Today I have accomplished a dream of mine: I got a video game system on the day it came out, brand new, in box, before anyone else.
After pretty much dumping an ungodly amount of product on my local GameStop, it only cost me $1.70 out of pocket. I’m pretty sure some underpaid kid is still testing all my games. I digress.
Here are my thoughts about the PlayStation Vita so far, based on about 5 hours of use:
Cons:
Downloading apps should be more intutive
There is nothing in any of the literature that came in the box that says you have to go to the PSN store to download apps.
Updates out of the box, on launch day
Having to download a software update before you can link your current PSN account kind of sucks, and makes for some awkward retries and errors because it wants you to either already have an account or to make one. The confusing part is that there is an option for not making one at that time, but it would just be easier to have it download after the fact, like it does on a PS3 or PSP.
Breaking the user experience
The Live area, the thing that replaces the Xross Media Bar, kind of sucks. After making all of their devices use the XMB for years now, going to something entirely new isn’t very user friendly, and takes some getting used to.
Sony being Sony
The Vita charges via USB, but not the standardized Mini-USB like the PlayStation controllers or the PSP—no, it takes something that looks like a slimmed down version of an iPod connector. On top of that unnecessary annoyance, the charging is slow going.
Lack of protection
The Vita doesn’t come with any sort of protective case. I would think that for $300, Sony would at least include either a screen protector or a sleeve to keep it in. It has a 5″ screen—there is no way anyone is going to carry it around in their pocket.
Game media
When I pay $40 for a game, it would be nice to have something in the case it comes in besides an online pass (which are complete bullshit anyways) and a card that is slightly the same size as Mini SD card. Sony has gone the way of Microsoft and now do not even include an instruction manual in their cases. The manuals are all on the card now—and to add insult to injury they’re a pain in the ass to access.
Pros:
Versatile
The PlayStation Vita pretty much does everything. I can use Netflix, Twitter, a web browser, Facebook, augment reality, and… oh yeah, play games. There are probably more things I have yet to discover.
DEM GAMES
The games are freaking awesome. I got mine at GameStop, where they were doing a ‘Buy two get one free’ on games—even though I only wanted two, I got one for free, which is always a plus.
I ended up with Uncharted, Wipeout 2048, and Hot Shots Golf.
- Uncharted looks as good as it does on the PS3, and the controls are spot-on, which is nice. The touch controls work nicely and give some additional depth to the game.
- Wipeout, a futuristic racing game similar to F-Zero, has some cool touch controls, but you really need to use the buttons once you get past the first few races. This game is more about agility than raw speed, and the touch controls are too clunky for that. The game has a huge single player mode like the Ridge Racer games, which are short enough to play when you have a break and addicting enough to make you lose track of time trying to get to the next racer.
- Hot Shots Golf, the free game, is just like all the other Hot Shots games—simple, fun arcade golf. If you liked the other ones, you’ll like this one.
Ergonomics
The system itself, though larger than a PSP, fits better in your hands and feels more comfortable. The positioning of the two analog sticks is very natural.
Visuals
The screen is amazing—the graphics look just as good as thePS3, and considering that these are just the launch titles, I wouldn’t be surprised if down the road the graphics get better.
Camera
The front facing camera takes decent pictures and there will be Skype support in a future update.
Sound system
The sounds from the system are the best I have heard on any handheld, including the 3DS.
I’m sure there’s more that I could have gone into detail about, but this is just a cursory overview after barely scratching the surface. Overall, I am really happy with the system and happy I spent the extra $50 for the one with 3G and Wi-fi, because it came with an 8GB memory card and a free download from the PlayStation Store, courtesy of AT&T once I activate my 3G.
If anybody has questions about the system I would be glad to answer them.
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