Review: PlayStation Vita (Japan launch model)

ByScuttlebug

Dec 29, 2011

Sony released the PlayStation Vita in Japan two months ahead of its worldwide debut. The PSP successor packs an enormous 5-inch, 960×544 screen, a console-like dual analog interface, and 3G/wi-fi functionality, combined with a widespread program of digital distribution through which every Vita game will be sold on the PlayStation Store.

With advanced online features, incredible graphical performance, and that screen, the Vita provides the most console-like experience of any handheld, while also taking advantage of the handheld format with input methods like touch-screen and (direct) tilt controls. In a way, it’s coming at the Wii U from the other direction.

A quick disclaimer: I’m not going to be able to answer the issue of whether dedicated handheld systems can continue living in the age of smartphones. I am of the opinion that there will always be room for things like the 3DS and PlayStation Vita, but that’s a larger issue, one external to the evaluation of the Vita as a device.

I’m also unable to guess as to its chances against the 3DS, which has a year headstart, a price advantage of around $100, and two popular Mario games; the Vita is technologically superior and loaded with features, but, then, so was the PSP compared to the DS.

Besides, it’s too late to address the necessity of the Vita: the device has already been designed and produced. My goal is to talk about the merits of the existing device, rather than discuss the merits of dedicated portable systems as a whole. And, as it turns out, this thing has plenty of merits to discuss … and a few obvious issues.

Gallery: PlayStation Vita (Hardware shots)