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PSP, GBA or DS? I can't decide.

D

Diablos

Member
I really want a handheld. It's unlike me to want to buy Nintendo products, but the GBA has lots of awesome games (like FFT!) The DS doesn't look too promising at this point, but then again, it plays GBA games, and also comes with Mario 64. There also seems to be a couple decent looking platformers for it. But I will say, most 3D games for the DS look awful, especially in comparison to the PSP.

The PSP is expensive, and the games don't look that appealing... yet. I'm sure a lot of decent titles will be released for it. Plus, with hacked firmware, you can use it as a handheld emulator. I don't know, though. The PSP is still the least appealing to me.

At this point, I think I want a GBA. It's cheaper than the DS; sure it might not be as advanced, but that's ok, it plays 2D games.

Would I be making a mistake by getting a GBA SP at this point? Will Nintendo stop supporting it soon? Even the DS seems too expensive to me, the technology just isn't interesting enough to justify it's price. IMO. The GBA SP on the other hand seems very reasonable in price.

Well, GAF, it's up to you to help me decide. :)
 
I think you underestimate the DS, and unless you plan on getting GB or GBC games as well, HIGHLY recommend you go the DS route over the GBA one. Just my $.02.

With a GBA flashkit, you can also get into a very nice classic emu scene on the GBA (or DS). That'll run you about as much as a good 1gb PSP memory stick anyway (needed to store a decent amount of ROMs.)

GBA (or DS through the GBA port) emu scene currently does GB, SMS, GG, and NES really well. Some GBC as well, some SNES, and some PCE too.
 
If you have an interest in DS games (kirby, new mario, etc) get a DS. Otherwise get a GBA:SP and bask in the LOVE.
 
Diablos said:
the GBA has lots of awesome games (like FFT!)
Click to expand...

Terrible example. :(

But yes, GBA has an incredible library. As a long-time GBA owner, I would heartily recommend it.
 
6.8 said:
Terrible example. :(
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Why?

I'd buy a GBA:SP tonight if the DS didn't exist, heh. The DS is still to expensive for what I want to spend, plus... and I know this sounds childish, but the thing just looks fugly, bland and bulky. The GBA:SP on the other hand is really slick looking and also looks very comfortable.

I just worry that if I buy a GBA:SP, Nintendo will stop supporting it not too long from now and I'll turn to eBay (like everyone else, and thus be lucky if I get half of what I paid for it) and put the money towards a DS.

The PSP looks cool, seems like it will have a lot to offer but it's just TOO EXPENSIVE. I'm sorry, Sony.
 
Pick up a DS. It makes the GBA games look much better because of the screen. Then if you see a DS game come out that you like you could pick it up.

Do you not like 2d graphics, or do you just think that the DS's 3d looks crappy? Most games on the DS look atleast if not better. Even though the textures are really bland.
 
FFTA gets way too much unwarranted hate on this board, imho. I think people are just pissed that it wasn't a port of FFT (a game with more than it's fair share of problems as well, IMHO.)

It's a solidly addicting (if rather brainless and grind-happy) "tactics" style strat rpg with an amazingly addicting questing mode.
 
Stopsign said:
Pick up a DS. It makes the GBA games look much better because of the screen. Then if you see a DS game come out that you like you could pick it up.

Do you not like 2d graphics, or do you just think that the DS's 3d looks crappy? Most games on the DS look atleast if not better. Even though the textures are really bland.
Click to expand...

He was referring to the system itself -- not the graphics.

Get a DS. You'll be able to play all your GBA titles plus if you see a DS title (Kirby) later on that you like, you can get it too....
 
Stopsign said:
Pick up a DS. It makes the GBA games look much better because of the screen. Then if you see a DS game come out that you like you could pick it up.

Do you not like 2d graphics, or do you just think that the DS's 3d looks crappy? Most games on the DS look atleast if not better. Even though the textures are really bland.
Click to expand...
No, I dig the fact that the GBA has no problem pumping out 2D games with no shame. This gen is really lacking for all three major consoles, IMO. What I meant was that the DS appears to have terrible 3D capabilities. I saw some Ridge Racer screenshots last night, and they were bloody awful.
 
sp0rsk said:
diablos, i get cramps playing hte DS and the psp, neither one are very ergonomic.
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Yeah, they're too wide.

I think the original Game Boy was pretty comfortable, actually. Wasn't too thin (GBP/GBC/GBA SP) or too wide (GBA/DS).

Game Boy Player really kicks ass if you aren't playing the games for the portable factor. Fire Emblem on my TV screen rocked, and I can only imagine how The Minish Cap would've looked.
 
Diablos said:
Why?

I'd buy a GBA:SP tonight if the DS didn't exist, heh. The DS is still to expensive for what I want to spend, plus... and I know this sounds childish, but the thing just looks fugly, bland and bulky. The GBA:SP on the other hand is really slick looking and also looks very comfortable.

I just worry that if I buy a GBA:SP, Nintendo will stop supporting it not too long from now and I'll turn to eBay (like everyone else, and thus be lucky if I get half of what I paid for it) and put the money towards a DS.

The PSP looks cool, seems like it will have a lot to offer but it's just TOO EXPENSIVE. I'm sorry, Sony.
Click to expand...
buy a DS... it's more expensive than a GBA, but it plays GBA games and you don't have to worry about nintendo stopping support... and it's less expensive than a PSP!
 
