Looking at getting a DS or a PSP.

[ruiner]

Does anyknow which one would be the better idea? I plan on modding the psp or getting a flash cart for the ds. I am just on the fence with this one.

[Niode]

Well if you like to play retro games on the move then a PSP with custom firmware is the way to go. However if you like good quality new games then the DS is the way to go. Plus there's been rumours of Sony dropping support for the PSP and it hasn't exactly been doing stellar sales performance wise.

Generally the PSP has better performance with emulators but the DS has been catching up in this regard.

Without knowing what kind of games and more importantly with a handheld, the way you play them it's hard to recommend hardware to you.

[Pulsar_t]

The PSP while doing reasonably well hardware-wise is still lacking in the software department. Granted there are probably greater games in the PSP library when relatively compared to the DS' larger catalogue but the DS still outshines the PSP when it comes to longevity and diversity.

DS Pros: Long battery life, strong 3rd party support, better longevity, JRPG galore, some fresh control ideas, more portable than PSP, GBA b/c (Phat and Lite models only)
DS Cons: Lots of shovelware titles, weaker graphic ability, not much in terms of driving and sport games, not all are pleased with its smaller screens.

PSP Pros: Strong 6th gen graphical capability, a solid console-grade library of games, can be used for emulation and multimedia functionality and a larger screen which some would prefer
PSP Cons: Shorter battery life, questionable support and longevity, not as portable as the DS (IMO), not as much title diversity (or quantity) as its DS counterpart.

If you're into retro gaming then the PSP outshines the DS thanks to its stronger lineup of 8/16 bit emulators, but if you want 2D gaming (with a little pinch of 3D games thrown in the mix) and the added bonus of the GBA's excellent library then the DS would be the better choice. Note that many people are discontent with either/both platforms so there's no guarantee that you'll like either. And the final choice is up to you of course. Note that the iPhone is fast becoming a contender in handheld gaming but it does lack any form of "solid" control and that is completely offputting for me and many others.

[Killette]

I would suggest the psp because you can use it for music and other stuff as well. However the DS does have a larger and more supported library

[otaku]

Either one really (I'd ideally say both) I've had both in numerous editions. Ds is neat for battery life and touch play. PSP is awesome for emulation and horsepower (portable ps2) look at the games you like thats what matters

[Reverend]

Personally I would go with the DS. If you get a flash cart for the it, you can download all the great DS games. Plus the emulation scene is improving.

[johnblade]

If you going to get a DS, I reconmend to wait till April. DSi is coming out on April and it should have more additional improvement (if you can call those improvement ). They is only one flash card that is working for the DSi now because of the new anti-hack system. This mean, the current one that work on the DS or DS lite, won't work for this.

For the PSP, I reconmend to either wait or get the PSP 2000 version (before the god or wars edition) cause the newer version (PSP 3000) is still unhackable right now. Even the latest version of the PSP 2000 won't hack.

Other than that, let you decide which handheld to choose.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Ill go ahead and second Pulsar's comment. I have BOTH and am not content, when it was GBA only though, you kinda took what you got so there wasnt many complaints, now that I look back, I have a ton of complaints with it. When there was only one contender it was nice in the fact we didnt have a choice thus really couldnt complain to much or compare, now its not that way anymore. However, in answer to your question, I would go with the PSP. Imho, its the best of the 2, I prefer the model 1 psp over anything, especially if you have big hands like myself. I personally find Contra 4 an amazing game though so I waited a while and got a giant brick DS for 20 bucks off craigslist and the PSP I bought at launch and still have, (although I have bought and sold the 2k and 3k models, as I wasnt happy with the weight). In the end its up to you though.

[Niode]

I personally prefer the original PSP. I hate how cheap the new ones feel. Plus the 3rd gen model has an awful screen.

[Gamerforlife]

I'm probably just echoing what's been said already. I have both, and I prefer the PSP. The DS has some cool games like Castlevania:Order of Ecclesia, but the PSP is a FAR more capable hand held with its multi-media capabilities, better hardware, better screen and the number of applications, homebrew games and emulators that are availalbe with custom firmware. Also, the PSP's "weak" software library is another one of those ridiculous gaming myths that gets passed around as fact by people who don't know any better. It's a smaller library than the DS, but there are a number of quality titles available and I find myself playing more stuff on the PSP than the DS because there is more stuff catering to older gamers on the PSP. Oh, and you can play Playstation 1 games on the go as well along with TONS of emulators for other stuff too.

Do like I did, get the PSP first. Then get a DS later just to play some of the cool exclusive games that it has, but the PSP is a far superior handheld. The DS is further proof of how lazy Nintendo is when it comes to pushing technology forward

EDIT:Oh, and go with a Slim IMO. Too many issues with the new 3000 and the PSP Phat's controls aren't as good as the Slim. The homebrew scene on the Slim is rapidly catching up to the Phat, making it a useless model for anyone who doesn't already have it