Game Console Report Card -- Fall 2007 edition (page 4 of 6)
- August 14, 2007 13:42 PM PST
- Email this!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DS
- Games: B+
- Price: A+
- Online Play: C
- Graphics: B
- Innovation: A-
- Hardware Design: B+
- Extras: B-
- Overall: A-
Comments: The DS enters its third year and continues to shine, particularly its now-dominant DS Lite model. Out of all the consoles, handheld and not, it has set the best combination of price, performance, and must-play games. As a result, the DS was the most popular selling system last year. Cracked hinges keep the DS Lite from receiving an otherwise superlative "A" grade in Hardware Design, and the system's innovative touchscreen proved the critics wrong by expanding gaming possibilities. With exception to average grades in Online Play and Graphics, the DS is in a nearly unbeatable position atop the handheld heap. It may not boast the sheer number of high-tech functions as the PSP, but it wisely chooses to excel in the few that matter most.
PSP
- Games: C-
- Price: B+
- Online Play: C
- Graphics: A-
- Innovation: B-
- Hardware Design: B+
- Extras: A
- Overall: C+
Comments: The PSP is one of the most interesting game consoles on the market, handheld or not. Its potential as a do-it-all device is massive. But, so far, its execution as a gaming device has been uneven due to a lack of breakout "must have" titles. We suggest that Sony focus on securing hot exclusive games (Ratchet & Clank and God of War are key example, but more are needed) and continue to transform the system into the game industry's answer to the iPod. While the PSP has sold well -- far better, in fact, than many magazines and internet sites would have you believe -- it hasn't matched the explosive success of Nintendo's DS. Still, we do appreciate its handful of great games and impressive multimedia functionality. And given its recent price drop, new PSP-2000 redesign, and some noteworthy upcoming games, we feel the PSP has tremendous potential to improve in late 2007 and beyond. One to watch.
