Modern handheld gaming has long been dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Each hardware manufacturer has multiple viable offerings derived either directly, or evolving from the respective DS and PlayStation Portable product lines. All of these devices are impressive multifunctional devices, with designs meant to encourage gameplay on the go, integration with the Internet, backwards compatibility to previous games, and so on, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each handheld is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for a player.

Handheld Console Choices

	Nintendo 3DS View larger	Nintendo DSi/DSi XL View larger	PSP View larger	PSPgo View larger	PlayStation Vita View larger
Suggested Retail Price (prices may vary)	$169.99	$149.99/$169.99	$149.99	$199.99	$249.99 - $299.99 (February 2012)
Display	Dual screen: upper - 3.53" LCD, lower - 3.02" LCD touch screen	Dual screen, backlit, 3.25"/4.2", LCD with 256 x 192 resolution	4.3" full transparent	3.8" full transparent	5" OLED multi-touch screen
Internal Usable Memory	64 MB	NA	64 MB	16 GB	TBD
External Media Storage	SD memory card	SD memory card	Sony Memory Stick Duo	Memory stick micro	New proprietary "NVG" flash cards
Size	5.3" (l) x 2.9" (w) x 0.8" (h)	5.4" (w) x 2.9" (l) x 0.74" (h) / 6.3" (w) x 3.6" (l) x 0.84" (h)	6.7 (w) x 2.7" (w) x 0.7" (h)	5.0 (w) x 2.71" (h) x 0.65" (d)	7.2 (l) x 3.3" (w) x 0.73" (d)
Weight	8 oz.	7.5/11.1 oz.	6.7 oz.	5.5 oz.	TBD
Colors	Aqua Blue, Flaming Red, Cosmo Black	7.5 oz.	Piano black (other colors via bundles)	Piano black, Pearl white	Black (other colors to follow)
Backwards Compatibility	Plays most DS and DSi games	Plays all DS games	Plays all PSP games in UMD format, or available via download; also plays downloadable PS1 games for PSP	Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP	Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP
Wireless Communications	Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity	Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity	Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options	Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options	3G support in one or two hardware releases; standard ad hoc connectivity between devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options in both
Online Media Portal	Nintendo eShop	Nintendo DSi Shop	PlayStation Network	PlayStation Network	PlayStation Network
Streaming Video	Netflix*	No	PSN movie rentals, and other video content	PSN movie rentals, and other video content	PSN movie rentals, and other video content
Internet Browser	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Console Integration	Yes, with Wii	Yes, with Wii	Yes, with PS3	Yes, with PS3	Yes, with PS3
Game Media	Game card and digital download	Game card and digital download	UMD disc and digital download	Digital download	Digital download, alternate media TBD
Online Multiplayer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local Wireless Multiplayer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Estimated Battery Life	3-8 hrs	3-14 hrs	4-6 hours	4-6 hours	TBD
Input Method	Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons, circle pad, motion/gyro sensor	Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons	Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons	Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons	Front and rear touch inputs, 2 analog sticks, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons
Digital Camera(s)	3 (0.3 megapixels); 3D capabilities	2 (0.3 megapixels)	No	No	2
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Graphic Quality	Top adjustable 3D screen - 800 x 240 resolution; lower screen - 320 x 240 resolution	256 x 192 resolution	480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)	480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)	960 x 544 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)
General Game Price Range	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99	Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99

Online Play and Functionality

The wireless revolution in personal electronics has made online functionality and connectivity to the Internet a huge focus in handheld gaming. Every handheld console has an online arena that has either been built specifically for it, or that has been adapted to suit the needs of online players. By utilizing these portals players can greatly expand their chosen platform's potential, maximize gaming fun and increase the overall entertainment value of their devices.

The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for exciting downloadable games, videos, applications, and so much more. Discover all-new 3D software, plus legendary titles from gaming past remastered in 3D. Revisit with classic portable "Virtual Console" games starring Mario, Link, many other faces from the Nintendo catalog of games. Gain access to hundreds of previously released DSiWare games, applications and much more. Browsing the Nintendo eShop is incredibly easy, and fun. Find any title in seconds, then view screenshots, game info, and even video to help you make your purchase. You'll even find details and 3D video of Nintendo 3DS games available at retail stores. All games are able to be saved in your own custom wishlist so you can always remember the titles you want to get.

DSiWare through the DSi Shop is a service that allows DSi players to download games and applications directly to their handheld console in exchange for DSi Points purchased through a local retailer. Experience new and innovative gameplay, fresh takes on the classics-and much more. Just shop, download, and enjoy. Visiting the DSi Shop is easy, just establish wireless broadband connection, click on the Nintendo DSi Shop icon from your menu screen and browse the shop and use Nintendo DSi Points. Games and applications can be saved to SD cards (sold separately).

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PlayStation handheld (or a PS3) and a broadband connection to the Internet Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, first run and classic movies, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, music and original PlayStation oriented streaming video content. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on external media or within the hard drive of the PSPgo.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.

Handheld Console Choices

Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo DSi/DSi XL

PSP

PSPgo

PlayStation Vita

Online Play and Functionality