Battery Life of PSP is really 2 Hours

[jonjandran]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5251

Looks like Ridge Racer and other graphically intense games are going to drain the battery a lot faster than Sony wants to admit.

That stinks. :/

[mr_jiggles_13]

looks like im not getting EITHER

[RCM]

Hope it's not true. I would gladly pay more for a system with reasonable battery life. 10 hours seems reasonable to mr. rcm. I wouldnt want to buy Grand Theft Auto for the PSP and have to recharge it after an hour or 2 of play.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[Bratwurst]

Hope it's not true. I would gladly pay more for a system with reasonable battery life. 10 hours seems reasonable to mr. rcm. I wouldnt want to buy Grand Theft Auto for the PSP and have to recharge it after an hour or 2 of play.

Regarding the alleged intention of battery life revisions and Sony's history with the Playstation in general it makes me wonder why anyone adopts launch hardware at all. This goes for the original unlit Gameboy Advance as well.

[bargora]

Maybe Triton Labs will come out with an Afterburner PSP battery kit. And maybe it will work by consuming the souls of the innocents to keep your Ridge Racer game going.

Two hours, if true, does seem a bit disappointing. And it's never good to run your lithium ion cells down to the redline. Which means that before you know it, you'll be getting 1.75 hours, then 1.5 hours, and so on...

[Emily]

ha ha ha! DS all the way!
Ill stll get the PSP later though

[Gregory DG]

Isn't there an optional battery pack? If there isn't there probably will be one soon.

[swlovinist]

personally I dont think either will do near what they are expecting...and with a 2 hour battery life, that is not going to help the PSP out at all.



I hate to sound negative, but it is a bad time to come out with portables....espically when they cost more than their "bigger" brothers!



I could be wrong, but I dont think so.

[neuropolitique]

Isn't there an optional battery pack? If there isn't there probably will be one soon.

Yes, it is the size of the PSP and straps to your wrist.

[Kamino]

i -never- use batteries anyway.
I'll be keeping this bad boy chained to the wall, kthx.....
And yes, i'm getting one. :)

[davidleeroth]

If I were Kutaragi, I'd shove my leg knee-deep up the designers' asses for giving me a portable with a 2-4 hour battery life. Having to even discuss about battery life, other than mentioning it in the specs, is something I'd be embarrassed of.
Ah well, I think people will buy it anyways. I'll buy both of them in 2010.

[soniko_karuto]

id shove that thing in every sony designer. damn, 2 hours? that's like pying a hooker, you spend a lot of money for about 20 minutes!!

i'll take my scort DS anytime. :-P

[briguy578]

Yeah, 2 hours is far too short. I think a handheld needs at least 6 hours of battery life in order to be successful [same as the original GB], which equates to a couple of days of moderate - heavy play without having to worry about the battery. As it stands right now, I can just pick up my GBA-SP any time and play it for an hour or two, stick it back in my backpack and forget about it, and charge it up once over the weekend.

I mean, 2 hours??? My laptop has better battery life then that :eek 2:

[Querjek]

I'm very glad that I'm adopting the DS at launch but waiting to get a PSP. Hopefully, by the time I feel like getting one, the 3rd, smaller revision will be out.

[ianoid]

You guys are so predictable. Just one more reason for you Nintendophiles to get the DS, and spit on the PSP, which you were planning to do anyway. I'm sure that the DS's battery life will be alot shorter when using the wireless capability playing Metroid too.

I always vote against the incumbent.

[MegaDrive20XX]

You guys are so predictable. Just one more reason for you Nintendophiles to get the DS, and spit on the PSP, which you were planning to do anyway. I'm sure that the DS's battery life will be alot shorter when using the wireless capability playing Metroid too.

I always vote against the incumbent.

Whenever I hear the word "Nintendophiles"

I always thinks of something like this to be said...

"Ich liben mein Nintendo Fuhrer unt auspressen der Todfeind!!"

[goatdan]

You guys are so predictable. Just one more reason for you Nintendophiles to get the DS, and spit on the PSP, which you were planning to do anyway. I'm sure that the DS's battery life will be alot shorter when using the wireless capability playing Metroid too.

I don't feel that I'm a "Nintendophile" but your statement begs the question:

You actually feel that a two hour battery life won't be a problem? I think it will be something that will cripple the system. I have no love for the DS, but even if it can pull four hours with everything on, that's a lot more realistic than two hours in my opinion.


I always vote against the incumbent.

Go Kerry!* In some ways, I would actually vote the PSP as the incumbent in this "race," as it is the more traditional of the two systems. The Nintendo DS is more of an oddity, and isn't traditional. Regardless of who it is coming from, the DS is unlike anything that has been seen before.

It'll be interesting. I'd like to see both do well so that there can be some good portable competition, but I've slowly begin to realize that they might not even compete once they hit the market -- the gameplay can be SO different than the PSP that I think that both systems can and will end up with their own special games and develop their own gameplay. It will be an interesting few years...



