Sony PSP for 200 bucks?

by Ben Zackheim { Jun 2nd 2005 at 3:42PM }

PSP

Reports are starting to come out that Sony wants to offer a cheaper, non-"Value" Pack version of their hit portable. The 250 is a bit on the steep side, as everyone found out when the device didn't sell out within days of launch, as was expected. The new price is much more reasonable, though buyers will have to live without a case and a Spider-Man 2 UMD. Hey, you can spend the extra 50 bucks to buy a cheap case and an actual game.

[thanks Anuj]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Joselo @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I wonder if the aggregated price of the accesories plus the PSP will be greater than the bundle price.

Chris Kalan @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

The Spiderman 2 DVD and case did not make the value pack. There are value packs out now that don't have spiderman or gretzky, and sell for $250. The spiderman bundles appear to be mostly (within reason) sold out. The non value pack consists of the game console, charger, instruction manual, and the usual stuff like ads and stuff. Nothing else is included. There will be no memory stick, case, cleaning cloth, game, movie, handstrap, or anything like that.

Eran Hawke @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I'd like a model with working pixels please.

Sony's dead pixel replacement is 13 pixels. That's outrageous.

My friend got his DS replaced with only 1 dead pixel. Nintendo even drop-shipped him the new DS and paid for postage for him to send back the old one. Wow!

My PSP has 7 dead pixels and it sucks. :(

Scarecrow @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I saw one of these in South Carolina at an EBGames. I, of course, was pissed because I did pay 249.99 for mine. Hopefully the games and movies will follow suit.

Eran Hawke @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

And the upcoming selection of games is so dry it makes the DS release look like a flood!

Will @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

The upcoming selection of PSP games is so dry it makes the DS release look like a flood!

Chris Weber @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

$200 is the price point I wanted all along. I extremely dislike the idea your making me pay $50 of crap to purchase a gaming unit that is really $200.

I guess this means that the going ebay rate will drop in a few months.

Vagabond Artist @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

finally!
once demo units are in stores no-one will be able to find one of these things.

I still have fond memories of going to the store intending to buy a Saturn and walked up to the sega demo unit to play some Virtua Fighter (which looked like hell)
It was right next to a playstation demo unit and after I was done picking my jaw up off of the floor at the difference between the two... I walked out of there with copies of Toshinden (haha oh man...), wipeout 1, and the Sony console.

Seriously, do you think anyone is going to care about the DS after they play one of these in the store? I'm not talking about the hardcore gamers like us (that play as many systems as we can) but the average consumer...

robotplague @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

i just picked up a psp used for very cheap so i can sell it and make a little profit, i thought maybe i'd like it and just hang on to it...but i keep going back to my DS. i dont know, the psp is impressive with its screen/graphics/functionality but i havent really played anything that makes me want to keep it. and besides the games i don't use any of that other stuff like the videos/mp3/picture dealies. i better sell it quick before the price drop!

donlo @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Im not sure an In-store demo will sell that many people. When I picked one up that was playing the Spiderman 2 UMD the first thing I thought was "first gen lcd" the motion blur was bad, ya the screen is big, but it just doesnt look as good as some of the ones ive seen on other devices.

Buck Q. Fitch @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

So waiting for a price drop was a good idea after all. I'll be picking one up when either Madden 06 or GTA comes out.

mike @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I'm not surprised that theyre rolling out the non value pack, since the other day in wal-mart they had different accessories for sale, including the case adn strap, the headphones and remote, and a 32mb memory stick DUO, which all come with the value pack. They also had batteries, which is great for people that want more life but at a cost, over 40 bucks a pop.

lee @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I don't know if this is the right thread for this or not, but besides the PSP having better graphics are the games any better than those on DS? I'm debating on which one to buy, psp, ds, or gba? Any suggestions or advice? It would be used primarily for casual gaming, flights, etc. thanks.

Eric Pobirs @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

The Spider-man 2 UMD was never part of the value pack to begin with. It was a launch bonus. I'd be inclined to thing the 32 MB Memory Stick is the single most expensive item in the Value Pack and the item that is also most needed for basic usability of the system.

