I wantz me some handheld gaming (but which system?)

isaac17

So I've been feeling the growing need to play some handheld RPGs lately, but I don't have a handheld system right now and I'm not sure what I want.

My options are thus:

-Nintendo DS: seems to be the best system around, but I don't love the two screen style gameplay, it's just distracting. It also plays GBA games, which adds a ton of good RPGs to play. 100$ after friends store discount.

-GBA Micro: Smaller, gba has a very large library of RPGs, Final Fantasy I-VI, Golden Sun, etc..., but it's kinda limited. 55$ on ebay.

-PSP: Horrible RPG library. PS1 alone adds a TON of gameplay, but I'm not sure how well they run on PSPs... Around 100$ on ebay.

Opinions? Advice?

Thanks

maximumzero

Rule out the iPod Touch. It's nice if you want a media player but as far as games go, it's currently a real unknown. We don't know what the App store is really offering as far as original gaming yet.

The PSP is a nice system with a decent library, but I find that it's a bit too big and too fragile for true portability. Also, comparatively the battery life is lacking, and that's the most important part of a handheld--battery life.

So it's between the NDS and the GBM, to be honest. The best choice is the DS, simply for the fact that you've got a great clamshell system with an excellent library of both DS & GBA games to pick from. It's the most popular handheld on the market so you'll see games coming for it for at least another two years.

I'd say if you can get a decent price on one go for the GBM as well, just because the novelty of it is way too awesome.

You can pick up the Famicom version for $70.

Silvoculous

maximumzero wrote: »

You can pick up the Famicom version for $70.

Saw the exact same thing at a mall GameStop for $30. Don't hesitate to hit up actual stores for handhelds.

maximumzero

Silvoculous wrote: »

maximumzero wrote: »

You can pick up the Famicom version for $70.

Saw the exact same thing at a mall GameStop for $30. Don't hesitate to hit up actual stores for handhelds.

New or used?

Also I'm a collectible whore so I like mine for the japanese packaging. :P

Daedalus

Don't talk about emulation here. What, are you retarded?

isaac17

I own all the original games, I just want to play them on the go

isaac17

maximumzero wrote: »

Rule out the iPod Touch. It's nice if you want a media player but as far as games go, it's currently a real unknown. We don't know what the App store is really offering as far as original gaming yet.

The PSP is a nice system with a decent library, but I find that it's a bit too big and too fragile for true portability. Also, comparatively the battery life is lacking, and that's the most important part of a handheld--battery life.

So it's between the NDS and the GBM, to be honest. The best choice is the DS, simply for the fact that you've got a great clamshell system with an excellent library of both DS & GBA games to pick from. It's the most popular handheld on the market so you'll see games coming for it for at least another two years.

I'd say if you can get a decent price on one go for the GBM as well, just because the novelty of it is way too awesome.

You can pick up the Famicom version for $70.

That's the line of thought I've been going through, so I'll probably choose between the DS or Micro, I can't justify both (unless I snag them cheap). Thanks

Daedalus

isaac17 wrote: »

I own all the original games, I just want to play them on the go

I know, everyone does. But the mods will still delete your thread, burn your house, and shit down your throat for discussing it in any but the vaguest terms, e.g. "The DS will never be able to emulate the N64 at all, and the PSP will never emulate it well," because Gabe (yes, the Gabe) said so.

If you are interested in other homebrew stuff, I would definitely suggest the DS, since there won't be a constant battle of firmware updates as there is with Sony and the PSP.

isaac17

Daedalus wrote: »

isaac17 wrote: »

I own all the original games, I just want to play them on the go

I know, everyone does. But the mods will still delete your thread, burn your house, and shit down your throat for discussing it in any but the vaguest terms, e.g. "The DS will never be able to emulate the N64 at all, and the PSP will never emulate it well," because Gabe (yes, the Gabe) said so.

If you are interested in other homebrew stuff, I would definitely suggest the DS, since there won't be a constant battle of firmware updates as there is with Sony and the PSP.

Alright, edited.

DeathPrawn

I think the DS may very well be my favorite system. Not favorite handheld, mind you. Favorite system. I've got a Wii, a 360, and about two dozen older consoles, and my DS still gets the most playtime at home, not even taking into account its portability.

Why? It has an amazingly varied library. Without just making a huge 'ol list, it has everything from old-school adventure games like the Phoenix Wright series and Hotel Dusk to ball-bustingly hard arcade-style games like Contra 4 and Trauma Center. It has both unique innovative games that couldn't be done on other systems and a solid library of more 'traditional' games. And on top of all that, it's portable.

So, uh, I'd recommend a DS.

isaac17

DeathPrawn wrote: »

I think the DS may very well be my favorite system. Not favorite handheld, mind you. Favorite system. I've got a Wii, a 360, and about two dozen older consoles, and my DS still gets the most playtime at home, not even taking into account its portability.