DS. The screen is much better for GBA games, and you get to play DS games, which are getting much better now.
 
Diablos said:
Dammit.
Click to expand...

DS will be good in the future. If you can't wait or need to test it out, get a GBA SP or Game Boy Player. There's a deal at Gamestop for GBA SP + FFTA for $89.99.

I didn't know NES SP could be found anymore, but it is indeed one sexy machine.
 
What about other uses for a handheld?
Realistically, do you plan to watch movies or listen to mp3s if you got a PSP?
Do you have a Sony camera to share Memory Sticks with?
How important is screen size to you?
How important is the overall size to you?

Hand cramping is very common with both DS and PSP. I haven't had as much on the SP, but I also haven't turned it on since the DS came out because GBA games on the DS screen are pure sexy. :P

If you want something a little more versatile, consider a PSP. Imagine playing Pumpkins songs and movies on the goÂ…

If screen size isn't as important to you, then consider the Micro. That is one sexy screen, even if it is small. Of course, I have no idea about hand cramping on it. One major advantage that the GBA has is its library of games. You will find something to play, no doubt.
 
Depends on what you need, but i'd say DS.

Ultimate portability:

Game Boy Micro (need to wait)

tight budget / high value:

Game Boy Advance

high value / long term strength:

NDS
 
I went through the same dilemma. Got a DS, never had a handheld and now I have 2 in 1!

It's awesome. Got SMB3, Astro boy, minish cap and donkey kong country 2.

now that kirby is out (it rocks) my purchase feels wholly justified already. Meteos should further cement that and some of the crazy crap that people ragged on for DS is actually pretty fun. Wario ware touched is also very good.

DS by a long shot. with the added bonus that gba games apparently look better. You might want to see if you find a DS comfortable to hold though. Some people complain about it.
 
DS. Gimmicky and underpowered, but it's got the games. The only reason I don't own one is because I'm trying to complete all the games I haven't yet finished.

And of course there's always...

clash04.jpg


snkvscap_fight02.jpg


samurai2-1.gif


slug2_04.jpg


fatal_pic03.jpg


:bow
 
Sounds like you want a GB Micro, if you can hold out for it get one of those, otherwise pick up a DS. The size difference between the GBA SP and the DS isn't enough to warrant getting a GBA over the DS in my opinion, and the DS of course allows you to play your GBA games as well as DS ones (duhh) of which the future library looks more promising by the month.
 
It all comes down to what kind of gamer you are. Personally, I liked the PS1 generation, and I am happy to enjoy some of the games that I didn't check out before because I was too busy playing super-mainstream titles like Crash, Spyro, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear. So I was an early adopter of a PSP, and I'm very happy.

Also, I've never liked Nintendo, and my trials with the GBA and GC didn't change my mind.
 
Drinky Crow said:
The GBA SP. The DS is fucking embarrassing to own. Seriously.
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Come now. I've stood in many a grocery line playing with mine and it has resulted in me getting chick's numbers on TWO occasions!
 
Mikazuki said:
DS. Gimmicky and underpowered, but it's got the games. The only reason I don't own one is because I'm trying to complete all the games I haven't yet finished.

And of course there's always...

clash04.jpg


snkvscap_fight02.jpg


samurai2-1.gif


slug2_04.jpg


fatal_pic03.jpg


:bow
Click to expand...

what games are those and for what system?
 
Is there really any better answer than DS? Right now is exactly when you want to pick this thing up. It plays GBA games 10x better/brighter than any GBA can short of (possibly) the upcoming Micro, and the DS is starting to consistently get games that demand a purchase. And of course, running a GBA flashcard in the thing lets you access the nice GBA emu scene for quality NES/SMS/GG/TG16 on the go.

I dunno if that free Mario thing is still going on, but if it is that's another reason why it'd be worth the purchase...
 
Drinky Crow said:
The GBA SP. The DS is fucking embarrassing to own. Seriously.
Click to expand...

since you've been gone, the DS has become the handheld of choice on these forums.

Believe :)
 
This is kind of silly.

If you want a GBA, just get a DS. $190 for a blue DS, Mario 64, and Kirby DS (or Meteos, or whatever else you want).

Then you can get your GBA games on it too, and play them on a better screen. Don't bother with a GBA at this point.

Get a DS. PSP had a few terrific launch games (much better than DS), but has a horrible future lineup right now compared to DS, plus you would already have the GBA catalog.
 
I'd personally get a Nintendo DS since there are some really awesome titles on the way this year and it plays all the GBA games as well.

However, I did want to mention that GameStop currently has a blue GBA SP and FF Tactics bundled together for $89.99 new...which isn't a bad price.
 
You definitely need access to GBA's library. If you don't get a DS now you might regret it later (and end up spending the $150 anyway, on top of the $80 SP you already bought).

At the same time, the SP really is awesome--it's tiny, way more portable than DS or PSP, has a bigger screen for GBA games than DS (slightly), and it's pretty cheap.
 
Certain places have Mario 64 DS included with a Nintendo DS.

Plus again, the additional $50 goes toward playing GBA games on the system. Even if they dont link up, I hardly play against others on my GBA anyway =/
 
Drinky Crow said:
The GBC library >>>>>>>>>>>>> the DS library. Get an SP.
Click to expand...

That's a very fair comparison.

..

Either way, DS' fall lineup looks better than most of GBC's lineup.. ever.. to me.
 
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