Customer Reviews

PS Vita Hardware Wi-Fi

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've spent a lot of time with my PlayStation Vita since the 15th. It's a great handheld, probably my favorite to date. And the launch titles were great for me. (Uncharted, Wipeout, Hot Shots Golf, Rayman, Super Stardust Delta, Escape Plan and Little Deviants)

The PlayStation Vita is perfect in terms of it's hardware. Some software issues are annoying, but those can be fixed later. I'll talk about those in a bit.

Skip to *** if you want to just read a quick 'sell', or recommendation for people.

Let me just quickly say that Sony made the right choice in ditching the UMD Drive. It means losing backwards compatibility with them sure, but the UMD drive would have held this handheld back from being what it is now. I love b/c and wish for all hardware possible to have full b/c, but I can understand and appreciate the fact that it is not here on the PSVita. That said, digital b/c should be full. Not all games are supported at the moment, but some not on the official list already can be copied to the PSVita from a PS3 and then work just fine.

The handheld is LIGHT. I mean, I knew it was light from hearing about it from others online, but I had no idea how light it really would be. It doesn't heat up at all either, so the hardware isn't too big for it's britches like my iPod, which will heat up really quickly with even games with little graphical prowess. ): Which makes me afraid to use those games on it.

The battery depends on what you do. Like an iPod, or any device like this. The more power used, the faster the battery drains. Uncharted will drain the battery pretty quick, while Plants vs Zombies can go for hours more. I think I get an average of about 6-7 hours. I honestly don't keep track. The PSVita will last a really long time in standby though, I was surprised how long it can just sit there in standby.

The touch screen works wonderfully, and the user interface is designed perfectly for it. It's very responsive and adds a lot of options. In the right developer hands, it'll do great things to enhance gameplay and make things more intuitive. The rear touch is the same. It's surprising how easy it is to use to hit things on screen from the rear touch. And like the touch screen has tons of potential.

The PSVita has sixaxis as well, which is tilting controls. Which is great, the use in Uncharted to help aim is extremely intuitive and enhances the gunplay. While the sixaxis also allows for more traditional tilt controls for steering like in Wipeout.

The 5'' OLED is like nothing I've ever seen before, it is one of the most beautiful screens I have ever laid eyes upon. Probably the most beautiful. You must get it into your hands to really understand what I'm saying. The colors are so vivid and the size is worth it for a handheld that's not quite pocket sized.

The analog sticks are fantastic, they do take some getting used to because they stop sooner than say the PlayStation 3's Dualshock 3 controllers or even the 360's controller. But once you get used to it, they work fantastically and as you'd expect. And as most gamers know, 2 analog sticks is a must for a lot of games. Camera controls have never been better on a handheld. The dead zone is dramatically reduced from the Dualshock 3 as well (the dead zone is how long it takes before the movement of the stick registers).

The d-pad and face buttons have a nice clicky nature to them, instead of the mushiness of the PlayStation Portable buttons. Which I like a lot more, most seem to agree. It lets you really know when you're making a proper press. The L/R buttons are less clicky than than the PSP buttons but they work better from my experience.

And the start, select and PlayStation buttons all have the right push. Although take some getting used to because they're not raised at all.

The design of the device as a whole is simply beautiful. It is a beautiful device to look at. It really is.

Now on to the software positives. The lock screen is beautiful and the touch interface works great for it. You can set backgrounds on each different page and the lock screen. I have 5 pages currently. I think it goes up to around 8 pages total. It all depends where you place your icons.

It comes pre-installed with Welcome Park a 'game' to introduce you to the PSVita's various features (cameras, front and rear touch, microphone). It's pretty cool and comes with trophy support.

Think of the UI of iOS (if you're familiar with it). Instead of it being left to right, with a quick menu on bottom. It's up and down, with all opened applications to the right. Once you learn it, it's quick and fantastic.