A lot of people feel no need for now to get any more capacity than the bundled 32 MB and cards that small is pretty non-existent at retail. Even 64 MB Duos are largely discontinued. If Sony is going to offer a nonValue Pack PSP they need to get those 32 MB Duos into stores for $20 or less. Otherwise the reduced cost of entry will just be an illusion.

ABSOLUT @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS
OWNZ!

Raj @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

hey I believe that psp is much better than DS because first the impressive graphics, second that whenever I go somewhere like on the tour; I don't need to pickup our CD-player or I-pod. Third Buy a new larger duo and watch movies. for example One movie=300-400MB and still have space to store over 45 songs. so I BELIEVE that PSP is all-in-one. I own a psp after i sold my DS. that's how i know psp is kind of better that ds, but ds has a good feeling to the games that psp will never going to have ever. psp has good M rated games {GTA}that i like to play than playing xx-xy or mario

Frexy @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I'd like to give you advice Lee.

First of, if you buy the DS, the GBA is kinda included (except when you're looking for a small unit)

The DS has the most 'fresh' games, and give you a new experience (if the game lets you use the touch/mic/split screen in a good way).

The PSP on the other hand, is sexier and has this huge screen, not to mention all the multimedia add-ons. Of course, this makes it a bit more expensive.

Well, there's enough info about the two unit's specs, battery life, yadda yadda, you might want to check it out. Any gaming site should have info on that I guess =)

Personally, I'd go for the DS. I've got that unit and simply love it. The games start to come and all look great.
The PSP seems just a PS2 remake. There will be a lot of ported games for and of course movies you can also watch at home.
Not to mention customer care...
But that's only my opinion, don't led me lead you in your decision =)

lee @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

thanks. hows the battery life compared between the two?

Jared @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

The problem I have with the PSP is that 75% of the games are racing.

Games on the PSP just won't have you playing them for a long time, you will get bored quick.

amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

"The 250 is a bit on the steep side, as everyone found out when the device didn�t sell out within days of launch, as was expected."

What? Didn't sell out? What happened to all that raving from the Sony fanboys? Not that I need to quote any of it here.

Has the PSP reached it's main pool of users? Will it grow any more?

"Okay you buy a PSP for $200USD (approx $380AUD) you open the box, switch it on and...hey, wheres the game? Oh thats right in the other bag. Ahem, like I said you get the game you just bought and put it in the slot and complete the game in 1 hour. {scratches head} Hmmmm... that wasn't long, oh that's right I finished this game on my PS2 last year. Okay so there must be some unlockables...ah got it... Huh?! Tetris? THe unlockable was Tetris? Maybe if I hook it up to my PS2 I'll get more content or something... damn, that was the GBA."

I guess there is always lumines...

lee @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

thanks. hows the battery life compared between the two?

Jared @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

The problem I have with the PSP is that 75% of the games are racing.

Games on the PSP just won't have you playing them for a long time, you will get bored quick.

Lucas @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I don't know about the PSP, but my DS seems to stay charged forever. I would guess about 8-10 hours on the DS, even more if you play GBA games.

Rocket Punch @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

$250 for the "rip-off" pack is stupid + the current titles for it is a joke, not to mention those $15-19 UMD movies. LMAO.

I also read from various forum the dead pixel problem is worrying and for $250 it is too big of a gamble personally. Beside for the extra $50 you get a bucket of $1 shop crap, oh.. wait there is a wopping 32MB memory stick... WOW AMAZING!!!!! My egg timer has more memory than that.

A price drop is a logical step as PSP doesn't sell at all. I might consider it if it is $149 + there is good games (such as GT4).

lee @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

sounds like you guys think DS is the way to go then? does the stylus/touchpad really come into play as much as they? is it awkward or annoying at all? i have a bad visual of those quick check machines at the grocery store with the faulty touch screens.

the blob @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I'm sorry $200 is still to steep for a handheld with lackluster games, especially when you factor in the fact you have to buy any of the following: a case and strap, the headphones and remote, and a 32mb memory stick DUO.

