Wii vs. PSP

[wur1]

Okay, I'm going to blow $250 on one of these systems in the next weeks. 

 

 

I know that the PSP started out weak, but now it seems like *the* system for classic compilations (Capcom 1&2, Genesis, Gradius, Metal Slug, etc.), and I'd *love* to play these on the PSP's big, pretty screen.  Also, a new Metal Gear action game is out, and a lot of the more mediocre launch titles are going for about $10 used.  (Whereas Mario 64 DS is still going for $25 used at stores...)  I don't have an MP3 player, and wanted to use a PSP for this purpose as well.

 

My main problem with the PSP is I'm guessing they'll reduce the price after a few months (in time for its second anniversary), and I'm wondering if Sony is designing a "PSP Lite".

 

Now, I don't have Gamecube, and there are some games I wanted to play through on that (Metroid Prime 1&2, RE4, etc.).  Also I thought Excite Truck was pretty amazing, despite the reviews.  (Actually having steering wheel type control without a clunky steering wheel controller is nice)  It's small enough that I can fit it in my office desk, and play it on projectors with other graduate students.  (I'm particularly excited about Smash Bros. Brawl)

 

My main objection is that it's $250 for estentially a gamecube with a unique controller, when the Xbox 360 (which I have no desire for) is a mere $50 more.  Also, most of the launch titles (sans Zelda) look kind of bland.

 

 

In conclusion: I've played both systems cumulatively less than 10 minutes each, so I'm not fit to judge which will give me more happiness.  So, for those of you who played both more extensively: which will make me happier?

[a1]

Well, I've owned both of them and I can very certainly say the Wii is a better choice. If you're thinking of buying the PSP for the MP3 capabilities you'd be much better off buying an ipod shuffle for about $70 and then a different system. As far as games go you listed Metal Slug, which is on Wii, and the Sega collections, which include games that will probably make their way to the Virtual Console over time (a few are already there). Buying them on the VC would mean you could just get the ones you want without buying Sonic for the millionth time. Plus, Sonic Mega Collection and Sonic Gems are both on Gamecube if you actually do need Sonic.

 

As far as the Wii launch goes, Zelda is definitely the game to get. But it isn't the only game. Rayman: Raving Rabbids is great, especially with friends, if you like football Madden '07 on Wii is the best Madden around, and Monkey Ball is pretty fun, too. I've also heard good things about Trauma Center, and Excite Truck is supposed to be fun, but just a bit shallow.

 

You also say that the 360 is only $50.00 more than Wii. I can't tell you how sick I am of hearing this. The Wii comes with 512 MB of flash memory built in, enough for plenty of game saves on VC games; you'll need to buy a $30.00 memory card for the core 360. The core 360 also comes with a wired controller, while the Wii's is wireless. Finally, let's not forget about Wii sports, which, while not being the greatest game in the world, is a fun thing to play with friends, and is great for introducing non-gamers to games.

 

The PSP just isn't that great. I had it for six months, about 2 months after launch, and I only had one game for it. The games you listed look fun, but you can find some of them elsewhere, and would have more fun with them doing so. I had a bit of trouble playing NES games on a PSP, so I don't know how well Genesis games would play.

 

And when it gets down to it, if you had asked Gamecube or PSP, I would have said Gamecube. It isn't the best current-gen system (are we saying last-gen yet?), but it has a lot more great games than PSP. If Smash Bros. Brawl looks fun to you, why not pick up Smash Bros. Melee for Gamecube? Then you have Mario Sunshine, Mario Kart, and Zelda: Wind Waker, which is great despite what everyone says. Those are only a few games, but there are plenty more.

 

If you want an MP3 player as well as a system, but you're worried about the cost. I would buy a separate MP3 player and a Gamecube, which, depending on the type of MP3 player you get, could turn out to be much less than buying either a Wii or a PSP. If price isn't a factor, go for the Wii, because there is plenty coming in the future, and the launch games should last you for plenty of time.  

[sega saturn x]

The wii, the psp may have lots of classic compilations but sadly they play like garbage thanks to its retched D pad and analog nub.  The wii doesn't exactly scream "buy me" yet, but I'm sure it will get more good games than the psp. 

[a1]

[QUOTE=sega saturn x]The wii, the psp may have lots of classic compilations but sadly they play like garbage thanks to its retched D pad and analog nub.  [/QUOTE]

I'm not the only person who thinks that, then. I couldn't even beat a single level in Mega Man 2 (a game I mastered long ago) with the PSP d-pad. Heck, I even had trouble with Super Mario. I can't understand what's wrong with it either, because it looks so much like the PSX/PS2 d-pad, and I find that to be a pretty good d-pad.

[wur1]

Maybe I'll just get a Wii, and then hold out for a PSP price drop/resdesign, in that case.  Or perhaps pray that Sony collapses so I can get a PSP for $30 on liquidation.

 

(I've heard bad things about the D-pad, as well.)

[Paul Campbell]

[QUOTE=wur]

My main objection is that it's $250 for estentially a gamecube with a unique controller

 [/QUOTE]

<sigh> If you actually believe this I have some number comparisons to show you.

[Atarifever1]

[QUOTE=Paul Campbell][QUOTE=wur]

My main objection is that it's $250 for estentially a gamecube with a unique controller

 [/QUOTE]

<sigh> If you actually believe this I have some number comparisons to show you.

[/QUOTE]
If he actually believes this I have a number of doctors he can see.

I forget, where's the built in Wi-fi in my Gamecube, or even the online support from Nintendo?  Where is the built in storage on the Gamecube?  How is it I download virtual console games to the Gamecube again? 

[wur1]

[QUOTE=Atarifever][QUOTE=Paul Campbell][QUOTE=wur]

My main objection is that it's $250 for estentially a gamecube with a unique controller

 [/QUOTE]

<sigh> If you actually believe this I have some number comparisons to show you.

[/QUOTE]
If he actually believes this I have a number of doctors he can see.

I forget, where's the built in Wi-fi in my Gamecube, or even the online support from Nintendo?  Where is the built in storage on the Gamecube?  How is it I download virtual console games to the Gamecube again? 


[/QUOTE]

 

Maybe it's an exaggeration, but the difference between the Gamecube and the Wii (in terms of processing power) seems to be the same between a Genesis, and a Genesis with a CD-Rom and a 32X on the top. 

 

I mean, couldn't Nintendo have make some sort of augmentation to the Gamecube, rather than make a completely new system?

[JustLikeHeaven1]

[QUOTE=wur]

Maybe it's an exaggeration, but the difference between the Gamecube and the Wii (in terms of processing power) seems to be the same between a Genesis, and a Genesis with a CD-Rom and a 32X on the top. 

 

I mean, couldn't Nintendo have make some sort of augmentation to the Gamecube, rather than make a completely new system?

[/QUOTE]

 

There is plenty of difference between the two systems.  Besides, add-ons are never popular with people.  Nintendo was very wise to make an all new system regardless of its processing power.  They obviously did something right because they are probably going to sell 4 million units by the end of the year...

 

If the Wii had been an add-on like the sega cd, it would not have sold very well.  I bet that out of the 25 million gamecube owners, maybe 5 million of them would have bought the add on. People view add ons to systems as cheap ways to get ever last ounce out of a dying/dead system.  Personally, I think it would have been a horrible misstep if Nintendo tried create an add-on system for the cube...

[sega saturn x]

NO MORE ARGUING ABOUT THE WII,  even I'm sick of it at this point.