Each game and application has a 'Live Area', which shows an icons for searching via the browser, checking the digital manual (most retail games don't come with physical manuals, which is a huge annoyance and shame), and a refresh button. Then there's the button to start the application/game, and around that are quick links. Which can be quick links to certain features in a game (Uncharted has a quick link to Black Market, Hot Shots Golf has a quick link to the Daily Tournaments), links to the developers website, links to the PlayStation Store for DLC (or to buy a full game with a demo's live area), and things like that. It's quite brilliant if I do say so myself. And the games have a button section which shows you data on friends and yourself in regards to the game. For example, it'll show when you (and friends) unlock trophies, accomplish certain goals, start the game for the first time and when you buy it (or download the demo).

Remote Play is great, but at present there aren't very many games that support it. Remote Play allows you to use your PlayStation 3 through a home network or through the internet. Letting you check the PS Store on PSN, play games, and even use your PlayStation Eye. All PSone Classics from PlayStation Store can be played via remote play. Being able to put PSone titles on your PSVita is being worked on, so that won't be much use then. The few games that do support it (All PixelJunk PSN releases, Lair, among others), really show off the potential of it. It works much better on PSVita than it did on the PSP. So I hope that Sony figures out a way to retroactively add Remote Play to all games for PS3. Or at least gets more developers to include the feature in new games.

Now on to the negatives. The startup process is broken. Not broken in that it doesn't work, but broken in that it's more complicated because of an oversight. It asks you to sign into your PSN ID, but you can't because you haven't hooked your PSVita up to Wifi yet. So it then forces you into a temporarily new account since the PSVita requires you have an account apparently.

Near doesn't seem to want to manually update your location data 99.9% of the time. You have to go to Skyhook and added your Mac Address and wait a week or two before it will work, if it doesn't when you get it. It's a fantastic idea. The general premise is that it will leave a digital 'foot print' from your location (or your routers in wi-fi models case, 3G models that we don't have here in Canada yet use GPS). You can also see the foot prints of other people who have done the same. Finding how many people were around that area, and also finding gifts and leaving gifts. I've found 2 gifts for games I don't have. You're unable to download gifts for games you don't own. Kind of nudging you to check it out and see if it's something interesting.

There's no way to turn off system sounds. (there is a way to turn off system music) So it's an oversight here as well I think. It would have been nice to be able to hide certain applications from sight. Once you're done with Welcome Park, there's not much to do with it but move it around to be out of your way.

The download list doesn't have any filter, so if you're a regular buyer from PSN already then you'll have a long list of PS3, PSP, PSMinis, etc to shift through. And when you start to buy PSVita games on there, and continue to buy things on PS3 or PSP it will be really hard to easily get to your PSVita supported content.

Some PSP games can't be downloaded directly to the PSVita, but a lot can be downloaded to the PS3 and then copied and work fine. Same with some PS Minis. Not that way for PSone Games. *Edit* More PSP and Minis games have been added to the store natively. And PSone Classics are supported now, but not all are on the PS Vita store. /edit

All of these software issues can be fixed later, so they don't really hurt the handheld in my opinion and what it is now is fantastic.

Added Info: Since I wrote this there have been a few firmware updates (as of now it's at firmware 2.0). This has added the ability to use the d-pad and buttons to navigate the OS for the most part. Near doesn't support it, and a few others don't still. They've added an email application. Changed around some things for the better.

***I think if you enjoy games with a little more depth (Uncharted, Wipeout), but also want those smaller/quick experiences (Escape Plan, Plants vs Zombies) then the PSVita is for you. It offers up games for both kinds of players out there, as well as those inbetween (like me) who enjoy a lot from both sides. You can have the fun touch games, and the awesome console type experiences here and on a big beautiful screen.

Quite honestly, I wasn't expected to be so captivated by this little piece of hardware. I thought the new "social" features were tacky and I was skeptical about the tiny joysticks; but a 30 minute session of Uncharted conviced me that this was the definitive platform for a console-like experience on the go. With incoming Playstation Plus support, more Sony-exclusive franchises making the Vita jump (as well as new ones), Cross-Buy for most titles that are available on both PS3 and Vita, the future's looking bright indeed.

