ROUND 1: PICTURE PERFECT
DS makes a bold entrance as the Nintendo DS, a fresh face in handheld gaming. The exact meaning of DS may be unclear to many, yet the device stands out with two screens placed side by side, each display at 256 by 192 pixels and capable of rendering 260,000 colors. The dual screen layout signals a new direction in portable play for Nintendo.
PSP: Sony enters the portable arena with a device called the PSP, short for PlayStation Portable. It offers a widescreen 480 by 272 resolution and a color palette of 16.77 million colors. On paper, the PSP showcases stronger hardware capabilities than the DS, giving Sony an early advantage.
SCORE: NINTENDO DS – 0 SONY PSP – 1
ROUND 2: CONTROL CONTENDER
DS introduces a feature that sets it apart: a touchscreen that enables direct control by finger or stylus across its face. The controls are designed to be intuitive, allowing players to interact with the game world in fresh ways and opening new genres to handheld play.
PSP uses the familiar set of directional buttons along with the other PlayStation style controls, but there is no new input method to change the feel of control. The round tilts toward the Nintendo DS.
SCORE: NINTENDO DS – 1 SONY PSP – 1
ROUND 3: FEATURE FRENZY
DS packs a list of built in features that demonstrate its versatility. PictoChat lets players exchange messages with nearby DS owners in a local wireless network that can connect up to 16 participants. In addition, DS maintains backward compatibility with GBA games, extending the game library well beyond its own titles.
PSP introduces the Universal Media Disc abbreviated UMD, a new format designed for games that can also hold movies and music. It is a bold bet that extends beyond gaming, a strategy that has seen mixed results in the past but can pay off if the library and media tie ins take off.
Nintendo DS takes the lead in this round, gaining ground on the PSP.
SCORE: NINTENDO DS – 2 SONY PSP – 1
ROUND 4: DESIGN DISPUTE
DS delivers a retro feel fused with modern tech. Its design echoes the classic Game & Watch style with dual displays and a compact, snap shut form that feels approachable for quick sessions and long adventures alike.
PSP embodies a sleek, futuristic look, sometimes likened to an iPod in hand. While it exudes style and durability, some users find it a touch heavy for extended play sessions.
Weight is a practical concern for handhelds; the PSP keeps pace in style, and the round ends in a draw.
SCORE: NINTENDO DS – 2 SONY PSP – 2
ROUND 5: DOLLAR DOWNER
Price plays a major role for buyers. The Nintendo DS tends to stay under the familiar threshold of 199.99 dollars in many markets.
The Sony PSP often carries a higher price, with Canadian pricing around 228 Canadian dollars in some regions, translating to a noticeable premium over the DS. That gap can influence the decision for families choosing a handheld.
DS takes the round by presenting a more affordable option for a broad audience, widening its appeal in North American markets.
SCORE: NINTENDO DS – 3 SONY PSP – 2
ROUND UP: The Sony PSP is viewed by some as the future of portable gaming, but the moment belongs to the Nintendo DS for its immediate versatility. Both devices hold significant value, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. The PSP reached electronics stores on March 24th.