PSP or Nintendo DS

[modest9797]

I have recently decided to purchase a new handheld game system.

My decision is between a PSP or a Nintendo DS

I really like that the PSP because it can play movies but the Nintendo DS has Nintendo games.

Is the Nintendo DS backwards compatible with GBA games?

Also it seems PSP games are cheaper than DS games right now.

So what do you think I should buy?

[Dastardly Dylan]

DS. Hands down. Yes it is backwards compatible with GBA games.

PSP has no games, but it is good for stuff like a MP3 player, or to watch movies and such.

[Atari 5200]

DS. Hands down. Yes it is backwards compatible with GBA games.

PSP has no games, but it is good for stuff like a MP3 player, or to watch movies and such.

Seconded. The DS has a better quality of games than the PSP. The only thing I use my PSP for now is homebrew.

[modest9797]

Can the DS play GB or GBC games? or just GBA?

[Dastardly Dylan]

Can the DS play GB or GBC games? or just GBA?

Only GBA, Sorry.

[modest9797]

Is there a web-browser for the DS?

If so, which is better? Can either of them play YouTube videos?

Can you download videos to the PSP?

[sonoranreptile]

Get the DS is you like a smaller screen, unusable internet browser, a lot of games (that are clones of other games), or re-releases of older games at $30+. Get a PSP if you want versitility, great graphics, great internet, and killer games like God of War, Crisis Core, Patapon, Rainbow 6 Vegas, GTA, Ratchet and Clank, etc. I have both systems. My DS has 5 hours on it, my PSP has well over 100. Not to mention the homebrew capabilities.......

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

*sigh*

Come on people, it's been like 4 years, if it's not clear now will it ever be?

It's apples and bananas.

Both systems are phenomenal pieces of hardware in their own rights, and they're both SO drastically different that there's NO NEED to compare them in some type of competitive/aggressive fashion. EVER.

Yes, they're both portable systems aaaaaaaaand, that's where the similarities end.

If you're a big fan of Nintendo's software and their portable legacy, the DS Lite is a great system for you. PERSONALLY I've never been a huge fan of the touch screen mechanic, but it does work great and companies have put it to use really well. And it sounds like you've got a GBA library waiting to be used ... if that's the case the DS will serve you well.

It's got all the style and charm that Nintendo has brought to the table with their handheld devices, and if you don't have a problem sorting through the shovelware garbage, there are some serious gems in it's library.

If you've always wanted a portable system that can handle games/graphics/gameplay of current gen systems, the PSP pushes the limits of current-gen console quality games in a portable package, and it's a multimedia powerhouse with tons of built in options to boot.

It also does some pretty amazing things when linked to the PS3 (remote play gets better with every update). People criticize the system for having too many "ports" of console games ... but face it, there's NEVER been a portable that can handle "ports" the way that the PSP does. Ever play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on a Gameboy Advance? Right. 2D isometric versions of your console favorites are nearly non-existent on the PSP (unless it's an intentional design choice).

Both systems have built in WiFi. Games for both systems are at a similar price point. Both systems have great, robust libraries of software (where PSP has a smaller amount of total software, the DS has a much higher amount of garbage shovelware).

It's all about what YOU want out of a handheld system.

Just don't buy into any "negativity" against either system, building artificial "hate" towards a game system is not going to help you make a good decision at the retail counter.

[djbeatmongrel]

Really it comes down to what are you looking for in a system and what type of games do you like to play or are looking to play more of. Also what type of extra features would you like. thats better for imports. these are the questions you need to answer.

Atleast start with a list of games you'd like to buy if you have an idea for both systems and see what one you want more games for.

both the psp and ds are good systems for different reasons dont let the gamefqas rejects persuade you negatively on this issue either way. people who do that are mental midgets

[retro junkie]

To make the decision even more difficult, two Star Ocean games are coming out for the PSP at the end of the year and Chrono Trigger for the DS. That is, if you are into RPGs.