Pros:
-Beautiful screen
-Similar CPU and GPU as the new iPad
-Lots of PS3 / PSN features and games working from the get-go
-Playstation Plus, Cross-Buy, PSOne support on the way
-Console-quality First Party titles
-Some nice and innovative uses of the gyros, front and rear touch and cameras in games like Uncharted
-Nice variety of optional apps (Netflix, Facebook, Youtube, Skype, etc)

Cons:
-Unimpressive battery life; cannot be changed.
-Costy memory sticks
-Weak third party support
-Slow sales mean uncertain future for the console

Had this for a few weeks and I love it. I admit I'm not the biggest user of portable devices when it comes to gaming but for those times where they come in handy, the Vita is outstanding.

I'm a huge supporter of digital only so naturally I got the 32GB card despite it's ridiculous price tag. I have no regrets and am enjoying the system very much. The potential of this thing is outstanding and I look forward to what this system can do.

I was a little skeptical of the Vita before launch due to some rather critical reviews. But once mine arrived, I was thoroughly surprised to find that it's actually a very robust handheld. At least I feel that it is. The menu, albeit slightly less efficient than it could be, is simple, straight forward, and easy to use. The screen is a beautiful OLED screen that anyone with a Galaxy S will immediately recognize. The analog sticks, a feature I wasn't sure about at first, are responsive and feel quite good. It didn't take long to get used to their sensitivity, and they provide a comfortable level of control in all games I have tried that utilize them thus far. PSP games play fairly well, but can be slow at times. All in all, a great platform. I can't wait to see what great games come out in the near future.

GENERAL:
Between this system and the 3DS XL ive noticed no difference in playability or "fun factor".
As of OCT/2012 both systems still feel in their infancy and both are really fun.
The 3DS library is a bit larger, and with the DS library available youll always have a game to play.
Cutting edge games still get released for DS as well "pokemon black/white 2 for example".

CHOICE:
Having said that, if I had to pick one, which would i choose? Id still have to flip a coin to decide.

AUGMENTED REALITY:
The AR is better on the 3DS, has more modes, more to buy, and full retail games support it.
The screen looks better on the vita for obvious reasons, but if you can handle full 3D dont make
a mistake about it, the 3DS screen is better in games that support its "proper" use ... by A LOT...

ONLINE SHOP:
The eShop has come a long way and no longer sucks - brand new titles are available, and demos too. Organized like the PSN, but works like XBOXLIVE.
eShop has one flaw though. prices are straight up retarded. 32MB card is like $20
Vitas store is terrible, I cant stand it. its all there though and if you can do it youll find it better then eShop but the memory
youll need to use it with is like $80 for 32GB. way to rip off your customer base again sony. "sound familiar?"
Their excuse was "intergrity of the system" but nintendo did it with basic cards and just encrypted its content and last i check
more progress has been made against the vita. go figure - google if interested.

INTERFACE:
I prefer the 3DS but the vita's is flawless.
The way the 2nd screen is used in the menus and shows backround stuff running while your doing other things in the operating system
was pure genius.

3D vs HD CAMERA:

If the size of the screen is of concern to you, the 3DS XL is the same as the vita.
HD videos is great, as well as HD pictures - and they stay HD when you share them. HOWEVER!!!!

3D pictures and movie recording is better, but has 1 major flaw... you lose the 3D off the device
and I would put the images at about 10% less then the VITA. this isnt to say another 3DS wont see the 3d
because IT WILL. the issue comes when sharing on email, facebook, to smartphones etc which is where i find
all my images going - none in 3D even though the 3D is there. unsupported 3D will always piss ya off.

Going to be blunt, 3D Home movies is far superior to the HD, anyone who owns a 3D camera of any other type
knows it, the 3DS is no different "dont listen to vita fanboys...". but then again dont expect to be
able to share your "works of art" with others too often.