Xomphos @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Lee,

I own a Nintendo DS and I highly reccomend getting it now that this Summer the game library is for once going to get better. Also, I did want a PSP until I read comment #3 here, I don't feel comfortable gambiling 200-250 dollars. Anyways, if you have a few or a lot of friends who have a GBA or SP and want to do multiplayer with them, get a GBA or SP because the DS can't do multiplayer with a GBA or SP. Now, for the long run, get a DS, the game library is going to get better and there is going to be online play for some games this fall. Now, there also is the GB Micro coming this fall. It is supposed to have a smaller screen-2 inches but is supposed to be the best gameboy screen. It is also built by sharp-the screen that is. The GB Miro also might have the Play-Yan bundedled with it-but that is rumour. Well, I hope this advice is good for you-go try out some store system demos of the DS, SP, and mabey original GBA if you can find them (my Wal-Mart sold them out for $20).

Useful_Arts @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I have to say I have the PSP with mp3's and videos on the mem card and and Lumines, Ridge Racer, and Lumines for games, and it is great. Just look it on a business air trip yesterday, used all of it. The battery did die on the way back, but what are you gonna do. Battery last longer when it does not have to access the disc, ala MP3's or THUG has a setting to not play the music and access the disc for longer battery times. Also there is an extended life replacement available if need be. The ability to have it sleep so easy is perfect too. If you have the money I see no question on the PSP, it is a sweet system, granted there are not a ton of games out yet, but you can pick up a GBA for nothing now, and I am seriously tired on the SNES-style of game rehash for a portable anyway. Not to mention, and it is painful to say but the DS looks like it was designed by a 2 year old.

Useful_Arts @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

and Tony Hawk I mean

mp @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

There was only one reason I chose psp over DS... and it was a tough one. I have an IPOD, so I didn't need an mp3 player. I seldom have any need for video on the go. Pictures are nice, but I've seldom had someone to show a slideshow to.

I'm not a graphics over substance guy, and I like the idea of the DS. So why PSP... I was born with a defect that afflicts 1-7 people... that's right. I have a severe case of left-handedness. Don't cry for me.

You simply can't play some of the DS games if you're left handed. Many of them require that you hold the stylus in your right hand, and yes, it's possible, but it takes away any fair competition with the righties. I asked Nintendo about it, and they said there won't be a lh version of the DS. I'm used to the standard psp/nintendo controllers, so PSP doesn't require me to learn to be a righty.

So right handed- Get DS
left handed - Get PSP

I do like the psp- don't get me wrong. The graphics are excellent and I've played THUG for hours on end.

amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

"The ability to have it sleep so easy is perfect too"

Not sure if this is really a deciding factor. For the DS to sleep you just close the lid!

amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I'm not sure I can see why being left handed is a problem using the DS.

Lets see:
Polarium: use either hand
Yoshi T & G: you can actually decide which direction Yoshi walks
WarioWare Touched: Again left or right
Mario64DS: Okay I can see where this would be a problem, although you don't have to stick with the stylus in this game, just use the typical DPad and buttons (like a PSP)
Zoo Keeper: Well it is just up down left or right.
Rayman DS: Well this game just sucks anyway

I really can't see why being left handed is a problem with a Stylus. If anything it should be more neutral than the standard gamepad.

mp @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

hey amiga...

What I forgot to mention, is that when I took my five minutes to play with this at the store, the demo was Metroid. steer with the left hand, tap and shoot with the right... there might be a way to configure it, but neither the salesman or Nintendo seemed to want to deal with it. I may still buy a DS, but I don't want to be limited (as you conceded would be the case with Mario).

jeff @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

PSP PSP PSP you can go on the internet with it im on it right now PSP PSP PSP

jeff @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

screw ds

SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Actually, Nintendo designed the DS to be used left or right-handed. That is why the buttons on the right are designed in the small + shape that they are. Even Super Mario 64 DS has a left hand configuration with the D-Pad acting as the game's buttons.

As for lee, make your decision based on the games you want. I bought my GBA and then my DS for games that will not be released for home consoles.

People before commented on SNES remakes for the GBA, but the fact is that there are a lot of brand-new 2D games for it, and companies seem unwilling to make 2D games for anything else.

The DS has an input scheme that will allow games that haven't been done before, but you should play the better touchscreen games before you choose it. The mini-games in Super Mario 64 DS and Yoshi's Touch and Go should give you an idea of the oppertunities the DS offers for the future.

