If I were a Handheld console manufacturer...

With Nintendo and Sony releasing their third generation of DS and PSP, I think most of the handheld console owners are now wondering what's next in the future on Handheld gaming?

The iPod Touch Potential

Recently, a friend of mine bought an iPod touch and to my surprise it runs Java-based applications though it can only work on iTunes. The handheld touch-based media player has got me interested more on its true potential as a serious handheld platform. Sure there is Nintendo's DS which attracted most of its current owners with its unique gameplay features but of course as the years progress, gamers demand more on both the handheld manufacturer and game developers as well. Sony's PSP has attracted those gamers who want superior visual and audio in gaming than that of the DS. Also, its browsing, TV-out and media capabilities have made it even more interesting.

With the rumors that Microsoft is supposedly to release its own version of a handheld console to rival Nintendo and Sony, many are wondering if they are capable of pulling such a thing. Sony's still got baby steps and still have a long way to go to reach Nintendo. But if we take a look at the success of the Playstation 1 and 2, they have what it takes to challenge the long time handheld console giant Nintendo.

The next generation handheld consoles may be years away from release even the product conception may still be in the alpha stage. However, I think it may be a bit difficult for these giant companies to top their own current handheld consoles specifically Nintendo. Knowing the success of Wii, gamers expect more creativeness and more gameplay from them. Sony on the other hand only needs to further innovate and develop a strong series of franchise-building games incorporated in their handheld consoles.

Maybe they should take a long hard look and consideration on iPod Touch's technology. Maybe they should just allow more customizable features to be developed in their consoles. Recently, exclusivity is taking a toll on the public's acceptance of gadgets nowadays.

What I wanted on a handheld console would be iPod Touch's technology. Gameplay plus iPod Touch's technology and Nintendo's innovative dual screen will be a console to reckon with. Nintendo's originality reinvented. With lots of successful franchise games released by Nintendo, don't you think it's time to create new franchise games for the new generation of gamers? Sure they have attracted casual gamers into the world of gaming. But don't ever forget the hardcore gamers who are forever embracing the gaming industry. Squaresoft should also take this one seriously. Improved visuals and audio capability is also a must considering players nowadays demand more since they are exposed to PS3 and XBOX 360's visuals.

Game manufacturers definitely would like to create a handheld console for the ages. But given the ever-changing technology, demands of the gamers and cost of game manufacturing and game development, gameplay is still the most important part of the game and it is what gamers are entertained for.

GameSpot's Sony PSP-3000 Hands-on

You may want to check out the first hands-on of the Sony PSP-3000 - the new version of PSP which includes the most notable features such as anti-glare, built-in mic and "wider color gamut and anti-reflection technology".

http://www.gamespot.com/features/6196930/index.html?tag=topslot;readlink;3

Rumors say that Sony is trying to add more games into their handheld console library that is why they are prolonging the existence and creating new models for the PSP. For a gamer's point of view it may be quite helpful because we have currently 3 home gaming consoles and 2 handheld consoles to play with and constant new versions in the hardware will definitely be quite confusing for casual gamers who have been in pacing slowly in terms of adapting to the gaming world.

Capture Screenshots on your PSP

Wanna capture screenshots of your PSP games, desktop and all sorts of stuff? You may want to check out this link for more info: http://www.stylemo.com/2008/01/23/how-to-capture-screenshots-on-your-psp/

It's a cool feature to capture the in-game screenshots of your favorite game. All you have to do is click the Note symbol after you have successfully installed and enabled the seplugins folder in your PSP.

Sample screenshots of my PSP Slim 3.71 M33-2 and some Fight Night Round 3 screenies:

NBA Live 08 Dynasty Mode on PSP

It's been a long time since I've played NBA Live 08. Now I'm currently starting a Dynasty with my favorite team Dallas Mavericks with fantasy draft.

The 12-man roster for the first season are as follows:

Starting Line-up:
Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic
Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks
Rudy Gay - Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Miller - Memphis Grizzlies
Javaris Crittenton - Memphis Grizzlies

Bench:
Marcus Vinicius - Memphis Grizzlies
Andrew Bynum - Los Angeles Lakers
Trevor Ariza - Los Angeles Lakers
David Lee - New York Knicks
Michael Pietrus - Golden State Warriors
Ryan Gomes - Minnesota Timberwolves
Gerald Wallace - Charlotte Bobcats

Note that I didn't actually realize I was drafting four players from the Memphis Grizzlies. I just drafted young players to keep them going with more seasons to come and I think Dirk Nowitzki is the oldest among the group.

How to display TV-out in Creative Zen Vision M

Creative Zen's dock with AV-out cable connected

AV cable connected to the Sanyo TV

Entire set-up with the movie "21" being played from the Creative Zen Vision: M 60GB to the video out of the 19" Sanyo TV

While fiddling with my Creative Zen Vision M, I tried connecting the AV cable which comes from my Canon Powershot S3 IS.

I tried connecting the AV cable to the dock of my Creative Zen Vision M. At first, it didn't really work even when I already plugged the cable to the Sanyo TV. Anyways, I was amazed when I adjusted the cable to be about a couple of centimeters away from the dock and it worked.

Just when I was about to buy a separate AV cable for the Zen, the AV cable coming from my camera worked wonders for me, saving at least a thousand pesos just like the direct charger in which I found out that the Sony PSP Slim charger would also work for the Zen.

Bottom line is, if you have other gadgets with accessories, go and figure out if these accessories may actually work for your gadget. It's a lot cheaper experimenting this way rather than buying the accessory specific for that product.

CNET Prizefight's PSP Slim vs DS Lite

We take a look at what CNET has to say about the handheld console wars... guess who's the winner? Check out the podcast link below:

http://www.cnettv.com/9742-1_53-50002265.html

While we're still waiting for Microsoft to come up and produce their own handheld gaming device, I'm pretty sure it's clear for us to see what gadget has more in store for gamers on the go.