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[Ignatz Mouse]

True, I don't know squat about the Lynx. I've never even seen one in person. But your display here makes me inclined to think the same goes for you regarding any post-Lynx, pre-DS/PSP handhelds.

For the record, I wasn't aware the Lynx does wireless linking, single game multiplayer or networked linking via mobile phones. Are you aware the GBA does?

I've owned 3 Gameboys, 1 Gameboy Pocket, 1 Gameboy Color, one GBA and one GBA SP, only the GBA SP and original Gameboy not purchased at launchtime. I probably own a dozen or so games for it, although I don't keep close track becuase I frequently sell them or pick new ones up on a whim. I think I've probably played over 200 gameboy family games, which I don't consider that impressive a number given the length of time over which that occurred. I have never played a networked GB or GBA game. Most of the ones I have seen that feature networking are puzzle games, racing games, and mini-games apart from the main game. According to your post, the category I missed was sports games.

I know the GBA does single-game multiplayer, and no, the Lynx did not, and yes, it's cool feature. I don't think it represents a huge leap forward like the DS/PSP do.

Didn't know abou the other two. What games support wireless linking and linking via cellphone? And does anybody use it? The fact that I don't know about it and own a couple of systems makes me think it's pretty niche, which wireless on DS and PSP won't be.

By the way, and I'm trying not to be snide here-- what the fuck are you trying to prove, anyway? You've got this massive chip on your shoulder becuase I think that the PSP and DS are beyond what the GBA is doing, and you've decided to "set the record straight" or some shit as if I insulted your or your favorite system personally. Don't you think that if I, an owner of the system and reader of game sites don't know about some features that maybe, just maybe, they aren't really a big deal to the system? And that every single freaking article about the two new systems makes a point of mentioning the networking features, that maybe they ARE? Even then, I said "We'll see" in my post? Christ, what does it take to satisfy you?

You've successfully derailed a thread that probably would have gotten 1/3 of the replies in the first place. Flaming for fun?

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

To each their own of course, but I wouldn't say the battery life is pathetically bad. You probably don't own a PSP and hence haven't had the chance to put it to real-life stress tests but the system is very portable, and very usable from a battery life perspective. I use my PSP for the commute via bus or train to and from work every day in SF, use it at lunch to read manga as I eat, and then use it at home to play games or read manga. Rarely, if ever, have I been caught in a situation where I suddenly don't have power to do something on the PSP if I've been good about recharging before I go to bed.

Plus, the recharge time is only like an hour and a half, so it ain't bad at all.

The battery life is a superficial comparison at most. I only included it because it's also a frequent mention regarding both systems.

That said, I'm still disappointed in the battery life of the PSP, even if it is longer than some say, and even if it is rechargable. I know that I'll be wanting to use it on trips where I don't have an outlet all day.

 

[dark10x]

The battery life is a superficial comparison at most. I only included it because it's also a frequent mention regarding both systems.

That said, I'm still disappointed in the battery life of the PSP, even if it is longer than some say, and even if it is rechargable. I know that I'll be wanting to use it on trips where I don't have an outlet all day.

Everyone wants more battery life, but the system does a pretty good job with it when considering what it can do. The DS's battery life is around 8-10 hours.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Yes, but I'm compaaring it in my head to the GBASP. That's what I have now, and that's the defacto benchmark.

Yeah, I know it's not fair. But unless I buy a back-up battery, I will feel the pinch on trips.

 

[jarrod]

Most of the ones I have seen that feature networking are puzzle games, racing games, and mini-games apart from the main game. According to your post, the category I missed was sports games.

Well, there's also strategy (Wars), RPG (Pokemon), beu (DD) and platform (Kirby). Probably others, there's tons of GBA games out there.

Didn't know abou the other two. What games support wireless linking and linking via cellphone? And does anybody use it? The fact that I don't know about it and own a couple of systems makes me think it's pretty niche, which wireless on DS and PSP won't be.

The Mobile GB network was only in Japan, and also extended to GBC. Konami released a bunch of different types of GBA games that used it (Baseball, Golf, SRPG, Mail/Chat, etc), and Mario Kart Advance was Nintendo's flagship title (plus Pokemon Crystal and Camelot's Mobile Golf on GBC). Nintendo killed the network in 2002 because it wasn't too popular.

