.: ShaolinTiger - Kung-Fu Geekery :.

Nintendo DS Lite (NDSL) vs PSP Slim

This has been quite a long debate between the gaming factions, since the original Nintendo DS (fat) came out and the original generation one Playstation Portable (PSP).

Now we are at the second generation with the PSP Slim and the Nintendo DS Lite, both are slimmer, sexier and have better specs.

The last time I bought something like this was almost 2 years ago when I got the PS2 - I was late to the race with that purchase as I am with this one. But then I tend to prefer that, the prices are lower, more games are available and the accessories are more refined.

So now I've been thinking of getting a portable but those times of waiting, airports, plane trips, taxis, waiting for meetings, whilst ladies are shopping and so on. I've had my eye on the PSP for a while but after playing it a few times I find it a bit limited...yeah the graphics are good but the games are about the same as PS2, very few originals mostly just ports.

Sony PSP Slim

Sony PSP Slim

You can watch movies easily though, surf the web and play music although the battery life is quite short and load times long with UMD media.

From my testing/observations and research:

PSP Pros

  • Multiplayer & Wifi capability
  • Built in browsing capability
  • Very good graphics
  • Homebrew support
  • Solid build

PSP Cons

  • Slow load times
  • Poor battery life (2-3 hours)
  • Limited range of good games
  • Poor RPG platform
  • Very slow game releases

Nintendo DS Lite

Nintendo DS Lite

Then the Nintendo DS Lite caught my eye, innovative games, touch screen and cheaper than the PSP.

I've always been a fan of Nintendo games and their innovative original gameplay, just look at the Wii - that'll be my next purchase when I get a bigger place!

I loved my NES and SNES and only went for a Dreamcast after that as Sega have a similar heritage to Nintendo...Sony tends to go for flashy games and great graphics rather than entertainment.

NDSL Pros

  • More original games
  • 2 screens
  • Touch screen capability
  • Multiplayer & Wifi capability
  • Great battery life (5-10 hours)
  • Wide variety of game genres
  • Great RPG platform
  • Homebrew support

NDSL Cons

  • Browser needs additional hardware
  • Graphics not super good
  • Hinge can get weak

I'm heading towards DS Lite at the moment, what do you think?

VGEScape has DS Lite on top.
Metafilter - mostly in favour of DS Lite
Someone who bought both...on the SAME DAY!

At current price I think the NDSL is about RM650 and the PSP about RM750.

It's a tough choice..

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Posted in Internet & Tech | -

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27 Comments so far

  1. Serge Norguard  on September 30th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0 on Windows Windows Vista 

    as a person that has a DS Lite, it is true that you need additional hardware if you would like to use the Opera DS. However there is a homebrew that allows you to surf the web, though it will be text based only.

    I cant recommend if you should go for a psp or a dsl. Psp if you want graphic intense game, but if you want fun and a whole lot of sweet homebrew such as DS Linux ... dslite is the way to go.

  2. spectre  on September 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    DS forever dude XD

  3. Precious Pea  on September 30th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.17 on Mac OS Mac OS X 

    Am still sticking to my GBA although Hubby offered me PSP. Am a very loyal person! Hahaha! Anyway..wii is cool. Am now hooked to my Wii Fit.

  4. Angie Tan  on September 30th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    Go for the PSP. A lot more variety of games. ;-)

    If you prefer games such as Final Fantasy Crisis Core and some FPS (first person shooter), the PSP is the way to go.

    Sorry for being biased as I'm a PSP owner... since 2006. :-)

  5. CindyC  on September 30th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows Windows XP 

    i say PSP!!!! roarr

  6. ront  on September 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.1 on Windows Windows XP 

    how about both??

    been playing with my ds lite for about 2 months now..its quite enjoyable and plenty of games to go with it. well, psp has plenty of games.

    will get the psp as well.....when the opportunity arise. just that the next gen psp is soon to be available.

