Mobile Gaming Guide: Which One Should You Get?

With the announcement of the recent Nintendo 3DS, we begin to start thinking about this world of gaming again.  Although consoles are always known as the perfect gaming machine, gamers will also want to game on the go.   You can’t bring your XBOX 360 wherever you go.  Therefore, you would aim for a “mobile console” but unlike TV Consoles, there are many mobile gaming machines to choose from, so which one is for you?

PSP

Sony’s PSP (or Playstation Portable) comes in two models, the PSP 3000 (starting at $129.99), and the PSP Go (starting at $199.99).  Sony has almost aimed their Playstation Consoles in a “hardcore gaming” direction, and if you are a hardcore gamer, this is the mobile console for you.  With dozens of games to choose from, ranging from God Of War to Little Big Planet, the PSP is definitely one of the bigger and better choices for teenagers.  With the PSP 3000, you are able to play UMD’s (small disks) that will contain games, movies, or sometimes even songs.  But the 3000 does not come with any hard drive space, which you will have to buy, as a memory card.  But their PSP Go, is aimed toward a different direction.   The Go has a very small form factor, (3.9 in screen) that can easily be slipped in your pocket.  You can slide out another part of the PSP, from underneath the screen, containing the joy sticks, Playstation buttons, and D-Pad.  Sony has copied the normal “slide-out phone” method, and used it cleverly in their PSP Go.  There is a catch to their simplicity, however.  You cannot insert your UMDs in this version of the PSP.   In the process of getting rid of the extra space and size, they got rid of the slot for your discs.  Any and all of your content, must be downloaded from the Playstation Network Shop, on the PSP, and with only 16 GB of space, chances are, you cannot fit your entire game library on this portable console.

Nintendo DS

Unlike Sony, Nintendo has aimed their consoles in a direction towards the younger generation.  With 3 models of the DS, the Lite, the DSi, and the 3DS, you have many choices for your DS Console.  Their entry model, the DS Lite, will cost about $129.99 MSRP, matching with the PSP 3000.  The DS Lite will allow you to play both DS Games, and GameBoy games.  The DS has a famous, two screen design, in which the bottom screen is completely touch sensitive.  Other than gaming, and a feature called “Picto Chat” the DS Lite will not allow you to do anything else.  One step up from that, the Nintendo DSi will cost you $149.99 MSRP, and is a huge step up from the DS Lite.  The DSi will allow you to take pictures, download games from their store, listen to music, and browse the web.  The DSi is a great product, and with only a $30 price jump from the lite, is not a huge investment.  Nintendo’s biggest and baddest mobile console, is even yet to be released.  The 3DS, set to be released on March 27th for a price point of $249.99 will be featuring glasses-free 3D technology.  Along with an updated OS, ability to create Mii’s and an improved online experience, the 3DS is looking good so far.  But, for $100 more than the DSi before it, will it be worth the huge jump?  The DSi has many cool features, but for $250, you can buy a full-set top box console!  The 3DS does seem a little pricey for a mobile device, but hey, 3D technology is hard to come by.

Apple’s iPod Touch

Although the “term” iPod is usually known for music and video consumption, with Apple’s iPod Touch, you can do all of that, and more.  Starting at a price of  $229, I guess this multimedia device would be a little “pricey” for mobile gaming consoles, but this device can certainly do almost everything, and more, that these other consoles are able to do.  Running iOS, the iPod Touch is a slim, single touch-screen device, that will allow you to video chat, download apps and games, as well as take pictures, and browse the web.  Lets not forget the topic, though: gaming.  With it’s built-in app store, there are millions of games to choose from for your iPod Touch.  You can play your hardcore FPS, as well as casual games, such as Angry Birds.  Chances are, you will find something you will like and be addicted to, within this gigantic app store.  But is a simple touch screen good enough for you?

Overall, I think the descriptions have explained for themselves.  The DS systems are perfect for kids.  I would recommend anyone ages 6-10, to get one of the DS systems.  With games such as Mario, and Pokemon, they will almost definitely enjoy one of Nintendo’s DS systems.  Meanwhile, Sony’s PSP systems are the perfect fit for you hardcore gamers out there.  I would reccomend one of the two PSP consoles to any gamer aged 11+.  There are a vast selection of games, with unbelievable graphics to choose from with the PSP.  So what about the iPod touch?  Apple has done a great job creating the iPod touch, to be perfect for almost anyone.  You can find both casual, and hardcore games in this device.  If you aren’t a hardcore gamer, but you dislike games like Mario, Pokemon, and other Nintendo games, I would recommend you towards the iPod Touch, not to mention all of the extra features the iPod Touch allows you to use.

So, what would I recommend to you? Well, it depends.  What kind of gamer are you?  Then hopefully, with the descriptions I have provided, you can make a choice for yourself, on which console you think is perfect for you.