The Observer, December 9, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 13
Nintendo DS or Playstation Portable?
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Many students may be familiar with this situation: you're becoming dissatisfied with the trickle of game releases on your current console and you have no hope of acquiring an Xbox 360. More consoles will launch next year, but projected pricing on the PS3 seems a bit alarming. While things may seem grim for your favorite hobby, this may be because you haven't considered the recent advances in handheld systems currently available. Believe it or not, we've come pretty far since the original Gameboy, as some of the most enjoyable software right now is portable.
There are two major options. There's the Nintendo DS, an innovative, dual-screened machine that has touch screen capabilities and a low price tag. In direct contrast is the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP), which is capable of producing graphics similar to those found on the PS2. Both of these platforms have been available for about a year now, so I thought it'd be wise to take a critical look at the strengths and weaknesses of both.
The Nintendo DS struggled when it debuted last November, with archaic N64 ports and quick cash-ins. Those of us with patience however, eventually were rewarded with a series of brilliant games such as Meteos, Kirby: Canvas Curse, and Advance Wars: Dual Strike. Since then, the DS library has increased steadily. There are major hits available, such as classics like Mariokart DS, as well as niche games like Trauma Center: Under the Knife, a game in which you perform surgery on patients. The single greatest strength of Nintendo's system is the large number of truly superb games.
Those seeking something far beyond what was available on the Gameboy Advance will find it here. What defines the system are the outstanding features such as the touch screen and microphone. Developers have found numerous ways to creatively exploit the technology. I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo is using their handheld strategies as a testing ground for the Revolution. At the same time, American support could be improved significantly. Any amount of time spent with an Electronic Arts title demonstrates that absolutely no effort was put into creating a worthwhile experience. My only other complaint is that Nintendo could be making greater efforts to localize some of their quirkier software. Perhaps a game such as Band Brothers wouldn't sell particularly well, but it could attract an audience that might not normally pay attention to the music genre.
Some students' feelings towards the PSP are much less complimentary, but that stems more out of frustration than disinterest. There is so much untapped potential here that Sony continues to ignore. The company appears to be going against every principle that allowed their previous efforts to prosper. First party support is almost completely absent (the only major game release this winter is Socom: Team Bravo). Owners are lucky if they see one quality game a month, even though so many publishers expressed enthusiasm when the PSP was announced. Looking at what's planned for next year only increases my dismay. Perhaps most troublesome is Sony's emphasis on multimedia. The PSP has very little potential memory, and that's only if one chooses to buy a very pricey memory stick. Movie releases on the system's UMD format receive more attention these days than games, which I would argue is a terrible choice. I really do enjoy playing my PSP.
Games like GTA: Liberty City Stories, Lumines, Wipeout Pure, and the unfairly criticized Metal Gear Acid all warrant a look. Visuals thus far have been breathtaking, and bring gamers that much closer to taking a console game on the go. However, Sony needs to turn their act around if they want to compete with Nintendo's considerably more absorbing (and cheaper) experience.
