Sony NGP (PSP2) vs. Nintendo 3DS
With this morning’s unveiling of the Sony NGP and Nintendo’s 3DS finally getting an official launch date, we’ve got the first proper handheld gaming console fight since the release of the original Nintendo DS back in 2004.
Both are high-powered machines with innovative features and promising launch line-ups, but which should you be saving up for? Tech Digest lay all that is known about both devices on the table to give you a better idea of which is deserving of your cash.
Specs:
Nintendo 3DS: PICA200 GPU, 3.52 inch widescreen display / 800×240 resolution (400 pixels for each eye during 3D gameplay) top 3D screen, 3.02 inch bottom touch-screen display / 320×240 resolution, 5.3 inches x 2.9 inches x 0.8 inches in overall size, three cameras (two on rear casing, one above top screen at 0.3 megapixel), stereo speakers, motion sensor / gyro sensor, 2.4ghz / 802.11 wi-fi.
Sony NGP: ARM Cortex-A9 core (4 core), SGX543MP4+ GPU, 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm overall size, 5 inch OLED display (960 x 544 ), capacitive rear touch pad with multitouch controls, front and rear cameras, built-in microphone, built-in stereo speakers, Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), three-axis electronic compass, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Mobile network connectivity (3G), IEEE 802.11b/g/n (n = 1×1)(Wi-Fi) (Infrastructure mode/Ad-hoc mode) and Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR.
Key Features
The Nintendo 3DS’s headline hardware feature is its autostereoscopic 3D display, meaning you can enjoy 3D visuals from games and movies without the need for a pair of compatible 3D glasses. A slider on the console’s edge allows you to adjust the effect’s intensity, switching it off altogether if you prefer. Just like the DS, it’s a dual-screen affair, with the top display showing 3D visuals, the lower having touchscreen controls. There’s also traditional face and shoulder buttons, with both a digital pad and analogue stick as well as motion controls.
Graphics capabilities make a huge leap forward in the 3DS, sitting somewhere between the look of Gamecube and Wii titles, while the increased screen resolution (800 x 240) allows for very crisp and detailed visuals.
The Sony NGP packs in some really powerful graphics processing tech in the shape of an ARM Cortex-A9 core (4 core) and SGX543MP4+ GPU. It should make it capable of near PS3-quality visuals, which will shine on the console’s superb single 5-inch OLED touchscreen display (960 x 544).
Traditional face and shoulder buttons are supplemented by motion controls and an intriguing rear multitouch capacitive track pad, which, when used in conjunction with the hardware buttons, will allow for all manner of gesture based combination commands. The NGP also features twin analogue sticks, which should allow for precise camera control and intuitive accurate, movements in adventure and FPS titles.
Cameras and Augmented Reality
With both handhelds featuring front and rear cameras, taking a few snaps between gaming sessions is possible, as well as the likelihood of video chat over either 3G or Wi-Fi.
No word yet on the quality of the sensor in the Sony NGP, nor megapixel count. However, we do know that the dual-lens 3DS will be capable of taking 3D pictures, though it is clocked at a measly 0.3 megapixels.
Both will also be capable of Augmented Reality gaming thanks to these camera, though details on the implementation here are sketchy on both devices. The 3DS was demoed recently with a small cartridge which its cameras could recognise, warping whichever surface it was placed on when viewed through the device’s screen. The NGP hasn’t had a chance to show off its AR muscles yet, but the added GPS features give it some interesting location-aware potential too.
Connectivity, Stores and Online Platforms
Both consoles will feature Wi-Fi connectivity, though the Sony NGP is more fully equipped, throwing 3G and Bluetooth into the mix too, as well as the afore-mentioned GPS tracking capabilities. This means you’ll be able to play online with pals on both consoles, as well as download games from their respective digital stores: The PlayStation Network for the Sony NGP and the eShop for the 3DS.
Playing against pals on the 3DS should be particularly easy thanks to the SpotPass and StreetPass connectivity options. SpotPass allows the console to passively access Wi-Fi networks and update console information and notifications from pals, while the StreetPass works in a similar way, informing you of nearby 3DS players waiting for a game. You’ll also be able to exchange Mii avatar data using StreetPass.
The Sony NGP introduces the PlayStation Suite network, allowing games to be played across both the Sony NGP and Android tablets and smartphones too, more of which we’ll touch upon in the next section.
Though neither Nintendo nor Sony have spoken of connectivity possibilities between their handheld and home consoles, you can certainly expect to see some sort of link between the NGP and PS3 eventually. The Wii on the other hand is coming to the end of its console life-cycle, so we’d expect to see the 3DS partner with whatever home console follow-up Nintendo have in mind post-Wii.
Launch Games
Traditionally, the Nintendo brand has been seen as more kid friendly than Sony, but all that may be set to change with the Nintendo 3DS. Launch titles include two gruesome Resident Evil games (Mercenaries 3D and Revelations), Street Fighter IV 3D and Dead or Alive Dimensions, all of which will certainly appeal to the hardcore gamer. 30 games in all are due to touch down over the course of the month following the console’s launch.