With the PSP, however, you know what you are going to get. If you only want portable console-style games, then that should be your choice.

You need to be aware that each system has its weakness, and you should look at future releases.

My vote would be for the DS because of its uniqueness and the strong developer support that will take advantage of its nifty features, but I'm looking for things I cannot already get. I realize that not all gamers are like me.

amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Jeff & Absolut, this thread is not about which console is better it's about the pricing of the PSP.

Yes we are giving advice to Lee on his options when going for either but up till now no crap has been put on either.

mp, don't worry about Metroid it has quite a few different control configurations as the idea behind the DS was to cater for all even for those with different needs.

Whether you consider one control option to be more advantageous than the other then thats really up to the player, for example some people prefer to control with the DPad others with the stylus and again others with the thumb strap. To be honest, I played the metroid demo and it still took me a while to work out exactly how the controller worked - so yes it will take you a bit of work to find out what your comfortable with.

Is using the stylus an advantage over using standard controls? For some games perhaps. Then again how many other gaming platforms use a stylus for controlling a game? It's a new concept for gaming and if it's only going to turn people away then maybe Nintendo need to rethink their strategy?

SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

There is a left handed configuration for the Metroid demo too. In the default control mode both the left d-pad and right buttons can be used for movement. Stylus aims and changes weapon. Either shoulder button fires. In that demo alone there is 3 different control schemes and five choices. One scheme that works with both hands and 2 others that the option of left or right hand is given.

See for yourself. All the control schemes are on the Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt Website.

http://www.metroidhunters.com/firsthunt

Falsoman @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Actually i am left-handed and i have no trouble what so ever with Metroid and Mario 64... Also, the nintendo DS sistem has a thumbstrap, so if you find hard moving with the stylus you can use the touchscreen in mario as an analog control that works pretty well for me... just adjust the plastic thing to you left thumb and you are ready yo go... i takes a little to get used to it but works just fine and is way more comfortable that using th stylus in the main game in mario. In the minigames it does not matter, the games use the touch screen only, so you don't have any troubles on Left or Right hands....

I have just a few weeks with my DS but i dig it a lot. I'm also planning to buy a PSP but after some real price drops, not bonuses drops hehe, and some more games that i like, for now i just want Wipe Out and Luminies...

And i like the fact that in Mexico in some stores where i buy i can test the machines before buy them, so dead pixels at least won't be an issue. Sorry for my grammar, i'm still learning the language.

Edwin Avalos @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Well if Sony lowers the price on the PSP would Nintendo drop thiers becuase the 50$ price difference between the two is very little so might go PSP but I really want a DS, and the PSP "universal" media discs are a joke

WizarDru @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I have a DS, and will be picking a PSP up. Three of my friends have a PSP and two have a DS.

Here's the thing: it all depends on what you want the device for. Two of my friends don't actually PLAY on the PSP that much, except for Wipeout Pure and Untold Legends. The PSP clearly has better graphics, a luscious screen and multimedia functionality that, while awkward, is impressive. Games-wise, there isn't really much interesting out on the PSP, and won't be until the fall/holidays.

The DS is the way to go if you want games that are a different experience. The graphics are not on a par with the PSP, but I've seen some demos that are pretty impressive with what the DS can do. Last night I tried the demos of Meteos, Trauma Center, Ganbare Goemon and Electroplankton....and they were awesome. Trauma Center is exactly the kind of game that you're not going to see elsewhere, where you use the stylus to operate on patients (make an incision, disinfect it, remove glass shards, tie sutures, sponge the area and so on). The addition of the microphone and stylus are generating some pretty awesome new game ideas, and the dual-screen has some interesting applicaitons as well (see Age of Kings).

However, taking the long term view, it's almost a certainty that the PSP will get some kickass exclusive games by the holidays. Even if only Sony was developing the games for it, I would expect you're going to see some PS/2 caliber games once developers get the hang of it. Imagine a portable God of War!

So, in short, there's no wrong answer. My preference is for the DS, but you should let your preference in games decide. I will say this...despite their being THREE racing games for the DS, they all suck big wind compared to the PSP's racing games, Wipeout Pure in particular.

