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PSP vs DS
The Sony PSP vs. Nintendo DS is a hot debate right now. Time will certainly tell which system is more popular, but if you want to buy a PSP or a Nintendo DS right now, and you're not sure which one is right for you, then this article might help out.
Performance
The PSP clearly out-performs the Nintendo DS. Although it's akin to comparing apples to oranges, the PSP uses one processor at 333mhz, while the DS uses two processors, both much slower at 67mhz and 33mhz. While the DS spits out an impressive 120,000 polygons per second, the PSP can deliver over 30 million. That's quite a difference, and when you play games on either system, it shows. Most people agree that it's like playing a hand-held N64 versus playing a handheld PS2. But hey, we still have fun playing sub-mhz games on our emus, right? CPU isn't everything, but PSP has this one hands down.
 |  | | Gran Turismo for PSP | Need for Speed Underground 2 for DS |
PSP Widescreen vs Dual Screen
Almost like the CPU debate, we've got a two to one comparison. Really, it is hard to say which screen setup is better. If you're looking to watch movies on your handheld device, you'll have no problem shelling out $250 for the PSP. The screen is beautiful and boasts 480x272 pixels. When you watch this screen, it looks a lot higher than that. Imagine a mini-movie theater in your hand. It's really that good. The Dual Screens offer a lower resolution of 256x192, which, even when combined, do not match up to the PSP; however, one cannot discount the fact that the DS has a touch screen, as where the PSP does not. The touch screen control (discussed later in this article) offers up some unique gameplay, and the dual screen makes playing some games a snap when you can view status and inventory while not taking away from the gameplay.
As for brightness, both units are good enough for in most lighting conditions, but the PSP is clear and bright in almost every lighting condition. The PSP also wins in the color display, as it can handle 16.7 million colors, while the DS comes in at a paltry 260,000. Some people can't tell the difference, but if you are a video nut, the PSP can't be beat for a portable system (yet). Kids will probably not care about the colors, and after squinting and tilting the Gameboy Advance to see it in the dark for a couple of years, they will most likely love their new DS.
Decision? Definitely the PSP. With the widescreen for movies, and the clear, bright, vibrant display, the PSP is the machine for adults. If you're under 15 however, this contest would be a tie.
 |  | | Armoured Core for PSP | Mario DS |
Analog vs Touch Screen
The big difference in the controls department is the PSP's analog stick and the DS's touch screen. Both units have the D-Pad style, two top buttons and four right hand buttons. So which unit is better? Well, it depends on the game. The sports type games (MLB, Gretzky NHL, etc) that require analog sticks on console machines port much better to the PSP, but the touch screen makes games where selection or dragging of game items a breeze. Imagine being able to play games like Red Alert on the DS without problem. For what it is, the analog stick on the PSP is nice - it has a pretty good feel and slim profile that doesn't get in the way of the D-Pad. However, because of it's location, this reviewer suffered from a sore thumb after extended play. For most games however, you won't need either the analog stick or the touch screen.
If control had to make the decision, you'd have to go with the PSP, as more games are going to take advantage of the analog stick than the touch screen.
Multiplayer
Both systems feature wireless play, with difficulty setting it up not being much of a problem. There isn't much to say as they both use 802.11b, which is going to be compatible with most home wireless setups that utilize WiFi 802.11b or WiFi 802.11g. It is likely that the PSP will support more interenet based multiplayer games, while the DS will probably have more ad-hoc (players in the same area) games available. Wouldn't it be cool if someone made a multiplayer game that could be played on either system against one another?
Load Times
 This one, for the moment, is an easy one to call. The DS uses game cartridges, meaning it loads its games from memory, while the PSP uses UMD discs and must read the game into memory like a console. The PSP is much slower for this reason, but the UMD discs do provide up to 1.8 gb of storage space, which means in the future that the games for PSP are likely to be bigger, longer and better looking and sounding. But don't be suprised if in the future PSP games will be released electronically and can be downloaded to Sony Memory Sticks. This will definitely improve load times for PSP games, if it ever happens. Homebrew games, which are available now (although at the time of writing, not for most systems), already work off memory cards and load very quickly. The likelyhood of electronic delivery of games is hard to say, but you can bet Sony has thought of it, as they already include strong 128 bit security with the system.
Battery Life
If you just read the last topic, you won't be suprised to find that the Nintendo DS wins in this section as well. The UMD drive on the PSP takes a lot out of the battery, and the bright screen, if run at high mode also likes to drain it down. However, on both units, you'll find that you get a good amount of gameplay for a charge, and separate portable battery backups are available to both charge and play off of. Also, once PSP games begin to be released electronically, battery life will improve for the PSP.
 |  | | PSP 3.6v Battery 1800mAh | Nintendo DS 3.7v Battery 850mAh |
Games and Movies
It's too early to say who will have the most games, but it is pretty clear now that the PSP will be the movie machine, as there are already a number of UMD movies available to watch or even rent at Blockbuster and online rental sites. The Nintendo DS does play all old Game Boy Advance games, so it comes to market with a strong game library. The PSP offered a short list of titles at launch, but when you look at what games are coming out along with the history of titles for the PS and PS2, it is likely there will be many games available for both systems. What is probably more important is what type of games will be available. The PSP is a heck of a machine, and it's also more delicate. It is unlikely that many parents would shell out $250 for a machine that could break easily when dropped. Just open the UMD drive door and you'll see what I mean. With that said, the Nintendo DS is likely to offer a much wider array of games for the younger crowd, while with titles like Grand Theft Auto for the PSP, it's quite obvious the PSP will cater to a more "mature" individual.
Cost
Well, this isn't too hard to write about. With DS prices hovering around $140, and PSP prices sticking to $250, it isn't difficult to say which system is less expensive. The question is, is the PSP worth $250 for you? It depends on what you like to do. If it's purely games you want, and you just need a little entertainment now and then, probably not. You'll likely be happy with your DS. But if you are a jet setting 20 something and you buy a DS, you'll probably be drooling at the person in the seat next to you who is watching movies and playing games that DS just won't ever match up to. For me, the choice was simple, for you, well, you obviously were doing some soul searching to read this article. What's your choice now?
Conclusion
PSP vs. DS? Please... PSP. The conclusion to this article is to say that the PSP rocks. Plain and simple. This is a PSP site, not a Nintendo site. I don't care if you're a 10 year old or a 45 year old who acts like he's 24. PSP is it and you can't deny it. Sony just keeps churning out winners. If you have to wait until Sony drops the price, then fine, go ahead and wait and get your DS now, but when you finally get a PSP, you'll wish you had spent the extra money earlier and your DS will collect DuSt.
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