ATLANTA - Nintendo has ruled the hand-held gaming world for nearly 15 years with its Game Boy. Sega, Atari and Nokia have tried to steal some of the action with their portable game systems, but just couldn't attract as many developers and gamers.

But soon Nintendo will face its biggest competitor when Sony enters the arena with its first hand-held game system, the PSP.

Although it won't hit the store shelves until next year, Sony's sleek device is generating a lot of buzz. Sony's success with the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles builds a strong foundation for the PSP.

The graphics and technology of the PSP easily trump Nintendo's Game Boy Advance, but the company will level the playing field with its new, innovative Nintendo DS.

The "DS" stands for dual screen - one screen is the main display, and the other is a touch screen. The touch screen serves as a secondary display for menus, maps and auxiliary perspectives, and it also allows players to write, draw and interact in ways limited by standard directional buttons.

Here's how the new hand-held systems stack up:

ProsThe Nintendo DS will be available this year - several months before the PSP.Flip-top cover means more protection from screen scratches.Cartridge media is more durable, loads faster and doesn't require moving parts.Plays Game Boy Advance cartridges.Price will probably be lower than Sony's more powerful PSP.Includes chat software and game demo.ConsDisplay is smaller and not as detailed as the PSP.Graphic quality isn't as good as PSP.No peripherals included.

ProsMore powerful processing specs and performance than the Nintendo DS.If the PlayStation 2 is an indicator, the PSP will have more support from third-party developers.Media capacity is nearly twice that of DS cartridges, meaning more data for graphics and sound.More stylish design.Comes with analog thumbstick in addition to a directional pad.Includes headphones, AC adapter and pouch.ConsBattery life will most likely be shorter than the Nintendo DS.Disc media means device is more susceptible to damage from drops or bumps.Requires memory stick for saving games.