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I hope this is ok to start a new topic for this.

So lately I've been thinking about getting one of these things. I've got some long trips coming up, and it might be fun to have something like this for when I'm not driving.

The thing of it is, I've never owned a handheld gaming thing before, and I don't know a single thing about the ones on the market right now. It's a closed book to me. So I guess I'm just curious about which one people here might think are the best.

Some notes: I've got no real brand loyalty, so that doesn't matter. I like adventure games, rpgs, that style of thing. I have never played a pokemon game, but that does not mean that I don't want to try some day. I don't mind trying new things.

A Nintendo 3ds/2ds is going to serve you very well. For all it's erratic nature when it comes to consoles, Nintendo has nailed handheld gaming and it shows.

It's the one I'm leaning towards, but I guess I'm looking for a bit more detail? I mean, what sets it apart from the others?

 toasteroven wrote:
It's the one I'm leaning towards, but I guess I'm looking for a bit more detail? I mean, what sets it apart from the others?

Well, for one it has an exceptional library with big hitters in every genre (Mario, Pokemon, Fire Emblem and Smash to just rattle the big ones out in a hurry). Also, they generally have solid design and plenty of long life. Couple that with good digital releases (Phoenix Wright Trilogy/Dual Destinies) and it is a solid all in one package.

I guess I'd ask what you're looking for though, when you ask that.

3DS
I haven't tried the 'new' 3DS XL, but the previous 3DS XL is pretty good hardware wise. The 3D itself isn't necessary, it can be turned off for longer battery life. It IS backwards compatible with DS games, but they are upscaled so don't look very good.
Its got a good library for adventure games (Fire Emblem Awakening, Tales of the Abyss, Bravely Default etc)

PS Vita
I have a soft spot for the Vita because of Persona 4 Golden. The Vita itself is powerful but a bit long, compared to the flip top 3DS.
As far as games goes, a lot of them are crazy Japanese RPGS, so if you're a fan of those its a good handheld.

I'd say the 3DS has the better general game library, and takes up a bit less space than the Vita, so I agree with curran12 that it's probably the way to go. But if you like JRPGs the Vita has a surprising amount of them.

 curran12 wrote:

 toasteroven wrote:
It's the one I'm leaning towards, but I guess I'm looking for a bit more detail? I mean, what sets it apart from the others?

Well, for one it has an exceptional library with big hitters in every genre (Mario, Pokemon, Fire Emblem and Smash to just rattle the big ones out in a hurry). Also, they generally have solid design and plenty of long life. Couple that with good digital releases (Phoenix Wright Trilogy/Dual Destinies) and it is a solid all in one package.

I guess I'd ask what you're looking for though, when you ask that.

Well, that actually describes pretty well what I'm looking for, so thank you. And thanks VorpalBunny.

Though I did kind of want to try Persona, it's not really worth getting a whole thing for one game, heh.

The New 3DS XL is also compatible with amiibo's (toys-to-life figures). The XL is the only version currently offered in the US.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is on the horizon. Fire Emblem, Bravely Default, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars and Advance Wars are all good strategy-type games.

The Vita has several good titles besides Persona 4 Golden (although that is one of the best games you can play on it). It has Killzone Mercenary which is by far the best shooter on handheld. If you're up for platforming Tearaway and Uncharted: Golden Abyss is probably up your alley. Gravity Rush is another great game that really changes things up with verticality and using the gyroscope in the device. There's PS All-Stars for a brawler fighting game.

They also have a great PS1/PS2/PSP library in the case you missed out on any good games from previous gens or classics like Grimfandango Remastered or GTA: LCS.

I absolutely love the 3DS XL, although the Vita is also a great machine.

If you want to play RPGs/adventure games I would probably go for Nintendo's machine, not only due to the larger (quality) catalogue but because the dual screen format really works well with those kind of games. I've found myself enjoying driving/action type games on the Sony handheld more.

And if you haven't played Pokemon before.. well, I envy you the experience of playing those games for the first time, and especially with a new game out in the series. Just be prepared, if you do start playing, if there is any other person in your life that needs attention, those Pokemon are extremely needy!

How about a tablet with ROMs?

A solid option. Especially since you can cherry-pick all your favorite games in one place.