[norkusa]

I love both my PSP and DS but if I had to choose only one, I'd pick the PSP. With the DS, I'm only limited to playing GBA & DS games. But if I ever get bored with playing games on the PSP though, I can also watch movies, go online, view pics & listen to mp3's.

And if you go the extra mile and install custom firmware on it, the PSP can do tons more like run emulators (GBA included), GPS, play PS1 games, IM chat, drum machine, read e-books & pdf's, and about a thousand other useful things

But what it all comes down to is what Frankie said. Apples & Oranges. Buy which one you'll enjoy using most.

[unwinddesign]

One thing that's important to note is that it seems like PSP dev is slowing down...there are way more games being released for DS, and not a WHOLE lot on the horizon for the PSP. This could all change with E3 coming up, of course, but it just seems to me that the PSP has been getting less stuff developed solely for it (GoW and FFVII this year not withstanding...).

[MrSparkle]

my vote goes ds

[LifeGame]

Both are great in their own ways!

[G-Boobie]

Master Frankie is a very smart man. I'd listen to him if I was you.

I have both, and I vacillate between the two depending on mood and recent releases. My PSP has had the ever-loving shite hacked out of it, so in addition to the store bought(thank you very much) UMD games I have a ton of NES, SNES, GEN, NEOGEO, CPS 1 and 2, etc. etc. etc. ROMS in there; never know when the mood for Garou: Mark of the Wolves will strike. I've also checked out some homebrew; it's all together neat-o, if a bit more work than a lot of people want to put into their gaming

My DS has Contra 4. That alone would equal everything on the PSP. In addition to that fine game however, is a mountain of equally impressive software and a far superior battery life.

Not much help, but then again, I seldom am.

[Damaramu]

As an owner of both, I have to say: I love them both equally. Each system has their own little quirks about them, advantages/disadvanges, etc.

I bought the DS Lite first, about 2 years ago. The PSP is a recent addition to my collection and gets regular use. The DS, not so much these days.

It's probably not helping you decide between the two, but don't let the PSP naysayers fool you into thinking the PSP is somehow inferior. It's definitely not.

I had a buddy do the Pandora firmware mod and as soon as I get a bigger memory card, you can guarantee I'll be loading emulators and junk on it...BUT, I still buy games. I'm not keen on pirating PSP games since I'd like to build up my collection.

[carlcarlson]

Alright, here's a question for PSP owners. I remember reading that the first model had a cramped button layout or something. Did the redesign solve this issue, or is it still awkward? Also, any other major reasons to get one model over the other if tv-out isn't an issue?

Also, props to pretty much everyone in this thread for giving constructive feedback to the OP. I have a DS and love it, but am now looking to get a PSP as well for some good ol' srpg action. Both systems just offer totally differenct experiences and both of them are excellent.

[Kevin H]

I have both and it really depends on the type of games you like. My ds probably gets more use, but thats because I'm into the whole brain type game phase right now. My psp gets more work when into the action games.

But one thing that I have noticed is it easier to use a flash card to play emulators on the ds if you like old games. PSP and new firmware just seems to be more of a hassle even though I have both.

[DeputyMoniker]

I have recently decided to purchase a new handheld game system.

My decision is between a PSP or a Nintendo DS

I really like that the PSP because it can play movies but the Nintendo DS has Nintendo games.

Is the Nintendo DS backwards compatible with GBA games?

Also it seems PSP games are cheaper than DS games right now.

So what do you think I should buy?

If you like Nintendo games, and it sounds like you do, then buy the DS. You're in the market for a new gaming system...not a media player. I prefer my PSP over my DS but I'm not 100% satisfied with the game lineup. My DS on the other hand...I don't like any of the games I buy for it. So I'm either picking the wrong games or the DS just isn't for me. If you think you'll like the games then I'd say you should get the DS.

[Oobgarm]

Looks like the DS is best for you, and most everyone else thinks so as well.

But be sure to carefully look at Frankie's post. It has everything you need to know to make an educated decision.