DS vs PSP

[erehwon]

I'm interested in getting one of these system in the future. I'm not really sure which I really want. I'm not a big portable gamer. I already got a game for each that I found for cheap (thanks CAG). Hotel Dusk for the DS and Loco Roco for the psp. I mainly play RPGs on my consoles and some action and platformers.

I do have a question about emulation. Are both systems capable of some form of emulation? I have some interest in this. I heard the psp could emulate ps1 games and run of images of your games. If that is true, how well does it work with multi-disk games (RPGS)? That could be helpful for dealing with my ps1 RPG backlog.

I do have a few other questions:

How's the PSP fat vs the slim?
What are some good games for each system?
Does emulation in DS require firmware changes like the psp?
Is the DS Lite overall better than the original?
Are there any good homebrew programs that I should be aware of for either system?
In general, how satisfied are you with each system?

[evil_genius]

I'm playing Chrono Trigger right now on my PSP and it sure looks nice on that screen.

[Snapple]

Both systems can emulate, but the PSP is better at it.

PSP is good for emulation, playing PS1 quality ports of PS2 games, and being a more powerful machine.

PSP is bad with load times, the number and quality of exclusive titles, and the price of the games (sometimes twice as much as a DS game).

DS can also emulate, but I actually haven't dabbled in it too much. I imagine you can't do PS1 games or anything fancy like that. But anyway, the DS has a fantastic library, with lots of quality exclusive games in every genre. The games are cheaper. There aren't the load times you get on the PSP. I think the online play is better on the DS, but maybe that's just me. And the stylus and dual screens do add a lot of good to most games. The downside is that it's not as powerful, and if you like ports of big name sports titles and the like, the PSP is much better with those.

I own both systems. I like the DS better, personally. Emulation and homebrews aren't that important to me though.

[Atari 5200]

Are both systems capable of some form of emulation? I have some interest in this.

Yes.



I heard the psp could emulate ps1 games and run of images of your games. If that is true, how well does it work with multi-disk games (RPGS)? That could be helpful for dealing with my ps1 RPG backlog.

It works quite well with multidisk games. It can get a little confusing with first starting out though. If you are having trouble you can go to psp-hacks.com and they have tutorials out the a** on emulation.



How's the PSP fat vs the slim?

I only have the PSP fat. It's a lot easier to get custom firmware on though.


What are some good games for each system?
DS Personal Favs: Mario Kart, Feel the Magic, The Rub Rabbits,
PSP Personal Favs: Castlevania: DXC, Mega Man X MH and Powered Up, Every Extend Extra


Does emulation in DS require firmware changes like the psp?
I don't think so...? Not sure, though I doubt it.


Is the DS Lite overall better than the original?
IMO, It's pretty close. The original isn't as bright, though the lite is a bit smaller for my taste. If I had to choose, I would choose the lite b/c it's brighter.



Are there any good homebrew programs that I should be aware of for either
system?
Check psp-hacks. They have all types of homebrew for original games, emulation, alarm clocks, etc. If you're going hombrew, the psp is definately the way to go.


In general, how satisfied are you with each system?
For the games, the DS is great. The PSP is kinda...ehh to me. But for homebrew it's quite the opposite. I rarely play something on the psp that's not homebrew. Basically my collection could be on a 4 GB memory stick. And it is.

[Jorpho]

Does emulation in DS require firmware changes like the psp?

Things might have been different for older hardware, but more recent devices like the R4 do not make any permanent changes to the DS firmware. (You can if you want to, but there's no particular reason to.)


Is the DS Lite overall better than the original?

The difference in brightness is said to be remarkable.


Are there any good homebrew programs that I should be aware of for either system?

Here we are (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111108). I am also particularly intrigued by the program that lets you use the DS as a wireless controller for a Windows-based PC.

[zektor]

I'm interested in getting one of these system in the future. I'm not really sure which I really want. I'm not a big portable gamer. I already got a game for each that I found for cheap (thanks CAG). Hotel Dusk for the DS and Loco Roco for the psp. I mainly play RPGs on my consoles and some action and platformers.

I do have a question about emulation. Are both systems capable of some form of emulation? I have some interest in this. I heard the psp could emulate ps1 games and run of images of your games. If that is true, how well does it work with multi-disk games (RPGS)? That could be helpful for dealing with my ps1 RPG backlog.

