PlayStation Vita Will Not Have Video Output Confirmed

If you’ve been keeping up with PS Vita news, you have probably already heard that the device will no longer be restricted by regions. Although this is a big bonus, some slightly disappointing information has been released. Apparently, the PS Vita will not include support for any type of video out capability.

Unfortunately, this is not a rumor. Sony officially confirmed the information on their FAQ for PSVita, which can be checked out at their blog. Sony made a very clear response regarding the video-out features for the device.

[MinusTheBear]

It would be counter productive to have such a feature.

[Godmars290]

Yeah, no real point if many of its titles are also playable on the PS3.

[Yi-Long]

... so you could use it as a portable mediaplayer to hook up to a HDTV at a friend's house.

[young juice]

if the games are really meant to be played between the two systems then they could just use the revised remote play system on ps3.

however the main point of having a handheld is to play it on the go. im not sure how much a video output costs to implement but im sure it was a smart choice on the cost efficient psv price point.

[darthv72]

I was expecting it to be able to hook up to a tv if you wanted to play the games on a bigger screen. Yet you wouldnt be able to recreate the "touch" experience with a controller if the game was made for the touch in mind.

To be honest, I am betting there would be a revision that includes video out. There is an advantage to having such a feature. It makes the unit dual purpose and gives it more proposed value.

I have the psp go and I like being able to kick back on the couch and have it hooked up to a tv to play the games from time to time. Yeah it may not look as good but it adds to my enjoyment of the device. I can take it on the go and play killzone liberation or angry birds or plug it into the tv and play the same games.

No reason this unit couldnt be capable but it just may be a matter of cost. The processing power seem like it could do upscale to an hdtv in at least 720p. Sony has the ability to do what only one other company did before.

Sega had the nomad which was a portable genesis that you could plug into a tv and even have two player with a controller plugged in. Turboexpress was just a mini turbografx but I like that it used the same hucards as the console.

Sony could do the portable to console in one but currently they want to keep them separate. Maybe down the road they will release just one unit that does both. That or MS/Nintendo will and then they get all the glory for doing so.

[Pixel_Enemy]

I am all for the PSVita, I plan to get one day one.. But I don't see why so many of you are defending the fact that it will not have video out. It is a feature that some people will use, you might not plan to use it but some people will.

As far as the argument goes about it being a portable and not a console.. Video out will NOT make the system any less portable.

[LostDjinn]

Excellent. You guys seem to have it all worked out. Just one thing. Vita's wi-fi enabled. You can just stream content to a wi-fi enabled TV.

Sorry to drop an olive on the turd sandwich you were busy constructing.

Please, carry on.

[bruddahmanmatt]

The reason there's no video out is because if there were, some folks would be tempted to just dump their PS3 and go with a Vita which they could plug in to their flat screen when they get home. Smart marketing move on Sony's part forcing buyers to spend for both pieces of hardware but this really does suck for those who were hoping to play PSV exclusives on their big screens.

[darthv72]

as easy as that is....

whats even easier is just plugging it in to a tv. Everybody's pretty much got one of those with at least a set of RCA jacks available.

[sikbeta]

It's for the cross-platform playing, that way you'll need a PS3 to hook up your PSV and play the games on big-@ss Screen, think about it, the PSV is a wonderful machine that can produce awesome graphics, if Sony add video-output connectivity, it'd be counterproductive for the whole cross-gaming thing...

[Boody-Bandit]

I agree. The Vita is probably going to be the first handheld I ever purchase for myself. Usually I get them for my kids or as gifts but when Sony debut it at E3 2011, I was blown away with what this handheld can do.

With that said, I am also disappointed it wont have video output. Most devices offer this technology including smart phones. Definitely a con but I am still getting one the day it's released in NA.

[MONOLITHICIDE]

then how did they play Ruin on the tv

[Godmars290]

Its going to be playable on the PS3 as well. Why is that coming off as such a hard concept when Sony has repeatedly mentioned this?