Classic franchises such as Zelda (with the Ocarina of Time 3D remake) and Kid Icarus (with Kid Icarus: Uprising) will all fall within this window, and you can bet your bottom dollar that it wont be too long before Mario graces the console too. Backwards compatibility is promised with all Nintendo DS games, while the Virtual Console will give access to retro game downloads.
Details are slim on the Sony NGP titles, but a showreel that included Killzone, Reality Fighters, Smart As, Broken, Little Big Planet, Little Deviants, WipEout, Resistance, Hot Shots Golf, Gravity Daze and Uncharted gave a hint at what was to come.
The Sony NGP will also feature access to the newly revealed PlayStation Suite, which will provide cross-platform gaming to devices using the Android OS, be they smartphones or tablets. As the hardware limitations will vary wildly here, we expect these games to be rather simple; of the app variety rather than full retail quality.
Pricing and Launch Date
Nintendo’s 3DS will launch in Europe on March 25th and the US on March 27th. It’ll be available a month earlier in Japan, from February 26th. Though pricing will vary from retailer to retailer, somewhere in the region of £230 seems to be the going rate for the Nintendo 3DS pre-orders.
While it’s too early to say when the Sony NGP will hit stores, safe money would be on a pre-Christmas launch, giving enough time for the hype surrounding the 3DS to die down, while also giving ample opportunity for Sony to reap in some holiday cash. As is traditionally the case with Sony hardware launches, expect to see Japanese gamers get hold of the console first.
No pricing available for Sony’s console either yet, but a smartphone with similar OLED screen and connectivity options, let alone gaming capabilities, would set you back at least £250 as a conservative estimate. We’re pitching for somewhere around £300 for the Sony NGP, which would be very expensive, but we’re happy for Sony to prove us wrong on that count.
30 comments
Basically hope the 3DS has adequate features built-in of any future connectivity to happen which has a Wii successor. Avoid imagine that the hardware should remain in destination for 3DS-to-home console connectivity, Nintendo should to discharge firmware update for software side.
Basically hope the 3DS has adequate features built-in of any future connectivity to happen which has a Wii successor. Avoid imagine that the hardware should remain in destination for 3DS-to-home console connectivity, Nintendo should to discharge firmware update for software side.
I don’t get one thing – you say that 3DS has a good line up, but look on the quality of those games – like only 20 pixels on the screen!
SONY IS STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE ONLY COPY THINGS!!!!!!! JACK TRETTON IS STUPID!!!! He said that the Wii motion controls where stupid, but then they copy it. They also copied the touch screen, the camera, the AR games, EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!! SONY IS SO STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nintendo IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SONY IS STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE ONLY COPY THINGS!!!!!!! JACK TRETTON IS STUPID!!!! He said that the Wii motion controls where stupid, but then they copy it. They also copied the touch screen, the camera, the AR games, EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!! SONY IS SO STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nintendo IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fukc
Nintendo
the 3ds actually adds someething new. The NGP just copy’s the touch screen the ds already had in 2005. And the games that are exclusive to nintendo actually have a storyline.
Well said, I totally agree.
It’s time those Nintendo kids grow up and see that PlayStation is Dominent.
I don’t get one thing – you say that 3DS has a good line up, but look on the quality of those games – like only 20 pixels on the screen! 😀
I don’t have a handheld, but I think I’m goanna go with NPG, because I don’t play as much to need 100 games a year and I look for quality ove quantity.
I have x360 and Wii, but for last three years the Wii just gathering dust. May be If I was 12 again it would be different, but right now I would have to go with NPG!
I’m not really a fanboy of any platform (maybe the x360), but it seems that the nitendo fanboys are children with parents too cheap to by a HD console! 😀
do like the psp3 ngps , i lo tengo y es mejor que el nintendo 4dsu el nuevo en china y en tokio el psp3 ngps
T-M rated games for 3ds Assassin’s Creed: Lost Legacy
The Conduit 3DS Dead or Alive: Dimensions Driver: Renegade call of duty (yes it’s already been confiemd) Kid Icarus: Uprising Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3ds Ninja Gaiden (working title) Resident Evil: Revelations Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D Samurai Warriors: Chronicles Shin Megami Tensei (working title) Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (working title)Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked Super Street Fighter IV 3D plus 3 unamed games under developmnet from the call od duty makers we dont know much from the NGP so lets not compare but you got to admit this system is trying to got both young and old poeple
I’ve never been a fan of Nintendo handhelds. I had the original gameboy back in the early 80s. The 3DS however is the first time where the game lineup actually makes me want to purchase one. Bringing back an old Zelda game is great being I always wanted to go back and play it. And the Pilotwings franchise has been fun since I was a kid as well. I’m 29. I love technology and love everything the NGP offers but the combination of vintage titles with new age technology has me sold as well. I’ll likely purchase the NGP first only because the 3DS titles I mentioned are not launch titles anymore.
