Playstation Vita

[Rodster]

I have taken a wait and see attitude. I'll keep an eye on how it sells, by that time the price for the device as well as games should drop and the bugs of the device should be ironed out by then.

But be that as it may, price is still an issue even at $249 with memory cards starting @ $19.99 If you factor in the Vita, memory card, console case and a few games, you'll be in the $350 to $400 range after tax.

[wco81]

You can add the price of any data contract too, if you go for the 3G version, though 3G probably isn't good enough for online gaming.


Lot of people do say they are won over by seeing that OLED display in person.

It would have to really be doing poorly for them to do a price drop by February. But you might see better bundle deals or maybe offering gift cards like they did with the 3DS.

A price drop in the first year like the 3DS would really be saying something about the state of the handheld gaming market.

[toonarmy]

I don't see much advantage in getting the 3G version, especially when factoring in the cost of a data plan. Now if I could combine the data plan I have with my Galaxy phone then I would think about it, but as of now I don't think users can do that.

On another note, a review of Uncharted Golden Abyss is in from Destructoid and they rave about it (9.5/10):

http://www.destructoid.com/review-uncha ... 8759.phtml

This is the type of game that gives dedicated handheld gaming systems a big advantage over other devices, and will be essential in driving sales of the Vita.

[dbdynsty25]

I don't see much advantage in getting the 3G version, especially when factoring in the cost of a data plan. Now if I could combine the data plan I have with my Galaxy phone then I would think about it, but as of now I don't think users can do that.

You can. Root your phone and install EasyTether and viola...instant wireless hot spot and at the cost of zero dollars. Exactly the reason I dont buy tablets with data plans.

[toonarmy]

I don't see much advantage in getting the 3G version, especially when factoring in the cost of a data plan. Now if I could combine the data plan I have with my Galaxy phone then I would think about it, but as of now I don't think users can do that.

You can. Root your phone and install EasyTether and viola...instant wireless hot spot and at the cost of zero dollars. Exactly the reason I dont buy tablets with data plans.

Ah ok. I've heard bad things about rooting the Galaxy, but am not smart enough to know whether or not that's true.

[dbdynsty25]

Nah...easy to root samsung phones.

[sportdan30]

CNET hands on first look ...

http://cnettv.cnet.com/sony-playstation ... picStories

[Rodster]

CNET hands on first look ...

That video was filled with "and you'll need a memory card to play certain games or access certain features on the Vita"....why? "the PSP Go had 16GB of internal storage. Why should I have to buy a memory card?"

Eurogamer reviewed Uncharted and gave it a solid 8.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/uncha ... ita-review

[toonarmy]

I can understand the desire to have a memory card packaged with the system, and I think it would be wise for Sony to include one. However, how many systems have ever shipped with a memory card at launch? PS1, PS2, GCN, PSP, Wii did not launch with an included memory card as far as I can remember. Obviously systems with a HDD did not ship with cards for a reason. It's not like it has been an industry standard to include memory cards with systems. It's weird that there is now so much bitching by gamers on various sites about no memory card included when in reality it has been standard practice.

[Rodster]

Sony should have included at least 2-4GB internal storage just for saves. That would have solved the problem and provided the best solution. Then it would be on the user to pony up for more memory.

[toonarmy]

Sony should have included at least 2-4GB internal storage just for saves. That would have solved the problem and provided the best solution. Then it would be on the user to pony up for more memory.

Agreed. Nintendo got this right with the 3DS, not to mention they allow use of standard SD cards.

[10spro]

I just got back from my flight from Shanghai and I was seated next to this dude who was probably in his mid 20's. He was playing the Vita and the game was Uncharted. Of course I had to stick my curious nose in and I asked him about his early impressions and if I could have a hands on. He was a friendly chap and let me play it for a full hour. The screen of the new PSP is really nice, the handheld looks a bit wider and taller than the original one and all the buttons are very well configured. The 'select' and 'Start' buttons are very small compared to the phat PSP and in a way hidden in a lower right hand corner that it would take your finger nails to access those 2 buttons. The rest were very playable especially the 2 analog buttons which are the star of the show.

Very responsive, smooth and the 2 new sticks just makes the Vita easily the most responsive handheld console. The 5' inch screen is beautiful and browsing the many icons felt like as if I was playing with my iphone. The handheld felt surprisingly lighter too despite being larger than the predecessor. Graphic wise, while 'Uncharted' is beautiful is not at par with the PS3. Dude payed a full $400 in Hong Kong when his was there on business and it included a memory card. He told me that the life of the battery was a respectable 6 hours playing non stop, in fact I never saw him charging it during our long 10 hours flight to Vancouver.

One thing I would invest is the screen protector as the machine looked quite smudgy after playing it for a bit.

