How to Choose a Handheld Video Game Console

Have you decided that you need gaming on the go? There are two main handheld consoles on the market right now, each one serving a different audience. The PSP, Playstation Portable, is more of a hardcore gamers console, where the Nintendo DS, Dual Screen, is aimed more for a casual audience.

Instructions

1. Decide how serious of a gamer you are. If you only want to play once in a while, such as when you’re standing in line or commuting to work on a bus, the DS may be a better decision. If you want to spend some serious time on your handheld console, and really get into your games, the PSP would be an excellent choice.

2. Research what games are available for both systems. The DS has a lot of training games, and character management games, such as “Flash Focus” and “Nintendogs”. The PSP has the more serious games that take more time to commit to. Games like Final Fantasy Tactics: War Of The Lions and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, can soak up hours out of your day.

3. Look at the extended capabilities of the handhelds. The PSP is a versatile system that can turn into a GPS, a portable movie player and it can even double as a portable internet explorer. The Nintendo DS also has internet on the go, but doesn’t have quite as many bells and whistles available to it. You do pay a price for the extra toys on the PSP . Once you buy the console, you need add-ons for the GPS and the attachment to talk to people over your PSP also costs money. The DS on the other hand comes with everything you need to use it fully right out of the box.

4. Purchase your system. Whichever you decide you are interested in, you have made a good choice. The PSP carries some great games, and can work as a portable MP3 player, movie watcher, GPS, whatever you need it for. The DS has Nintendo first party games for it, which is always a huge plus. Mario on the go is pretty much unbeatable. The PSP will set you back a little bit more than the DS will, but the PSP can do a bit more.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase your handheld console new, if you buy it used you don’t get the warranty that comes with the handheld.

• When purchasing one of these systems, look for a bundle with a game that you will enjoy. There will usually be games bundled in with the systems, making them playable right out of the box.

• When buying a PSP, remember that you also need a Pro Stick Duo Memory Card to save games.