I do have a few other questions:

How's the PSP fat vs the slim?
What are some good games for each system?
Does emulation in DS require firmware changes like the psp?
Is the DS Lite overall better than the original?
Are there any good homebrew programs that I should be aware of for either system?
In general, how satisfied are you with each system?


IMHO, The slim is better in that it is lighter, screen seems brighter (to me), and has TV-out. For the record, installing custom firmware on the slim is no different (or more difficult) than on a "phat" model. And I have upgraded *many* :)

The DS Lite model *definitely* has a brighter screen than the original, and is of course lighter. I still like the original model however, because I feel that the controls are not so "scrunched" so to speak. In other words, I had less hand cramping on the original model.

As for emulation, the PSP is the clear winner here. There are some emulators for the DS (or for the GBA playable through the DS) that are very good, but it cannot touch the PSP in this area. The PSP handles dozens of systems with ease, including Neogeo MVS, CD, Genesis, NES, SNES, TG16...etc. There are obviously many more homebrew apps on the PSP as well, although the DS does have some goodies such as Moonshell.

Multi disc PS1 games work fine with the latest M33 CFW on the PSP.

Both systems are great. I cannot call one better than the other. From my perspective, the NDS has the advantage of a better (and bigger) library of retail games, and the PSP has the advantage of some great homebrew, an all around excellent portable media device, and some nice retail titles with hopefully more coming in the future :)

Bottom line: You really cannot go wrong with either system honestly. Your call :)

[Wolf]

I'm interested in getting one of these system in the future. I'm not really sure which I really want. I'm not a big portable gamer. I already got a game for each that I found for cheap (thanks CAG). Hotel Dusk for the DS and Loco Roco for the psp. I mainly play RPGs on my consoles and some action and platformers.

By this alone I would say go for PSP, it may not have as big a library but it has some real classic gems in there and a decent number of rpg's.


I do have a question about emulation. Are both systems capable of some form of emulation? I have some interest in this. I heard the psp could emulate ps1 games and run of images of your games. If that is true, how well does it work with multi-disk games (RPGS)? That could be helpful for dealing with my ps1 RPG backlog.

Yes but the PSP kicks the unholy crap out of the DS in this area along with being able to play movies, music etc. You can play neo geo, snes, psx etc on the go. I am pretty sure the newer CFW has fixed multi disc psx emulation.


I do have a few other questions:

How's the PSP fat vs the slim?
What are some good games for each system?
Does emulation in DS require firmware changes like the psp?
Is the DS Lite overall better than the original?
Are there any good homebrew programs that I should be aware of for either system?
In general, how satisfied are you with each system?

Slim is loads better, it is faster, lighter and brighter and has tv out ( you need a tv with component for games though a/v for just movies ).

Second question comes down to perspective, you said you like rpgs etc I say for psp:

Valkyrie Profile: Leneth
Crisis Core
Silent Hill Zero
Disgaea
Megaman
Megaman MHX
R Type Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics ( best version to date )
FF 1
FF 2
MGS POPs and +
Monster Hunter
SF Alpha MAX
Darkstalkers Chaos Tower
Disidia FF ( coming out )
Birth By Sleep ( coming out )
Ultimate GNG
Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles
Star Ocean 1 ( remake )
Star Ocean 2 ( remake coming out )
Gradius, Para and Salamander collections

I have played both the DS and own a psp slim, I was fickle at first about owning either but I do not regret my psp for a second, its the ultimate handheld for now and has the most features and titles I want, it costs a little bit more but the games are cheap/free and you at least get acceptable sound, graphics and screen size.

The DS has really ass sound on it, the two screens end up being more of a gimmick, it does have some fun games on it but nothing in league with psp imo. I loved the gba and still play it a ton on my cube but I find the DS a pile of shit.

[Sudo]

The PSP has a lot of good games, which is why I'm picking one up when I have the money, but the DS has a kickass library as well.

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Contact
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
Elite Beat Agents
Final Fantasy III
Hotel Dusk (my personal favorite)
Jump Ultimate Stars
Kirby Canvas Curse
Kirby Squeak Squad
Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros.
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
Professor Layton and the Curious village
Rune Factory
Sonic Rush Adventure
Trace Memory
Yoshi's Island DS

There are lots more that I haven't listed that are really good as well. For all the shovelware crap it has, the system has a ton of good games to offset them.

[xdaytime]

I personally like the PSP better. I used to own a DS, but traded it for a psp. MY psp is one of the older fatter ones, and load times are kinda long, but the new slim ones have double the RAM which cuts down on load times. I'd say play both, and figure out which one you like best.

