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To start off, let's assume you do not currently own either one of the portables. We'll start the bidding at the lowest possible price, $200.
As you can see, $200 isn't much to work with, and the DS Lite selection is the only one you'll get any instant gratification from. Other then the multimedia functions available on the PSP, there's really not much you can do with it at this point. And if your paying $200, your either getting it alone or used, so your probably not getting the value pack bonuses. If this is your full budget, the DS is really your only choice here.
Let's hit a price where you have a bit more options: $350.
Here we really get to see some of the top titles for each system. The DS has a really nice lineup, with all solid titles and even a couple online games, this selection shows some really diverse gameplay. The PSP of course has it's big gun Grand Theft Auto game, as well as our recommendation for Lumines, the surprise hit music-based puzzler. In addition, you'll be able to afford the value pack and score yourself some headphones and a memory stick for a bit of music play. You also have the option of getting one less game in exchange for a UMD movie or upgrading to the Giga Pack, which will net you a 1GB memory stick versus the measly 32MB one in the Value Pack. It's certainly nice to have some options there.
Finally, the coup-de-grace. We went for all out gaming goodness here with $500 smackers. Here's how we panned it out:
DS Lite Bundle
DS Lite System
New Super Mario Bros.
Metroid Prime Hunters
Castlevania
Mario Kart DS
Brain Age
Tetris DS
Animal Crossing WW
Lost Magic
Guilty Gear DS
The Rub Rabbits!
Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones
PSP Bundle
PSP Value Pack
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Lumines
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
WipEout Pure
Daxter
Metal Gear Acid 2
Here we really see what the DS has to offer. Unlike the consoles where each system has it's own collection of huge titles, we have to say we're a bit disappointed in the PSP's library (as much as we love Lumines and anything Metal Gear). The DS stands strong with a huge group of hits, all most notably within a reasonable price point. And we can't forget that the DS has the capability to play GBA games, so that opens it up it's library even further. While the PSP's multimedia functions are nice, in terms of sheer gaming potential, the DS takes it.
Looking to the future, the DS still has a number of big hits coming, including Final Fantasy III, Star Fox DS, Zelda DS, and more. However, with the UMD slowly being phased out by many big movie companies, the future looks a little more bleak for the sleek PSP, although, Loco Roco is looking pretty fun. Before the DS Lite, we would had to have given the PSP some major credit for being such a sexy machine, but with the DS upgrade next month, the PSP's multimedia capabilities are really the only edge it will have, other than some possibly more shady uses for it such as emulation.
The choice is yours, but we feel this one's a little less arguable than the console situation, and the DS Lite gets our vote hands down.
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Please Note: All prices are based on the NEW price for products at the time of writing. Tax and shipping aren't included. Also, remember that the games shown are simply our recommendation, but can be substituted for any other game or accessory of equal value.