Do you view handhelds as being inferior to consoles?

[Dogasu]

I've noticed that when people talk about handheld gaming, they act as if systems like the DS and the PSP aren't "real" systems the way the consoles are. Despite the fact that both handhelds have a very strong library of games, are just as capable of creating new IPs / characters, and aren't *that* behind technology-wise, it still feels like people treat them like cute little diversions.

What about you guys? Are handheld games "real" games to you? Or do you see them as inferior toys that can never be taken as seriously as their big brothers.

[Antiyonder]

If it's fun to play, then it's a real game.

Frankly I always thought that the people who put too much stock in in graphic or consoles are more concerned with being the cool kid with the most expensive, fancy toy. You know, kind of like the people who care more about a vehicles' fanciness over it's usefulness.

[Nel]

I've been doing most of my gaming on handhelds the past few years actually (mostly RPGs on the NDS), so I've been equating them to the same status as consoles these days. Before the NDS/PSP, though, I considered handhelds and the games on them to just be little distractions between the bigger games of the consoles.

[sdp]

People will always see them as inferior for the whole fact that they are handhelds. Even if todays handhelds are superior to yesterdays consoles.

You can notice it easily when people pass up good entries in a franchise because its a handheld and often its not considered as part of the main series. A NES game will be given more respect than a GBA game of much higher quality for the whole fact that its a handheld game.

[veemonjosh]

I've always used the analogy that, if console games are theatrical movies, handheld games are DTV films (which I guess then makes WiiWare literally made-for-tv).

That's not to say that there aren't handheld games that are better than console games (just like being a DTV movie doesn't mean it can't be better than a theatrical movie), it's just that there isn't usually as much care and attention put into them.

[Undrave]

Dogasu I know the feeling.

I've had a handheld console ever since I got my first brick Game Boy. Nintendo handhelds have been my domain throughout all those gaming generations and I frankly consider the DS to have the best library of games of this generation.

Its a REAL platform and it has real games worthy of just as much respect, if not more, than those of homebound consoles.

My DSi is my favorite console EVER.

[Desensitized]

The GBA has one of the best game libraries ever, and that's a handheld. Contra 4 is one of my most favorite games, and that's DS exclusive.

I actually love handhelds, and actually prefer my RPG gaming there, as it makes grinding and playing in chunks about 200% more bearable and almost fun.

My GBA, DS, and PSP still get a lot of play around here even with 'current gen' consoles.

[Leviathan]

The stigma over handhelds is probably an artifact from the B/W Gameboy days, when installments of franchises were inferior to their consoles counterparts (Super Mario Land, Metroid II and the pre-GBA Castlevanias come readily to mind) and everything else was a puzzle game, Pokemon or a shoddy licensed tie-in.

The GBA, DS, and PSP have much better game libraries, but apparently can't shake off the curse of their ancestry.

[Captain Highwind]

Noooooo.

Especially not my PSP. I wish they'd give you trophies for it though, since I do a lot of gaming on it and it is connected to PSN.

DS spawned the Phoenix Wright and Hotel Dusk IPs, PSP has given us a Kingdom Hearts game essential to the plot after an ungodly 3-year wait.

[EinBebop]

Handhelds are superior because they can be played anywhere at anytime!

Seriously, apples and oranges.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Recently, I've been playing a lot of Game Boy/GBA/GBC games on the GameCube GameBoy adaptor, and having played them on a TV so I can compare them to "real" console games on more equal ground, I notice no marked dip in quality of gameplay. In fact, some I enjoy even more than most console games. Sure, the graphics are usually a notch below consoles, if you care about that stuff, but the games themselves hold up as well as any console game.

I consider handhelds like the DS and PSP to be the last bastion of refuge for "old school" gaming, in fact.

(Although I like the games, I still prefer the option to play handheld games on a TV. I'm just blind that way)


The stigma over handhelds is probably an artifact from the B/W Gameboy days, when installments of franchises were inferior to their consoles counterparts (Super Mario Land, Metroid II and the pre-GBA Castlevanias come readily to mind) and everything else was a puzzle game, Pokemon or a shoddy licensed tie-in.

The GBA, DS, and PSP have much better game libraries, but apparently can't shake off the curse of their ancestry.


It's true that platformers and action games have always suffered a little until the GBA days. But RPGs and strategy games have always fared well on the GB (The Final Fantasy Legend games) and Link's Awakening, even in non DX form, still stands strong against any "premier" Zelda game.

[TheGunheart]

Seeing how two of my favorite RPGs ever were for handhelds...

[Daxdiv]

In the graphical department, maybe. But as far as great games that would only work as a portable, no. Handhelds libraries are just as powerful as any console out there, some of my favorite games work well on a handheld than they do on a console, like Pokemon, Prof. Layton, and the Ace Attorney Series to name a few.

[TheGunheart]

Frankly, I think the graphical limitations on the handhelds can, in some cases (though sadly not all), force the developers to come up with more innovative ideas that would be too expensive given the graphical expectations of a console game.

[Light Lucario]

I don't think that handhelds are inferior to consoles. Consoles might have better graphics, depending on the games you're comparing, but I've honestly enjoyed games from the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS much more than most console games. It probably helps that I have been playing on my DS for quite a number of years now and I haven't played a Wii game yet, but I definitely enjoy most of my DS games just as much as I did for N64 or GameCube, if not more so.

Plus, the DS, as well as GBA, have a nice library of games that appeals to different people and people can play handheld games when and where they want to, instead of needing a TV set in order to play their games.

[Azrayel]

At times I do because of the limits the handheld has. Let me take Thrillville for example, I got the sequel Thrillville Off the Rails for DS and the amount one can do is limited. While for the consoles plugged in its freely where you can walk around and the people look realistic.

But still in the end to me its a 50/50 thing, but if handhelds are able to have more features and such then I'd think it would be the superior.

[thedanmachine]

I don't play consoles unless its multiplayer (playing by myself make me feel really lonely for some reason) so I mainly use handhelds. I like to bring my games with me when I go places, cause I never know if I'll be bored.

[Dogasu]

Please note that I'm not trying to argue that handhelds are superior to consoles; just that they're equal. I feel like the pros and cons of both handhelds and consoles more or less cancel each other out.

[Michael JJ]

In terms of graphics and what can be done, yes.

When I bought Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, I wasn't exactly expecting Kingdom Hearts III in terms of what was going to be done. It was more limited than the console offerings, but I still loved it.

Portable games are meant to be played over long periods of time. I play my DS and PSP between classes all the times. That's what they're for. There not big, but they're fun, which is really what matters.

[Chazooma]

Most of the games I play are on handhelds.
I fidget a lot when I'm stuck in one place for a while,
and I like that I can move around the house with my game.

It may be the cheaper = inferior mentality,
since handheld consoles & games are often cheaper than their stationary counterparts.
Also, since they're a lot smaller, they're not as powerful as their current-gen cousins,
so that's also a factor.

Buying a handheld console or game is accepting some graphical and maybe even content limitations,
but getting a lot more portability in return. And they can be just as fun anyway.

[O-chan]

To be completely honest anyone who thinks handhelds are inferior to consoles are the same people who think the Wii is inferior to the PS3/XBox. There was a time where all video games weren't these HD widescreen behemoths and people actually enjoyed gaming for the gaming.

DS and PSP are more or less just portable versions of their home systems, at least that's how I see it. They are just as engaging and enjoyable as their console older brothers.

O-chan

[Eddy]

I don't have a problem saying that I prefer playing games on consoles. I like to be sitting in front of a TV, not staring down at a small screen. This isn't to say that I don't play handheld games, I do own a DS and several games for it which I do play, and I'm not shooting the DS or PSP down or view them as "inferior" but if given the choice I'll take gaming on an actual console any day.

[creativerealms]

Seeing as I just bought a new system this week and I passed up a home system for a DS and some games well I don't think that way. thats for sure.

[Dogasu]

I'm not shooting the DS or PSP down or view them as "inferior" but if given the choice I'll take gaming on an actual console any day.

See, that's kind of what I'm talking about. Your use of the word "actual" implies that you don't see the DS or the PSP as "actual" (portable) consoles and instead place them on some lower tier. And, well, I don't think that's fair at all.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

My only problem with handhelds is that the screens just seem to get smaller and smaller. Maybe they were always this small. I'd have to compare them to my old GB. But my vision isn't getting better.

I think all handhelds should have the option of TV hookup. The only problem is that most handhelds these days have these touch-screen features and movement things (tipping the console upside down, etc,.).

[cartoonscartoons]

They don't have as many features as consoles, they do not have as good of graphics or games (I am talking about the DS, with it's annoying stylus), and they are just overall not as good.


I still think they are ok though.



I've been doing most of my gaming on handhelds the past few years actually (mostly RPGs on the NDS), so I've been equating them to the same status as consoles these days. Before the NDS/PSP, though, I considered handhelds and the games on them to just be little distractions between the bigger games of the consoles.

What is more fun? Playing an RPG where all you do is tap buttons to fight, or playing in a full free-roam enviroment?

[Antiyonder]

What is more fun? Playing an RPG where all you do is tap buttons to fight, or playing in a full free-roam enviroment?

Every gaming genre has it's ups or downs. Some button tappers are better than free roaming games, and some free roaming games are better than button tappers.

[Nel]

Free-roaming? Button tappers? What?

