Itagaki loves the DS, considers PSP a PS2

When Tomonobu Itagaki talks, the gaming world listens. Why? Who knows. Respect? Admiration? Fear? Whatever you want to call it, Itagaki never disappoints in one area: Amusement. He’s just fun to listen to. In an interview with Gamasutra following the Tokyo Game Show, Itagaki explained why he prefers working with the Nintendo DS over the PSP.
Because the DS is different.
“The reason is because the PlayStation Portable is basically designed on the philosophy of having a console that you can take with you. They are basically just toning down what we see on home consoles such as the 360 or the PS3; whereas the DS was looking at a whole new method of input…”
Itagaki continues, saying in essence that the DS does a better job if making the player interact with the game, and that the DS would allow him to develop a game that, frankly, would be impossible on the PSP.
“here is a chance to do something totally original, using the strengths of this hardware”.
However, Itagaki is also concened about the lackluster DS library, stating that he believes that people are growing tired of the low-budget “training games”, and are ready for an experience with more substance. That’s where, he says, Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Warrior will appeal to the market. All in all, it’s an excellent interview, and you should definitely give it a read.
Tomonobu Itagaki, Team Ninja, Nintendo DS, PSP, interview, Gamasutra
…oh, yeah, Itagaki also said that the PSP was essentially a PS2, and that there really is little-to-no purpose for developers to think solely about developing for the PSP.


November 14th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
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