Make Your Choice

Some of the best conversations I've seen about Nintendo have come up in the debate about best handheld gaming system. Nintendo's got three strong options with the new-generation GBA SP, the adorable Micro and the powerhouse DS. I love the way this Ask MetaFilter thread played out, especially since it led me to discover the discussion about the GBA SP2's d-pad. (Also, as a bonus, "GBA SP2 d-pad" would make a great password.)

To my mind, the real choice option is either Micro for the casual gamer or DS for someone who values great, unique games over ultimate portability/cuteness. That surprises me to say, because the GBA SP is still probably the best form factor ever for a Nintendo handheld. (In fact, it led me to buying my first game system ever back when the SP first came out and was plastered all over every bus stop in Manhattan.)

I can't wait for next Christmas, because the increase in sexiness from GBA to GBA SP was so dramatic that the clunky and homely DS is sure to be replaced by something astounding.

Comments

[ramanan]

I was the one that asked the Ask.Mefi question. I've been happy with the DS I bought, but was pretty shocked when I first opened it up and realized just how big a beast of a machine the thing is. It's a lot heavier than it looks. Still, the games are so solid. I think it'll be all the better in the coming year. The upcomming titles are looking quite good.

[David]

I split my time pretty evenly between the Micro and the DS. I love, love, love playing the DS on the subway because, well, size matters.

I still hold onto the powder blue SP1 as well, because it still works with the Game Boy Camera and Printer.

[CPFace]

The DS has become my system of choice, mostly because that's where all the new games are, and I've rediscovered my love of Animal Crossing. But I prefer to play GBA games on my GBA SP. The lovely little NES-styled one that I didn't exactly need but bought anyway. Wario Ware Twisted is in it right now. I mean... That game's a complete system all by itself.