* the "Go Kerry!" expersion above was in no way supposed to express any opinion of the writer, this Web site or anyone else nor begin any political conversation. But remember to vote today for whomever you want to.

[Ed Oscuro]

Isn't there an optional battery pack? If there isn't there probably will be one soon.

Yes, it is the size of the PSP and straps to your wrist.
As opposed to the truck battery you can strap to your back. That might be more comfortable, actually.

Well, I think the PSP's gonna deliver in the games department, and as I only play stuff while plugged into a wall socket, can't say this bothers me too much.

[morphx]

Nintendophiles get more battery from the DS because of its kinetic and static charger...They're always rubbing themselves down with nintendo products, so the big N decided to use that to their advantage...


Oh baby, oh baby, oh shit look I'm back to 3/4 battery, keep rubbing Scotty!

This rambling was brought to you briefly by a nintendophile.

[Ed Oscuro]

Lol, like the flashlight in DOOM III. I like it! :P

[kai123]

I'm very glad that I'm adopting the DS at launch but waiting to get a PSP. Hopefully, by the time I feel like getting one, the 3rd, smaller revision will be out.

Wait do you mean the GBA Sp or the DS SP? Maybe we will get all sorts of revisions from both companies. Please stop pretending that Nintendo can't make a mistake when it comes to handhelds. Because they did with the original GBA. If they didn't make a mistake we wouldn't have a GBA Sp.

[ianoid]

You actually feel that a two hour battery life won't be a problem? I think it will be something that will cripple the system.

I think the key point is, consider the source. There are so many folks here ready to jump on PSP, when we have just one article that admits it will be an issue (which we could have guessed- any battery life under 6 hours is an issue), but doesn't really quote with certainty what practical battery charge lifespan will be.

And let's face it, bad battery didn't kill the ipod, which doesn't even have the option for spares.

My incessant defense of PSP comes from my dislike of the tiny screens of Nintendo handhelds and their tiny size for tiny gamers. I just can't get comfortable playing them with my elbows bent to see the tiny pixels. I'm excited to see a handheld coming out with a good sized screen that will have games like GTA3+ rather than cartoon SNES level/3D rehashes. Nintendo's handhelds have been traditionally underpowered compared to what could be done.

I think that we should all be excited about what PSP will do to the handheld market. Competition is good. Perhaps Nintendo will have to be cutting edge for once- not just cool and creative. Eh, not this time.

[Lost Monkey]

Apparently Sony has put the word out to developers that they are responsible for providing "battery efficient" games... leaving the responsibility on the developers.




Options:

Screen - ON / OFF

Sound - STEREO / MONO / OFF
Low Battery Warning - ON / ON

[GobopopRevisited]

I have seen the future!

Sony is going to develop a Nuclear Powered PSP EX about 2 years after PSPs release!!... Great news for the gamers complaining about battery life, and bad news for all the deformed babies and people with melting faces...

Ahhhhh, Nintendo DS is awesome!

[Jasoco]

I still haven't seen a single game for the PSP that I would actually WANT to play. The DS's launch list already has a dozen games I will be buying when they come out. I mean sheesh. This is why it took me 4 years to get a PS2. No interesting games for ME. And all my friends at another forum I actually administrate think I'm an idiot for being the only one on it that even likes Nintendo. I had to merge all the game forums because all the topics were going into the Xbox forum. Even now I'm afraid to even MENTION Nintendo.

You know what, I still don't want a PSP. It just screams "Break me! Drop me!" I really hope it's a total failure in the US. I know I won't be pushing it on customers. Sony doesn't belong in the portable race.

[zmweasel]

You know what, I still don't want a PSP. It just screams "Break me! Drop me!" I really hope it's a total failure in the US. I know I won't be pushing it on customers. Sony doesn't belong in the portable race.

Do you think PSP users will be clumsier and more likely to drop their purchase than DS users?

Do you think a portable with two screens will be less likely to break after being dropped than a portable with one screen?

Why do you act as a console evangelist at your retail job instead of giving customers unbiased information?

Why do you think Sony doesn't belong in the portable race when it has 25 years of experience with portable electronic equipment, when it has 10 years of experience in the home-console market, and when its entry into the portable race is giving Nintendo its first real competition in the field?

-- Z.

[Push Upstairs]

Nintendo's handhelds have been traditionally underpowered compared to what could be done.

Ain't it the truth?


I think that we should all be excited about what PSP will do to the handheld market. Competition is good. Perhaps Nintendo will have to be cutting edge for once- not just cool and creative. Eh, not this time.

This is the exact reason i want the PSP to be a hit. The handheld market has become technologically stagnant because Nintendo hasnt had anyone to face off against. If Nintendo had someone else trying to get your bucks then I doubt we would have had to deal with that sorry "GBA release then the GBA SP release a year later" bullshit.

Yeah, i said that was bullshit...if any other company did that gamers everywhere be giving them a ration of crap. Nintendo pulls this crap and people welcome it with open arms? O_O

I understand that nobody is perfect however, the three previous handhelds from Nintendo also had a lighting issue. This issue really was something that should have been addressed long before the GBA was created or designed into the orginal GBA.

