Portable gaming: iPhone, iPod touch, DSi, or PSP?
By Jeff Bakalar, CNET.com
14/04/2009
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/musicplay/0,39050461,62053154,00.htm
Now that Nintendo has released the DSi, every portable gaming system now supports--in one way or another--downloadable content. Whether you're downloading apps from the Apple App Store or transferring PSP games from the PlayStation Network, it's clear that digital distribution is the future of entertainment.
With all of these options, you may ask yourself, "Which portable gaming device is right for me?" If you're the casual gamer who wants everything in one device, you may want to check out an iPhone or iPod touch. More serious gamers can get their fixes with a much more gamer-centric experience with a PSP or DSi. Not ready for the world of downloadable games? The DS Lite is still your most affordable option at US$130.
Also, keep in mind that the ratings below--especially on the Apple products--are based on the respective device's full range of features and performance, not just its gaming capabilities.
Click here for a feature comparison table.
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Nintendo DS Lite
CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10
The good: Higher-resolution display than Game Boy Advance SP; backward compatible with older GBA games; Wi-Fi multiplayer capabilities.
The bad: Lack of third-party support for the system; susceptible to scratches and smudges.
The bottom line: With a slick new design, brighter screens, and a growing library of fun and innovative games, the Nintendo DS Lite is an impressive improvement over the original DS--but it's still not a multimedia and graphical powerhouse like the Sony PSP.
Review | See full specs | Rate this |
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Sony PlayStation Portable PSP-3000
CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10
The good: Light, slim enclosure; screen offers better color reproduction than that of earlier PSP models; improved AV output for video and game playback on TVs; built-in Skype with onboard microphone; retains all of the impressive media and online features of earlier PSP models; deep lineup of great game titles that offer better graphics than Nintendo DS games.
The bad: Screen exhibits noticeable jaggies and scanlines during high-motion video and gaming sequences; UMD load times still poky compared with DS games; screen isn't glare-free, and is still a magnet for fingerprints; Web browser and data input can be cumbersome; no built-in storage; subtle redesign missed the opportunity to add even more features.
The bottom line: While there's probably not enough to get owners of the previous PSP to upgrade, newcomers will find the PSP-3000 to be a solid portable gaming and multimedia device.
Review | See full specs | Rate this |
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Nintendo DSi
CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10
The good: Plays DS and DS Lite games; capable of AAC music playback; larger screens than the DS Lite.
The bad: Doesn't play MP3 audio files; reduced battery life; camera function is gimmicky.
The bottom line: The Nintendo DSi is great if you're looking for a new handheld games console, but there's very little point buying one if you already own a DS Lite. It's merely mediocre as an audio player, its VGA cameras are poor and under-utilised, and its battery life is significantly lower than its predecessor's.
Review | See full specs | Rate this |
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Apple iPod touch (16GB; second generation)
CNET Asia rating: 9 out of 10
The good: Has it all: Music, videos, photos, podcasts, email, Web browsing, Internet radio, games, Nike+, Wi-Fi music downloads, and an App Store for adding thousands of custom features.
The bad: May be overwhelming to users looking for a simple music player; audio quality is average; iTunes software is required.
The bottom line: The second-generation iPod touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth.
Review | See full specs | Rate this |
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Apple iPhone 3G
CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10
The good: Offers critical new features including support for high-speed 3G networks, third-party applications, and expanded email; improved call quality is improved; continues to deliver an excellent music and video experience.
The bad: Continues to lack some basic features that are available on even the simplest cell phone; also, we prefer the original iPhone's design.
The bottom line: The iPhone 3G delivers on its promises by adding critical features and sharper performance. The iTunes Apps Store is pretty amazing, and the 3G support is more than welcome. We still have a few gripes, but the iPhone 3G is a big improvement over the original model.
Review | See full specs | Rate this |
This story was originally posted on CNET.com.
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