[gaffyh]

They'll add it to a later version of the handheld when they get the costs down a little.

[malamdra]

good, this way games are exclusively handheld

[Redrum059]

lol, i lols

[VampiricDragon]

so far 10 percent of the games shown are exclusive

[SilentNegotiator]

@Vampiric

Quit trolling to raise up your precious Nintendo system as usual. LBP on Vita will be completely original like the one on PSP. Resistance and (possibly) Killzone will also be. Not to mention an entirely new Uncharted adventure. Among others and new IPs.

But I'm sure you just got confused by the same names and IPs. It's not like Mario Kart, Super Mario, and Luigi's Mansion or anything like that.
/s

[Series_IIa]

It's counter productive to take your PS3 and accessories when you're on holiday or away for a few days taking up extra weight and space, when you can take your PS Vita in your pocket and hook it up to a nice TV to play or watch something, instead of limiting yourself to a tiny screen.

EDIT:
32+ inches > 5inch

[MinusTheBear]

The screen is a top quality 5inch OLED.

[StbI990]

Does the 3DS has video output? if not SHUT D F UP SCKRS.

Viva la vita.

[mindedone]

No, but PSP does, so STFU

[TBM]

It would be great if the system had the feature, but since it doesn't im not going to lose sleep over it, and start complaining like its the end of the world.

Maybe they'll reconsider if people write to them nicely to think about. No one hear knows the real reason why they decided not to put it in.

[ElementX]

"It would be counter productive"..... Rationalizing much?

[Fishy Fingers]

Pretty disappointing. Would of been nice to play not only games, but all forms of media on other, probably larger, displays.

[fastNslowww]

it's a hand held..not a console. gsus!

[Fishy Fingers]

PSP had video out. It's a handheld media device, video out is a pretty basic feature these days and would of been welcomed, that all I'm saying. gsus!

Edit: LOL disagrees, quick defend the Sony product!

[Blaze929]

cell phones even have video out. if you don't have a ps3 i don't see why you shouldn't be able to at least output videos, music, and pictures to any TV whenever you go. Who wants to carry around a laptop or tablet all the time? I agree with Fishy.

[Pixel_Enemy]

giving it video out doesn't make it any less portable...

[Nicolee]

oh well , if i want to watch video clips or movie on bigger screen ? i think i need video output, give me HDMI port :) .

[Dread]

defend sony defend sony defend sony defend sony defend sony defend sony
sony can do no wrong sony can do no wrong sony can do no wrong.

hate on everything not sony related hate on anything not sony related...

zombies

[prdn23]

It's somehow touching, seeing N4G Sony Fanboys comforting each other. First the PSN, and now this. My sympathy for you guys.

[news4geeks]

clever from sony because it forces you to buy a ps3 to do so.

[multipayer]

Yeah, this doesn't bode well for the 3d monitor sony announced at e3 either.

[thesummerofgeorge]

In what way do you mean?

[multipayer]

It is marketed as a Playstation monitor, and only the latest playstation device doesn't support it. I think it is a missed opportunity, considering it is 24" and that is the perfect size before sub hd resolutions start looking grainy. I was thinking about what it would be like to use the vita as a controller to play on it during the e3 conference.

Of course I wouldn't buy a $500 3D monitor for that, I just like video out and less strain on the neck...

[thehitman]

Idk this sounds hard to believe unless the PSVita that everyone was using on E3 are special units for showcasing... because they obviously had output cables hooked up to them.

[looza]

Only in preview for new games. All the hands on demo was recording someone hand playing it.

[thehitman]

You dont need a cable to record someone's playing.

[Pedobear Rocks]

Yes...they were special units.

[Mr_Bun]

Why does it need a 'video out' when you can pick up exactly where you left off on the PS3...did no one see the Ruin video from E3?

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

well I doubt that all vita games will be on the PS3 as well.