[jonjandran]

Do you think PSP users will be clumsier and more likely to drop their purchase than DS users?

Do you think a portable with two screens will be less likely to break after being dropped than a portable with one screen?


-- Z.

I think maybe it's more of the fact of the CD/DVD type mechanism.
It would be more likely to break in the PSP than a smart media type of system in the DS.

[kai123]

I really hope it's a total failure in the US. I know I won't be pushing it on customers. Sony doesn't belong in the portable race.

If more competition from any company makes you pee your nintendo underwear you need to broaden your horizons. Sony needs to kill Nintendo in any market they are in. Nintendo can't make a new franchise to save it's life. None of the DS launch games are innovative. Before someone says why do expect every game to be innovative? I expect it because that is what Nintendo said this was suppose to bring. If you drop any handheld you will be very lucky if it survives. I am not talking a foot drop either.

I love the new map screen it so innovative. I can't see all the same stuff on one screen. My eyes don't work like that. @_@

[Jasoco]

Why do you act as a console evangelist at your retail job instead of giving customers unbiased information?HEY! I have NEVER EVER played "Console Evangelist" at my job. How DARE you accuse me of forcing peoples hands. I have NEVER EVER EVER told people their choice was wrong. But if the PSP has a 2 hour battery life, I WILL tell people. I will NOT lie to them. If it turns out it doesn't have a 2 hour battery life, I won't go around saying it. But I will NEVER EVER talk people out of a choice they already made.

I can't believe you guys. Just because I would rather have a DS with a ton of games I LIKE over another portable that doesn't have one game I am interested in, I am all of a sudden a fanboy for the DS and won't open my eyes to the competition. Tell you what. When the PSP gets a few games I am interested in, then we'll talk. Until then, shut the hell up.

GOD DAMMIT! What is it? Election day is bringing out all the angry fanboys. Both here and at AtariAge. If I didn't know better, I'd swear zmwesel was ZylonBane. Seriously. I am open to all platforms. I never got a PS2 until now because nothing appealed to me. And I won't get a PSP until enough games appeal to me. End of story. Live with it.

[kai123]

When you say that someone doesn't belong in the portable market it makes you seem to like a fanboy of the highest grade. You also said that you hope that the PSP fails in the USA. How did you want everyone to see you? It is very clear to me at least based on your previous posts that you have a clear hate towards the PSP.

[The Manimal]

I understand that nobody is perfect however, the three previous handhelds from Nintendo also had a lighting issue. This issue really was something that should have been addressed long before the GBA was created or designed into the orginal GBA.


Nintendo addressed this 8 years ago, back in the Game Boy Pocket -era. Only thing is....it was only released in JAPAN. Why? No idea...

[zmweasel]

]HEY! I have NEVER EVER played "Console Evangelist" at my job. How DARE you accuse me of forcing peoples hands. I have NEVER EVER EVER told people their choice was wrong. But if the PSP has a 2 hour battery life, I WILL tell people. I will NOT lie to them. If it turns out it doesn't have a 2 hour battery life, I won't go around saying it. But I will NEVER EVER talk people out of a choice they already made.

In your previous post, you stated that you wouldn't be "pushing" the PSP, which implies that you WILL be pushing the DS. I apologize if that isn't the case.


GOD DAMMIT! What is it? Election day is bringing out all the angry fanboys. Both here and at AtariAge. If I didn't know better, I'd swear zmwesel was ZylonBane.

What the hell are you talking about?

-- Z.

[Jasoco]

I don't know what it is, but I will tell you this. I think the PSP is a nice system. I admit that. But I don't see anything worthy of playing on it yet. So Sony gets no money from me. Nintendo on the other hand actually makes games I like. And if that makes me a Nintendo fanboy, so be it. I'm a Nintendo fanboy who enjoys games on all playforms. Yeah, whoops. I'm not a good fanboy, am I? I have NON-NINTENDO CONSOLES!! Oh noes!! And I play them all the time!! What is wrong with me! Guess I'm not really a fanboy.

Cqan we please get off this stupid subject? DS has games I want to play.

PSP has nothing I want to play.

Can I make it any more clear than that? Until that changes, I will enjoy my DS. So live with it.



GOD DAMMIT! What is it? Election day is bringing out all the angry fanboys. Both here and at AtariAge. If I didn't know better, I'd swear zmwesel was ZylonBane.

What the hell are you talking about?

-- Z.
http://www.atariage.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=59890&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0#733851

[zmweasel]

Do you think PSP users will be clumsier and more likely to drop their purchase than DS users?

Do you think a portable with two screens will be less likely to break after being dropped than a portable with one screen?


-- Z.

I think maybe it's more of the fact of the CD/DVD type mechanism.
It would be more likely to break in the PSP than a smart media type of system in the DS.

So PSP owners are more likely to drop their systems because the PSP uses an optical-disc mechanism?

