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Choosing between the PSP or a Nintendo DSi

Should You Buy A Sony PSP Or A Nintendo DSi?

And the battle for gaming handheld supremacy rages on. Gamers on the go are in a quandary as to what system they should purchase: the Nintendo DS from a company with a solid record when it comes to portable gaming consoles, or the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) from a company with a solid history in the field of home video game consoles?

Let us tackle the merits of both the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS based on some points that are important for the avid video gamer.

1. Which handheld console has a bigger game library? More third party developers are signed up for the Nintendo DS, given the fact that it's easier to design games for the said portable. Also, Nintendo's image as a company for kids gives the impression that it can tap into a greater audience, something that developer gravitate to. The Sony PSP doesn't have such luxuries. They have a limited number of developers committed to the system, and their in-house development teams are working overtime to provide the games that PSP owners wants. However, the Sony PSP does have the more prolific developers in its lineup. For this round, we have to choose quantity though. WINNER: Nintendo DS.

2. Which handheld console has more exclusives? Nintendo is a company that's built on exclusive properties: Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pokemon, Metroid, and the likes are just some of the titles that can only be found on Nintendo gaming systems. The Sony PSP has its own exclusives as well: God of War, Resistance, Patapon, Pixel Junkie, Dax, Ratchet and Clank, and others. Unfortunately, they do not have the same pull as Nintendo's cast of merry characters. WINNER: Nintendo DS.

3. Which handheld console can boast of more functionality? The Nintendo DS has touch screen functionality. The new Nintendo DSi has dual cam. But the Sony PSP is a multimedia monster. It can store and play all sorts of audio and video files. It can display pictures easily and conveniently. With the addition of some peripherals, the Sony PSP can even become a digital camera, a portable television set, and an AM/FM radio. Plus, you can surf the net with a Sony PSP, something which you cannot conveniently do with the DS. WINNER: Sony PSP.

4. Which handheld console is more powerful? The Sony PSP is the runaway winner in this category. When it comes to processing power, onboard RAM, and graphic capabilities, the Sony PSP simply owns the Nintendo DS. WINNER: Sony PSP.

5. Which handheld console has better connectivity with its "big brother." The Sony PSP can control the Playstation 3 remotely for as long as both systems are connected to the net. The Nintendo DS can, well, enhance the features of a handful of games. WINNER: Sony PSP.

6. Which handheld console is poised for the future? The Sony PSP is the most powerful handheld ever created. Experts even admit that the Sony PSP is more powerful than most state-of-the-art PDAs in the market today. The Nintendo DS, however, has recently updated itself by releasing a new model, the Nintendo DSi, which incorporates higher RAM, dual cam, an external storage device, and better audio playback. WINNER: Tie.

As of this writing, and with regards to the points tackled above, the Sony PSP appears to be the better purchase with a score of 4-3.