Playstation Vita Review

The Playstation Vita is one of the most exciting handheld gaming devices ever created.  It has powerful graphics that can give current-generation consoles a run for their money, and it implements the controls of all of them combined.

Vita is clearly trying to expand its audience to include casual gamers and more of the types of games that appear on cell phones and tablets.  Some may say that the Vita has an identity crisis because it includes so many control types, but I say that it expands the device to do practically any type of game.

As far as a price point, I think the Vita is extremely competitive when you put things into context.  Yes, you can get a PS3 for the same price as a Vita, but the Vita has the same miniaturized technology as a good smartphone or tablet.  A good smartphone costs about $500 (you may pay less, but your phone provider pays the difference), and the Vita comes with practically double the technical features at half the price.

Vita appears to have a much stronger opening titles than the Nintendo 3DS when it started, and they both debuted at about the same price (around $250).  3DS sales picked up when the price dropped, and as an industry analyst I can tell you that Sony will sell more Vitas if they do the same thing.  Sony may be unwilling to do this, as they are already taking a loss on each unit sold.

The main thing that will determine the console’s success will be the quality of the games.  Sony only has a few beloved exclusive franchises left, and those are aimed at more experienced gamers (of course I speak of SOCOM, God of War, Resistance, and Uncharted).  Sony recently closed SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive, so that is yet another franchise down the drain.    The PSP struggled because there was a lack of quality games, and there are several reasons for that… but Sony will say that publishers were scared off by piracy.

The Playstation Vita is one powerful device, we really want to see it succeed and feel that the gaming community deserves a device like this.  Our only major gripe has to do with the non-replaceable battery and short battery life.  Microsoft will be watching very closely to see how the Vita fares, and if it does well then you can bet that a portable Xbox is right around the corner.

People are spending more time on the go, which is the main reason why cell phone games are taking up a bigger slice of the gaming pie.  The Playstation Vita offers serious gamers the first real portable console experience, and has reset the bar for any future portable gaming devices.

REPORT CARD : Sony Playstation Vita

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Quality

4

The Vita looks nice and sleek, the screen is stellar, the buttons are very responsive and easy to hold.but is prone to scratches and fingerprints. The camera is rather sub-par.

Innovation

5

Nearly every controller technology ever invented is implemented on the Vita, the thumbsticks are unique, and the OLED screen is stellar.

Performance

5

Vita’s controlls are amazing, although the rear touchpad can be troublesome. The most advanced graphics on a handheld that rival full-fledged consoles.

Installation

3

Battery life is barely adequate, and no removable battery means you’ll be scrambling for an outlet soon.

Value

4

From a hardware point, you get an awful lot for your money. What makes this a real value is if you enjoy playing it, and the future of the system will be determined by its future game lineup.

Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars