Apple starts the war on PSP/DS

Apple finally started rolling the ball on PSP and DS, by saying that PSP and DS are overpriced piece of gadget and uncool.

According to Phil Schiller, Apple's marketing VP, PSP and NDS are too overpriced as their game price is about USD$20-40 per game. Also, he stabbed the heart of the faithful PSP and NDS lovers (me as one of them. PSP ftw!!) by saying that these gadget is no longer cool. Unlike Apple's iPod touch and iPhone. They are cool, small and have 20,000 apps that is relatively cheap compared to PSP and NDS. However, do remember that iPod touch and iPhone price are much much higher compare to PSP or NDS. So Apple calling PSP and NDS overprice is like telling a bunch of monkeys that horse is bigger than an elephant (bad comparison, I know). Also, PSP was (now is not) sold at a lost, but get back the money from the software. So calling them (PSP and NDS) overpriced is a bit too much. Tell that to yourself, Apple.

Brother, you may be right in saying that PSP is uncool. The form factor of PSP is too bulky for my liking. And the price of the game is relatively high. But then again, for the quality of the game (gaming experience, that is), PSP and NDS rules! iPod touch/iPhone is not suitable for many types of gaming categories. Try playing FPS/TPS or fighting game (Street Fighter/Tekken) on iPod/iPhone. You will wish that they have some buttons for it, or else a cheap replaceable touch screen, if you get what I mean. The strength of iPod and iPhone lies on its touch screen and accelerometer. Games that built around these capabilities may be fun, but the fun factor does not hold as long as the button type gaming.

Although PSP has no accelerometer or touch screen, PSP/NDS has buttons. Plenty of them. 6 dedicated buttons to be exact, 1 analogue stick (although badly positioned) and directional pad, not to mention 6 other dedicated button to control the volume, brightness etc. All of which are very important for gaming experience, and is not found in iPod/iPhone. Media wise, PSP plays them decently, but not everyone like its interface, although i do ^_^.

Also, the ability to hack your PSP (if you need help on this, just leave me a message. I am pro here...XD) means that you can play pirated games on your PSP for free, similar to jail breaking in iPod/iPhone. I am not bad-mouthing Apple, but the many apps for iPod/iPhone are not for serious gamers. It is more suitable for database type software, puzzle games and web browsing, but definitely not for most type of games. In addition, iPod/iPhone's media function are much better compared to PSP. NDS? Was never in the range to target iPod/iPhone in that area.

Whats the conclusion? You asked? Well, conclusion is, iPod/iPhone is never good for serious and long term gaming. PSP and NDS kicks Apple's serious arse in that area. However, web browsing and media playing function wise, iPod and iPhone is the clear winner there. So if you are into both gaming and multimedia, the best solution is: get BOTH PSP and iPhone. NDS? Never on my radar...

Now then...Feed the fish will ya? They hunger for your love...