The GBA Wireless adapter comes bundled with Pokemon Fire Red & Leaf Green, meaning there's probably at least around 6-7 million of them out there. Off the top of my head, besides Pokemon, it's compatible with Digimon Racing, Racing Gear Advance, Zelda: The Minish Cap, the NES Classics series, Mario Golf, Hamtaro Sports and a few other games so far.

By the way, and I'm trying not to be snide here-- what the fuck are you trying to prove, anyway?

That Lynx didn't really have more of a network focus than any other handheld pre DS/PSP. The current GB base is built almost entirely off the success of a single network focused game, I'd say that's rather significant. Nintendo specifically has been pushing forward with networking technologies in every GB released... they understand that it's the social component in handheld gaming that really seperates it as something unique and has the potentail to really push things further.

I'll leave the rest of your little tantrum alone.

 

[Lyte Edge]

Jarrod, it's pretty clear that the Gameboy series has had more types of connectivity, but Ignatz Mouse also has a good point: There are no Gameboy titles that ever allowed for up to EIGHT PLAYERS simultaneously...and this was back in 1990. I also remember seeing ads on TV specifically targetting the multiplayer. (Remember the commercial with all the kids in toilet stalls playing Slime World? :lol)

You also keep listing GBA games that are two players only, and ALL handhelds let you link up like that.

The whole wireless cell phone "GB Mobile" thing was done on other systems, too, BTW. PSOne had that as well. I remember seeing a big ad for that at the station at Akihabara in 2001.

Yeah, I know it's not fair. But unless I buy a back-up battery, I will feel the pinch on trips.

You won't, because battery life isn't as short as you seem to think it is. You also seem to be forgetting about the AC ADAPTOR. If you're on a trip, there's really only place you couldn't plug in, and that's on an airplane (and even that's changing these days as you can buy adaptors for use on some flights). Is it really that big a deal to plug in a hotel room, use a car adaptor, etc? I used to do that all the time for my Game Gear and later Nomad; it's really not a big deal.

Extra batteries aren't even that expensive anyway. IMPORT stores are selling them for $50...they should be cheaper once the system released here, and of course there's always a good chance of an improved battery being released, just like we saw with the GBA SP.

Obviously the GBA SP's battery lasts longer than the PSP (and DS, for that matter), but it's a small price to pay for such a big improvement in system power.

I have to say, I'm missing not having a GBA or DS right now...Zelda Minish Cap is sitting here waiting to be played, and I can only use the GB Player at the moment.

 

[Deku]

Sony is not Atari, but I don't understand the unmitigated enthusiasm that the PSP will succeed. Many cool Sony gadgets fail in the end, the most recent being the PSX.

So far, the PSP's biggest weakeness is that it requires users to tie into Sony and buy a lot of extras.

Extra batteries (as has been suggested many many times to mitigate the battery life issue), Extra set of UMD based movies, Memory Sticks (I own SD cards)

If I were to invest in a PSP, before even buying a single game, I'm looking at paying at least $100 premium over the unit's list price just for the accessories that I would otherwise not be buying on a rival handheld which will remain unnamed.

 

[Lyte Edge]

Sony is not Atari, but I don't understand the unmitigated enthusiasm that the PSP will succeed. Many cool Sony gadgets fail, the most recent being the PSX.

PSX is a Tivo-style recorder that also plays PS2 games. It's not meant to be a mainstream product; it's for a niche market.

I can't wait to see the PSP released in the U.S. so statements like the one above seem even more ridiculous than they are now.

If you're actually being serious, all I can say is after you've used a PSP, you'll understand. You also don't have to buy exra "anything." You only will need a memory stick, and the cheapest ones go for $30-$40.

PSP is going to dominate the *new* handheld market. There's no question about it.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Lyte: I'm talking week-long camping trip here (although I do have access to AC, though not conveniently, overnight for charging). So most of the year you are absolutely correct.

And I used the Lynx primarily plugged into a wall, so that's not so annoying if I have to resort to it from time-to-time.