[WanganRunner]

I own both (DS Phat and PSP Phat).

I play the DS more, but that's only because I've been using it to play GBA stuff. Otherwise, I think I'd play both about equally.

DS inarguably has the superior game library, particularly for an RPG nut, but PSP has experiences that the DS just can't offer (MGS: PO). PSP also has what may well be the greatest handheld title ever, Killzone Liberation, just in terms of being a game absolutely perfectly 150% suited to handheld play.

I can't choose one....just buy both. You can get both systems and a couple games for each for around the same price as buying a new PS3. Heaven knows it's a much better buy in terms of fun gameplay. PSP/DS have, between them, a far better library than does X360/PS3/Wii combined, IMO (although they *are* older, so I guess that's to be expected).

[Fuyukaze]

It realy boils down to what you want to use it for. If your after emulation, the PSP is hands down the best pick. There's some great RPGs for it but the DS has a larger selection with some games being as good as what the PSP offers. If you dont want to deal with emulation, go DS and wait to get a PSP.

[erehwon]

It realy boils down to what you want to use it for. If your after emulation, the PSP is hands down the best pick. There's some great RPGs for it but the DS has a larger selection with some games being as good as what the PSP offers. If you dont want to deal with emulation, go DS and wait to get a PSP.

As far as emulation goes, I'm mainly interested in the ps1 emulation for my rpgs. In general though, I prefer playing on the original.

From what I've seen, the psp doesn't have that big of a library. And of that list of RPGs, I have several of them on other systems. I would be interested in VP: Leneth since my ps1 copy has a busted disk 2. The Star Ocean 1 would be interesting since I think that wasn't released here previously before that remake. I already have Disgaea.

I'm thinking about going with a DS and picking up the psp later on. I was thinking about doing a trade with someone over on CAG for an unopened DS Lite.

[Trebuken]

DS inarguably has the superior game library, particularly for an RPG nut, but PSP has experiences that the DS just can't offer (MGS: PO).

I would take the PSP for RPG's...

For multi-disk PS1 games you should buy a PSONE with an LCD and a battery pack...

You can't go wrong here, but I too would favor the PSP;I have seen the DS for less than $80 preowned so if you can afford a PSP then you can probably get both.

I would go with the newer models of either handheld, though as has been mentioned, the older models can have advantages...

[boatofcar]

I like the ABXY buttons on the Lite more than the phat DS. The buttons on the original version are too small and clicky. Also, there's no comparison with the screen.

[Fuyukaze]

As far as emulation goes, I'm mainly interested in the ps1 emulation for my rpgs. In general though, I prefer playing on the original.

From what I've seen, the psp doesn't have that big of a library. And of that list of RPGs, I have several of them on other systems. I would be interested in VP: Leneth since my ps1 copy has a busted disk 2. The Star Ocean 1 would be interesting since I think that wasn't released here previously before that remake. I already have Disgaea.

I'm thinking about going with a DS and picking up the psp later on. I was thinking about doing a trade with someone over on CAG for an unopened DS Lite.

The DS emulation isnt that bad from what I've experienced. While it's true not all the systems are emulated all that well, it does do great on most of the NES and SNES stuff. A family member of mine has his DS where he can play as many games fit on his SD cards. Myself, I'm trying to get one so I can have a portable version of my collection of cart based games. It's realy hard trying to store 500+ carts. Making them all portable, let alone playing the patched versions of some of my famicom and super famicom games is big for me. Shin Megami Tensei 1 and 2, Dark Half, Dragon Quest 5 and 6, and many others realy keep me looking at it.

[ScourDX]

How's the PSP fat vs the slim?

I have original PSP. I can say running homebrew is much easier than slim. The only drawback with original PSP is the loading time. Slim is lighter, but it feels like it can break easily.


What are some good games for each system?

Depending on what you want. Here are list of great games for both system

DS
- Contra 4
- Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
- Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
- Lunar Knight
- Mario Kart DS
- Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
- Bomberman Land Touch 1 & 2
- New Super Mario
- Phoenix wright series
- Final Fantasy III
- Dementium:The Ward
- Etrian Odyssey
- Brain Age
- Advance War: Dual Strike
- Tetris DS
- Trauma Center: Under the Knife
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

PSP
- Burnout Legend
- Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
- Dead Head Fred
- Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
- Gitarooman Lives
- GTA series
- Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
- Jeanne D'arc
- Lumines
- Megaman Maverick Hunter X
- Megaman Power Up
- Metal Gear Portable Ops Plus
- Metal Slug Anthology
- Monster Hunter Freedom 1 & 2
- Powerstone Collection
- Silent Hill Origin
- Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max
- Tales of Eternia
- Valkyrie Profile Lenneth




Does emulation in DS require firmware changes like the psp?

