Two handhelds split the 2000s: the DS banked on two screens and touch input, while the PSP pushed a 4.3-inch widescreen and a UMD disc drive.
For the full breakdown, see our best 2000s Handheld Consoles guide.
What did that extra $100 buy, and why did two machines built on opposite philosophies both earn a place in the 2000s?
What Made The Two Systems So Different?
The DS and PSP disagreed on almost every hardware choice. Nintendo built around input; Sony built around presentation.
A stylus, a built-in microphone, and dual ARM-based CPUs with 4 MB of RAM rounded out a clamshell design. Wi-Fi came built in, and early models accepted Game Boy Advance cartridges in a second slot.
The PSP-1000 carried a single 4.3-inch widescreen display, UMD optical discs instead of cartridges, Memory Stick Duo storage, and Wi-Fi. Sony pitched it as a portable entertainment device first and a game machine second — movies, music, and photos all shared the screen.
- Input vs. output: touch and a stylus on the DS; a crisp widescreen and physical controls on the PSP.
- Storage: DS cartridges and a GBA slot; PSP UMD discs plus Memory Stick Duo.
- Positioning: a family-friendly handheld vs. a multimedia player that played games.
How Did The Regional Launches Differ?
Neither console had a single global release, and pricing moved by territory. Japan got both machines first, roughly a week apart.
| Spec | Nintendo DS (NTR-001) | PSP (PSP-1000) |
|---|---|---|
| North America launch | November 21, 2004 | March 24, 2005 |
| Japan launch | December 2, 2004 | December 12, 2004 |
| U.S. launch price | $149.99 | About $249.99 |
| Display | Two 256×192 LCDs, bottom touch-sensitive | Single 4.3-inch widescreen LCD |
| Media format | DS cartridges, plus GBA slot on early models | UMD optical discs, Memory Stick Duo |
| Wireless | Built-in Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi |
| Model revisions | DS Lite (2006), DSi (2008), DSi XL (2009) | PSP-2000, PSP-3000, PSP go, PSP-E1000 |
Which Model Revisions Changed The Rules?
Both lineups grew through revisions, and the DS family carried the one compatibility trap worth knowing. The Nintendo DS Lite arrived in 2006 with a slimmer body, followed by the Nintendo DSi in 2008 and the DSi XL in 2009. Starting with the DSi, Nintendo removed the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot — so a DSi or DSi XL cannot play GBA games, and accessories built for that slot no longer fit. Original DS and DS Lite units still can.
Sony’s revisions were mostly about size and screen quality rather than lost features. The lineup ran PSP-1000, PSP-2000 (marketed as “Slim & Lite”), PSP-3000, PSP go (PSP-N1000), and PSP-E1000 (“PSP Street”). If you are hunting for a working unit today, a quick look at our tested roundup of the best 2000s handheld consoles will save you a lot of guesswork.
Which One Held Up Better?
By the numbers and by shelf life, the DS held up better — but the honest answer depends on what you want to play. Nintendo’s machine cost less, folded small, and its touch screen gave developers a control scheme the PSP simply did not have. Backward compatibility with GBA games on early models also handed DS owners an instant library.
The PSP countered with raw capability. Its widescreen made games look closer to a home console, and UMD movies gave it a second life as a media player. That ambition came at a cost: higher price, bulkier discs, and a Memory Stick Duo requirement for saves and downloads.
Pick the DS for a cheaper entry point, a huge family-friendly catalog, and touch-driven games. Pick the PSP for widescreen presentation, multimedia playback, and hardware that felt a generation ahead. Either way, check the exact model before buying — launch dates and prices varied by region, and the DSi’s missing GBA slot is the easiest detail to overlook.
FAQs
Did the Nintendo DS and PSP really compete directly?
Yes, they launched within months of each other and shared the same handheld market. Nintendo aimed at a lower price with two screens and touch input, while Sony positioned its device as a premium multimedia player. That difference in price and purpose meant both found distinct audiences rather than one simply replacing the other.
Can a DSi play Game Boy Advance games?
No. Nintendo dropped the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot starting with the Nintendo DSi in 2008, so the DSi and DSi XL cannot play GBA cartridges. The original Nintendo DS and the DS Lite both include that slot. If backward compatibility matters to you, stick with those two earlier models.
Was the PSP more powerful than the Nintendo DS?
On paper, yes. The PSP offered a 4.3-inch widescreen display and UMD optical media, giving games a wider, higher-resolution presentation. The DS used two smaller 256×192 screens with 4 MB of RAM. Sony’s hardware leaned toward multimedia playback as well, which raised both the price and the bulk of the system.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Nintendo DS.” Launch dates, model NTR-001, pricing, and the DS, DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL revisions.
- Wikipedia. “PlayStation Portable.” PSP-1000 regional launch dates, pricing, UMD format, and the PSP model lineup.
- Hardwarebook. “PlayStation Portable.” Hardware reference details for the PSP widescreen display and Memory Stick Duo storage.