Why? It has an amazingly varied library. Without just making a huge 'ol list, it has everything from old-school adventure games like the Phoenix Wright series and Hotel Dusk to ball-bustingly hard arcade-style games like Contra 4 and Trauma Center. It has both unique innovative games that couldn't be done on other systems and a solid library of more 'traditional' games. And on top of all that, it's portable.

So, uh, I'd recommend a DS.

Yeah, I've had 2 DS's before (When the first one came out, and when the lite came out), but I ended up selling both after a month or two. I love the system, but I hardly have any time for gaming at all. I'm even pretty sure I'll end up selling whatever I buy within the year, so the concern isn't that there's a large library to choose from, rather that there are 2-4 epic-ly huge (J)RPGs to play through and enjoy. I'm not a gamer as much as someone who sees games as an excellent way to tell stories and draw me into the world.

So really I should be asking which system has those 2-4 games, at which point I STILL think the answer is the DS. With Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest 4, and Chrono Trigger coming to the DS in the next little while it seems that that's what I should be looking into (in addition to the fact that there's already Tactics. At the same time the GBA Micro is more portable and has games like Golden Sun that I miss playing, plus Final Fantasy I-VI...

Dehumanized

The DS is a solid piece of handheld hardware with an amazing software library. Get one of those.

corcorigan

Mobile phone or DS.

PSP is far too big, rubbish screen, etc. GBM is too old, nothing comes out for it.

Yoshua

All debates on what system to get are easily solved really. Just look at the games available, find out which ones you are interested in, then research them to see if they were any good. The system that has more games that you would like to play is the clear winner. Technical issues can be overcome, or overlooked usually. But it's no good to buy a system with no games for it that you would enjoy.

maximumzero

As much as I hate to link to GAF, the Game Boy Micro Porn thread they have is awesome.

RavynBlackheart

If you like JRPGs I wouldn't be too quick to rule out the PSP, especially if you like imports/can read Japanese. The remake of Final Fantasy tactics is amazing, as is Disgaea, Crisis Core, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth, and I think I was the only person in the world that liked the Legend of Heroes series. I'd suggest giving the libraries of all the handhelds a good look and see what appeals the most. Also, on the import note, there's the Suikoden 1/2 double pack plus the remakes of Star Ocean and Star Ocean 2. Just food for thought.

Hallucinogen

Isaac, you wouldn't happen to live in or near Calgary or Edmonton, would you? If you do, I'm thinking of selling off my PSP. It would come with a 1gb pro duo, and I've got Jeanne D'Arc, if you want it. I'd let it go for $140 with the game, or $110 without. It's in immaculate condition. PM me if you decide on the PSP and are interested.

isaac17

RavynBlackheart wrote: »

If you like JRPGs I wouldn't be too quick to rule out the PSP, especially if you like imports/can read Japanese. The remake of Final Fantasy tactics is amazing, as is Disgaea, Crisis Core, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth, and I think I was the only person in the world that liked the Legend of Heroes series. I'd suggest giving the libraries of all the handhelds a good look and see what appeals the most. Also, on the import note, there's the Suikoden 1/2 double pack plus the remakes of Star Ocean and Star Ocean 2. Just food for thought.

GAH. Why did I drop out of Japanese class after 2 years? Knowing Hiragana/Katakana don't do you much good if you only know 10 Kanji symbols, so imports are unfortunately out of the question... But I like star ocean! And suikoden! Dammit!

Is there some sort of japanese rating site to see what games got in japan that are yet to come out here? Like Dragon Quest IV, etc?

I'm gonna take another look at the PSP JRPG library and see what I think then.

Edit: Dammit, I might have to buy a micro jut because of those pictures... I can't afford all 3 systems!

zanetheinsane

I've always wanted a GP2X to play around with. It's basically a badass little linux handheld that you can load up with pretty much anything that will run on linux. It has a very modest processor but the one thing that always stopped me was that it took batteries. I'll have to check whether or not they decided to put a rechargeable battery in the thing yet.

Edit: damn, even the new spec sucks down 2AA batteries really quick. Maybe some rechargeable AA's might not be too bad, but still: =(

Senshi

I love my PSP. Crisis Core, Disgaea and Riviera are the only RPGs I have so far, but there are plenty more.

I can vouch for all three of the above.

Dunadan019

while the DS is probably the best i definitly have to bring up the reason behind mobile gaming...

for the most part i go out to work, have fun, and shop for things i need. none of those leave me time to play an RPG. when i want to play games, i go home and play games....

maybe im missing something but i always thought of portable gaming systems for kids riding on the bus...

i just dont get it

Daedalus

Dunadan019 wrote: »

while the DS is probably the best i definitly have to bring up the reason behind mobile gaming...

for the most part i go out to work, have fun, and shop for things i need. none of those leave me time to play an RPG. when i want to play games, i go home and play games....

maybe im missing something but i always thought of portable gaming systems for kids riding on the bus...

i just dont get it

It's not for you.

