

Do they have a version of Tecmo Bowl on the DS? It could be my chance to finally play it!

no

[Kodos]

No!

[stevew]

Tecmo Bowl DS with online wifi play is the game I most want to see for the DS. Without a license I doubt it ever happens sadly.

[General Mike]

I still haven't replaced my DS Lite that was stolen 5 months ago. I guess I'm just waiting to see if I get it back in the stuff the cops recovered, but I have to wait til after sentencing. :(

[Kodos]

The better sports games on PSP are tempting me. Decisions, decisions....

If you download episodes of TV shows from iTunes, can you watch them easily on the PSP?

[SackAttack]

The DS is going to Wisconsin with me next week.

The PSP, probably not.

This has changed, courtesy of Gurumin showing up in my mailbox and Puzzle Quest showing up on the shelves at work.

Both systems are coming with me, after all. Heh.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The better sports games on PSP are tempting me. Decisions, decisions....

If you download episodes of TV shows from iTunes, can you watch them easily on the PSP?

You appear to be making the decision at a good time as well. The PSP just dropped to $169. I wasn't sold on it for $250 or $199, but $169 is only $40 more than the DS (which I already have). Granted, you can't go wrong with either system, but the PSP is actually a temptation at this price point for me. I believe it has some integration with the PS3 as well, which would be a nice fit for me already having the PS3.

[Kodos]

Just saw that on IGN.

hxxp://psp.ign.com/articles/777/777906p1.html

PSP Price Drop Emerges

Now there's no excuse not to pick one up.
by Micah Seff

April 3, 2007 - It looks like yesterday's "rumors" are today's truths, as Sony announced this morning that the PSP Core Pack would be receiving a price drop to $169.99 (down from $199.99). However, Sony wasn't content to merely slash the price of the hardware; the company also inducted two of the better PSP titles into the Greatest Hits collection, Daxter and Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror. Greatest Hits games retail for $19.99.

"We have always been passionate about making great entertainment accessible to everyone, and the new price for PSP, as well as the continued growth of the Greatest Hits library, reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting and expanding the PSP community," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA. "We are pleased that we are able to engineer savings for the consumer at this stage of PSP's lifecycle, allowing more individuals to experience PSP for the first time. In particular, we have recently seen a steady rise in the number of teens adopting PSP as their primary handheld entertainment system, and we expect the new price will accelerate that trend."

Sony representatives went on to congratulate the PSP for entering its third year on the market, no small feat when pitted against Nintendo's handheld domination. Looking forward, the company had a positive outlook regarding future exclusive entries in major franchises, including God of War, Ratchet & Clank, SOCOM: US Navy SEALs, and Syphon Filter.

All in all, things seem rosy in the land of the PSP. A price drop, more Greatest Hits games, and some upcoming killer apps; what more could you ask for?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This has changed, courtesy of Gurumin showing up in my mailbox and Puzzle Quest showing up on the shelves at work.

Both systems are coming with me, after all. Heh.

I've heard that Puzzle Quest is a better game on the PSP than the DS. You'll have to give your opinion after playing it.

[Kodos]

BTW, can anyone answer the iTunes question? My wife is trying to catch up on BSG season three, but our computer sucks for that, and the DVDs don't come out for quite a while. If we can download the season from iTunes and play it on the PSP, that would be a nice solution.

[SackAttack]

I will, Mizzou.

Kodos, the only way the iTunes stuff is going to be viewable is if it's burned to disc and re-ripped in the proper video format, I think.

Same workaround there's always been to use iTunes music on other players, in other words.

[Kodos]

d'OH!

[terpkristin]

I've heard that Puzzle Quest is a better game on the PSP than the DS. You'll have to give your opinion after playing it.

I've heard the exact opposite, actually, having heard that the two-player mode on the PSP is utterly buggy.

Granted, I haven't played it on my PSP, on my DS it rocks my socks. :)

/tk

[terpkristin]

Dola,
I could be persuaded to pick it up for the PSP as it's only $30. I wonder if wireless play is supported on the PSP version (over the wifi I mean...I don't believe it is on the DS).

/tk

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I've heard the exact opposite, actually, having heard that the two-player mode on the PSP is utterly buggy.

Granted, I haven't played it on my PSP, on my DS it rocks my socks. :)

/tk

I'm not a multi-player gamer, so probably wouldn't affect me if that was a bug. From what I've heard, the people that have played both versions said the DS version seemed really cramped on the screen.