I commend the GBASP though. The thing rocks solid on battery. Yeah, it's weaker, but if you've read other rants of mine, graphics are not the be-all end-all for me. But the wireless might be, and it will suck up juice.

 

[Deku]

PSX is a Tivo-style recorder that also plays PS2 games. It's not meant to be a mainstream product; it's for a niche market.

I don't think Sony every said it wasn't for mainstream. All I know is, They pushed that product hard and it didn't perform in the way they expected. Either AP or Reuters also noted its fate when they wrote a story about Sony and its home electronics business.

 

[Lyte Edge]

Lyte: I'm talking week-long camping trip here (although I do have access to AC, though not conveniently, overnight for charging). So most of the year you are absolutely correct.

And I used the Lynx primarily plugged into a wall, so that's not so annoying if I have to resort to it from time-to-time.

I commend the GBASP though. The thing rocks solid on battery. Yeah, it's weaker, but if you've read other rants of mine, graphics are not the be-all end-all for me. But the wireless might be, and it will suck up juice.

I'm not a graphics whore either, but the DS and PSP's hardware allow for current genres to see boosts in game play, length, sound quality, and yes, (much) better visuals, plus allow for more types of games to be made for the handheld market.

Isn't the point of camping to forget all the tech stuff for a little while, anyway?

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

I'm not a graphics whore either, but the DS and PSP's hardware allow for current genres to see boosts in game play, length, sound quality, and yes, (much) better visuals, plus allow for more types of games to be made for the handheld market.

Isn't the point of camping to forget all the tech stuff for a little while, anyway?

On the above points -- all true. The rant I refer to in another thread is more about the untapped potential of eventhe GBA. I'm looking forward to some PSP games that won't tax the system at all, happily.

Um, about camping.. I guess-- but a whole week off and no games?

 

[Foobar]

You won't, because battery life isn't as short as you seem to think it is.

I've played other handhelds besided Nintendo ones and in all those years, a standard was cemented. Not by NEC, Atari or Sega, but SNK, Tiger and Nintendo. High battery life is a must. Six hours for Darkstalkers and three for Ridge Racer is not up to par.

Extra batteries aren't even that expensive anyway.

Money is still money. I'd have to buy more because I can't get the expected performance by default. It makes me wonder if the low battery life was intentional and a better battery could have been packaged in to begin with.

Obviously the GBA SP's battery lasts longer than the PSP (and DS, for that matter), but it's a small price to pay for such a big improvement in system power.

System power is irrelevant to me, wireless functions and good handheld - not console - games are what I want. PSP isn't about games made specifically for it, but PS2 ones i've already played and movies I'd be better off watching in my DVD player. I didn't buy Wario Ware or Pokemon on Gamecube, because then I wouldn't be playing games that play to GameCube's strengths. They play to GBA's strengths.

Why would I need portable PS2? I have a PS2 just for PS2 games. I want PSP for PSP games, not PS2 ones. I won't touch Mario 64 on DS becasue I've already had it. Unless I can't get the experience anywhere or they just don't make games like it any more, it has no business being on a handheld to me. I can't walk into a store without tripping over a copy of Dynasty Warriors, but I could look for weeks for Vandal Hearts or Snatcher, for example. Dynasty Warriors needs no new lease on life, its a whore of a game.

This virus game (whatever it is) looks like a game that conceptually could not happen on PS2, it sounds like a handheld game. Metal Gear Acid also seems like a fit, as does Lumines... but most if it is more like Ridge Racer, Gran Turismo and Hot Shots Golf - experiences I can already get on what I have already.

 

[SiegfriedFM]

If you're out camping for a whole week, playing Aria of Sorrow for a max of 10 hours won't help you stay alive either.

 

[Deku]

I just want more portability for my handhelds and the longer the battery lasts, the better. There's no real science to it.

 

[Dsal]

I played Lumines and Ridge Racer for a good 3-4 hours on a plane trip and the PSP battery was reporting 80% full after that. I got similar results on both legs of the trip.

Mind you this was on the lowest brightness setting, but it's plenty bright as long as you're not in direct sunlight. I wonder if these battery stress tests that are being cited are using the lowest brighness setting or not.