Are you talking about turn-based as opposed to non-turned based? Because you pretty much using buttons when you play a console game too. :confused:

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Free-roaming? Button tappers? What?

Are you talking about turn-based as opposed to non-turned based? Because you pretty much using buttons when you play a console game too. :confused:

Yeah, that was a mindboggling comment. I wasn't sure what to make of it so I didn't post anything.

[Undrave]

My only problem with handhelds is that the screens just seem to get smaller and smaller. Maybe they were always this small. I'd have to compare them to my old GB. But my vision isn't getting better.

The DSi has a bigger screen than the DS Lite.

The DSi XL is coming out this year too.

[Dogasu]

My only problem with handhelds is that the screens just seem to get smaller and smaller. Maybe they were always this small. I'd have to compare them to my old GB. But my vision isn't getting better.

As others have pointed out, the opposite is actually true. According to Wikipedia:

The original Game Boy (all versions) has a 2.6" screen.
The Game Boy Advance has a 2.9" screen.
The Game Boy Micro has a 2" screen.
The original DS has 3" screens.
The DS Lite has 2.9" screens.
The DSi has 3.8" screens.
The DSi LL (or DSi XL in the West) has 4.2" screens.
The PSP has a 4.3" screen.
The PSP Go has a 3.8" screen.

There are a few isolated instances of the screen size shrinking, but for the most part, handheld screens are getting bigger.

In addition, the screen quality is improving significantly. Try going back to playing a Game Boy Advance game on a GBA after playing it on a DS Lite. The difference in screen quality is amazing.


I think all handhelds should have the option of TV hookup. The only problem is that most handhelds these days have these touch-screen features and movement things (tipping the console upside down, etc,.).The DS is the only one that doesn't have that option, for obvious reasons. You can connect all the others to a big screen with little hassle.


They don't have as many features as consoles

Uh, really?

DS & DS Lite: Touch screen controls, microphone, GBA slot for playing GBA games / using peripherals like the rumble pack or the Guitar Hero add-on, Wi-Fi capabilities, the ability to download demos from download kiosks, Pictochat, connectivity with the Wii, alarm clock.
DSi: In addition to the above*, the DSi lets you take pictures, play music, download exclusive games via an online store, surf the web, and perform firmware updates that have the potential to unlock more features in the future.
*Except the GBA slot, of course
PSP: This is easier:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Portable_system_software

...and that's without hacking your systems.


they do not have as good of graphics or games (I am talking about the DS, with it's annoying stylus)I'm not sure what the stylus has to do with graphics.

And the Wii doesn't have graphics as good as the 360 or the PS3, but it's still considered a real console.

[PC!]

I've always used the analogy that, if console games are theatrical movies, handheld games are DTV films (which I guess then makes WiiWare literally made-for-tv).

That's not to say that there aren't handheld games that are better than console games (just like being a DTV movie doesn't mean it can't be better than a theatrical movie), it's just that there isn't usually as much care and attention put into them.

I think this analogy fits very well.

All in all, the only real area handhelds are inferior to current console games are in the graphics department, but that's pretty much a given since the systems are significantly smaller and less powerful. But even then, the graphics on a DS or a PSP are just as good as those of consoles of the 64-bit era.

[Desensitized]

That's if you think 3D graphics are superior to 2D graphics. I do not.

So current gen consoles don't really have anything over handhelds at all. The only reason I own any current gen systems is because I like games and would like to play them.

Also, saying there's less care put into portable games like Half Minute Hero than console games like Rogue Warrior is a bit insulting, no?

[PC!]

That's if you think 3D graphics are superior to 2D graphics. I do not.

Also, saying there's less care put into portable games like Half Minute Hero than console games like Rogue Warrior is a bit insulting, no?

It's not about whether the graphics are 3D or 2D. Handhelds have plenty of 3D games, whereas consoles have plenty of 2D games.

I'm sure Josh wasn't implying that there's ALWAYS less care put into handheld games. As with any game, whether on a console or handheld, it all depends on the effort the developer puts into it. Lord knows the Wii has countless games that are just plain garbage.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

The DS is the only one that doesn't have that option, for obvious reasons. You can connect all the others to a big screen with little hassle.



.

Yes, I already mentioned earlier that I loved playing the GB/GBA/GBC games on TV. I was specifically mentioning going forward with the trend the DS is setting.

[Eddy]

See, that's kind of what I'm talking about. Your use of the word "actual" implies that you don't see the DS or the PSP as "actual" (portable) consoles and instead place them on some lower tier. And, well, I don't think that's fair at all.
Well, I didn't intend to sound like that. Like I said, I own a DS and play it. Some of my favorite games have been on handhelds, of this gen and past gens. I've owned every variation of the Game Boy (except the Micro) and have loved each one and spent a LOT of time with all of them. But I'd be lying if I said I played on them as often as I do "regular" consoles. Calling them "actual consoles" just seemed like an easy way to differentiate them but I guess I could have used a different word.