[Schmidty]

Wii for simple fun and price.

PS3 or Xbox360 for fun and the serious gamer.

Conversation over.

[terpkristin]

I'm not a multi-player gamer, so probably wouldn't affect me if that was a bug. From what I've heard, the people that have played both versions said the DS version seemed really cramped on the screen.

Fair enough. :)

Compared to the PSP, I imagine that the DS version would seem really cramped. I've got it on the DS and I don't find it too bad, though I'm not a fan of the stylus (which is why I'm considering it for the PSP).

From the Gamespot review for the PSP version:
Both the PlayStation Portable and DS versions of Puzzle Quest have their quirks. On the PSP, loading issues can cause the game to hang for a second. These disruptive pauses can strike at almost any time, whether you're scrolling across the overworld map or casting a spell during combat. They don't really ruin anything, but they're annoying nonetheless. On the DS, the problems with the presentation are much more severe and end up impacting the gameplay. The graphics aren't as crisp and clear as they are on the PSP, and there are barely any flashy special effects. Most significantly, the puzzle playfield appears cramped on the lower screen of the DS, and it's difficult to discern certain pieces. Because of the size of the pieces, it's also easier to make mistakes with the game's mandatory stylus controls. The content is still good, but these problems make the DS version harder to recommend. While the presentation can be uneven between the two versions of Puzzle Quest, both feature some really great, sweeping music that fits the tone of the straightforward adventure quite beautifully.

As I said, having the DS version, yeah I can see how it is considered "cramped" especially compared to the PSP and I personally am not a fan of stylus controls in general. Of course, random pauses/hangs and load times drive me bonkers on the PSP so who knows.. ;)

/tk

[SackAttack]

I've heard the exact opposite, actually, having heard that the two-player mode on the PSP is utterly buggy.

Well if anybody on the plane has a PSP and Puzzle Quest, I'll investigate that claim for you!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

As I said, having the DS version, yeah I can see how it is considered "cramped" especially compared to the PSP and I personally am not a fan of stylus controls in general. Of course, random pauses/hangs and load times drive me bonkers on the PSP so who knows.. ;)

/tk

Sounds like both have issues. I don't have the PSP at this point, so I may just buy the DS version. I have heard that the gameplay is very good in the game (irrelevant of system).

[Kodos]

Well, I ordered my PSP last night. The price drop was fantastic timing, as I would have most likely gone with the DS Lite if it hadn't happened.

[Blade]

Well, I ended up getting a DS, and Puzzle Quest was one of the first games I bought on it. I can't speak to the PSP version, but I absolutely love the game on the DS. It may seem cramped compared to the PSP version, but since I have no basis for comparison, it seems great to me!

Definitely a game I would recommend.

[stevew]

At some point, I'll pick up a psp just for the *cough*homebrew*cough* stuff that you can do with it. But I've never seen a game for it that makes me want to buy the system itself.

[hukarez]

Well, I ended up getting a DS, and Puzzle Quest was one of the first games I bought on it. I can't speak to the PSP version, but I absolutely love the game on the DS. It may seem cramped compared to the PSP version, but since I have no basis for comparison, it seems great to me!

Definitely a game I would recommend.

I picked this up myself today. Granted, I'm rather incompetent when it comes to playing it, it sure is addicting.

[Kodos]

I wish PSP had Tetris. That's my favorite puzzle game.

[Godzilla Blitz]

I can't speak to the PSP version, but I absolutely love the game on the DS. It may seem cramped compared to the PSP version, but since I have no basis for comparison, it seems great to me!

I got Puzzle Quest about a week ago and am about three hours in. Fun game, although I'm wondering about its legs for long-term play.

I agree with Blade here, though. Puzzle Quest DS might seem less spacious compared to the PSP version, but it's easy to play interface-wise. The review terpkristin pointed out makes it seem as if it's hard to play the DS version, and that's far from the truth.

Having said that, the green and yellow circles are a little close together color-wise, and about once every 30 minutes I accidentally make an illegal move because I get careless with the stylus. My bad, but I can see where a bigger screen would help.

[MizzouRah]

Well, I ordered my PSP last night. The price drop was fantastic timing, as I would have most likely gone with the DS Lite if it hadn't happened.

MLB The Show better have been ordered with it. :D

[Kodos]

I hate baseball.