?
I find it funny that most people act as if this is a battle between systems, saying that the 3DS has a better lineup and price, with ‘more’ developers and an altogether better experience. The reason? The 3DS releases in March 2011, and the NGP releases in Japan in November or December 2011, and in the US possibly before the end of 2011. The 3DS is close to being released (1 month), while the NGP could be released as late as a year from now. Any wonder that their lineup is small, with no actual price listed? It’s because IT DOESN’T COME OUT AT THE SAME TIME AS THE 3DS!!!!! DUH!
What’s even better is that the NGP has a list of developers twice as long as the 3DS does. This is the biggest point. The 3DS has a list of 40+ developers close to release. Almost an entire year before the NGP is released, it has a list of 80+ developers. Screw the Nintendo fanboys who say the 3DS is showing off its third-party developers. It has half the developers of a system that isn’t even close to being released!
why would i want to play a game that will be a port of a PS3 ? NGP games will have that problem, will be inferior versions of console games, think about it the best psp games are one built for the PSP (patapon 1 and 2 for example), sony has never understood that portable games must be on the go, not full flesh games, i wont play uncharted 3 for the PSP2 if i can play it on a ps3 with a 32inch full hd screen, where i can really be impress, on a handheld ? im not impress… and thats why the DS sold more than 3 times than the PSP…
this is exactly the same fight the PSP and the DS had, one was full new tech impressive graphics, the other… something new and a real handheld
im not by any means <a nintendo fanboy, i own a PS3/PSP/DS/Wii, and love them all but i have play A LOT more DS than my PSP
I think that the NGP is a waste as you could just go home and play on the ps3 on a 40in TV. 3DS however just appeals as the “on-the-go” type of handheld, featuring games which had sparked the joy on our childhood days.
If the NGP is close price range to the 3DS ……
Nintendo will be in serious trouble.
I own PS3/360/Wii and by far the Wii doesn’t even compare.
I can’t wait for Nintendo to finaly go the way of SEGA.
Hopefully this finaly puts an end to Nintendo hardware.
Can’t w8 to play NIN games on future Sony/Microsoft systems.
Have had enough w/ burning $$$ on lolNIN hardware.
3DS is just another GB barely modified.
yup….if it is the same price range as the 3DS….NGP will stand for…Nintendo Gets Pawned…..but for now we can just hope >_<
Are you referring to the ‘Nintendo Wii’; the best selling current 3rd gen console or some other ‘Wii’ which you were sold by that group of boys that laugh at you whenever you allow that drabble to come out of your mouth.
If the NGP is close price range to the 3DS ……
Nintendo will be in serious trouble.
I own PS3/360/Wii and by far the Wii doesn’t even compare.
I can’t wait for Nintendo to finaly go the way of SEGA.
Hopefully this finaly puts an end to Nintendo hardware.
Can’t w8 to play NIN games on future Sony/Microsoft systems.
Have had enough w/ burning $$$ on lolNIN hardware.
3DS is just another GB barely modified.
Yes the new Wii2 will come out with New control system etc so yeah the psp2 is for the gate’s….
“Nintendo brand has been seen as more kid friendly than Sony”
You do know both of them are TOY’s don’t you! no matter what the Sony Fanboys say.
yes and i suppose a smartphone is a toy too
I don’t think Nintendo will release a Wii2. They will probably release something with a new idea.
When the NGP get’s released, Nintendo will release the “Wii2” and everyone will go **** and buy it instead…
The NGP is a rip off. Why would anyone pay 400-500$ for a portable device?I’d rather buy an ipod and save my money.
forget it for a psp systewm like that its gonna empty ur pocket instantly. the 3ds already costs 249 dollars for those high tech features wht do u expect fom psp2?? a possible 400-500dollars?? the ps3 itself costed so much wen it came out- wht do u expect from a handheld powerful system??
Honestly, $400-500 wouldn’t be practical, since a regular PS3 only costs $300, so I suspect it will be at about that price point. Then again, the Wii only costs $200 now, while the 3DS–which with some games has better graphics than the Wii–is priced at $250; not only that, but the NGP is touted to have graphics that literally match those of the PS3. I guess if the NGP is to the PS3 what the 3DS is to the Wii, the thing will cost a ridiculously high price. Perhaps $400-500 isn’t so far off after all.
I just hope the 3DS has adequate features built-in for any future connectivity to take place with a Wii successor. I would assume that the hardware would need to be in place for 3DS-to-home console connectivity, Nintendo can always release a firmware update for the software side.
I just hope the 3DS has adequate features built-in for any future connectivity to take place with a Wii successor. I would assume that the hardware would need to be in place for 3DS-to-home console connectivity, Nintendo can always release a firmware update for the software side.
Comments are closed.