  7. Dabido  on September 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.2 on Fedora Linux Fedora Linux 

    DS Lite looks like an old Donkey Kong that's turned white! lol

    I've been thinking about getting a portable too ... but then saving for a house pops up in my head and I think I'll defer it till they are even better.

    I have an old Gameboy slim ... which I never use. lol I used to play it on the train on the way home, but I got bored playing the same game over and over. :-)

  8. vss3t  on September 30th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.1 on Windows Windows XP 

    NDS rocks!!!!!!!!

    Oh yeah, i got mine frm Lowyat 3rd floor i think, frm a quite convincing (not too pushy) seller at a black booth. very distinctive right after you get of the elevator. got it for rm700 with 2g memory card wif all the games init, extra rm20 for the original screen protector i think.

    =D

  9. s2k_247  on October 1st, 2008 at 12:26 am
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    Personally speaking, the DS Lite is a better option as compared to the PSP. I own a PSP, and frankly, the PSP is not that great of a buy. Sure it does look good, and at that time, it was the better portable system to go for, but after dealing with expensive UMD's, and then moving on to the modified software, which in turn, led to problems with the software, and the downloaded games that SOMETIMES work, the PSP just kinda lost its attraction and is duly keeping the stacks of paper on my desk from flying around...

    And games-wise, the DS is a much better choice, in terms of good games that last. I'm pretty sick of playing a crappy ported version of Prince of Persia on the PSP, and not play truly enjoyable games like Sonic and Metroid Prime...

  10. Suertes  on October 1st, 2008 at 2:41 am
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.1 on Windows Windows XP 

    I dunno.. every time I see the Nintendo DS I think of Game n' Watch. At that kind of price...

  11. Izuan  on October 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    I have NDS Lite and personally I think it is worth my money. You can play mp3, play for hours (due to the long battery life) and download the games from the Internet. Right now I'm waiting for Pokemon Platinum (English Version) to be released.. anyone interested to trade with me? :P

  12. Nicholas Leong  on October 1st, 2008 at 10:41 am
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    I have both and I will say go with the NDS Lite. The games are way better and you get more fun and a longer battery life too, since it sucks less juice. :)

  13. Juanito  on October 1st, 2008 at 11:07 am
    Using Internet Explorer Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Windows XP 

    Tho I am a PS lover, I feel that PSP has its own disadvantages.. Nin on the other hand reminds of the olden days game and watch - handy, cute, free and easy mobility...

    I would go for Nin I have to say...

  14. KY  on October 1st, 2008 at 12:48 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    Don't have to choose, can always get both! :D

  15. Hanuman  on October 1st, 2008 at 1:04 pm
    Using Safari Safari 525.20.1 on Mac OS Mac OS X 

    DS for sure .. look what you can do with this hack

    http://www.hackszine.com/blog/archive/2008/09/controlling_a_nikon_or_canon_c.html

  16. jerng  on October 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
    Using Safari Safari 525.13 on Mac OS Mac OS X 

    Haha... I'm only considering the purchase of a PS2 right now... I guess some of us are waaay behind the curve.

  17. irentau  on October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 pm
    Using Safari Safari 525.13 on Mac OS Mac OS X 

    Get urself a PSP. U will fully utilize it once u get a PS3

  18. ShaolinTiger  on October 3rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
    Using Internet Explorer Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Windows XP 

    Serge Norguard: Yah that's pretty much what I thought, I think you can hack the Opera ROM too so it can operate without the extra memory - will be dog slow though.

    spectre: 2-0 for DS!

    Precious Pea: Yah hoping to get a Wii later, you should get a DS Lite - Nintendogs rocks!

    Angie Tan: Have to disagree, for variety of games DS Lite wins hands down - for better graphics PSP wins. 2-1 for DS Lite.

    CindyC: Haha ok 2-2 it's a draw.

    ront: Yah I heard that too, wouldn't mind both either really :D I'll give that a 3-3 draw.