[terpkristin]

I got Puzzle Quest about a week ago and am about three hours in. Fun game, although I'm wondering about its legs for long-term play.

I agree with Blade here, though. Puzzle Quest DS might seem less spacious compared to the PSP version, but it's easy to play interface-wise. The review terpkristin pointed out makes it seem as if it's hard to play the DS version, and that's far from the truth.

Having said that, the green and yellow circles are a little close together color-wise, and about once every 30 minutes I accidentally make an illegal move because I get careless with the stylus. My bad, but I can see where a bigger screen would help.

So that's why I've actually caught up to where you're at in FFIII. I mean, in my restarted game, I'm where you have written you were on the blog. :D It all makes sense now. ;) I haven't purchased PQ for PSP (not sure if I will), but I do like it on the DS. Only thing I don't like is having to use the stylus, but that's just because I hate having to use the stylus in most games (so far, PW is the only exception to that rule I've found).

/tk

[MizzouRah]

I hate baseball.

Hmmm... never knew this. Get a DS then. :D

[Kodos]

Too late!

[SackAttack]

Puzzle Quest rocks my pants off.

The only thing I'm running into that's mildly frustrating is that each type of enemy has its own spells, and the skeleton (or maybe it's the bat) I'm fighting right now has a spell that causes me to miss my next three turns, giving him four unmolested moves (his own, plus three more).

Several times, the AI has also managed to run a string of 4-block combos off right after that, which just ADDS to his free move stack.

It's clear that I need to beat him a few times so I can capture him and learn that damn spell.

[SackAttack]

Also, the computer in my hotel - from which I'm posting this - has Puzzle Pirates on it.

That might be an interesting comparison.

[Kodos]

I wish PSP had Tetris. That's my favorite puzzle game.


Apparently puzzle quest isn't quite the type of puzzle game I was picturing. ;)

[SackAttack]

It's really more like 'Bejeweled + RPG'.

Lining up the blocks gives you mana for different types of spells, gold, experience, and is the combat metric instead of your typical FF "move-attack-guard-use-item" menu tree.

[sterlingice]

Hm... I had never seen Puzzle Quest until I started reading this thread. Something that completely slipped under my radar.

SI

[SackAttack]

I brought four games out here with me to review (yes, including MLB 07: The Show), but Puzzle Quest won't give up the PSP disc slot.

tk, I'm guessing that's a good sign?

[MizzouRah]

I brought four games out here with me to review (yes, including MLB 07: The Show), but Puzzle Quest won't give up the PSP disc slot.

tk, I'm guessing that's a good sign?

I'm getting this one for the psp sometime very soon. :)

[terpkristin]

I brought four games out here with me to review (yes, including MLB 07: The Show), but Puzzle Quest won't give up the PSP disc slot.

tk, I'm guessing that's a good sign?

I'm still torn because I do have it for the DS and though I imagine it might be "nicer" on the PSP (bigger screen and I hate stylus), it is still eminently playable and fun on the DS.

And I'm still trying to finish FFIII with all the appropriate side-questing, so I haven't decided (though yeah I think that's a good sign).

/tk

[Kodos]

My PSP arrived yesterday. Slick little system! I played a game of Madden and of Hot Shots Golf last night, and enjoyed both. Love the big screen. I have troubles seeing stuff on the smaller handheld screens.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

FYI for those looking for a PSP deal. TigerDirect is offering refurbished PSP units for $129.99. Pretty good price for those looking for a cheap way to get a PSP.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2456685&CatId=1685

[Fidatelo]

Best PSP games (imo):

- Hot Shots golf
- Puzzle Quest
- Marvel TCG (if you like TCG's)

[Icy]

You need to pick MLB the Show 07, i'm having a blast with it. If you like soccer, winning eleven plays really great too in the PSP.

[SackAttack]

Main issue I'm having with MLB 07: The Show is freezing. Lots and lots of freezing and hangtime.

[Kodos]

Alas, I don't like baseball or soccer. :)

[Bee]

I'm looking forward to D&D Tactics being released on the PSP. I played it at GenCon last year and while it still needed some work it looked very promising. I think it's supposed to be released in June.

[Yossarian]

I'm loving puzzlequest myself just now (DS version).