Just giving you shit, of course. I realize that the PS1 and PS2's hardware issues have fueled the perception that the PSP will break if you breathe on it, but given Sony's experience with portable electronics, I don't expect the PSP to be more vulnerable to drops than the DS or any other portable.

-- Z.

[Jasoco]

I want to take this moment to apologize for anything that needs apologizing for and ask this one question.

What happened to us? I mean, really. What is it about these two handhelds that makes everyone want to kill everyone else for wanting the other console? The same exact thing is happening over at AtariAge. It just makes no sense. Let people play what they want and live with it. You want the PSP? Go ahead. Maybe it has games you like. Maybe the DS doesn't have anything you want to play. But I will be perfectly happy with my DS because it will have games I like. I wouldn't buy a console unless I knew there'd be games I wanted. Same reason I bought a Cube in 2001. Same reason I go an Xbox in 2002. Same reason I didn't get a PS2 in 2000 and waited until 2004. Because at the time, there was nothing I wanted. Now there is. And I happily plunked down my $188 after discount to buy a new PS2, Jak II and a memory card. And if maybe one day in the future the PSP gets enough games I like to justify a purchase, then I'll buy it.

How many times am I going to type this today? And is there any reason I should have to?

[ubersaurus]

Why do you think Sony doesn't belong in the portable race when it has 25 years of experience with portable electronic equipment, when it has 10 years of experience in the home-console market, and when its entry into the portable race is giving Nintendo its first real competition in the field?

-- Z.

I'd argue that Sega and Atari both gave Nintendo a good run back in the day.

You just really enjoy being the devil's advocate, don't you? ;)

[zmweasel]

I'd argue that Sega and Atari both gave Nintendo a good run back in the day.

I wish I had Game Gear and Lynx sales figures to cite, but all I can offer is anecdotal evidence that back in the day, when I was a fresh, young, naive game journo, the only people I encountered who talked about or played the Game Gear and Lynx were core gamers, whereas EVERYONE talked about or played the Game Boy.

That's part of what amuses me so much about Nintendo fanboys and the alternate reality in which they dwell. The Game Boy is the most popular video game device of all time, and yet the N-boys are enraged at Sony for "catering to the mainstream."


You just really enjoy being the devil's advocate, don't you? ;)

If I piss off one fanboy so much that he leaves these forums forever, I can die happy.

-- Z.

[petewhitley]

I'd argue that Sega and Atari both gave Nintendo a good run back in the day.

I wish I had Game Gear and Lynx sales figures to cite, but all I can offer is anecdotal evidence that back in the day, when I was a fresh, young, naive game journo, the only people I encountered who talked about or played the Game Gear and Lynx were core gamers, whereas EVERYONE talked about or played the Game Boy.


The Lynx was at times difficult to even find in stores, and believe me, it wasn't because it was selling out. I'd argue that the Game Gear and Lynx had virtually *no* effect on Gameboy sales.

[Nature Boy]

What happened to us? I mean, really. What is it about these two handhelds that makes everyone want to kill everyone else for wanting the other console?

Duh - you're called "fanboys" ...

And don't throw everybody into that category. Like many others I plan on making an informed purchase decision after the systems have been released, I see what games are available, and I get a vibe for what I think I'd like.

(And then, of course, 12 months later I'll probably end up buying the other system anyway :D )

[Ed Oscuro]

If I piss off one fanboy so much that he leaves these forums forever, I can die happy.
This is exactly what concerns me, Zach...I don't share that mindset, and I don't think the mods here would be thrilled, either. I hope that's meant mostly in jest.

[Kamino]

I'm not a fanboy of any company. At one time, I only had Nintendo systems. Hell, that went out the window in 2003.
I am currently looking for a PSP launchdate games list. If rockstar has a game on the list, the system is SOLD.
DS on the other hand, has jack shit that I want to play. NES holds the highest percentage of my collection; however, today I seriously want nintendo to die. They pulled a 32x fucked themselves with virtual boy(I love it, but it was a failure and a piece of crap) and refucked themselves with n64, then refucked themselves AGAIN with gamecube*, stayed alive on gba pokemon sales, and time will only tell if DS is good, or if nintendo uses it to triple fuck themselves up the rear.
I can't say which system will suck yet. I could give a shit about battery time; I could rip the batteries out of the damn thing, i always use AC power anyway.
Innovation is not always a good thing. It'd be nice if nintendo got their shit together and started releasing a stellar lineup of games, like those that hit the NES and SNES. I'll still say Howard Philips had almost all of the magic of Nintendo of America.....



*IIRC. Gamecube sales have been in 3rd place at least since Jan 2003. I wish i could find the article that stated Nintendo actually HALTED production of cubes for a time......

[zmweasel]

If I piss off one fanboy so much that he leaves these forums forever, I can die happy.
This is exactly what concerns me, Zach...I don't share that mindset, and I don't think the mods here would be thrilled, either. I hope that's meant mostly in jest.

