Nintendo DS is one of the few portable video game systems on the market today.
Credit: Mary Taliesin | ©Mary Taliesin (morguefile.com)
The premier video game systems on the market today are Xbox 360 and the soon to be released Sony PlayStation 3. The most compelling additions to these systems from the past versions are improved internet capability and faster processing, similar to computers. But the price tag for these two systems is pretty high and may discourage those who aren’t diehard gamers to choose a less expensive option. Sony PlayStation 2 remains the best system on the market, with Xbox trailing due to its cumbersome controller and more limited game lineup. Nintendo Game Cube is a distant third, a cheaper video game system that is suitable more for children who will enjoy games of Mario, Pokemon, and Animal Crossing.
In terms of handheld gaming, Sony has bypassed Nintendo with its PlayStation Portable (PSP). This portable gaming and DVD system runs about $250 and the gaming and DVD inventory is as expensive as the regular system. However, the PSP is worth it if you are on the go and need a reliable multimedia option for game playing and movie viewing. The Nintendo DS, however, is a good and less expensive version that will allow you to play some of the same games as PSP and others, like the Mario franchise, that are not available anywhere else.
Considerations
1. Number/quality of games: The number of games over a video game system’s life is a sign of its vitality and the producing company’s ability to develop a product. Past systems like Sega Dreamcast or Sega CD faltered because their inventories were low and the games they did produce were subpar compared to competitors like Nintendo. Sony PlayStation 2 (and the upcoming PlayStation 3) is the definitive leader in the number and quality of games at around 5000 titles, though Nintendo Game Cube utilizes their proprietary Mario franchise to create any number of fun games for their system. A good way to view the entire field of games for a particular system is to search on Amazon or Half.com to see the variety of video game genres available.
In terms of handheld gaming, Sony has bypassed Nintendo with its PlayStation Portable (PSP). This portable gaming and DVD system runs about $250 and the gaming and DVD inventory is as expensive as the regular system. However, the PSP is worth it if you are on the go and need a reliable multimedia option for game playing and movie viewing. The Nintendo DS, however, is a good and less expensive version that will allow you to play some of the same games as PSP and others, like the Mario franchise, that are not available anywhere else.
Considerations
1. Number/quality of games: The number of games over a video game system’s life is a sign of its vitality and the producing company’s ability to develop a product. Past systems like Sega Dreamcast or Sega CD faltered because their inventories were low and the games they did produce were subpar compared to competitors like Nintendo. Sony PlayStation 2 (and the upcoming PlayStation 3) is the definitive leader in the number and quality of games at around 5000 titles, though Nintendo Game Cube utilizes their proprietary Mario franchise to create any number of fun games for their system. A good way to view the entire field of games for a particular system is to search on Amazon or Half.com to see the variety of video game genres available.
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