[terpkristin]

PSP games I'd recommend:
MLB06: The Show
Daxter
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (admittedly I havne't played this one yet but SA has and it's definitely up my alley)
Lumines
Puzzle Quest

Gurumin (or however it's spelled) looks sort of Zelda-esque and I think could be a lot of fun, but I haven't tried it out yet (SA, have you gotten to it?).

/tk

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Have any of the PSP owners played Loco-Roco? Impressions?

I've heard it's a good game and I just noticed that it's coming out for the PS3.

[SackAttack]

tk, I spent a couple hours with Gurumin a day or two ago.

It's a cute game. One thing it really has going for it is some of the fastest loading times I've seen on PSP.

One knock against it is that, as an action/RPG, it can be difficult to line your character up when either trying to destroy stuff with a charged drill attack or when using a special move against an enemy. That analog nub really isn't designed for those kind of movements.

But yes, on the whole, I can recommend Gurumin to RPG lovers. It's certainly better than 90% of what's out there in the genre (although I DID spend most of my flight from Chicago to LA on Puzzle Quest today...)

[samifan24]

Lately I've been thinking of picking up a DS Lite. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger but this week I've been reading about the possibility of new hardware in early 2008. Has anyone heard anything about this? Should this worry me?

[Big Fo]

Lately I've been thinking of picking up a DS Lite. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger but this week I've been reading about the possibility of new hardware in early 2008. Has anyone heard anything about this? Should this worry me?

I read somewhere that the new DS wouldn't have the slot for GBA games in order to combat piracy, I don't know if backwards compatibility is important to you or not. I'd be surprised if it came out anytime soon though, considering how well the DS Lites are selling.

[Young Drachma]

I haven't used my PSP much since I started working close to two years ago full-time. But..before that it was a super little thing. Internet and everything and kept me from falling asleep in many a meeting and a few less bored road trips.

It's pretty sweet. The analog stick leaves something to be desired (even when you go and buy a new one for it..) and so they need to fix that.

But by and large, love it.

[sterlingice]

I read somewhere that the new DS wouldn't have the slot for GBA games in order to combat piracy, I don't know if backwards compatibility is important to you or not. I'd be surprised if it came out anytime soon though, considering how well the DS Lites are selling.

I wouldn't expect anything until at least 2009 on that front for the reason bolded above. It's selling ridiculously well and could take a shot at the sales record the PS2 has.

And, if you think about it, the DS Lite was basically a cosmetic upgrade over the DS- not anything functionally different. It's much better to play stuff on but it's still the same at the core and plays the same games

SI

[Yossarian]

new DS wouldn't have the slot for GBA games in order to combat piracy

The current DS Lite does have a GBA slot - but regardless of that, the latest 'homebrew' stuff uses only a DS style card.

So GBA slot is no longer needed for piracy.

[Marc Vaughan]

Puzzle Quest on the DS works fine imho - screen layout and suchlike is perfectly adequate and intuitive for me at least.

However on the pro-PSP front Football Manager Handheld 2008 is released today :D (and it'll work fine on any regions PSP - as with any PSP game incidentally)

(end plug ;) )

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

However on the pro-PSP front Football Manager Handheld 2008 is released today :D (and it'll work fine on any regions PSP - as with any PSP game incidentally)

(end plug ;) )

Seriously? Going to have to grab that one. What's the difference between that and the PC version?

[Marc Vaughan]

Seriously? Going to have to grab that one. What's the difference between that and the PC version?

Football Manager Handheld is a lot easier to pick up and play and faster to blast through a season with (more akin to CM01-02 if you played that version of our games).

It doesn't have a graphical match engine (ie. no moving circles just text commentary) and some of the other options are a little simplified (ie. you don't have a breakdown for your finances just a transfer and wage budget given to you) but this is intentional to keep the games pace faster which is imho more suited to a handheld device.

Because I'm (obviously) somewhat biased with regards to the game you might want to look at the meta-critic scores for the last couple of versions (this years hasn't got enough reviews yet to be rated on there):

http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/psp/footballmanagerhandheld2008?q=football%20manager%20handheld
(this years version - only one review noted so far - 8/10 which isn't a 'bad' score and the review reads very positively in general, but to be honest I'm not happy with people using it to guide them as it mentions the game not having editable tactics which simply isn't true - thats one of the new features for FMH2008 ... this shows they were probably using an early preview build for the basis of their review)

FMH2007 (last years version)
http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/psp/footballmanagerhandheld2007?q=Football%20Manager%20Handheld%202007
(Average Review Score: 80%, Average User Rating: 9.1)

FMH (original version - 2006)
http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/psp/footballmanager2006?q=football%20manager%20handheld
(Average Review Score: 79%, Average User Rating: 8.7)

PS> Its got an editor available from sigames.com if you like keeping your games database up to date and as with the PC version you can add club badges etc. to it if you're into that sort of thing.
PPS> That post was longer than I expected ;)

[Big Fo]

The current DS Lite does have a GBA slot - but regardless of that, the latest 'homebrew' stuff uses only a DS style card.