SUMMARY:
Dont listen to fanboys on either side, both systems are phenomenal. 3DS is nothing like the DSL/DSi systems.
its very powerful "multiple apps running powerful". Dont look at MHZ of the CPU either.
INTEL vs AMD has shown that it means NOTHING a 3GHZ intel is 30% faster then a 3GHZ AMD.
I would say the power in the 2 systems is probably about the same. the VITA has 4 ARM9 CPUS
and the 3DS HAS 2 ARM11 ... all things being equal, thats probably even in power.
"Single threads will run better on a 3DS for this reason, better chips. but if a game is made for 3+ threads
it will run better on the vita, but this really doesnt matter...."
having said this, remember that games on the 3DS can use only 1 core "or so ive read;) "
the other is for the system. vita is similar being split 2/2.

GPU.
Screen smaller, yes, but is the GPU weaker? NO
remember that the 3DS uses 3D, that means each pixel is counted twice and in effect the GPU on the
3DS has to do more.

vita: 960 × 544
3DS : 400×240 (800 * 480) - 3D remember.

And with the 3D on its beautiful.

The Screen with the 3D can be annoying if you shift your game around it has to stay pretty centered to get the effect
but this is much less true with the XL model; its still there but you got WAYYYYYYY more wiggle room.

Remember something, fanboys are clueless and a dying breed.
BOTH systems are fantastic for what they do, which is 2 very different things.
I own both and cant imagine not owning either one.
you wont be sorry choosing either one.

Great console!perfect for gaming and internet browsing great apps! If you are a gamer this is your product! Delivery was fast within two days.
Console in perfect conditions!

Everything done by amazon was perfect. However, the issue was with the Vita itself. I sent it back due to a faulty screen. But from my time with the hardware it was absolutely awesome.

very fast shipment. I am a fan of PSV. It is really cool. Its resolution is really perfect. Highly recomended!!!

That should be the caption on this monster. Not "Never stop playing". I love the machine. It may be the console that overtakes the Nintendo dominance of handhelds. Though I'm not sure it qualifies as a portable gaming machine. I played on the bus, and it made me queasy.

I'VE UPDATED THIS REVIEW AS I SOURED ON THE EXPERIENCE (STILL LOVE THE MACHINE, HATE THERE'S NO SUPPORT FOR IT)

Pros: Uncharted: Golden Abyss looks as good in your hands as the bigger brothers look on the bigger brother PS3. Built solid. Cool that you can get a sense of what people are playing around your area (apparently 41 people were using their Vita's when I checked--explains why Futureshop and EBgames were sold out on Feb 23 in my area).

Cons: Sony is trying really hard to turn away customers. Why is it that they couldn't use a USB 3.0 cable, but decided for a proprietary jack on the Vita side? Why is it that they had to change the memory card format yet again? Every accessory available is nickle-and-diming (by nickle I mean 15 dollars, and by dime I mean 20 dollars)--for example the docking station doesn't come with its own USB cable. Fine, Sony might be losing money on the console right now at 250 (though so am I); must they get that money back on the accessories? By comparison (the much less cool) Nintendo 3DS - Aqua Blue comes with a cradle; an extra cradle can be bought for $20, and it's complete; the damn thing takes HC SD cards.
And why is it that I cannot copy my PSN downloaded videos to the damn thing? I cannot even view those videos in remote play! (this is likely something that's gonna be fixed soon, so now's the time to gripe about it)
And why not keep the user interface from the PS3/PSP. I'm just an old man complaining about every little thing now; later I'll turn the Vita on and apologize to it, tell her how sexy she is. And she's gonna make me not sleep on the couch tonight.

Now what am I supposed to do with my awesome 32gb memory card from my PSP? Follow up question: what am I supposed to do with my PSP?

I KNOCKED OUT ONE STAR FOR THE ABUSE. AND I ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE CAPS LOCK!

UPDATE: where the heck is the support for this thing? It's been near a month and there hasn't been any notable game yet apart from the ones that came out on release day... and where is the PS3-PS Vita interplay? Why can't I play Thongs of Virtue, Trine, Flower on this? If more games aren't out, and if they don't start showing me a reason to connect to the PS3, I'm gonna get sour on this here machine. I platinum-ed Uncharted and now I've no game to play apart from the incredibly frustrating (but FREE) Motorstorm RC.