If the mods aren't willing to lock a thread when it's a transparent assault on me and the magazine I edit, I don't see why they'd have any problem with me tweaking rabid fanboys with facts and informed opinions.

-- Z.

[spoon]

id shove that thing in every sony designer. damn, 2 hours? that's like pying a hooker, you spend a lot of money for about 20 minutes!!

i'll take my scort DS anytime. :-P

Son, that's about how long it lasts.

[Nez]

2 hours is too short for me. Trips would become boring in a short time. While the DS doesn't have anything I want either. Like most console launches I'll be watching from the side line before I pick my team.

[RCM]

I still haven't seen a single game for the PSP that I would actually WANT to play.

There are a lot of neato franchises on the PSP. The problem for me is that they all seem very similiar to previous titles from each series liike the Darkstalkers title for PSP. Another problem I have is lack of dual analog sticks. I love Ape Escape but I don't know how much I am going to like it playing on a D pad.

The DS lineup doesnt seem so exciting either besides Sonic teams "Feel The Magic: XY/XX."

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[J2games]

Just read the article and as someone who travels ALOT for work, 2 hours wouldn't get me a full flight from Atlanta to NY!

Thank you Sony for making my decision on a Nintendo DS soooo much easier!

[Ed Oscuro]

There's a Darkstalkers title on the PSP? OH MY!

*after reading*

No screenshots of Felicia? FFS. Erm...it looks pretty much like a straight remix, same intro graphic for Dmitri...but who's this new character? Ah.

[kainemaxwell]

What a rip...

[kai123]

What a rip...

Did someone fart?


I couldn't resist. LOL

[Ed Oscuro]

ROFL

[Jasoco]

Just so you know. I am not a fanboy. And I am not leaving. Whether those two posts were aimed at me or not.

I like the DS and it makes me a fanboy. I don't buy it. I don't find the PSP worthy of buying and it makes me a fanboy. Still don't buy it.

It's the gosh darn GAMES that make a system. NOT the hardware and in MY OPINION, that's what it is, an OPINION, in MY OPINION, the PSP doesn't have what I want. So what?

[Kamino]

If I piss off one fanboy so much that he leaves these forums forever, I can die happy.
This is exactly what concerns me, Zach...I don't share that mindset, and I don't think the mods here would be thrilled, either. I hope that's meant mostly in jest.

If the mods aren't willing to lock a thread when it's a transparent assault on me and the magazine I edit, I don't see why they'd have any problem with me tweaking rabid fanboys with facts and informed opinions.

-- Z.
pardon my threadjack, but what magazine is it that you edit.....

[zmweasel]

If I piss off one fanboy so much that he leaves these forums forever, I can die happy.
This is exactly what concerns me, Zach...I don't share that mindset, and I don't think the mods here would be thrilled, either. I hope that's meant mostly in jest.

If the mods aren't willing to lock a thread when it's a transparent assault on me and the magazine I edit, I don't see why they'd have any problem with me tweaking rabid fanboys with facts and informed opinions.

-- Z.
pardon my threadjack, but what magazine is it that you edit.....

A humble-but-lovable new pub called Video Game Collector. Check www.vgcollector.com (to be overhauled by year's end) for more deets.

-- Z.

[ubersaurus]

I'd argue that Sega and Atari both gave Nintendo a good run back in the day.

I wish I had Game Gear and Lynx sales figures to cite, but all I can offer is anecdotal evidence that back in the day, when I was a fresh, young, naive game journo, the only people I encountered who talked about or played the Game Gear and Lynx were core gamers, whereas EVERYONE talked about or played the Game Boy.


The Lynx was at times difficult to even find in stores, and believe me, it wasn't because it was selling out. I'd argue that the Game Gear and Lynx had virtually *no* effect on Gameboy sales.

Ok, maybe not the Lynx (probably the fact it was underproduced in the early months hurt it alot), but I'm pretty damn sure the game gear was a competitor against the game boy. I remember quite a few people back in the day owning one.

I don't think anyone can honestly say, though, that a 2 hour battery life is going to convince people that it's worth getting.

[NvrMore]

Just so you know. I am not a fanboy. And I am not leaving. Whether those two posts were aimed at me or not.

I like the DS and it makes me a fanboy. I don't buy it. I don't find the PSP worthy of buying and it makes me a fanboy. Still don't buy it.


Easy there, don't get so bothered by it, ZM calls anyone who holds an opposing opinion to his own a fanboy (or some unsurprisingly limited variant). It's a limited argumentative mechanism designed to destract for his own argumentative shortcomings.

As for the "make them leave" comments. C'mon the guy's full of wind, "I'm leaving!" is his line, he just hopes to see someone other than himself use it.

You have an opinion. You like and are enthusiastic about something and you express it without being overbearing and berating/belittling others who express an opinion/liking to the contrary. This does not a fanboy of you make.