So even though I had my hands on the machine, the issue for me at this point is the price of the games. I am still 50-50 about buying it right away, I doubt Sony would lower the price of $299 in NA so it all comes to the price of the games. But overall, it is a beautiful portable gamer.

[Feanor]

Gamers who live in Canada and are part of Best Buy’s Rewardzone Gamer’s Club program can take advantage of a great deal on a PlayStation Vita pre-order that includes a free copy of Uncharted: Golden Abyss.

A member of NeoGAF has said that Best Buy Canada has been sending out emails to their Rewardzone Gamer’s Club members saying that with the in-store pre-order of a First Edition Bundle between January 6th and January 12th (in addition to presentation of the coupon below and a minimum deposit), they’ll receive Uncharted: Golden Abyss for free. Uncharted: Golden Abyss retails for $49.99 in the U.S.

To see and download the coupon necessary for the pre-order, click on this link.

No word yet on whether or not the bundle will be extended to Best Buy locations in the US

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2012/01 ... pre-order/

[ScoopBrady]

I hope they do that offer in the States. I am definitely going to pick one up. I really liked the PSP and this looks better in every way.

[10spro]

I hope they do that offer in the States. I am definitely going to pick one up. I really liked the PSP and this looks better in every way.

I just received that offer in my inbox and I am going to pull the deal after all.

[toonarmy]

Same here. Throw in Uncharted and I'll be all over it.

[Rodster]

http://www.gamespot.com/events/ces2012/ ... headline;2

The PlayStation Vita posted big numbers upon its December 17 launch in Japan, with Media Create reporting nearly 325,000 units made it to gamers in its first week of availability. However, that number fell off substantially into its second week, selling about 72,500 units according to Media Create, and just under 43,000 units by week three.

[toonarmy]

Holy crap! Red Dead, BF3, and Batman via remote play on the Vita already.



http://www.destructoid.com/ps3-hack-all ... 0157.phtml

Very cool stuff.

[RallyMonkey]

For those that don't know, 3000+ Gamestop's (I hate them too but…) have Vita displays now in store. I went to my local store today and had about 30 minutes with it. I was already planning on getting one but this secured my feelings. Amazing device and wow, could not believe how light it was. The unit was set up with demos for Uncharted, FIFA, Little Deviants, Wipeout, Virtua Tennis, and Hot Shots Golf…there were a couple others but these are the ones I played. Little Deviants was blah and FIFA felt like too much of a watered down port with forced back touch pad integration. Uncharted looked and felt great, Wipeout was terrific and Hot Shots golf is a day one purchase for me. Tennis was ok, but didn't do much for me although a solid tennis title would intrigue me on this device. Of course these are all demos so I may be being a little too critical of a few games.

If you're on the fence I encourage you to head over to a GS and get your hands on it.

[MizzouRah]

Dammit.. I think that looks unreal and quite fun using the touch sensors. Gaming sure has come a long way.. too bad I'm 40.

When my kids are 40 I can't even imagine what will be out.

[dbdynsty25]

I'm trying to stay away from GameStop...definitely don't want to be tempted. I'm already gaming less and less each day and with MLB 12 coming out soon it's gonna be that and just about nothing else. Must stay away...sucks that GameStop is like a rocks thrown from my office front door. Ugh.

Have they confirmed that playing MLB on the vita can be synced up with the ps3 version? Being able to take my franchise on the road would be almost worth the price alone...hell the only games I play on my playstation are uncharted and the show...so them being vita headliners makes it really tough.

[10spro]

MLB12 looks so sweet on Vita.

[RallyMonkey]

Have they confirmed that playing MLB on the vita can be synced up with the ps3 version? Being able to take my franchise on the road would be almost worth the price alone...hell the only games I play on my playstation are uncharted and the show...so them being vita headliners makes it really tough.

Sorry to say....yes, they have.

I no longer have my PS3 because those were the only two games I was playing on it so this is a must buy for me as I can play them anywhere now without occupying a TV.

[ScoopBrady]

I preordered the early edition bundle at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago. I heard about Gamestop getting in demo units but I am pretty confident I won't be disappointed based on videos I have seen so I've been avoiding seeing it in person. I want the first time I see it in person to be when I bring it home next week.

[RallyMonkey]

I preordered the early edition bundle at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago. I heard about Gamestop getting in demo units but I am pretty confident I won't be disappointed based on videos I have seen so I've been avoiding seeing it in person. I want the first time I see it in person to be when I bring it home next week.

I wish the game that came with it was halfway decent because I would have done this too. I thought I heard that there were going to be a couple of originally planned 2/22 games released on the 14th in stores. Can anyone confirm if this is true? If i can grab a FIFA or something I may just go ahead and grab the bundle. I can always let my kids play Little Deviants.