UPDATE: part deux. Knocked out another star because... WHERE ARE THE GAMES? WHERE'S THE REMOTE PLAY OF PS3 TITLES? Hate Motorstorm RC, which I'm only playing because of the trophies--take away the trophy support, I wouldn't spend more than 5 minutes with this game, which by the way, should've/could've been a PSP title since you don't really need the dual sticks, and it's underwhelming graphics-wise. Anger festering, I'm shaking my fist at you Sony like an old man at the squirrel perched in the tree in front of his house that's not really a squirrel but a discarded shoe--darn kids.

GIVE ME RAGNAROK ODYSSEY AND I'LL SHUT UP, PUT YOUR STARS BACK UP.

I've some free time so here's me picking at the official info posted for the Vita on Amazon:

"Redefining Handheld Gaming
Explore features new to the handheld genre: dual touch pads at the front and rear, dual cameras at the front and rear, dual analog sticks, a 5-inch OLED screen, six-axis motion sensors, a three-axis electronic compass and exceptional built-in connectivity"
There's an add-on for the 3ds that gives it the second analog stick; the 3ds already had front and rear cameras, with one of them 3d capable; the cameras on the Vita are crap (low light, a lot of light--it don't matter); 3ds has motion sensors as well, same for connectivity. Redefining means doing the same thing now? Oh, right, dual touch pads that I forgot already were there, and a screen with good enough resolution that when I use remote play (from my apartment) to stream hi-def videos from my ps3, there is lag since the wireless connection acts as a bottleneck on the device.

"Stay Connected With "LiveArea"
Share the fun and excitement with fellow Vita users in 'LiveArea,' a virtual space where players can access the latest gaming information through PlayStation Network. Additionally, stay connected with the "Activity Log," where gamers are updated in real-time with accomplishments from users playing similar games."
I thought the 3ds's spot pass was boring after the first week or so; this Sony version is even less engaging; you can use emoticons to share how you feel about the games you're playing, but all of those emoticons are positive; there's no "this game sucks" emoticon--and shouldn't there be one?

"PlayStation Store Access
Players will enjoy full wireless access to the PlayStation Store with Wi-Fi capabilities and 3G connectivity. Download new game add-ons, movies, comics and PS One classics ported over for handheld play."
Who cares? There hasn't been a major release since this thing was introduced. And I check. Every Tuesday. And I'm pretty sure PSN abandoned the comics store in the US, and in Canada it was never available.

"System Software Apps
Take handheld consoles to the next level with all-new system apps designed to enhance the Vita experience. Integrate the Vita into your daily lifestyle with apps like Music Player, Video Player, Group Messaging, and more. "
Who cares? The PSP had Skype, so I naturally thought the Vita will have Skype with Video. Nope. It does not. For the others, music player and video player the psp had; group messaging--who cares? And must I have facebook on yet another machine? SKYPE IS OUT, AND I'M HAPPY WITH IT.

In related news, Sony is laying off 6% of it's workforce, after 4 straight years of posting losses. Don't ruin videogames for me Sony! I'll keep buying your consoles and games; so out with your games and I'll chip in for your recovery.

ANOTHER UPDATE: another Tuesday just passed (May 08) and still no PSN love for the Vita. Mine's been collecting dust for about a week; the week before I was using it to watch TV shows downloaded from PSN--that's right, I'm spending my money on TV shows, 'cause there are no games to be had...

NEVER STOP PLAYING... I can't play the same games over and over again; and a glitch in Motorstorm RC has wiped out my accomplishments, so I'm not touching that game again.

Near is far from a Street Pass. It's best quality is fighting games. But having to hit near all the time is horrid. Not to mention near goes through wireless routers so you'll mostly be at home using it. It is huge and heavy like an Atari Lynx almost Game Gearish. Montazuma is fun and free. Sadly a lot of games have extra packs. So you end up buying unfinished games. Mortal Kombat is the only card free game, I hate it, some things may improve along the lines of joining PS3 users. Very good Facebook and Twitter apps. Although you'd think the Facebook app could handle the games on it. Being a game system. Nice though if you want to post images or statements without flipping open your lap top. Ah make some business discussions, it might make it a write off. Frankly for the money the 3DS even in XL version is worth more.