About.com has some interesting analysis regrarding which of the new handheld platforms is delivering the superior gameplay experience. Using game scores from gamerankings.com as their statistical basis, the article concludes that only 26% of the PSP games released in the last six months have been rated better than 79%. The DS sees 56% of its titles hit that mark.
"Sony started strong, but failed to deliver a steady flow of well-rated games in 2005. Nintendo started sluggish, but managed to deliver a series of brilliant games in the second half of the year. One year in, both are neck-to-neck. But in the last six months, Nintendo wins by nearly 3-to-1."Of course it's all a matter of opinion and you have to ask yourself if you prefer a traditional approach to control or a more radical one? And you also have to wonder if the scores for the DS aren't overly inflated because of some sort of "novelty" factor that may wear off over time?
It's certainly way too early to call the game here, but one thing is for certain: this is only the opening battle in a much larger war.













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-28-2005 @ 2:46PM
Robb Dunewood (InsidePSP) said...
Owning both a PSP and and Gameboy, I would have to say that I completely agree. Another factor is that the the Gameboy is well established and being able to play GameBoy Advance games on on a DS is a huge plus.
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11-28-2005 @ 3:23PM
JinKazama said...
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early to tell. The DS has been out a while longer than the PSP and has begun to hit it's stride, while PSP developers are just now beginning to tap the potential of the PSP. If Socom, GTA, and Burnout are any indications we PSP owners are in for a treat.
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11-28-2005 @ 3:49PM
Chad said...
The Nintendo DS is WAY more better than the psp !!!
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11-28-2005 @ 4:34PM
Pal said...
I used to knock the DS and praise the PSP when both were nearing release, but now I've changed my mind. DS games are more fun oriented at the moment, where the PSP is an extention of a PS2. Nothing bad about a portable PS2, but why can't we have some decent original games already? I'm tired of ports and emulated games that I've already played to death on computers and their respective gaming systems.
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11-28-2005 @ 5:18PM
Pete said...
I'm with JinKazama (#3) up there. Its much too early to tell. It took about 6 months for the DS to start getting games beyond the launch selection, and everyone was complaining about how there was no support.
Same thing happened with the PSP, then the 6 month mark fell towards the end of the year, so you get typical holiday delays...
I have a DS and a PSP and the PSP gets a lot more use.
Maybe there needs to be a DSFanboy site for the DS fanatics to go hang out at, eh?
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11-28-2005 @ 5:43PM
BenC said...
I'm going to have to give the big Thumbs Down on the PSP right now. There has been two games that I've spent time with, MLB 2005 and VirtuaTennis, and I'm not a bit Sports Game Fan. Ports Ports and more Ports. I'm afraid developers are going to see it as too easy to port existing games, instead of developing new. Sony say that the DS is a "Gimic", What about MP3 players, Web Browsers, and UMD Movies. I'd much rather have fun with a gimic (touchscreen) than have to pay 20 bucks for a movie i already own! The only reason to own a PSP right now, unless you're a GTA Fan, is the HomeBrew stuffs. I hope and pray the developers come around, that was a lot of money to spend on something I barely use. I was hoping this holiday season would be really big for the PSP, but it's not looking that way :( Oh well, back to Mario Kart!
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11-28-2005 @ 7:10PM
Andrew said...
The reality is, the PSP doesn't have any original content except for a few select games. More UMD movies are coming out over new games. Companies would rather make a quick buck and port over an existing game that can be converted to the PSP with ease then creating a new game from the ground up. Also the price for UMD movies and new PSP ported games are a joke. The average PSP game that is a port can go for anywhere between $40-$50 for a game that I can get for $20.00 new for any other system. Portable or not, I find it to be insulting to purchase a game that has already been out on the market for a year+ and pay full retail for it. Don't get me started on $20-25 UMD movies that are more expensive and not as high quality as dvds.
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11-28-2005 @ 7:34PM
Vinit said...
The problem of PSP vs. DS is in some ways the same as Xbox 360 vs. PS3 ... where the PS3 will only get stronger because of it's history of solid games in all genres and all price levels.
Might be PSP2 will get it rocking.
I would buy a DS as a gift to my younger cousins who play games all day and at School they can share games with friends (huge installed base is a big thing for DS).
But I got a PSP for myself because I use it for a good mix of video (3 lost episodes per 1 gig memoryStick!!!)
and a few good games. Mostly I rent them from blockbuster before deciding to buy any.
So far, thats saved me from an Ape Escape mistake among others. Better spend 7 bucks to find out it sucks, vs. 40 bucks.
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11-28-2005 @ 7:44PM
Java Junky said...
I have a theory on why there are all these people who think that DS has
better games than PSP. It's all about expectations and perceptions.
Nintendo makes simplistic (aka crappy) cartoon kids games and so when
Nintendo gives you what you expect you're ecstatic. Sony makes cutting-edge
Playstation 2 games that push the envelope of gaming and technology, so when
you buy a PSP game, that is clearly superior in every way to a Nintendo DS
game, you're still disappointed because it doesn't live up to your over
inflated expectations.
