Modern handheld gaming has long been dominated by Nintendo and
Sony. Each hardware manufacturer has multiple viable offerings
derived either directly, or evolving from the respective DS and
PlayStation Portable product lines. All of these devices are
impressive multifunctional devices, with designs meant to
encourage gameplay on the go, integration with the Internet,
backwards compatibility to previous games, and so on, but each
goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to
examine the main features, and getting more familiar with
available options, accessories and possible limitations of each
handheld is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice
for a player.
Handheld Console Choices
------------------------
Nintendo 3DS
------------
Nintendo 3DS View larger
Nintendo DSi/DSi XL
-------------------
Nintendo DSi View larger
PSP
---
PlayStation Portable (PSP) View larger
PSPgo
-----
PSPgo View larger
PlayStation Vita
----------------
PlayStation Vita View larger Suggested Retail Price (prices may
vary) $169.99 $149.99/$169.99 $149.99 $199.99 $249.99 - $299.99
(February 2012) Display Dual screen: upper - 3.53" LCD, lower -
3.02" LCD touch screen Dual screen, backlit, 3.25"/4.2", LCD with
256 x 192 resolution 4.3" full transparent 3.8" full transparent
5" OLED multi-touch screen Internal Usable Memory 64 MB NA 64 MB
16 GB TBD External Media Storage SD memory card SD memory card
Sony Memory Stick Duo Memory stick micro New proprietary "NVG"
flash cards Size 5.3" (l) x 2.9" (w) x 0.8" (h) 5.4" (w) x 2.9"
(l) x 0.74" (h) / 6.3" (w) x 3.6" (l) x 0.84" (h) 6.7 (w) x 2.7"
(w) x 0.7" (h) 5.0 (w) x 2.71" (h) x 0.65" (d) 7.2 (l) x 3.3" (w)
x 0.73" (d) Weight 8 oz. 7.5/11.1 oz. 6.7 oz. 5.5 oz. TBD Colors
Aqua Blue, Flaming Red, Cosmo Black 7.5 oz. Piano black (other
colors via bundles) Piano black, Pearl white Black (other colors
to follow) Backwards Compatibility Plays most DS and DSi games
Plays all DS games Plays all PSP games in UMD format, or
available via download; also plays downloadable PS1 games for PSP
Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP
Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP
Wireless Communications Supports local Nintendo wireless
connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
connectivity Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity
between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity Local ad
hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi
connection options Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices
and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options 3G support in one or
two hardware releases; standard ad hoc connectivity between
devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options in both
Online Media Portal Nintendo eShop Nintendo DSi Shop PlayStation
Network PlayStation Network PlayStation Network Streaming Video
Netflix*
No PSN movie rentals, and other video content PSN movie rentals,
and other video content PSN movie rentals, and other video
content Internet Browser Built-in Built-in Built-in Built-in
Built-in Console Integration Yes, with Wii Yes, with Wii Yes,
with PS3 Yes, with PS3 Yes, with PS3 Game Media Game card and
digital download Game card and digital download UMD disc and
digital download Digital download Digital download, alternate
media TBD Online Multiplayer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Local Wireless
Multiplayer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Estimated Battery Life 3-8 hrs
3-14 hrs 4-6 hours 4-6 hours TBD Input Method Touch screen, face
and shoulder buttons, circle pad, motion/gyro sensor Touch
screen, face and shoulder buttons Analog stick, D-pad, face
buttons and shoulder buttons Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons
and shoulder buttons Front and rear touch inputs, 2 analog
sticks, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons Digital
Camera(s) 3 (0.3 megapixels); 3D capabilities 2 (0.3 megapixels)
No No 2 Built-in Microphone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Graphic Quality
Top adjustable 3D screen - 800 x 240 resolution; lower screen -
320 x 240 resolution 256 x 192 resolution 480 x 272 resolution
(16:9 aspect ratio) 480 x 272 resolution
(16:9 aspect ratio) 960 x 544 resolution
(16:9 aspect ratio) General Game Price Range Standard:
$19.99 - $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 - $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 - $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 - $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 - $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 - $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 - $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 - $4.99 Standard:
$19.99 - $39.99
Downloads:
$1.99 - $4.99
Online Play and Functionality
-----------------------------
The wireless revolution in personal electronics has made online
functionality and connectivity to the Internet a huge focus in
handheld gaming. Every handheld console has an online arena that
has either been built specifically for it, or that has been
adapted to suit the needs of online players. By utilizing these
portals players can greatly expand their chosen platform's
potential, maximize gaming fun and increase the overall
entertainment value of their devices.
Nintendo eShop logo The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for
exciting downloadable games, videos, applications, and so much
more. Discover all-new 3D software, plus legendary titles from
gaming past remastered in 3D. Revisit with classic portable
"Virtual Console" games starring Mario, Link, many other faces
from the Nintendo catalog of games. Gain access to hundreds of
previously released DSiWare games, applications and much more.
Browsing the Nintendo eShop is incredibly easy, and fun. Find any
title in seconds, then view screens, game info, and even
video to help you make your purchase. You'll even find details
and 3D video of Nintendo 3DS games available at retail stores.
All games are able to be saved in your own custom wishlist so you
can always remember the titles you want to get.
DSiWare logo DSiWare through the DSi Shop is a service that
allows DSi players to download games and applications directly to
their handheld console in exchange for DSi Points purchased
through a local retailer. Experience new and innovative gameplay,
fresh takes on the classics-and much more. Just shop, download,
and enjoy. Visiting the DSi Shop is easy, just establish wireless
broadband connection, click on the Nintendo DSi Shop icon from
your menu screen and browse the shop and use Nintendo DSi Points.
Games and applications can be saved to SD cards (sold
separately).
PlayStation Network logo PlayStation Network is an all access
pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment
at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PlayStation
handheld (or a PS3) and a broadband connection to the Internet
Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can
download games, first run and classic movies, previews, DLC
add-ons for games, game demos, music and original PlayStation
oriented streaming video content. Purchases can be made using a
credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline.
Content can be stored on external media or within the hard drive
of the PSPgo.
* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.
- Includes: Nintendo DSi XL System, 3 Pre-Installed Titles - Brain Age Express: Math, Brain Age Express: Arts and Letters and Photo Clock.
- Two free applications: the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio.
- Nintendo DSi AC adapter, rechargeable battery.
- Nintendo DSi XL Stylus 2 and easy start guide.
- Manuals (basic and controls) and support booklet.