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Randy A. Salas, assistant features editor, has been with the Star Tribune for nearly 20 years but has been a geek all his life. He plays video games on every system, endlessly surfs the Web and occasionally leaves the dark confines of his home theater to come to the office. He’s always plugged in.
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Can iPod Touch replace DS, PSP?
Posted by: Randy Salas under Video games, iPod Updated: September 10, 2009 - 11:15 AM
Apple gleefully proclaimed Wednesday that the iPod Touch will soon displace the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP in portable gaming. I'm having trouble buying that. I have all three devices and don't see how video gamers could see 
Apple's fast-rising iPod Touch as a serious contender compared with the dedicated game systems from Sony and Nintendo.
For one, it's hard to get beyond the iPod Touch's lack of traditional controls. Yes, it has coped nicely with virtual, touch-screen controls and motion-sensing control, but most of the gaming apps developed so far come across as quick diversions, not well-developed video games. That is changing with big-name titles such as Assassin's Creed 2 and Madden 10 coming out for the iPod Touch, but will hardcore gamers respond? It might not matter if Apple's device attracts a whole new crowd of casual gamers to gain a foothold, as the Wii did.
One thing I find laughable, though, is Apple's claim (from exec Phil Schiller, pictured) that games are too expensive for the DS and PSP vs. the iPod Touch. Sure, the carts or discs cost $20-$40 while the most expensive app costs $10, but that point will become moot as the PSP and DSi move to a downloadable-content model, which is the biggest reason for the price difference (aside from the iTunes Apps Store being an entirely different competitive marketplace). Also, most of the "serious" iPod Touch games came after their DS/PSP counterparts, seriously diminishing the development costs for the Apple device. And it's ironic that Apple conveniently ignored the initial costs of the devices, where the iPod Touch costs two to three times more than the DS or PSP. (Notice also how Apple didn't include the iPhone in the comparison since it costs even more, including monthly phone service).
What do you think of the iPod Touch (and iPhone) being touted as the replacement for the DS and PSP? The Christian Science Monitor and IGN have good write-ups to help you make up your mind.
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