CHRIS GIANCAMILLI
STAFF WRITER
Sony’s newest handheld device is set to drop Feb. 22, and the launch period could be crucial in determining the system’s success or failure. Since its announcement early last year, the handheld has been officially titled the PlayStation Vita (PSV), and Sony has released loads of hardware details. Whether or not the launch is a success is determined by gamers, but Sony is ready to win them over with a wealth of new features—some good and some that will leave you cursing the name “Vita.”
The Good
Let’s start with the awesome stuff Sony packed into the new portable.
The Vita places a heavy emphasis on digital distribution. That being said, the device is capable of downloading and playing all PlayStation Portable (PSP) games that are available on the PlayStation Network (PSN). If you downloaded PSP games from PSN, you can play them on your new Vita by linking it with your PSN account.
The handheld will also sport a front and rear camera for use with applications like Skype.
Developers are showing the Vita lots of love with the release of big-name launch titles such as “ModNation Racers: Road Trip,” “Uncharted: Golden Abyss,” “Wipeout 2048,” “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3,” “Street Fighter X Tekken” and “Touch My Katamari.” These titles are shaping up to give the Vita an impressive start in the software department.
Sony built in a gorgeous 5” OLED touch screen, doing justice to those graphically stunning games. The Vita also has a rear touch pad, adding new depth PlayStation’s handheld devices.
For the truly nerdy, the PSV will feature a 32-bit quad-core processor, allowing quick navigation around the device.
The Bad
Unfortunately, whatever seems too good to be true probably is and the PlayStation Vita is no exception.
Since the Vita is downloadonly, PSP games you bought on their Universal Media Disk (UMD) will not be playable on the Vita. If you were hoping to bring your entire PSP library on your Vita, you’re out of luck.
The Vita’s digital distribution means you’ll be storing games on special PlayStation brand memory cards, which will run anywhere from $19.99 to $99.99 for 4GB to 32GB cards respectively. Compared to SD cards of the same storage size, these Vita memory cards cost significantly more.
Powering all this is a rechargeable battery, which equals to a mere 3 – 5 hours of playtime.
Sony is releasing two versions of the PSV—one is exclusively Wi-Fi and the other has 3G support via AT&T’s 3G network. AT&T will be offering a data plan similar to a phone’s data plan with $15 and $30 monthly plans. Though that sounds decent, 3G functions will be limited. According to IGN.com, players will not be able to play multiplayer games over the 3G network. Furthermore, the AT&T network still ranks last in terms of customer satisfaction compared to the three other major networks according to CNN.com. The Wi-Fi version is limited to whatever Wi-Fi connections are available nearby, but over time, it’ll be a big money saver versus the 3G Vita.
Verdict
The PlayStation Vita has plenty of goods to keep you entertained during those breaks between classes, but buyers beware—there are a couple downsides to the new gadget. For hardcore gamers, the device will be a must-have. Casual gamers on the other hand might opt for something a bit more affordable or stick to Droid and iPhone games until the Vita gets a price drop.