By Ryan Sexton
It seems like yesterday that portable gaming devices were basically fairly large and heavy machines that could only produce very pixilated images with no or poor color quality and sounds. Let’s not even mention any sort of way to play multiplayer or communicate. Of course this description probably conjures up images of the old school “Game Boys” and perhaps even the “Game Gear” from Sega. Today these portable gaming platforms have become much more evolved than their “archaic” forerunners. Thanks to new developments in technology, manufacturing and communication abilities these machines have become “jack of all trades” multimedia platforms.
Of course I speak of the currently popular machines, The Nintendo DS and the PSP. I would like to discuss both of these devices because I have found them to be quite useful on my backpacking journeys in Europe and I know they will come in handy when I go back.
DS in flight
I would first like the start with the Nintendo DS. The DS uses Wi-Fi and in March of 2007 gained the ability to log onto the internet. An internet “game card” must be purchased however, but it will only set you back about 20 U.S dollars. What I mean by game card is that it plugs into where you would put games, then its extra 10 MB memory card (bundled free of charge with the game card) plugs into where the Game Boy Advanced games/ Rumble pack would be inserted. You might have problems finding them in retail stores now but they can easily be ordered online.
What this all means is that anywhere there is Wi-Fi (Hostel, train station, McDonalds) you can log onto the internet. Simply insert the internet game card and memory card, turn on, select the network and log on (enter the password). You will then notice that the top screen is the browser and the bottom screen is the keyboard. DS stands for dual screen, with one being a touch pad. Simply use the stylus to type in what you need and scroll. This can be extremely useful if you need to look up or book hostels or hotels and you can’t get to a computer café or didn’t bring your laptop (which if you are backpacking for a significant amount of time I doubt you did).
The DS costs less than other machines (PSP, iphone, ipod touch) setting you back 130.00 U.S dollars, which is a great investment in my opinion. Also, if you are “older” or not great with technology I would suggest this platform. Not only is it simple and its interface easy to learn, it also has very interactive games and a vast array of genres to play. For example if you are not into hack and slash there are puzzle games and also games you can play casually, which are great for long train rides. There are language games you can buy, so you can brush up on your German or French while you are on the train or plane too.
If your friends have one, or anyone around you has one, there is a chat room ability on it, which can be a great way
Portable War
to meet people and exchange stories, not to mention play some games together (most games allow 4 to 12 people to play simultaneously; usually only requiring one game card, see game instruction booklet for specific instructions on multiplayer).
Now the PSP is definitely different than the D.S and carries a higher price tag. If going the PSP route you’ll be set back $170.00 U.S dollars for just the unit or as bundled set (games and accessories) from $200.00 and up. You do get more bang for your buck however. The PSP boasts better graphics and the ability to store and play MP3’s (even our audio tours). You can also watch movies on it as well, but you have to buy mini DVD’s that are just for the PSP. Now unfortunately that means if you already own a movie you want to watch you’ll have to buy it again. Also, not every movie you might be interested in watching is in PSP format and on average is only a few U.S dollars cheaper than the DVD versions.
You can still play online with other PSP users and connect via wireless internet like the D.S. However, there is not a touch screen, which can make web browsing a little difficult. New updates are constantly coming out for the PSP and a recent one included a new official PSP web browser helping to make browsing easier. Another perk is that there is no need to buy a ‘game card’ like the D.S to get the internet; it’s already built in.
So in conclusion, I feel on average the D.S would be a better choice because of its user friendliness and low learning curve. It is also cheaper and hosts a wide array of games that could entertain anyone from the very young to those that are a bit older. Also the language games could prove to be really useful.
In addition if your one of the many people who now owns an ipod, which can play video from itunes, it’s probably not worth spending the extra money on the PSP and then having to buy the movies for it too. However, if you are a more serious gamer, the PSP will probably be your choice since it caters more to the ‘hardcore’ gamers.
Keeping up with technology can be expensive. I mean with all this said and done I’ll have to be writing a new article soon on the iphone and its “apps”. What is important is to find a device that is comfortable for you to use. That might just be a good old pay phone and a note pad to play tic-tac-toe on.
©@Tech