Seriously, some people have more downtime in their typical daily schedules. Nothing mind-boggling about that.

edit: although the DS in particular is the first portable game system that I've seen that can't be replicated on a TV. There's that.

Dunadan019

Daedalus wrote: »

Dunadan019 wrote: »

while the DS is probably the best i definitly have to bring up the reason behind mobile gaming...

for the most part i go out to work, have fun, and shop for things i need. none of those leave me time to play an RPG. when i want to play games, i go home and play games....

maybe im missing something but i always thought of portable gaming systems for kids riding on the bus...

i just dont get it

It's not for you.

Seriously, some people have more downtime in their typical daily schedules. Nothing mind-boggling about that.

edit: although the DS in particular is the first portable game system that I've seen that can't be replicated on a TV. There's that.

im just not sure where the down time comes in? school is the only place ive seen where it makes sense to have one and ive seen people in their 40s buying these systems...

Scroffus

Lunch breaks at work, waiting on someone, any time you use public transport. There are plenty of times that people can use handhelds out and about. It's the same time many use to read.

1ddqd

I have numerous "Smoke Breaks" at work where I go to "smoke" downstairs. "Smoke" in quotations because I don't, but I go to hang out. While this is what I do, imagine what millions of other people might do with their 15 minute breaks. Sit around? Read a book? Hey, I know! Some people like gaming!

The world opens up quite a bit when you break 25. Hell, when you break 18!

Daedalus

also, carpool or take the bus to work; I mean, shit, how much does gas cost where you live?

Dunadan019

Daedalus wrote: »

also, carpool or take the bus to work; I mean, shit, how much does gas cost where you live?

i carpool but i use that extra time to sleep.

and while you may take a "smoke break" you dont go to play games. i dont know, i guess its good for some people but i have a hard time imagining a life where you have so much free time that handheld gaming is a day to day occurence.

Scroffus

I get the bus to work and its 2-3 hours a day travelling. I use that time to sleep/read/game (otherwise would feel like a big waste)

Phoenix-D

Dunadan019 wrote: »

Daedalus wrote: »

also, carpool or take the bus to work; I mean, shit, how much does gas cost where you live?

i carpool but i use that extra time to sleep.

and while you may take a "smoke break" you dont go to play games. i dont know, i guess its good for some people but i have a hard time imagining a life where you have so much free time that handheld gaming is a day to day occurence.

I had a split-shift job a year ago. Two hours downtime between shifts. Not enough to reasonably go home, little enough to go anywhere. The DS was a tiny little godsend.

Dunadan019

Phoenix-D wrote: »

Dunadan019 wrote: »

Daedalus wrote: »

also, carpool or take the bus to work; I mean, shit, how much does gas cost where you live?

i carpool but i use that extra time to sleep.

and while you may take a "smoke break" you dont go to play games. i dont know, i guess its good for some people but i have a hard time imagining a life where you have so much free time that handheld gaming is a day to day occurence.

I had a split-shift job a year ago. Two hours downtime between shifts. Not enough to reasonably go home, little enough to go anywhere. The DS was a tiny little godsend.

that does sound like a sucky job

dodos

Our culture is pretty different from where these handheld consoles come from. In Japan, absolutely everyone is playing on their handheld or cell phone almost all the time, the majority being the PSP. Here it's almost looked down upon to play handheld games after middle school.

That said, I think the handheld systems are great and other people's opinions shouldn't be considered if the entertainment is worthy, although you shouldn't go about your day trying to free up time just to get some portable gaming in. Now that is silly.

Phoenix-D

Dunadan019 wrote: »

Phoenix-D wrote: »

Dunadan019 wrote: »

Daedalus wrote: »

also, carpool or take the bus to work; I mean, shit, how much does gas cost where you live?

i carpool but i use that extra time to sleep.

and while you may take a "smoke break" you dont go to play games. i dont know, i guess its good for some people but i have a hard time imagining a life where you have so much free time that handheld gaming is a day to day occurence.

I had a split-shift job a year ago. Two hours downtime between shifts. Not enough to reasonably go home, little enough to go anywhere. The DS was a tiny little godsend.

that does sound like a sucky job

$3000 a year bonus for putting up with that shit. :P

Xenogears of Bore

dodos wrote: »

Our culture is pretty different from where these handheld consoles come from. In Japan, absolutely everyone is playing on their handheld or cell phone almost all the time, the majority being the PSP. Here it's almost looked down upon to play handheld games after middle school.

That said, I think the handheld systems are great and other people's opinions shouldn't be considered if the entertainment is worthy, although you shouldn't go about your day trying to free up time just to get some portable gaming in. Now that is silly.

Considering the DS is the best selling game console (not just handheld) of all time over there, I'd say that is probably played a teeny bit more.

Still, looking at it from a more objective, less gaming nerd centric view...

DS has game selection, backwards compatability, better battery life, and better form factor than the DS.
The PSP has a bigger screen and better media options.