Yet again, I will remind you that it took Sony 5 years to come out with a
game as good and awesome as SOCOM Navy SEALs with voice support, or God of
War, or Shadow of Colossus, or even Grand Turismo 4 for their console.
Sure, crap is easy to come by and cheap to sell, so if you're into crap by
all means hop on over to Nintendo and enjoy your two screens worth. Myself,
I still remember the unimpressive launch line up of the PS2 (and original
Xbox and now the 360--in fact that seems to be the NORM) and how in the end
Sony came forth and provided a library of sheer awesomeness to be proud of,
as did Microsoft.
As for the PSP, I'm still amazed at the playability of Battlefronts, the
crispness of NBA 06 Live, the scope of GTA, the ingenuity of Lumies. No
shortage of PSP games as far as I'm concerned: next I'm buying SOCOM then
I'm adding Kingdom of Paradise. Keep rocking Sony. The DS will be what it
is, but it definitely is not the going to outlast the PSP or come anywhere
near the overall quality of Sony's product.
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11-28-2005 @ 7:55PM
C.K. Sample, III said...
I'm with Java Junky. Quality over quantity. PSP pwns the DS.
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11-28-2005 @ 9:17PM
Vinit said...
Ok, however, Java Junky ... PSP's quality is in terms on hardware ... anyone who's loved Poker (the one with cards or even a flash-based version) will tell you that graphics horsepower alone does not a good game make.
Nintendogs and others ... the dual screen, touch-screens, (I'll throw in the the revolution controller for good mix) ... these are realistic examples of pushing the envelope ... not adding more cells(tm) or more graphics memory or even a new disc format.
All said and done, i'm a proud PSP owner because it does what *I* want it to do ... no reason to look down on what the DS does best!
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11-28-2005 @ 9:41PM
BenC said...
"I have a theory on why there are all these people who think that DS has
better games than PSP. It's all about expectations and perceptions.
Nintendo makes simplistic (aka crappy) cartoon kids games and so when
Nintendo gives you what you expect you're ecstatic. Sony makes cutting-edge
Playstation 2 games that push the envelope of gaming and technology, so when
you buy a PSP game, that is clearly superior in every way to a Nintendo DS
game, you're still disappointed because it doesn't live up to your over
inflated expectations."
OK, I don't usually do the whole quote thing. Most of the time it's anoying, but this time it's Legit! There is sooooo much wrong with this statement from our buddy Java Junky.
"Nintendo gives you what you expect you're ecstatic"
Most people are ecstatic when they get more than the expect, ala Mario Kart, Wario Ware, Advance Wars, so on and so on.
"you buy a PSP game, that is clearly superior in every way to a Nintendo DS
game, you're still disappointed because it doesn't live up to your over
inflated expectations."
I think most PSP owners (such as myself) have such LOW expectations that if sony would give us a game we could spend more than two hours with we would ecstatic.
You have no idea how cool i wanted the PSP to be! It was everything I hoped and dreamed of. Those hopes and dreams are going down the drain! I don't want to watch 20dollar UMD's on my PSP. I don't want to Use it as a (crappy) MP3 Player, or view photos, or surf the web (with that clunky interface). I want quality games i can spend time with. Every good game (all Ports) I've already played on PS2. Why would i purchase it again (at full price) to play it on my PSP? I own every console, and portable (minus Ngauge). I am in no way a Fan-Boy, but you just can't argue this generation of PSP games are CRAP, Unless they're games we've already played. I give Nintendo credit for taking good games (Mario Kart) and adding enought to make them fresh and fun again. If they are "simplistic (aka crappy) cartoon kids games", so be it at least they are fun! Last time i checked, i game because it's fun.
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11-28-2005 @ 10:16PM
Java Junky said...
Look, I appreciate everyone's claims that there aren't enough games. IT's A NEW SYSTEM! Give the developers time to make use of the structure. But to say that DS has better games because they're fun is like saying that Mini Coopers are cooler than Enzo Ferrari's because you can drive them more places. Sure, I agree that mini coopers are cool cars. I'd gladly own one for that whip around town kinda feel. But when I want speed, power, good looks, and edge of your seat... It's Ferrari all the way.
The PSP will see it's true strength in gaming, I have no doubts. The System is already my most used console. I love the surf features, but would admit they'd be better with a keyboard or touch screen. I love the movies playback and screen, but admit the movies cost a lot (not completely sony's fault... same battle as with RIAA is going on in films, too; they're money grubbin' bastards). I like the Home brew; hey, Sony's trying to lock it down NOT to keep you the user in the dark ages but to keep their developers happy and secure in the knowledge that they'll make money on selling games. Fact of life, I'm sorry, you'll just have to make a better hacker. It play's music, and i think this is it's weakest feature because I do own a photo Ipod. But i laugh at Ipod Video. Sorry, my PSP pwns you Ipod Video! Now, if we could just get Sony to launch a comparable iTunes style portal.
