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Good ideas, but, if you don't mind, I have a few disputes. Point 1.) A mini DVD would work fine, except for requiring a larger system, (at least the size of a PSP) and a motor to spin the thing, which takes battery life. Basically you have a UMD. The only advantage, however, is that a UMD is very difficult to scratch, and reasonably difficult to damage in other ways due to the plastic casing. The DS's cards are small, and basically the next step up from the Game boy's packs, kind of a nintendo tradition. they require no motor, so battery life is increased. Point 2.) No argument here actually. Point 3.)Making the graphics current or next gen in a handheld is really quite hard. Firstly, if the release price of the PSP was a hundred dollars more, it would have sold even less. Secondly, look at what the PS3 has to cost to get the graphics it has, and how big it has to be. With the current level of technology, next gen graphics on a handheld just aren't practical, even if they're possible. It has to be considered that even if the DS and PSP graphics aren't going to blow anyone's socks off in comparison with the home consoles, they're a huge step up from the previous generation, which basically consisted of the GBA and sprite-based graphics. Even the DS, which is graphically not as powerful as the PSP, is a half step above the N64 was, and the PSP is just a step below the PS2. For proof, look at Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops, a simply beautiful game. Returning to the price issue. Not many people are willing to buy a handheld that costs as much as their home console, so even if the graphics are incredible, it would be difficult to market. It has to be kept in mind that even game companies like to make a profit now and again, and trying to sell a $300 handheld to a group of people often characterized as "broke" does not seem like a wise marketing decision. Point 4.) I agree to an extent. I assume when you say remake, you mean like FF3 for the DS, wherein they totally revamped it. Direct ports can be icky if not done well. Point 5.) Sorry to have to admit it, but I'm a total Nintendo Fanboy. So when you say "stick with the plain old" I'm reeeallly tempted to go on a little rant about innovation. But i'll try to keep it short, yes? Basically, without change, the industry will stagnate. This new console generation is probably going to be the last time that graphics are really going to be able to get much better. After this, companies will have to go in a different direction, because all the consoles will have the ability to make things look incredibly realistic. So changing it up a little like nintendo is doing is just keeping them from falling into that pit that basically consists of graphics being the only thing to really get an update. The touch/second screen is a handy addition, allowing for menu manipulation during gameplay, a map being displayed nice and big and visible at all times, and other interesting functions. the friend code is just so you can keep track of people you know because there's no online system of communication for the DS currently. As for the cellphone features, I assume you're making a reference to the N-Gage, which honestly does suck. Point 6.)I agree with this one too. Sony needs to stop crapping their pants about it, and just accept it, and maybe even encourage it. The onl reason Counterstrike Exists is because of Mod Teams, and if they can get the next CS on the PSP, they might actually sell a few. Sorry about the essay for a response, I do like some of your ideas, and hope you won' take any of my criticisms personally. ^_^ I look forward to reding your next entry.

Point by point rebuttal, nice.
My turn


1) I understand your argument entirely (And I just realized my mistakes XP). What I really meant to say, was keep the format simple (And if possible, open to the public. Thus the idea of Dvds)

2) Nothing to say

3) Sure the PSP is pushing the limits of the graphics in the portable industry now, but it's running maybe low PS2, Mid Dreamcast. Without any significant raise in price (Say to $300 or so) It could be running mid to high PS2 ( I know it's improbable but I say, shrink the PS2 into it's controller)

4) Yeah, I mean completely new graphics, maybe some new gameplay elements, but mostly the same

5) Of course I agree wholeheartedly but i would like to emphasize "gimmicks", Like the NGage or the Gizmondo. There only big thigs there was phone features and GPS respectively. But I see that I unfairly attacked the DS and made a mistake. It's a great handheld, but you must admit that it's not perfect

6) And again I agree. Of course, the bigwig game devs. can have security blocks on their own games if they want (To keep out hackers), but games like CS and the upcoming Oblivion Travels for the PSP would thrive on mods


And I actually do like the feedback, the "essay" is fine
Did you read last months though?