 

[seanoff]

^^

no they were run at full blast, so full volume using the speakers, max brightness and in one case wi-fi which was the 3 hr RR time.


its up at psp.ign.com


people are forgetting the fact these are total minimums, not at all reflective of real world conditions. Thus they are being abused for an agenda.

 

[Lyte Edge]

Anyone see this from Magic Box:

"Nyco Technologies announced they will release a PSP Charger, which boosts the PSP battery life up to 200%. The charger has a built-in battery, which can provide additional power for the PSP, and the PSP charger itself can also be recharged by AC adapter."

Looks like it provides a protective flip-top screen cover, too. I'm all over this.

 

[Amir0x]

Anyone see this from Magic Box:

"Nyco Technologies announced they will release a PSP Charger, which boosts the PSP battery life up to 200%. The charger has a built-in battery, which can provide additional power for the PSP, and the PSP charger itself can also be recharged by AC adapter."

Looks like it provides a protective flip-top screen cover, too. I'm all over this.

Now, instead of 4-5 hours... you get... 12-15 hours.

But that thing looks hella bulk

 

[Lyte Edge]

Now, instead of 4-5 hours... you get... 12-15 hours.

But that thing looks hella bulk

12-15 hours is still not enough for you? Hell, 5-6 (not four, sorry) hours is too little? You're going to play your PSP for that much time in one sitting in a place you won't be able to charge it up at, as well? Come on guys.

 

[Agent X]

70-80 games over the lifespan of any dedicated game platform is anemic. It's anemic not only compared top the GB family, but most commercially successful handhelds (Game Gear, WonderSwan, etc).

OK, it's anemic in your book, but not in mine. It's acceptable to me, considering how many other systems fizzled out over the years with far less games than that, including some fairly high-profile ones even. The number of Lynx games continues to be augmented to this day, thanks mostly to homebrew efforts--it's now close to 100 games. Also, I would say the Lynx has one of the highest ratios of good games vs. bad games of any major video game system; from what I've seen, many people seem to share that opinion, and is another reason why the Lynx is so highly regarded.

"Wasted"? Aren't you walking the slippery slope into subjective opinions leading to sweeping evalution here? Pokemon doesn't push the boundries of multiplayer gaming? It's not progessive game design reliant mainly on networking aspects?

Seems to me both you and Mr Mouse are looking at things in terms of what specifically appeals to you rather than what impacted the market at large and really moved things forward. Good luck with that.

Yes, it is opinion, and that is the basis for a lot of what I said in this thread. I can't speak for Ignatz Mouse, but judging from what he said, I would guess he was posting based on his opinion of what appeals to him, too. What's wrong with that? Aren't you doing the same thing, posting your opinions here?

True, I don't know squat about the Lynx. I've never even seen one in person.

Click here and here if you want to learn more.

That Lynx didn't really have more of a network focus than any other handheld pre DS/PSP.

Really? You mean after all that was mentioned in this thread, with Atari's thrust towards creating multiplayer games (particularly those supporting more than two players) and marketing that aspect of the system, you don't think it had any more of a network focus than any other handheld? That's a broad generalization if I ever saw one, especially considering the number of handhelds that have been on the market over the last 26 years (beginning with the Milton Bradley Microvision).

Please, do yourself a favor, and click on those links I provided above. Read up on the Lynx, and see some of the multiplayer games that came out for it. After you do this, I'm sure you'll agree that the Lynx was a pioneer in this regard, and some of its games (and the functionality they had) paved the way for multiplayer games that people play on today's video game systems.

 

[Dsal]

no they were run at full blast, so full volume using the speakers, max brightness and in one case wi-fi which was the 3 hr RR time.

ho ho ho they had wifi on?
This is the part where I start blubbering while turning in a circle like Tracy Morgan as "Unorthodox Reg" in the NBA2k4 commercials...

 

[Amir0x]

12-15 hours is still not enough for you? Hell, 5-6 (not four, sorry) hours is too little? You're going to play your PSP for that much time in one sitting in a place you won't be able to charge it up at, as well? Come on guys.

No, see, you missed the sarcasm.

12-15 is way more than enough. 5-6 hours (or 4-5) is enough time for me anyway, although I'll still be bringing a spare battery.

Just in the case.

But, I WAS serious about how that thing looks. It's hella ugly.