Is it worth it? A PS Vita Story - DetroitStyle's Blog

DetroitStyle's Blog

Is it worth it? A PS Vita Story

Posted on February 4, 2012 at 01:44 PM.

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We're all told to get pumped, get excited, and be amazed at the reveal of the Playstation Vita. In the same breath we're also asked to throw down between $250-$300 of cold hard cash on a system that still has a lot of questions marks. The Riddler is not impressed.

As a current owner of a PSP-1000, the original launch PSP, my feelings for the system included nothing but disappointment. Although the system had its moments, several issues such as lack of games (which is an important issue right?), short battery life, and a sub-par web browser kept the system from reaching its intended potential. Not to mention the short rise and quick fall of the UMD. Next, instead of redesigning the engine of the system Sony decided to go ahead an make it thinner. While aesthetically pleasing, it still didn't resolve any of the previous system's issues.

To vindicate the PSP-1000 and PSP Slim we were introduced to the PSP GO. The new revolutionary way to game on the PSP. We were given a smaller pocket-sized version of the PSP, with no more clunky UMD's. This was also an introduction to new cloud storage and gaming (a beta version to the Vita if you will). But with the Go we were met with small storage capacity, long download times, and still a very small library of games.

Now Sony has promised to vindicate the PSP once again with the Vita. Included is a revamped game engine and new hardware features such as dual thumbsticks and a touchscreen. They've made major pushes such as debuting MLB the Show and Uncharted, and while impressive, I'm still not totally convinced. As I stated before, questions still remain. Will the battery life hold up? Will developers be able to make games or will we have more ported titles (such as NHL, or NBA 2K)? To put this into perspective, at $250-$300 you could be the proud owner of a new Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. In those systems you have a mainstream guarantee of, at the very least, breaking even on the cost-benefit.

Although these debuting games look fantastic, I can't justify spending a $250 to play the Show on a portable device. Once the system has been released we'll get the full scoop from critics on where the PSP Vita truly hits and misses. Yet, these critics can't account for the future of the system. Just like we couldn't account for the fall of the UMD at the time of the PSP-1000's release.

Will you be buying the Vita?

Comments

# 1 KBLover @ Feb 4

I'm contemplating it - though I may wait for a price pullback. Like you said, $300 and I could get X360, and probably a bundle, if I wanted another console.

I'm not as down on the PSP as some - I enjoy my PSP and have a 1000 model as well. I play mostly RPGs and have a decent collection - though most are remakes (like Persona 2) I actually like the heavier weight - and I think 1000 was actually the best made (durable parts, especially SD slot cover - not just held with rubber or whatever it is).

One stopping point is that my UMD games would be worthless. I do NOT like that at all. Having to re-buy my whole collection, assuming they have them all on digital format is a big sticking point - perhaps a turn off in the end.

# 2 stlstudios189 @ Feb 6

Travel would be the best reason to get one. I only play at home after all the kids go to bed so a Vita would be pointless to me.

# 3 mmathaifighter @ Feb 8

I should preface this by saying Ive been playing video games since my father first brought home a Sears Pong unit back in 1977 when I was 5 years old and I consider myself somewhere in between casual to hardcore. Casual because by and large I stink at games but hardcore because its my leisure time entertainment choice. One of the great joys of my life, other than my daughters has been able to watch video games and computers evolve from Pong, various incarnations of the Atari, NES, SNES, PS, to the powerhouse PS3, Xbox 360, and PC systems. After Atari all but destroyed the home console market I still remember the lines of people waiting to play Super Mario Bros at Kay Bee Toys. That being said, the portable gaming market has changed drastically. I think the Vita exists for the hardcore gamers and I just dont see how that will generate enough revenue to make this a profitable system for Sony. From everything I have read the Vita is having a very difficult time in its home country. I know the hardcore portable gamers do not like it at all but the portable systems of choice these days are cell phones and tablets, myself included. If Im sitting in the doctors office or sitting in the hot tub, all I want is something to hold my attention for 15-45 minutes. If I have access to my 55" tv the absolute last thing I want to do is struggle to see a baseball on a Vita screen. I just dont see the overall viability anymore for the masses being willing to spend $300 for a system plus games and memory. In short, no, I wont be getting a Vita.

# 4 DetroitStyle @ Feb 8

Thanks for the comments. I think it will be a "trickle down" effect for the Vita. If they sell more systems, they'll sell more games, which in turn will persuade developers to make more games and put more resources into development as well. Yet, if they don't sell systems you'll see developers struggling to justify putting money into Vita game development.

Everyone should take the hype of the Show and Uncharted with a big grain of salt. They're developing games for a system they designed. Of course it's going to look like a great investment. But once the exclusives die down we're left with 3rd party developers that probably just won't care to develop on it.

# 5 GlennN @ Feb 10

Not at launch. If they make quality football and hockey games, and a Grant Theft Auto and/or Burnout game, then I'm in. So far, I'm not impressed with the lineup. I'll stick with my PSP for now.