It's a gaming site, one would hope you'd be enthusiastic about elements of gaming ;)

Just let ZM go, it's like watching re-runs. He'll call people with opposing view fanboys, attempt to belittle them, declare himself the great crusader against fanboys, call peple fanboys, cry victim, mods/admins will be close by to comfort/reassure him, he'll play wounded crusader (and call people fanboys), <possible rinse and repeat>, thread will die/mods will close thread condemning others for it with a conveniently selective blind eye. Yay for consistency.

(run on sentence for those who love 'em)

(derail..)

[classicb]

I'd argue that Sega and Atari both gave Nintendo a good run back in the day.

I wish I had Game Gear and Lynx sales figures to cite, but all I can offer is anecdotal evidence that back in the day, when I was a fresh, young, naive game journo, the only people I encountered who talked about or played the Game Gear and Lynx were core gamers, whereas EVERYONE talked about or played the Game Boy.


The Lynx was at times difficult to even find in stores, and believe me, it wasn't because it was selling out. I'd argue that the Game Gear and Lynx had virtually *no* effect on Gameboy sales.

Ok, maybe not the Lynx (probably the fact it was underproduced in the early months hurt it alot), but I'm pretty damn sure the game gear was a competitor against the game boy. I remember quite a few people back in the day owning one.

I don't think anyone can honestly say, though, that a 2 hour battery life is going to convince people that it's worth getting.

and why did the Game Gear eventualy fall? battery life maybe?

I had a Game Gear when I was a kid and I thought it was so cool because it was color and backlit but I hated taking it on trips because I needed to haul around a bag of AA batteries to change every 3hrs wow who would have thought the Game Gear would have a better battery life than the PSP.

[RCM]

I remember that Game Gear actually outsold Gameboy for a time. At least according to Sega. I wish I had the numbers and the year(s) that they said it did. Alas, all I have is the foggy memory!

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[Kamino]

I'd argue that Sega and Atari both gave Nintendo a good run back in the day.

I wish I had Game Gear and Lynx sales figures to cite, but all I can offer is anecdotal evidence that back in the day, when I was a fresh, young, naive game journo, the only people I encountered who talked about or played the Game Gear and Lynx were core gamers, whereas EVERYONE talked about or played the Game Boy.


The Lynx was at times difficult to even find in stores, and believe me, it wasn't because it was selling out. I'd argue that the Game Gear and Lynx had virtually *no* effect on Gameboy sales.

Ok, maybe not the Lynx (probably the fact it was underproduced in the early months hurt it alot), but I'm pretty damn sure the game gear was a competitor against the game boy. I remember quite a few people back in the day owning one.

I don't think anyone can honestly say, though, that a 2 hour battery life is going to convince people that it's worth getting.

and why did the Game Gear eventualy fall? battery life maybe?

I had a Game Gear when I was a kid and I thought it was so cool because it was color and backlit but I hated taking it on trips because I needed to haul around a bag of AA batteries to change every 3hrs wow who would have thought the Game Gear would have a better battery life than the PSP.

geez, did you have nuclear batteries?
I got 30 mins to a half hour out of batteries, and the game gear is actually the last device i ever used batteries in - back in 1996........i've hated batteries since then, actually.

[Nez]

I dont think battery lfe will hurt the PSP as much as it did the GameGear. GameGear you have to buy batteries, at $6 a pop for 3 hours its just too expensive to own and operate. While the PSP has less gameing time it of course is cheaper becouse of its rechagable battery.

[classicb]

geez, did you have nuclear batteries?
I got 30 mins to a half hour out of batteries, and the game gear is actually the last device i ever used batteries in - back in 1996........i've hated batteries since then, actually.

I probably never got a full 3 hours out of it but more like between 2-3. I got tired of buying batteries for it so I got that big battery pack for it and that thing only lasted like 15-20mins.

To get back on point here the IPod got alot of criticism about battery life and it didn't stop them from selling it through the roof and they eventually fixed the battery problem. so who knows what will happen.

[Ed Oscuro]

I dont think battery lfe will hurt the PSP as much as it did the GameGear. GameGear you have to buy batteries, at $6 a pop for 3 hours its just too expensive to own and operate. While the PSP has less gameing time it of course is cheaper becouse of its rechagable battery.
I think the big issue here is that of brand names. People know Nintendo's handhelds (at least they think they do), and Sony's a new player (like they used to be in the old days! Pre-1980s anyhow). Batteries weren't the deciding factor with the GameGear, I think; though definitely a huge one. Nah, Nintendo's name helped and so did the lower cost of the system.

[zmweasel]

Easy there, don't get so bothered by it, ZM calls anyone who holds an opposing opinion to his own a fanboy (or some unsurprisingly limited variant). It's a limited argumentative mechanism designed to destract for his own argumentative shortcomings.

I never called Jasoco a fanboy. Read for comprehension. If you can.

-- Z.

[bargora]

If I piss off one fanboy so much that he leaves these forums forever, I can die happy.
This is exactly what concerns me, Zach...I don't share that mindset, and I don't think the mods here would be thrilled, either. I hope that's meant mostly in jest.
No disrespect intended to Mr. Oscuro, but with that statement, Mr. Meston is my personal hero. Whether he meant it or not. I think.