So, yes, there are plenty of improvements that could be made, but that does NOT lessen the sweetness that the PSP is: an all around power-house in its infancy with some serious butt whoppin' potential, currently supported with an ever growing suite of great games and media content. Hey, if you're still pissed at the price of UMD's, stop buying them. Eventually the market WILL define the acceptable price for a UMD movie.
:j
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11-28-2005 @ 11:23PM
Hunter said...
Whereas I respect the DS the PSP wins in my eyes. Sure, I love playing multiplayer DS games with my friends using only one cartridge, or playing Mario Kart online (which is pretty awesome but slow and frustrating) but I've so far logged well over 24 hours of gameplay on GTA:LCS and probably 15 hours on both Lumines and Mercury. Nothing I've played on DS has been nearly so addicting or fun. The stylus is awesome for games like Kirby: Canvas Curse but is underused in almost every other game and the dual screens are rarely necessary or useful. I came the conclusion after playing both consoles for extended periods of time that they, and the games they support, are both worth as much as you pay for them. Much like a budget title, the DS delivers exactly as much as you would expect from a $130 dollar unit and nothing more.
This opinion, of course, may change as programmers become more comfortable with the DS user interface and who knows what compatibility it will have with the Revolution.
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11-29-2005 @ 1:44PM
OWNZorzz said...
Wow Java Junky. You think simple is crappy? oh yeah, i forgot, you're one of those idiots who thinks Nintendo is too "kiddy." Here's some news for you. all those games you mentioned are NOT made by Sony. In fact.. the creator of Lumines made another puzzle game for the DS called Meteos. Maybe if Sony actually MADE more than a few games, your argument would be valid. Just because its fricking SHINIER and it looks more REAL doesn't mean its a better game. Do you think Nintendo makes their games cartoony to appeal to kids? No, they make it look like that because that's how their characters were designed. You CANNOT make a Mario game with a realistic Italian plumber, it just wouldn't work. Get it?
The PSP looks great, I give you that, BUT... the lineup isn't very good. Seriously, when the PSP is used more for movies than games.. then you know there's a problem.
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11-29-2005 @ 4:25PM
Mad said...
My favourite games on the DS right now are Metroid Prime Pinball and Mario Kart DS and on my PSP, urm, nothing, I'm looking forward to Gran Turismo 4 Mobile whenever it turns up though...
By owing a PSP I now realise why I never bought a PS2 ( or PS1 ) - mainstream dross for the masses! ( except for Grand Theft Auto and Grand Turismo that is ). :)
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11-29-2005 @ 5:05PM
ReyBrujo said...
1. Both consoles are relatively young (less than a year old). DS launched 4 months before PSP, which isn't that _long_. However, 4 months in a year long life _is_ a long time.
2. While I would suppose it is easier to program for PSP (after all, it is a PS1 with hardware support for fog, polygons, etc), it seems developers who would program for PSP prefer doing for PS2 (with a bigger install base). In other words, for me the extreme success of PS2 is stopping PSP from being a much more successful handheld.
3. Sony is battling in three fronts at the same time (electronics against Samsung, consoles against Nintendo and Microsoft, handhelds against Nintendo). And, truth be told, the portable side is the youngest one, and bound to suffer the more cuts if the situation requires one.
4. Homebrew isn't a selling point for Sony. While users love it, homebrew harms Sony. After all, consoles need game licenses to survive. If you are able to play SNES games using homebrew, that means you are less likely to buy PSP games. Thus, less income for Sony.
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11-29-2005 @ 5:46PM
mini.boss said...
I dont feel the problem with the PSP are ports necessarily. I think its the ports they choose. Burnout, Madden, GTA etc are all great series. But better/cheaper versions are available on the home consoles so why would i want them?
What Sony needed to do was pull a nintendo and sell nostalgia as a product. Space Channel 5, Parappa, Metal Gear 1. Games like that aren't available anymore yet they still are popular among fans so just rerelease them.
Anyway, I started off praisins the PSP but i got a DS and its convinced me that games are meant to be fun, not "cool".
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11-29-2005 @ 8:57PM
Don Key said...
the DS and PSP only launched 10 days apart in japan.
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11-29-2005 @ 9:51PM
HeX said...
PSP ROCKS! WTF are you talking about the PSP has crappy games? The PSP has awsome games! The DS cannot ever outmatch the PSP! The only good thing about the DS is the duel screens (w/ toutch) the PSP lets you do so mutch more then the DS in the long run. Not to mention homebrew games witch are just geting better and better on every new relase. I used to be a big fan of nintendo back when N64 was around. I traded my N64 for a playstation and I dont regret it becouse it brought me to final fantasy (one of the greatest games of all time) and grand theft auto. Nintendo DS owners cannot call themselves true gamers. NDS is made for little kids, its cartoony cheap and it doesint even have a fricking joystick! You nintendo DS owners enjoy your kiddie games, us men are going to the real stuff...
- HeX ( A proud PSP owner... )
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