Portable game systems...when would I ever use it?

[Sabiancym]

I'm sitting here watching the new PSP demos in amazement. It looks awesome and the control methods look incredibly, but there is one nagging thing on my mind.

When would I ever use this thing?

I don't live in a big city where I have down time riding public transportation, nor am I kid in school who spends time riding in their parents car. So when would a regular adult use a portable gaming system? There is no way I would sit at home with it when I can be gaming on my big screen or on my multi-monitor pc. And I'm certainly not going to carry something like the 3DS or PsP around with me, on the off chance that I get some downtime long enough to actually have a gaming session. So who exactly uses these things? Even my droid which is packed full of emulators only get's used for gaming maybe one a month.

Are they just designed for kids and people who travel a lot? Or maybe for people who can't afford an entire gaming setup? Or are people really buying these portables and then just sitting at home playing them even though they could be getting a better gaming experience from their regular console/PC?

Don't get me wrong, if I was a big time traveler I would buy one in a heart-beat, but I'm not and most people aren't. So who is buying these things and why?

 

[-Seraph-]

Just like any gaming platform it all boils down to the games. People buy systems based on the GAMES they are interested in and if it so happens to be a portable, then even better. Easy accessibility, good for traveling or when you are just lying in bed or something.

But ultimately everything boils down to the GAMES. Portables have some great games too ya know, hell they tend to be more accessible too and sometimes more fun than what consoles offer.

 

[SovietSecrets]

I got a PSP so I could play in class and kill time. Also when I was too lazy to sit in my chair, I would just lay down and play some random game for a couple of hours.

 

[TheNamlessGuy]

DELETED

 

[Sabiancym]

1. Go on vacation
2. Bring portable game system
3. Play with it when you're bored
4. ???
5. PROFIT.

...I couldn't think of a better way to put it.
Sorry.

There is no way I'd go on vacation and do something I could do at home. Plus that's what? A few weeks out of an entire year? Not exactly a good buy.

 

[Blitzwarp]

Well, I have both as DSi XL and a PSP, which are both portable systems, even though mostly they never leave my room. I like the games on the systems - Pokémon in particular on the DS, as well as the little puzzle games you can get from the DSi Store - and I like that I can whip 'em out whenever I feel a bit bored without any rigmarole. It's just turn on - play a bit - bored now - switch off. Also I suffer from extreme insomnia thanks to my medication, so it's nice to have something to do late at night/early in the morning without disturbing the other occupants in the house.

That being said, I may just be odd. I also have a portable DVD player for the sole purpose of curling up in bed with a good movie. *shrug*

 

[migo]

When would you use it? Maybe never.

However, you did list a number of reasons why someone might want it. I've got a friend (actually, several) who while she attends university lives at home, and has PS3 connected to the HDTV in the living room. Which she has to share with her brother who plays CoD. So for her, getting a PSP2 that she doesn't have to share with anyone else is advantageous, even at home.

Similarly, while the PS3 has come down in price, if you don't have an HDTV, the cost is going to be $600 total at the lowest, and more likely around $900-$1500 to get started. That's bloody expensive. Even if the PSP2 comes in at $400, that's significantly cheaper for the same experience, and the 5" screen is also better than other portables.

Finally, there's the reason I like my iPod touch - sometimes I'm waiting in line at the bank, and having a quick pickup and play game is handy. There might be some games like that for the PSP2, and with flash memory access times should be fast enough to facilitate it. Even without that, if you're waiting for someone at the hospital, waiting at a doctor's appointment, or anything else where you're heading out and waiting, having a portable system is useful even if you do drive.

Since I take transit and don't drive, the PSP2 is actually quite appealing as sitting on the bus is a great time to be playing.

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

At home?

If you like the game, you like the game.

I only really use mine at home.

 

[Judgement101]

I use the PsP as a sort of "I'm bored and feel like playing an odd game" thingy.

 

[Blue_vision]

I was thinking of this too. And I do live in the big city where I ride around public transportation a lot. But whenever I do that, I'm usually talking with friends or listening to my ipod or something. I really feel like I'd want to get a PSP, but I just don't think it'd get that much use between my mactop and PS3.

I suppose I should figure it out, because I still want it for the games.

 

[migo]

If it has HDMI out, then you're probably set.

 

[EightGaugeHippo]

What I find with Ma PSP is that I can play it alone.

Anyone who has had the 'pleasure' to expereince back seat gamers would know that, having that one thing that you could play without some guy looking over your shoulder saying "HEY look out for that guy!" "WAIT theres an Item back there" ect

With the PSP you can just sit there and actually pay attention to what is happening, with the toils of a co-pilot.

[Edit]
There is of corse the travvel appeal. If your going away on holiday and you wont last without a game to play or going on a long bus ride bring your PSP along to kill the time.

But, if neither of these things are a problem and you are not too keen on the exclusives, then theres not much point in protable gaming.

 

[BinaryCrystal]

Personally I have a 1 - 1 1/2 hour bus ride to and from school everyday, so I use it then, I love playing something simple like the Metal Slug Anthology or if the ride isn't too rough Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. So I've got plenty of time to play and generally be left alone.

 

[warprincenataku]

I bought my DS when I had a long flight coming up, which I was glad I did. 20+ hour flight is brutal, but the DS made it bearable, that and the in flight entertainment.

The fact of the matter is, some games are just awesome on handhelds. I was a 360 user for a long time, but enjoyed RPG's, which were not that prevalent on the console. I bought a DS and was up to my neck in RPG goodness.

Also, power outages can go by quickly with the held of a handheld.