So GBA slot is no longer needed for piracy.

Ah, I didn't know that. I Wonder why the GBA port would be taken out then, maybe it was just a rumor or something.

[stevew]

I bought my daughter a new Slim DS for her birthday, and now I'm wondering what to do with the old one. I think gamestop is giving around 50 for the trade in, but it seems like Ebay might be a better route. The plan, anyways, is to use the proceeds from the old one to get Mario and Sonic Olympics, and possibly something else. Still not sure if I want to go through the trouble of ebay.

[samifan24]

Does anyone here have a white DS Lite? Does it get dirty or scratch easily? I'm opting for white over a darker color because I've read that the darker colors hold fingerprints and smudge easily.

[sterlingice]

I have a white DS lite. I take pretty good care of mine so I've never gotten any nicks or scratches at all. For smudges, if light is shining on it, you can see the fingerprints but you have to really be looking at the right angle and you can just wipe them off with a shirt or something. Same with the screen.

SI

[terpkristin]

Does anyone here have a white DS Lite? Does it get dirty or scratch easily? I'm opting for white over a darker color because I've read that the darker colors hold fingerprints and smudge easily.

I used to have a dark blue DS Lite (it was available in Japan) and it was a fingerprint magnet. I currently have a pink DS Lite, and I'm pleased to say that I can't see any fingerprints on it. I imagine the white is similar.

Onto the other topic of this thread, I'm still playing both my DS and my PSP. I bought the PSP-2000 (the slim version) and I love the way it feels in my hands compared to the original fat PSP. I'm more or less trying to cycle through my games before buying more for either system (not to mention my 360 and PS3, though they're also getting cycled through).

On the DS I'm playing through:
Zelda Phantom Hourglass
Final Fantasy Chocobo Tales (mini-game thing)
Dragon Warrior Heroes: Rocket Slime
Touch Detective 1 & 2
PW 3 if it ever shows up (I got an email that it shipped on 3 Nov, still isn't here, no tracking)

On the PSP I'm playing:
Final Fantasy Tactics
Castlevania Dracula Chronicles
Disgaea
Jeanne D'Arc

On my "to buy" list for the handhelds:
Mario Party DS
Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings
Football Manager (the 08 version)

I guess at this point if I could only have one or the other I'd go with the DS in general, though I will say that my PSP came to my parents house with me for Thanksgiving while my DS stayed on my bed...

/tk

[sterlingice]

Wait, wait. You have the pink DS Lite? *snicker* ;)

SI

[terpkristin]

Wait, wait. You have the pink DS Lite? *snicker* ;)

SI

hells yeah! :)
not the "new" pink one that is all metallic and has the nintendogs paw print on it, but the COOL pink one. ;) :D

i like it, and i'm a girl, i'm allowed to have it ;)

/tk

[samifan24]

Ok, I just got my white DS Lite with Mario Kart DS and Brain Age in the mail from Amazon. I played both for a little bit and even played a race or two on Mario Kart over WiFi and I like everything so far. How do I find my friend code so I can race some of you FOFC guys?

[terpkristin]

Ok, I just got my white DS Lite with Mario Kart DS and Brain Age in the mail from Amazon. I played both for a little bit and even played a race or two on Mario Kart over WiFi and I like everything so far. How do I find my friend code so I can race some of you FOFC guys?

If I remember correctly, from the main menu in the game there is an option for WFC settings, and from there you find your friend code (each game has its own friend code). This of course assumes that you have setup the WFC on your DS.

And then when you want to play, send someone an IM or something. ;) I haven't played Mario Kart in awhile, but I did play some online stuff with sterlingice, and it was fun--I'd totally do it again. :)

/tk

[sterlingice]

I'm definitely game for a game if you can catch me. This week is going to be crazy at work, but I'd love to play if I'm around.

SI