Shit. I should just go play some Sega games on a Sega system, no?

[NvrMore]

I never called Jasoco a fanboy. Read for comprehension. If you can.
-- Z.

Let's see you're having an argument with Josco and repeatedly cry fanboy numerous times (as usual) in reference to those taking a pro (or rather non-anti) nintendo stance. As well as declaring your self proclaimed (and amusingly delusional) crusade to make said people leave (Woo, trolling) in regard to your taking up argumnet against others.

Now, back peddle all you like, Josco certainly seemed all too aware of your assertation, and, I certainly didn't see you making even the slightest effort to deny it were it not for my remarks.

Please, stick to your delusions of crusading grandeur and parroting your little keyword. That or just play victim (and cry fanboy), I'm sure the admin/mods don't want anyone upsetting their little undercover crusader. No doubt reassurance will be on it's way.

[hydr0x]

nvrmore why even bother posting in his threads? i'm pretty sure you'd enjoy your time more if you'd leave him alone doing his thing if he feels like that and go out and play some games, that said, i'm off to play some more ffta :)

[maxlords]

Ok...just read this and:


My incessant defense of PSP comes from my dislike of the tiny screens of Nintendo handhelds and their tiny size for tiny gamers. I just can't get comfortable playing them with my elbows bent to see the tiny pixels. I'm excited to see a handheld coming out with a good sized screen that will have games like GTA3+ rather than cartoon SNES level/3D rehashes. Nintendo's handhelds have been traditionally underpowered compared to what could be done.

I think that we should all be excited about what PSP will do to the handheld market. Competition is good. Perhaps Nintendo will have to be cutting edge for once- not just cool and creative. Eh, not this time.

@ ianoid: Honestly, I LIKE the direction the GBA:SP has gone with a large variety of 2D games, some quite innovative, and a few 3Ds. Sure it could have more...but it's simple fun....personally...I prefer that and really enjoy it in general. The more complicated a game is, the less likely I am to just pick it up and play.


I think maybe it's more of the fact of the CD/DVD type mechanism. It would be more likely to break in the PSP than a smart media type of system in the DS.

Why? Why would that be the case? Sony makes INCREDIBLY durable portable CD players...you should see how abusive I am to mine...it would make you cringe. I don't think that the CD mechanism will be particularly susceptible to damage if it's based on their Discman technology (which by all rights it should be).


Ok, maybe not the Lynx (probably the fact it was underproduced in the early months hurt it alot), but I'm pretty damn sure the game gear was a competitor against the game boy. I remember quite a few people back in the day owning one.

Gotta agree wtih Zach here....the GG was NOT competition for Nintendo. It was a competitor...but not actual competition. NO ONE bought a GG compared to the GB owners back in the day. Nintendo OWNED the handheld market.


As for my thoughts on this....well....here they are.

1. Assuming the PSP has a 2 hour battery life on games I'm interested in (as it appears it would be variable depending on the game you play) then I would not be interested in one.

2. The PSP screen is the item I'm most concerned about on the system....a HUGE screen with no cover or protector, and it's a convex screen to boot (at least that's how it looks to me)! I look at it and it just SCREAMS "Scratch me! Scratch me!" I suspect the screens on the PSP will be easily damaged and I for one hate having to worry about how I'm carrying a portable system...and I REALLY hate playing them while plugged into the wall....cause what's the point?

3. There are very few games for the PSP that I am interested in buying. Now, personally, I think that the library of games is what makes or breaks a system. It's been proven by Sony since the PS1....put out ENOUGH good games games and you'll lock the market, regardless of your hardware. I suspect that in the handheld market this won't be the same because battery life and screens and hardware are more of a factor in portables, but I honestly don't see all that many "must have" games in the PSP library, where I see at least a dozen coming for the DS that I won't even blink at buying. Depending on the quality of these titles after release, I'd tentatively say that the DS has an EXTREMELY solid library coming and the PSPs is...questionable at best.

I honestly think that due to the library, design, and battery life, the DS is the more likely candidate in this contest. Whether the fanboyism sells more PSPs or not is definitely a factor, but I still think the DS looks to be a better system from a gamer's standpoint.

[punkoffgirl]

Just let ZM go, it's like watching re-runs. He'll call people with opposing view fanboys, attempt to belittle them, declare himself the great crusader against fanboys, call peple fanboys, cry victim, mods/admins will be close by to comfort/reassure him, he'll play wounded crusader (and call people fanboys), <possible rinse and repeat>, thread will die/mods will close thread condemning others for it with a conveniently selective blind eye. Yay for consistency.




Please, stick to your delusions of crusading grandeur and parroting your little keyword. That or just play victim (and cry fanboy), I'm sure the admin/mods don't want anyone upsetting their little undercover crusader. No doubt reassurance will be on it's way.

What the hell are you talking about?

[Nature Boy]

It's the gosh darn GAMES that make a system. NOT the hardware and in MY OPINION, that's what it is, an OPINION, in MY OPINION, the PSP doesn't have what I want. So what?