I don't think so. Quote me if I am wrong


Is the DS Lite overall better than the original?

That depends if you have big hand. Personally Lite is slicker than the original DS.


Are there any good homebrew programs that I should be aware of for either system?

PSP - Doom PSP, Beat of Rage, Transport Tycoon PSP, CWcheat
DS - Dunno


In general, how satisfied are you with each system?

So far I am pretty satisfy with both system. You can't go wrong with either system. It really depends on what games do you want.

[otaku]

psp may cost more and have less battery life but its a far better choice. I use mine for movies and music when on the go (and soon it'll make a nice gps device to!) they just added phone support. The games are fantastic in appearance and sound and seem to have more online support etc unless your a nintendo fan or like casual games I say avoid the ds

[Poofta!]

omg these threads need to STOP!!!!!

both systems are GREAT! both have drawbacks and advantages. games for each are completely different. you cant go wrong regardless.

next time use the search feature to find one of the 123158134912 threads already about this!!!!!

[campbell828793]

I own both, and while the PSP has some awesome games(Dracula X Chronicles FFT:WOTL,Megaman etc...) I play my DS more just because I don't have to worry about it dying after two hours of straight gameplay.

[Richter Belmount]

I never really play with my psp anymore. Its not a bad system and it has a nice selection of games. But I think i have become a firm believer that the system is pretty cumbersome , in its controller design , loading times and the games. There have been quality times where I have enjoyed my psp (especially with metal slug) but I play the system for a extended period time and my hands cramp up easily. The loading times kind of get in the way of the enjoyment because I want to play a game when im out on the go but I dont have much time and I dont want to waste my time just to wait for the game to load. And finally the games are good however most of these games are ports of ps1 and ps2 games the games are not really designed for portable play and overcomplex and take longer.

[Jimid2]

I own both systems (actually, I own a DS Phat, three DS Lites, three PSP Phats and a PSP Slim). I do almost all my gaming on handhelds and have for the past couple of years, so I've played both extensively. Honestly, if you want RPGs and Emulation, the PSP is the only choice. The DS has many great games, but the only reason to buy a DS is for the library - the emulation is subpar at best, and I'd rather play GBA titles on my GBAsp, personally... The PSP, otoh, is extremely versatile, and also has a number of quality titles. You'll be in RPG heaven with a PSP...



I would take the PSP for RPG's...

For multi-disk PS1 games you should buy a PSONE with an LCD and a battery pack...

????

I've played Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX and Metal Gear Solid on my PSP. Why would I want to haul around a PSONE?

[Trebuken]

I own both systems (actually, I own a DS Phat, three DS Lites, three PSP Phats and a PSP Slim). I do almost all my gaming on handhelds and have for the past couple of years, so I've played both extensively. Honestly, if you want RPGs and Emulation, the PSP is the only choice. The DS has many great games, but the only reason to buy a DS is for the library - the emulation is subpar at best, and I'd rather play GBA titles on my GBAsp, personally... The PSP, otoh, is extremely versatile, and also has a number of quality titles. You'll be in RPG heaven with a PSP...



????

I've played Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX and Metal Gear Solid on my PSP. Why would I want to haul around a PSONE?

OK maybe you wouldn't but I prefer it. Larger screen, no firmware modding, no ripping discs creating images, real controllers. It's about the same as carrying a laptop which was actually going to be my suggestion but that would be cost prohibitive....

[Jimid2]

OK maybe you wouldn't but I prefer it. Larger screen, no firmware modding, no ripping discs creating images, real controllers. It's about the same as carrying a laptop which was actually going to be my suggestion but that would be cost prohibitive....
All those are genuine advantages, for sure... and I'll admit that I've thought it would be fun to have a portable PSOne for shits and giggles... but I still can't see myself playing a rig like that on the bus to work, which is where a great deal of my gaming gets done these days... ;)

If I still traveled for work as much as I did back in the '80s, a kit like that (minus the battery) would be fantastic for hauling around from hotel to hotel...