[jph139]

Not worse, just different. To be honest I think of it in the same way I think of television and film - some things fit better on consoles, some on handhelds. Some ideas would make better movies, some better TV shows. It's a case-by-case basis.

I mean, I adore Super Mario Galaxy, and it would make a HORRIBLE DS game. But I can't really imagine the mainline Pokemon games on a big screen.

[Desensitized]

It's not about whether the graphics are 3D or 2D. Handhelds have plenty of 3D games, whereas consoles have plenty of 2D games.

I'm sure Josh wasn't implying that there's ALWAYS less care put into handheld games. As with any game, whether on a console or handheld, it all depends on the effort the developer puts into it. Lord knows the Wii has countless games that are just plain garbage.There are way more 2D DS and 2.5D PSP games, despite the popularity of using 3D assets to make some portable games, while 2D is treated as far more niche on home consoles.

But if we're gonna be splitting hairs, then since I prefer the experimentation of PS1/N64 era 3D games, then I would say that seeing the DS and PSP continue in that direction after the PS2 generation threw everything aside for over obvious linearity and movie style games, is more preferable to me.

I just dislike when systems have to be judged as inferior based on 'tech' or whatever. It's all about the games, it always has been, and always will be about the games.

[Mandouga]

To me, handhelds and consoles are "apples and oranges". Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Keep in mind that if it weren't for the original Game Boy, we would probably still be playing those electronic, LCD-based (i.e., "Game and Watch" style) games that only have electronic sounds, and limited, patterned movement.

That being said, I like both equally.

[Storm Eagle]

No not at all.

[KPTitan]

Please note that I'm not trying to argue that handhelds are superior to consoles; just that they're equal. I feel like the pros and cons of both handhelds and consoles more or less cancel each other out.


To be completely honest anyone who thinks handhelds are inferior to consoles are the same people who think the Wii is inferior to the PS3/XBox. There was a time where all video games weren't these HD widescreen behemoths and people actually enjoyed gaming for the gaming.

DS and PSP are more or less just portable versions of their home systems, at least that's how I see it. They are just as engaging and enjoyable as their console older brothers.

O-chan

I agree with the both of you. The console or handheld themselves, along with who it is that makes 'em (Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft...Microsoft's the one that made the Xbox right?), doesn't bother me at all. All that matters is if the game, not the system, is enjoyable. The upside of being able to take a handheld anywhere doesn't affect me all that much, because I hardly play videogames when I'm on vacation anyways.

On the subject of handhelds....

http://ds.nintendolife.com/news/2009/10/nvidia_powered_ds_successor_coming_2010

All I ask of this one... is PLEASE be available in purple!:p *is my favorite color*

[Trevor]

When I was a kid my favorite gaming system, next to the NES was the Gameboy. And when the Gameboy Advance came out I bought that machine as well (I didn't go for the Advance SP since I found the regular one to be just as good).

But when the Nintendo DS came out...well I didn't pick that up right away (infact I just picked it up this past November) since the one thing that I had loved with the GBA was the backwards compatability with the original Gameboy and Gameboy Color. Unfortunately Nintendo decided not to include the a chipset that could run all three, so most of my collection of handhelds were useless on the DS. So I just stuck with the GBA because I could take older titles that I loved playing with me wherever I went, but I could also pick up newer titles and play them on the system and I was hoping that when the DS came out Nintendo would find away to make the system backwards compatable with the GB.

But I also remember something that I found when I did get the GBA (since the GBA was great in that it had graphics that equalled the SNES, but on the screen of the GBA sometimes the details were extremely fine and the colors blurred together) and I still haven't been able to find for the DS is a good magnifying lens that you could attach to your system that would allow you to have your screen magnified but also add some light so that the shadow from the lens didn't get cast on the screen of the system. For the GB I first had an official Nintendo lens that you could set up so that it clipped on just above the directional pad and it didn't have light, but instead it was open at the top so that whatever light you were in could come in the top; a little late I got a lens that had battery operated lights that clipped on over the top and that really gave a lot of light and made the screen size even bigger since the lens was just a little wider than the Gameboy itself.

[Classic Speedy]

Only in screen size. I'd much rather play a game on a big TV than on a small screen, even if that means the game isn't portable.

Gameplay-wise, I haven't actually played too many handheld games, due to never owning any handheld consoles, but there have been some good ones that I've sampled. A shame we don't have any Gameboy games on Virtual Console yet- I would buy Super Mario Land 1 & 2 in a heartbeat. Ditto for Super Mario Advance and Mario Kart Super Circuit if they ever added GBA games.