Nothing wrong with having an opinion.

BUT

The thread is about battery life and you slam the PSP for lack of games. Then go on about how the PS2 took you four years to buy. Then about how the thing was screaming break me. Not a *thing* about the battery life is to be found (which is what the thread topic *is* about).

Those are valid points when considering a purchase, but they just don't have their place in this thread. Which, in my opinion, makes it a *very* fanboyish post...

[jonjandran]

I think maybe it's more of the fact of the CD/DVD type mechanism. It would be more likely to break in the PSP than a smart media type of system in the DS.

Why? Why would that be the case? Sony makes INCREDIBLY durable portable CD players...you should see how abusive I am to mine...it would make you cringe. I don't think that the CD mechanism will be particularly susceptible to damage if it's based on their Discman technology (which by all rights it should be).


Well anyone who knows much about electronics should know that a mechanical device (with motors, gears, plastic parts, etc) has a much higher chance of breaking that a strictly electronic device ( ie, no plastic,metal moving parts).

That just seems pretty obvious to me and anyone else who deals in electronics. I mean I've shipped lots of systems and you wouldn't believe how many PS2's, Saturn's , etc show up with damaged cdtrays, lasers , etc just from being dropped or jostled during shipping. Yet amazingly the cart based systems don't get messed up during shipping .

[maxlords]

And neither do Sony CD players. I'm saying they've developed very sturdy portable disc-based units over the years...there's no reason to assume outright that they'll be prone to failure.

I do agree that the less moving parts, the less likely chance you have of things breaking down....but at the same time, it depends on the use and abuse by the owner. And we're talking about two radically different things....portable disc-based units and home consoles. From an engineering standpoint, they're radically different. Why do you think home consoles are shipped packed in styrofoam and portables aren't? Part of the design of a portable system includes shock resistance, while a home console's design does NOT. Consoles are not designed to be portable...or to be shipped without sufficiant padding. In addition, especially concerning the Saturn, we're talking several entire generations of CD units....that's a long time ago in tech terms. Cart based systems were generally built sturdier than the CD ones too, but look at the Cube....it's heavily shock resistant, very sturdy....I've BOUNCED mine across the floor multiple times with nary a problem...and not gently either. It's a misguided assumption to assume that the PSP will be less sturdy simply because it has more moving parts. It's a matter of design, and we won't see that until we get to see the machine ourselves.

I think you CAN assume that there will be fairly heavy shock resistance built into the unit. Don't think it'll be on the same standard as the PS2 which was not designed to be portable at ALL.

That being said...I still believe that the DS is the superior choice.

[Ed Oscuro]

Well. The PSP's drive is totally new technology, so there's an argument that it might be less durable. On the other hand, given how much money Sony is losing per unit, it seems reasonable to me that they're hell bent on not making a drive that's prone to failure. They've probably strapped the things to the bottom of motorcycle tires and gone a few laps, you know?

It's taking it too far, in all seriousness, to expect the PSP's drive to survive a trip through the washer, while I would expect the DS to have a fair chance (a member of another forums I frequent/moderate, well, that's the only one, recently did just that with a GBA SP by accident and it worked fine; his Wario Ware copy still had the savegame).

Some people will do that. Will you?

Right now I'm not terribly hot on the lineup for either console - but consoles I've played hell out of have launched with much less impressive lineups for sure - in fact I'm having trouble thinking of consoles that had as good a range of software at launch as either machine is measuring up to provide.

Like Maxlords, I've also bounced a GC off a floor - a concrete one - the only semi-casualty being the front right corner of my GameBoy Player, which now has a dent in it. Not even a game freeze...that's awesome. Seriously, when you have a rugged disc player, and drop it, what happens? What slips out of alignment in a tiny PSP case? The disc might wobble a bit back and forth...that's all I can think of really.

[NvrMore]

nvrmore why even bother posting in his threads? i'm pretty sure you'd enjoy your time more if you'd leave him alone doing his thing if he feels like that and go out and play some games, that said, i'm off to play some more ffta :)

For the most part I do, but at times his incessant trolling (sorry.. crusading) proves tiresome. Even for a lurker the incessant shrieking of fanboy and deluded proclaimations of self-reigousness amid every other discussion proves tedious after a while. Besides, given that such behaviour is apparently acceptible, I see no harm in prodding the troll now and again.


What the hell are you talking about?

Pretty much what I said.

[zmweasel]

Now, back peddle all you like, Josco certainly seemed all too aware of your assertation, and, I certainly didn't see you making even the slightest effort to deny it were it not for my remarks.

I'm not back-pedaling. I'm telling you to READ FOR COMPREHENSION. I never called Jasoco a fanboy.

As for your entering this thread to try and reignite a flamewar that went out many months ago, it saddens me. You're obviously still seething, whereas I'd forgotten you even existed until you reappeared in this thread.

-- Z.

[kainemaxwell]

Anyhow, 2 hours is definitly too short a time for a handheld of the PSP's caliber.