    Dabido: If you liked Gameboy games you'd love DS lite then...am saving for a house too, gotta have something to do whilst not spending money :D

    vss3t: 4-3 for NDSL then! Your package isn't a great deal though I've seen much better (Original screen protector, crystal case, R4Ds ROM card + 2GB Trans for RM650).

    s2k_247: Totally agree with you, the fact you have to modify the firmware for homebrew on the PSP is a bad sign for me...just pop in a bootstrap loader cart on the DS and you're done! 5-3 for DS Lite!

    Suertes: Hahaha, it's much better than that.

    Izuan: Sounds good, 6-3 for NDSL!

    Nicholas Leong: Yah the games are very much fun! And the battery life is massive especially on lower brightness. 7-3 to DS.

    Juanito: Yup Nintendo has a certain gaming heritage, especially for handhelds 8-3 to DS!

    KY: Hahah yah, but I want something with hardcore graphics I'd prefer to get a PS3.

    Hanuman: Wow that's sweet! 9-3 to DS.

    jerng: Haha yah I was behind...you are way way way behind, want to buy mine? Will be selling soon with 2 controllers and lots of games.

    irentau: Hmm will see about that 9-4 to DS final score!

  19. Serge Norguard  on October 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0 on Windows Windows Vista 

    Well if you're patient enough ... wait next year when the launch the new DSLite-i series

  20. shyang  on October 4th, 2008 at 12:58 am
    Using Internet Explorer Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Windows XP 

    Would u like to wait for a moment ? because there is another latest version of NDSL from Nintendo, with additional functions with it … u can check it out …

  21. FeR  on October 4th, 2008 at 9:39 am
    Using Safari Safari 525.20.1 on Mac OS Mac OS X 

    Yup! In November Nintendo is apparently launching the NDSi (in Japan - about USD180)
    What a coincidence! I'm also looking into getting a DS Lite albeit VERY behind times - but hey! Make use of the lower price now.

    NDSi will have larger displays (if only slightly), slightly slimmer, one 3MP camera and one VGA camera, music playback, WiFi + browser, DSi shop and is able to link up to Wii-wares (if you have one)...but no GBA cartridge slot. (read all these online only la) No more shiny surface, and you can choose from matte black/white.

    Final verdict tho? Will still probably go for the NDSL - i just want the NDSL for it's main function - fun and games! I vote for DS Lite!

  22. ShaolinTiger  on October 6th, 2008 at 12:42 am
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows XP 

    Serge Norguard: Nah it's ok, I think I prefer DS Lite for it's ability to use accessories with the GBA slot. Plus the price for DSL is awesome now.

    shyang: Yeah checked out the specs, camera is cool but nothing else really tempts me.

    FeR: Yah should be coming out November first in Japan from what I've read, not much difference though. The price is awesome for DS Lite though and Guitar Hero: On Tour won't work on the new DS-i! Another vote for DS Lite! Go buy one now, superb value. Apparently USA version of DS-i won't be out until April 2009 at least anyway, so don't hold your breath.

  23. Michael Yip  on October 12th, 2008 at 7:42 am
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows Vista 

    PSP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  24. ShaolinTiger  on October 13th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows Vista 

    Michael Yip: DS Wins!

  25. Atchucan  on October 17th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.5 on Windows Windows XP 

    I hope I'm not too late to do a recommendation but I suggest you to get the PSP.

  26. marcin  on October 19th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
    Using Internet Explorer Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Windows Vista 

    we all know the psp is better! psp can almost do every thing... like for ex: play ds games, listen to music, watch videos, play fun insane games with insane graphix, skype, msn, and many more!!! And if you say ds is better then you must really like if. by the way it's possible to mob the psp screen as a toch screen...

  27. ShaolinTiger  on October 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
    Using Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows Windows Vista 

    Atchucan: Er why?

    marcin: Obviously we don't :D DS Lite is ahead so far.

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