The tortoise and the hare

It's better to burn out than to fade away, sang Neil Young in Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black).

And, if it could talk (let alone sing), that's presumably what the PSP would quote if asked about the likelyhood of any more imminent releases after this week's The Sims 2 The Pets and WWE SmackDown! Vs RAW 2007.

Because while Sony's handheld dominated the handheld retail shelves with an early festive blitz, it's the DS that's lasting the distance, seeing releases right up to the last Friday before Christmas.

Immediately beyond that, however, things are looking a little bleak on both formats, at least until 2007 gets underway. But about time, too, to be honest – how else are pocket gamers expected to enjoy their new purchases/gifts?