Now it's official: the new generation of consoles has arrived. Ok, in smaller version - or pocket version, if you prefer - but the truth is that the much awaited future of video games is just a few months ahead of us. Now that Nintendo and Sony have announced their upcoming handhelds, we also have sure that a market war will be fought again. In between these two titans, are we, the players. As we all know that both handelds will reach the consumer at a somewhat salty price, you must put them on a scale and determine which will be chosen when they are launched worldwide.

On one hand we have the revolutionary 3DS, the first electronic device to offer the experience of three-dimensional effect without requiring special glasses for said purpose. In short, the device will have a look very similar to its predecessors, with the difference of an analog stick and various improvements in its operating system. Next Generation Portable (or simply NGP) has extremely powerful settings and innovations that can make even the most enthusiastic gamer gawk. Virtually everything in the PSP2 lavishes technology, since the OLED screen to incredible graphics.

It is clear that the decision is completely subjective and varies according to the preferences of each person, but this does not preclude a more complete analysis of each technology is made to give that small help to undecided gamers. We prepared a short summary about the two platforms to compare them. On the other hand, does not mean that the new generation war must restart as unfortunately we see in current systems. As you've probably noticed, every handheld has unique characteristics and it is aimed at different audiences. So if you have already chosen yours, respect the choice of those who think in a different way.

If you are a savvy player, certainly must have seen the settings for the Nintendo 3DS and NGP. But then again, the particularities of each device are incredibly flashy enough to make even non-specialized individuals interested in both offers. In this aspect, no one has to complain about. Both Sony and Nintendo were able to produce innovative technologies into their devices enough to win audiences. Therefore, here it is the big highlight of this new generation. In the case of the "Big N ", for example, the added three dimensional effect is the main attraction. Although few people have had the opportunity to see how it works in practice, we know that the use of 3DS is being very well implemented in the titles previously disclosed.

Check out some of the specifications of the Nintendo 3DS: 

With the exception of the graphics card, no major technical innovations. The accelerometer and gyroscope inserts are great, but nothing revolutionary, as cell-phones already have these features for some time now. However, this does not mean that the new handheld will be a failure because we're used to see the "Big N" provide a device with a less powerful hardware than the competition, but with some different technology. For the Nintendo 3DS, this must happen in the way that the developers will work with all these elements together. Think it's like a game that you control from the motion sensors and at the same time, uses 3D to built a more real experience. It is experiences like this that Nintendo wants to explore in this generation.

The latest news from Sony  were a plateful for hardcore gamers. The eagerly awaited announcement of the Next Generation Portable caught everyone's attention thanks to the weight settings for a console so small. As much as the PSP had broken the stereotype that every handheld is weak, the NGP has gone further and managed to get a lot of people saw them as rival systems of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Check out the NGP specifications: 

Unlike Nintendo's revolutionary technology, Sony choose something that the company already does for some time on their consoles, to bring cutting-edge graphics and games that explore the most of what the machine has to offer. At the presentation event we saw a video of the NGP running Metal Gear Solid 4 without reductions in quality or texture loss. However, bringing a preposterous setup for a handheld would make the company simply to repeat the step years ago during the launch of its earlier portable. So Sony decided to add new features to expand the possibilities of the new console and make it even more attractive. Thus, besides the amazing visual, the PSP2 has an OLED screen multitouch sensitive, which should bring new possibilities to the gameplay. In some demos, such as Uncharted, we've seen this feature being applied fairly intuitive.

While none of the new handhelds has been officially released, it is possible to imagine what will be the argument that many people will use in deciding which one to buy (or to discuss the best console): 3D.

As you all know the Nintendo handheld will use the major differential effect, which should attract a lot of curious people to see how the new technology works. Just look at the promotional videos and game trailers to realize that the marketing of the "Big N " is investing heavily in this aspect. But who believes the news will be present only as an ornament of some games, know that the company has thought well and also promised to offer movies and other multimedia productions that use the 3D feature.

Since Sony does not seem to give equal importance to the three-dimensional world - at least not in pocket consoles. Contrary to many predictions that the new unit would also have a similar screen to Nintendo 3DS, the company made it clear that it didn't sees the feature playing an important role in handhelds.

First we have a much more intuitive interface and easier to access. With the help of the multitouch screen, one can simply select the desired one-touch, as is already done on several cellphones. Although the 3DS also has something similar to the PSP2, it seems much more accessible and practical. Moreover, we have even greater integration with PSN - more than had with the PlayStation Portable. Areas for friends, trophies and more. The NGP also has two cameras - one in front  and another in the back - something that was already considered basic for the new generation. Along them, there is the electronic compass that works with the application "Near, " featuring a map if there are any NGP around and telling where you are and who the user is.

The big news in additional resources that the "Big N" brings to its new system has been presented at various events around the world since its official announcement. However, while nearly six months have passed since then, it still managed to surprise us with what the handheld is capable of. In a nutshell, the new device should function as a "pocket Wii". As much as we do not have a motion sensor, the 3DS brings many similar elements. This applies to the Miis, the avatars, and even play some games. Thanks to two cameras positioned on the outside of the device, the user can take pictures and even film scenes in three dimensions.

Playing online is not anything new. Both Nintendo DS and PSP already have such connection in their games, expanding the horizon of possibilities in several respects. With the 3G element, Sony intends to make its new handheld  always online. The existence of the application "Near " only proves that, as you must be connected to PSN to be identified by other players. Furthermore, also features trophy support, this application will be essential to send the data to your account. Nintendo, on the other hand, retains only the wireless connection that already exists on the DS, which means we will have no major breakthroughs in this regard. As this means that players may only be online at certain points, it makes sense to the company's option not to adopt an achievements system in their games.

Knowing the configuration of each device and what are its special features is very important when deciding what to buy, but equally important are the games that these platforms have to offer. This is where we have the great distinction in this new generation. As well you should have noticed, Nintendo follows the same strategy as always: an innovative technology and classic titles to attract casual, hardcore and old school gamers. Just look at the list of games announced:

Animal Crossing
Asphalt 3D
Bust a Move Universe
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Crush 3D
Dead or Alive: Dimensions
Dual Pen Sports
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Madden NFL Football
Mario Kart
Nintendogs + Cats
Paper Mario
PilotWings Resort
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
Rabbids: Travel in Time
Rayman 3D
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
Ridge Racer 3D
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Overclocked
Star Fox 64 3D
Steel Diver
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
The Sims 3
Thor: God of Thunder
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 3D

Sony, on the other hand, wants the NGP to be a new beginning of its history with handhelds. Besides having abandoned the name PSP, the company chose to bring few PlayStation 3 titles - only those it considers as an absolute success:

Killzone
WipEout
Resistance
Uncharted
Monster Hunter Portable 3
Dynasty Warriors
Call of Duty
LittleBigPlanet
Hot Shots Golf
Reality Fighters
Smart As
Broken
Little Deviants
Gravity Daze

If you seek a breakthrough technology and games ranging from casual to classic, Nintendo 3DS can be a great option. Though its graphics are below its competitor, the solutions found by Nintendo to circumvent this deficiency are usually intelligent and entertaining. Just look at what was done with the DS and see how everything would look with new features. The NGP has everything to please the most hardcore gamers. If you are passionate about games with fantastic graphics and closer to what is offered in the PlayStation 3, be sure to choose the NGP. Although not bring anything innovative, the new console can reuse resources already used on other platforms to create an unique experience.

After all this explanation about the pros and cons of each handheld, here is the final question: what to choose? If a cold analysis did not help you make a decision, use this information to try to align them to your player profile. 

Marco Cecilio, NoobFeed