Nyko Power Grip for PS Vita Review

If you’ve been looking for an accessory to compliment your shiny new PlayStation Vita, then look no further; Nyko’s Power Grip for PS Vita is the most versatile accessory for the device by far, and may be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s not the only Vita “grip” accessory on the market. However, it is the only one that’ll double your battery life.

If you’re like me, and you like to play your Vita while relaxing on the couch just as much as you do while traveling, then you may want to invest in a cradle/grip attachment such as this one. Sporting controller-esque handlebars as the bulk of the attachment, the Nyko Power Grip makes long gaming sessions far more comfortable on your hands and wrists.

Setup is painless, as the Vita easily slips into the Power Grip and is then locked into place by both the power source and a small, convenient lock mechanism. What’s more is that this accessory, unlike others, features an unobtrusive design that does not block you from any of the Vita’s major ports/buttons—except for the game cartridge slot—while it is attached; the volume, power and Start/Select buttons, even the audio jack, are not obscured by its design. Sure, you won’t be able to switch out games while your Vita is in this thing, but that’s almost too minor an inconvenience to even point out, let alone complain about. 

The highlight of the Power Grip stems from the first word in its name: “power.” Boasting up to three-plus hours of extra battery life, Nyko’s nifty little product works in conjunction with the Vita’s power slot to supply Sony’s handheld with enough juice to play a game like Resistance: Burning Skies from start to finish in one sitting, and then some.

This feature actually works pretty well, as it’s the main reason you’d want to pick one of these up. If you’re traveling by plane, train, or just using your Vita’s battery more than it can handle between charges, you might want to consider this accessory if you want prolonged use. 

Unfortunately, however, the Power Grip also slightly affects the Vita’s ergonomic design. Not only will it take up that much extra space in your bag—don’t even think about fitting this thing into a pocket—but I found some buttons more difficult to reach with my fingers while using it. Since, while holding the Vita in this cradle, your palms will be a few inches lower than they’d usually be (unless you have monstrously long fingers) you’ll have to move your hands up to access the face buttons and front/back touch. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does get slightly uncomfortable when playing a game that requires the directional/face buttons. Although, you’ll have no issues while playing a game that only uses the dual analogs and triggers.

In terms of design, the Power Grip doesn’t necessarily make your Vita any nicer per se, but that’s not the point, is it? Save for the power source/lock mechanism, this accessory is one solid, sturdy piece of smooth, matte black plastic that matches your Vita, aesthetically. The device itself fits your Vita quite nicely. However, while attached to it, the Vita still bobs about ever so slightly. It’ll never affect gameplay, and is hardly noticeable at all, but still, it’s not as perfectly fitted as it could have been.

If you’re unhappy with your Vita’s battery life, or if you’re looking for a “controller feel” when holding your Vita, then you may want to consider the Nyko Power Grip as a solution–it only costs $24.99. It’s not perfect, but the bottom line is that it makes your battery last pretty darn long—an alteration that many Vita owners would welcome with open arms.

Score

8

The Final Word

It's not perfect, but the bottom line is that it makes your battery last pretty darn long--an alteration that many Vita owners would welcome with open arms.