Hardware Design
The Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS uses basically the same hardware design as the original DS. The clamshell design protects the system's two screens from harm. It also gives the 3DS a small footprint when you take it out and about. It's, without a doubt, the more compact of the two systems being compared. It features a glossy finish (mine is black) that is a fingerprint magnet. Gloss is fine for home consoles, but for a portable console that begs to be touched, it doesn't seem like the best idea. All in all, while seeming a bit dated, the 3DS design gets the job done. A couple of things that I personally haven't been effected by seem to mar the 3DS experience. Some complain that the top screen has been scratched by the bottom screen. Possibly an urban legend but enough people have complained for me to take this seriously. Second is that the top screen "wobbles". For me, the screen does wobble but only if I actually move it with my finger. It doesn't happen during gameplay, even when playing a motion control heavy game like Face Raiders.
Nintendo has added a circle pad to the original DS design. In my opinion, it's quite comfortable. A bit of an upgrade to the one that was available on the PSP. It also has a touch screen that is almost exactly the same in form and function to that of the older DS systems. It does seem a bit more precise but it doesn't support multi-touch. It still offers the ability to use a stylus as well as your finger for touch screen controls.
One gripe among many is the lack of a second analog stick. This has been remedied somewhat by the addition of the Circle Pad Pro peripheral. The device is bulky and ugly, but after the initial shock wears off, it's actually very comfortable. Problems arise when you consider that it has a short battery life (I've use rechargeable batteries and I've had to recharge it twice already) and that it doesn't work with anything other than a handful of 3DS titles. Try using a feature like Swapnote on your 3DS. You'll have to remove the CPP to use your stylus (an absolute must for writing messages). The trigger (Rz) and the R button that comes with the CPP won't even work. You're better off not even using the device unless you're playing Resident Evil or Metal Gear. With those games, it works like a dream.
The Sony Playstation Vita
Like Nintendo, Sony had decided to stick with the tried and true design that they've refined over the years. Upon first glance, many would have a hard time spotting the differences between the Vita and the older PSP models. Rest assured, the improvements are there. The "Candy Bar" design makes the Vita feel like a smartphone (a rather large smart phone, but still.....) and is a contrast to the 3DS which I would compare to a "flip phone" if I had to make an analogy. It feels very solid and is quite comfortable to hold. I've always found the 3DS to be a bit too portable because of its smaller size. I've actually had to buy a third party grip to add a little bulk to Nintendo's system. Not the case with Sony's latest. It's a pretty good size for someone with larger hands like myself.
The PSV also features a ton of ways to interface. Aside from the features it shared with the 3DS (motion control, cameras, AR Cards), it has a built in second analog stick, a multi touch touch screen on the front, and a touch panel on the back. All of the features seem to work well for the most part. The "Welcome Park" software that comes with the Vita gives you a pretty good idea of the potential for these new inputs. All in all, it seems like the Vita is ready for any type of gaming experience right out of the box.
All is not perfect in Vita land, though. I personally was terrified to take my Vita out of the house without a protective case to carry it in. A touch screen on the front and back, analog sticks, and a glossy finish (again, I wonder why they do this on a portable console--don't they know we have to touch these things!?) means that a lot can go wrong if something gets damaged. There have also been complaints from gamers that they accidentally hit the right analog when trying to use the X button and vice versa. Personally, I find the sticks to be a bit looser than I would like (no worse than a Dual Shock, though) and, while I am definitely going to be in the minority, I actually prefer the analog nub on the old PSP 3000 to the sticks on the Vita. The select/start buttons are harder to reach in a pinch, too. Nothing a little practice won't cure, though. I also miss the "mute buttons" and screen brightness buttons from the PSP 3000 just a little bit.
Final Verdict (Hardware Design): Both systems feature rather weak cameras, almost identical motion control and AR funtionality. Both feature a nearly identical battery life (based on brightness, wifi, and other variable settings). Both feature a glossy finish that I hate. The Vita has louder audio and an ultra sharp OLED screen while the 3DS packs an impressive 3D screen and a 3D camera. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and, this time, after considering the variables, round 1 goes to the Playstation Vita. It's just has a more modern design and is a more functional system, without the need for an add on.
