PlayStation Vita

The recently launched PS Vita has created quite a buzz in the gaming world. I believed a lot of people are still trying to find out whether this handheld device is worth investing in anot.

Therefore, I have decided to write an extensive review to help anyone to decide whether it is worth getting. 

Before I go into the exact details of the gaming console, check out this video by the Playstation Channel which summarizes the various features and how the games look like in action.

PlayStation Vita Review – Features and Benefits

•  3G and Wi-Fi Capability

The PlayStation Vita has a few models to start off; one of them has both 3G and Wi-Fi capability which cost an extra 50 bucks while the other has Wi-Fi only. This fantastic feature allows you to connect with more friends to play multi-player games like the following games which have been optimized with this capability:

1. Hot Shots Golf

2. Wipeout 2048

3. ModNation Racers: Road Trip

4. Super Stardust Delta

5. Hustle Kings

6. Little Deviants

7. Reality Fighters

8. Gravity Rush

9. MLB ’12: The Show

10. Unit 13

11. Sound Shapes

12. Little Big Planet  

• Cameras (Front and Rear)

These two cameras allow you to have a better gaming experience by transporting yourself or your surroundings into the game. Sounds really cool!

• 6-Axis Motion Sensor

This new technology enables you to manipulate your environment, characters and tools in ways you can never imagine.

• Touch Screen

It gives you more flexibility when it comes to controlling the movement of your character and provides new techniques you can implement to complete a quest.

• Rear Touchpad

Provides a better hand control while holding the console.

• GPS

This new feature enables you to locate, link up and play with your friends through GPS or social networking apps like NEAR.

PS: Available in models with 3G/Wi-Fi only.

• Cross Platform Play

It allows you to compete with your friends who do not have a PS Vita but a PS3 in multi-player games.

What’s really cool about this function is that it also allows you to play a game on PS3 and continue the game in a PS Vita if you paused it on your PS3 Console.    

• Dual Analog Stick

Great for first-person shooter games.

• 5″ OLED Screen

Breathtaking graphics display with over 16 million colors.

 

PlayStation Vita VS Nintendo 3DS

I understand a lot of people may be wondering which is better, Playstation Vita or Nintendo 3DS? Well, this video will summarize the various differences between both handhelds so that you can decide for yourself.

 

PS Vita Gameplay:

How some of the most popular games look like on PlayStation Vita:

 

Customer Reviews

I have read many customer reviews and summarized them into pros and cons below:

 

Pros

1. Design

First of all, the PlayStation Vita is extremely light, it is slightly longer than its predecessors due to a bigger screen. This is good for individuals who love to have a bigger handheld console to play with.

The direction pad is more sensitive and much better than PSP. The touch-screen is ultra-responsive with the sliding between screens and apps taking place really fast.

2. Graphics

The graphics are comparable to those of PS3 which is truly awesome! The PS Vita is like a portable version of PS3 if you ask me.

Whether you are screening movies from NetFlix, viewing photographs or even playing games, the graphics is still amazing. Most importantly, there is no sign of screen tearing or pixelation when you are doing these tasks.

3. Battery

According to CNet.com, the battery of the PS Vita can last for a long period of time (close to a week) when it is on standby mode. This is a massive improvement from the PSP days.

The Playstation Vita in-built battery can provide around 4 to 5 hours of gameplay for Vita games. It can last longer for non-Vita games like those from PSP. 

4. Operating System

The operating interface is very intuitive, it is quite similar to that of a smartphone. Therefore, it is very easy to navigate.

5. Controls

Although the control buttons are smaller than PSP, they are more responsive. The 2 analog controllers are much tighter that those of Nintendo 3DS. 

 

Cons

1. Design

Although the screen is ultra-responsive, it still suffers the same drawback from touch-screens that is the presence of oily fingerprint smears. 

2. Battery

The batteries are not replaceable. Therefore, you will need to bring along a charger and look for an electric socket when you are travelling. This can be a drawback if you intend to play your games while going on a long trip.

3. Browser

The PSV browser is better than PS3 but still considered to be quite mediocre in terms of today’s browser standards. It can only used for normal browsing and has trouble loading java-scripted websites.

4. Cameras

The 2 cameras are only good for augmented reality. In terms of picture quality, they are still not comparable to that of digital cameras and smart-phones.

5. Operating System

Although the transferring of games is very fast, the PS Vita cannot be used when it is doing so. Therefore, incorporating background transfers for future updates would be great.

6. PS Network

Since the PS Vita can only use one registered PSN account at anytime, you will not be able to borrow a PS Vita from your friend to play and save your trophies and achievements into your own PSN account.

This can be quite frustrating if you are planning to buy the PS Vita to play with your kids and family members.

7. Hidden Costs

A lot of people are upset with the hidden costs associated with Sony’s implementation of Propriety Media to curb piracy for all their games and devices.

With this implementation, the games and memory cards can be slightly more expensive compared to traditional games and memory cards in the market.

Hence, a lot of gamers are really upset with the additional money that they need to spend in order to enjoy this wonderful handheld.

 

Other Thing to Take Note:

With the launch of the 3G version, there will be some technical glitches which you may encounter.

Here’s a screenshot taken from Amazon on what are some of the glitches you may encounter and how to overcome them:

P.S: Can’t read the screen-shot? Here is the link to read it: Library Picks Staff Review

 

Conclusion

Despite having several drawbacks which can be easily fixed with a few updates, it is certainly one of the best if not the best portable gaming consoles ever created to date.

P.S: If you just bought PS Vita recently, why not add your review of the console below to help other potential buyers.

 

How Did This Console Rate On Popular Websites?

References

1. Amazon.com (Wi-Fi version):  4.1 / 5.0 (based on 100 reviews)

    Amazon.com (First Edition): 4.5 / 5.0 (based on 94 reviews)

    Amazon.com (3G/Wi-Fi version): 4.4 / 5.0 (based on 145 reviews)

    Amazon.com (Overall): 4.3 / 5.0 (based on 339 reviews)

2. T3.com – 4.0 / 5.0

3. GameTrailers.com – 4.4 / 5.0

4. CNet Editor’s Rating (Wi-Fi version): 4.0 / 5.0 (Excellent)

Where to Buy It?

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2012

Last Updated on 13 Mar 2012