Now that the PS Vita launch dust has settled, you don’t need to look any further than our own PlayStation Universe community to uncover what gamers really think about Sony’s new handheld.
With many of our readers among the early adopters of PS Vita, the forums are buzzing with chat about its credentials as a dedicated gaming device.
We’ve been scouring our readers’ comments to present a balanced opinion about PS Vita and to come to a conclusion about what gamers really think. We, of course, have our own views, but it’s very interesting to see some of the initial impressions from those people who have spent their hard-earned cash on the new device.
Forum regular TGO touches on the recent debate about whether consumers actually need a new gaming handheld in 2012 when our lives are ruled by smartphones and tablets that already provide gaming-on-the-go experiences.
He poses the following question to fellow community members: Why have a Vita when you can have an IPad?
brebaz makes a good point in response, believing that there’s plenty of room for tablets/smarthphones and a dedicated gaming device to co-exist together.
“Vita is first and foremost was made for a single purpose in mind, Games, “ he writes. “That’s the main use for it, you don’t buy a vita cause you wanna check FB status, or browse the internet. These are simply an addition to the vita nothing more.”
So, are gamers actually bothered about applications such as Facebook, LiveTweet and Flickr? Well, it seems not, as there isn’t actually much opinion about PS Vita’s social apps at all, suggesting that most gamers see the handheld purely as a device for playing games.
Montevista appears to be the lone voice among the majority though, and feels that PS Vita doesn’t tend to all of his needs. He actually says he returned his PS Vita because his iPhone 4 already does everything he wants it to do.
“The main reason I ended up returning the Vita was because of my iPhone 4,” he writes. “I’ve owned an iPhone since 2007 and when I got my hands on the Vita all the apps and home screen felt very outdated — like a cheap version of what I already have on my phone.”
Nevertheless, he does go on to acknowledge that Vita is really about the games, a sentiment that is echoed throughout the Vita-owning community.
“On the other hand the iPhone’s games don’t even compare to the Vita. Somewhere down the road I’ll pick it up again when it’s cheaper and has a more established game library, but for now it’s just not for me,” he writes.
Indeed, most of the negativity surrounding PS Vita relates to its pricing.
“People aren’t willing to pay this much for a handheld gaming device anymore,” writes Nitey. “Especially after many got burnt last year with the 3DS – a similar price drop is now expected from Sony. That is when the sales will probs pick up,” he writes, referring to the reports of sluggish sales of PS Vita in the U.K.
Graham goes a stage further, referring to it as a “rip-off.”
“When I’m out-and-about, I always have my iPhone with me, and occasionally my laptop and iPad too depending on where I am and what I am doing. Do I really want to spend £200+ on another (large) handheld where the games typically cost £30-40, and are no different to what I had/have on PSP and PS3? Not really, no. If the hardware had been around the £150 mark, and games all less than £20, I *might* have given it a look-in. At current prices and with the need to buy rip-off memory cards…nah. This, coming from somebody who normally relishes the thought of owning some hot new tech!” he vents.
The PS Vita Homescreen
High pricing of both PS Vita unit and memory cards is flagged up repeatedly as an issue that has prevented some gamers from buying the handheld in these early stages, but those who have forked out largely have nothing but praise for the games.
Fedos has even been using it to play old PSP titles as well as the new games. “By purchasing a Vita I was also able to catch up on the jrpgs that were released for the PSP. It’s a great device, the graphics are amazing (I’ve just got Uncharted), and I love the intutive UI, “ he writes, though he also brings up the issue about memory cards being too pricey.
Swordfish64 also loves his PS Vita and even claims it has brought him back to gaming.
“So getting the vita is also my window back into gaming,” he posts. “It’s a fantastic console with real controls. The PSP with its one analog nub sucked for shooters. I’m looking forward to Unit 13 and many other titles soon to come.”
The same sentiments are echoed by many PS Vita early adopters, who are enjoying the initial launch line-up and see the handheld as a quality gaming device and a means of connecting with other like-minded PlayStation gamers.
Cpitt writes:
“I’m more exited of future full consoles game ports and the exclusive vita titles, If i have the option of playing a full console version on my vita ill go for that because thats way more convenient for me.”
Uncharted: Golden Abyss a hit among PS Vita owners
SupraGaz agrees and also highlights PS Vita’s ability to connect with like-minded gamers as something that he enjoys.
“For me it definitely has that ‘1 last go’ about it pretty much no matter what game is in. It really is an addictive console and I love it,” he writes. “Sometimes I just browse the live area, go through trophies, look at friends online, the store etc without even playing a game because it’s so accessible and easy to do so. “
While there are some complaints about PS Vita’s design — F35R mentions the fact there’s no “on-board storage, and of course the limited analogs… the menu is a tad "plain" and doesn’t show any sophistication” — others disagree and believe that the analog sticks ensure PS Vita delivers a “console-like” experience.
In summary
PS Vita gamers are largely talking about two things: the price and the games. The perceived high price of the unit and memory cards is almost certainly putting off a large chunk of potential buyers, but what’s interesting is that there are no complaints from those who have bought PS Vita about not getting value for money.
What’s crystal clear is that early adopters see PS Vita as a dedicated gaming device. They’re not bothered about having social networking options, or being able to browse the internet; they’ll just continue to do that on their smartphones and tablets. What they are concerned about is the games. As it stands, PS Vita has got off to a very positive start. Early adopters are impressed with the games, and their only concern appears to be whether we’ll consistently see this level of quality throughout PS Vita’s life-cycle.
Do you think there’s any cause for concern?