Enzo @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

I have many problems with $250 PSP price. Lets start with having to purchase movies for the same price I did for the full size DVD. The UMD movies would be a value if they came bundled with the full size DVD. I recently saw a new movie to DVD advertised that UMD version was available both movies were $23. No way am I paying $46 bucks for the same movie.

I have the same problem with the games. Pay $50 for GTA on the PS2 and then $50 again for the same game on the PSP!!!

MP3s and Picture viewer would have been a value if the PSP used one of those cool mini-HDD. Having to use the stupid-expensive proprietary memory sticks is a joke. Why can't I use plain old SD that go up to 2Gig and are available NOW!

At a minimum, I should be able to burn UMD disks with my songs

The whole PSP sounds like it was developed by some marketing puke who figured people are stupid enough to pay twice for the same thing!

I also have a problem with the screen quality and battery issues. $250 should give me more.

If they want me to fork out $250 give me the following:
- Add a 20gig perpendicular drive
- Add a 2 mega pixel camera (if you put it in a freak'n cell phone, you can do it to a PSP)
- Add a GPS
- Add a real web browser that will work with b/g/n wireless
- Add a battery extender module
- Add a SD slot or freak'n give me a low cost data density alternative

The above would be a all-purpose device that I would use all the time and would purchase additional Sony swag to use. The PSP was directed at the 18 to 34 crowd according to their marketing guys but they did not bother to ask what this group wanted. I travel a lot for work and it would be cool to have this type of device with me all the time.

At $250 or $200 its not worth it -- it would have to get down to $120 before I would consider it in it current incarnation.

ChillyWilly @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

While I think that $149 is a much better price point for moving massive amounts of PSPs out the door, I also welcome a $50 drop, even if it means spending more to get the accessories you wanted.. like a game and a MS Duo big enough to do some things with.

I don't get how someone can call the PSP games "lackluster" What other portable system are you comparing this to? If it's the DS, then let's take the non-standard WiFi, the lack of games produced by anyone other than Nintendo and lack of being able to do anything else with it and compare it fairly to standard WiFi, bigger screen and a bevy of companies lined up to produce all sorts of games... sorry, no comparison, IMO.

Now, it's nice that a game system is dedicated to only playing games, I've gotten quite used to having a few small videos, some photos and a few songs on my PSP - along with a game or two.

This doesn't excuse the negatives about the PSP, which my biggest pet peeves are the slow loading times and weka built in sound. But in the end, the value and functions for this device are very well worth $200, given you were going to get a better case and bigger MS Duo to begin with.

Falsoman @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Well, the lack of games is actually in both, and it is going to be solved in both. As for the third parties suporting nintendo... this is not the gamecube, Nintendo is highly suported in HandHelds, it has over 200 games in development already for nintendo DS and it DOES have standard WiFi suport, it just does not have yet games online. For the local multiplayer purpose has NiFi protocol, but it has WiFi compatible card.

PSP does have the coolest graphics, but it also have the most expensive games for a handheld. And i don't like the support for users given by sony. Other than that, i'll be pick one up later in this year or the next when some titles and the machine itself lower the price. I don't have a PS2 so the ports won't be a issue for me.

That's actually funny, nintendo is the company that port the most games gen after gen and yet the DS only have one port that i know and the PSP have tons. It would be actually nice if the PSP could port alla nintendo and bring back good games from other generations... it would be more appealing to me to have a Final Fantasy VII or a chrono cross PSP game than the current Gen.

Ok I'll shut up now.

ChillyWilly @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Falsoman,

Thanks for the updates on the DS.

The ability to play online with some games is a plus for the PSP and one that I see more potential in.

Hamster @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

The collection of dust on my DS has to be like 6 inches thick at this point. Since I got the PSP there is just no reason to even look at that uninspired piece of crap. PSP, better graphics, better games and no cleaning up of virtual turds ona tiny screen that I really don't see a need to "touch". Because on teh DS it is not "good".

