DS crushing PSP in Europe
by Alisha Karabinus 
{ Oct 18th 2006 at 8:57AM }
Though Nintendo reps don't seem quite as wont to go around making up numbers, we still offer a caution here -- it's Ninty product manager James Honeywell who claims that the DS is outselling the PSP at a 3:1 ratio in Europe. But even if you assume a biased source and maybe a little padding, that's still a major rebound from last year, when the two handhelds were racing neck and neck. Honeywell points to the unique capabilities of the system as the secret to its success. The DS, after all, can just do more -- and in this race, it doesn't seem to be about power, but more about versatility in gaming.Hey, we're not bragging. We just reserve the right to pull out our special dance of joy whenever Nintendo is doing well.
[Via Nintendojo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pixelator @ Oct 19th 2006 3:35AM
"The DS, after all, can just do more"
Last time I checked, I counted three, maybe four DS games that *really* used the PDA stylus, er, I mean NINTENDO INNOVATION to any real gameplay advantage. Other than the old, I mean, NEW concept of touchscreen input, what exactly more does the DS do, except sell new colors and retreads of old games like hotcakes? I'm curious to know, because as a DS owner who does enjoy the system, I'm wondering where all the superiority in gameplay is lurking. How come I haven't chucked my PSP yet and still enjoy many of the games on both? I must be a 'Sony Fanboy' or maybe one of them split personality types, eh?
"Hey, we're not bragging."
Of course not! Not bashing the PSP, either, nor 'dancing for joy' or acting petty and childish at all. Nope. And a good thing, too, because trumpeting DS sales and bashing the PSP in every other blog you guys post might be considered a little bit... Defensive.
But hey, it's all good. When Sony says something they're lying, and when NINTENDO says something, they're preaching pure Gospel... And to the choir, apparently. Brand-biased evangelistic fervor ftw!
Edgey @ Oct 19th 2006 2:17PM
It took you long enough.
Fox @ Oct 19th 2006 10:24PM
Truly great news for the DS to get some sales confirmation. The numbers may be padded or biased, but there is certainly no questioning the success the DS has had abroad.
With all due respect,
Fox
idioteraser @ Oct 19th 2006 11:17PM
Nintendo statements about sales are pretty much always backed up by indepedent tracking agencies as well as gamepublisher statemnts.
Sony on the other hand often times is found to be lacking in the accuracy department.
As for DS games that take advantage of the DS features lets see Trauma Center, Nintendogs, numerous puzzle games use the mic, touchscreen.
Ever play trace memory? one puzzle baffled me till I looked it up. Turns out I had to close the DS. Others you partly close it and look at the reflection.
There are a number of games such as Brain Age that would be impossible to do without a touch screen.
It's funny but a lot of people bitch about the stylus games while those stylus games are what attracts the nongamers. Nongamers love stylus control in Advanced Wars: Dual Strike for instance.
Battles of Prince of Persia is a lot faster when you use the stylus.
A lot of games even if the second screen is a map or tactical display the game is a whole lot better and more fun because of that.
Vanadium @ Oct 20th 2006 2:49AM
There is a great article here about the DS and the PSP
http://portagamer.blogspot.com/
pixelator @ Oct 20th 2006 3:14AM
This is getting pretty far off topic, but:
Since when does the stylus officially attract 'non gamers'? I'd like to see exactly how that conclusion is reached.
Brain Age not only can be done on another system, but is. Or did you miss the news that a version is going to the PSP? Some gameplay with the old POWER GLOVE was unique to that peripheral - but did that always mean the games were better as a result? Nope.
Trace Memory was a total bore. I played about 1/3 into it and wish I could get those hours of my life back. Gameplay gimmicks like partially closing the screen are just that: Gimmicks. Sometimes they might be fun, other times they're not, especially when they're purely for the sake of laying claim to 'innovation'.
Advance Wars is not improved by the touchscreen - I stopped trying to use that tiny plastic pen after the first few minutes and realized it was MUCH more efficient and quicker to use the d-pad. Same with Age of Empires.
Nintendo is just as full of sh*t as any other game company. It was true in the 80's, true in the 90's and true now.
Second display as map or stat display is something another device with sufficient resolution could easily replicate. I'm not saying some games don't use that to some benefit, but it's not inherently unique to have X number of pixels devoted to stat or map info while playing the game.
Fanboy control @ Oct 20th 2006 11:54AM
All I have to say is...
KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT, PIXELATOR!
DOWN WITH NINTENDO YEEEEEEEEAH!
idioteraser @ Oct 20th 2006 6:08PM
The psp version of Brain Age has been aroud in Japan for quite a while. It was one of the best selling titles for the psp. It however doesn't replicate the DS expierence. Which is why the DS version has sold 3 Million more then the psp one ever did. It's why when people shown psp brain age and ds brain age go for the DS version.
It's rapid button presses then using a stylus. People like the DS version more because of the stylus.
A number of people would never have played Advanced Wars if it was just d-pad and button presses. When people who have never played or dislike video games are shown stylus control they are more willing to try it out.
Time and time again tests done by Nintendo and others show that nongamers prefer the DS over the psp because the DS isn't just another too many buttons system.
"Second display as map or stat display is something another device with sufficient resolution could easily replicate."
Funny how such a thing has never come about before the DS. Hours to get to a third of trace memory. You must be dumber then dirt.