Martha Stuart @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

Lee, if you will be playing it casually then DS. Also, the DS has great games out right now and some excellent games coming out this month. If you LOVE sports and racing games PSP will have more and better ones. The battery life for the DS is about 8-10 hours. For PSP it's about 5-7. If multyplayer is something you love DS system for you. The DS is getting Wifi with games like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing ONLINE!!! Plus more. There's also a program called DSpeak where you get to talk to people around the world!!! If you Are a HUGE graphics fanatic the PSP will offer you beautiful PS2-qaulity graphics. The DSes graphics are also really good and are better than N64 but not near Gamecube. If you're willing to spend a lot of money for memory cards and accessorries then you'll find a lot you can do with a PSP. If you don't have an Ipod then that's a big plus for you. Also, if there are a lot of downloads from the Internet to put on a PSP that will be cool. I downloaded an episode of Family Guy I never saw before! You can also do all that stuff on a DS if you buy a play-yan. Durrabillity is also a big issue. The DS is extremely durrible. You won't hurt it if you drop it. The PSP isn't. If you drop it you can sereiously injure it. Mabey even brake it. Also, there's the dead pixel problem with the PSP. The first 1 got had 4 dead pixels!!! So I returned it and got another one that had 1 dead pixel but I can't notice it unless I try. It mostly comes down to the games though. My vote is for DS but that's just my opinion. And if you don't have a GBA DS is a MUST HAVE. Take it from someone that has both.

Jeff with a B @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM

If you want to compare PSP and DS, lets look at the pros and cons of each system.

PSP
Pros (the goods)
-Big, great looking screen
-Better looking games (when compared to some DS games)

Now for some Iffy pros
-Movie playback...its cool..but I think UMD movies are ridiculous. You get no extra features, various languages and the like...And they cost as much as regular DVDs. Just play DVD's at home, on your laptop, or portable DVD.
Music MP3 playback--How many of us dont already have mp3 players? In the case you dont..why not get yourself a 100 dollar 512mb ipod shuffle, that little thing housed over 100 songs for me.
Cons-
Price of games (40-50 dollars for a sub par ps2 tittle?..dont make sense to me)
Load times - Sure, you can play video games on the go, but lets say that a bus ride takes 20 minutes..how many minutes will you actually spend playing if the game loads...?
Battery life..not as great as DS..and defenately not as a great as SP (but if your a causual gamer, 4-6 hours of gaming might be ok)

DS
Pros
New medium for crazy ideas. A lot of people loved Katamary Damacy for its simplicity and enjoyment. If you loved Katamary Damacy, i say try Yoshi's Touch and Go as well as Pac Pix. Yeah, people will tell you these games are gimmicy, but in reality, if you have fun, isnt that all that matters (how much of a gimmick is rolling a ball and collecting stuff on it?)
-Great support
games like Trauma center you will only find on DS. Nintendo is one of the gretest game developers (im not saying they are the best, but they do produce a lot of quality products) and they will develop games such as mario kart online, animal crossing online, Zelda four swords (rumors of it being online. Lets not forget that RPG's are coming as well. Final fantasy 3, never released in the U.S. will be on DS as well as another Crystal Chronicles.
GBA Playback
Sure, you cant enjoy every aspect of GBA on your DS, but having an extra game to play is awesome. Stick in Advance wars 2 or Final Fantasy 1+2, a DS game like Polarium..and your set.
Cons
The sreens are not as beautiful as PSP. although those who've enjoyed hours of play on SP will love DS for its brighter/sharper screen.
Learning curve-People will bitch about the touch screen and how you cant control games perfectly. Its simply not true, just give DS a try and you be the judge, theres absolutely no way to make a choice based off someone's idea of what a great control scheme should be.

Finally, Cosider the game libraries. PSP will house several popular games from PS2. If you've never played ps2 games, then psp shouldnt be a problem, however, if you play nba street showdown, for example, its actually a step back from the most current nba street game. Showdown is actually most lik vol 2, not 3 (you need 2 analog sticks to enjoy vol 3). Ds games will come, yeah, there has been a lack of games on DS, but look over on ign, the games are coming. This month alone DS receives Meteos, a very intriguing puzzle game as well as Kirby canvas curse. PSP will get games like Gran turismo and Grand Theft Auto. Which int heir own respect are great. But always consider the alternatives

Psp bundle and 1 game = 300 clams
ps2 and 5 gretest hits games = 250
Ds with 3 games and metroid demo (which in its own respect could be interpreted as a game as it provides hours of gaming) = 230
Gamecube and five best selling games = 200

Make your choices people...