If the PSP had a video output, this thing should too. But I think people who only have the vita would be less inclined to buy a ps3 if the vita could hook up to TV and have almost ps3 level visuals.

I hope that they have a way to play the vita on our TV if we have a PS3. I think the the vita visuals would still look really good on a TV, unlike the PSP.

edit- Well I might chose the PSvita over PS3 version sometime for portability, it would be nice to play it on the TV as well but...

I was more talking about playing vita games that ARE NOT on the PS3 on a TV with vita, the new uncharted game. The visuals are good enough on PS vita to still look great on a TV.

[Mr_Bun]

I think most PSV games will be compatible with the PS3. The ability to pick up a save from either system is one of the best features. Sony can't abandon that feature out of the gate.

...and why would you want "almost" ps3 level visuals if you own a PS3? Are you just concerned about saving money by purchasing the cheaper version?

[Fishy Fingers]

Because it plays more than games. Its a perfect media device to take with you when on the move or staying away from home, would of been nice to stream some movies or TV shows up on a HDTV.

[Mr_Bun]

I'm not against a video out option (I've used it with my PSPGo after syncing one of my dualshocks) but it really makes the device less portable. I think it also confirms that you'll have to pay more if you want both versions of the games (the PSV version won't be free).

[Drekken]

fishy, why couldnt you just plug it into your PS3 and stream the movie like its a USB stick plugged in?

Sure, for people without a PS3 it would be nice, but Sony is pushing PSV to go hand in hand with the PS3.

[Fishy Fingers]

I dont get why your mentioning PS3.

The Vita is designed to be used on the go. When I work away, stay in hotels, I dont carry my PS3 with me. It would of been great to stream Netflix or whatever up onto the TV of the hotel I'm staying in.

The whole point (for me) of getting Vita is to have a mobile games/media player when I'm not at home (where you keep your PS3).

[BlackKnight]

Man Fishy, people are trying so hard to defend a stupid company rather than realize that a portable gaming system is missing a feature that cell phones have...

Ridiculous, it should be there for movies, pictures, AND games. Lame...

[danielle007]

What if - and this is a big if on N4G - someone doesn't have a PS3?

[Mr_Bun]

Get a PS3 :)

I think Sony wants the PSV to compliment the PS3, not replace it.

[BlackKnight]

@Mr_Bun

No one wants to drag the PS3 around to play their games or movies on a TV. Bring your PSV to a hotel, friends house, visiting family, and you want to use the big screen? My damn year old Droid X has 720P out for movies....

Hope they reconsider this. The point of being portable is so you don't HAVE to haul around a console.

[Thepcz]

no 'do-it-yourself' competition to wiiu then

if you want to play your games on tv you will have to buy a ps3. crafty

this is where wiiu will excel.

[PirateThom]

But... what?

If you want to play games on the go, you'll have to buy a 3DS...

What are you saying here?

[divideby0]

if it were in there, than the price would be higher..

the price point of this device is KEY and Sony nailed it...

I just dont want them taking RAM out

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

people with only the vita with a TV output probably would have less of a reason to get a PS3 if they could hook the VITA up to their TV. since it has PS3 like visuals, ps3 like price, and PS3 like games I think some people would just get this instead and hook it up to their TV when at home.

I hope it at least lets us play the vita on our TV by hooking it to the PS3, that would be just as cool with me as a TV out. But I do think hooking this thing up to a TV while at home would be great since the visuals are quite good and would still look great on the bigger screen. Im guessing they will let us play it through our PS3 somehow as having a powerfull portable that can also look excellent while hooked to a HD TV while at home would be a big selling point.

Id even imagine it would be awesome if they let a 2nd player join in using a DS3 while the PSV is hooked up to the PS3/HD TV, that would be awesome(or maybe even let the 1 person playing PSV on their TV use the DS3 as the pad).

[BlackKnight]

Honestly I DO NOT believe this thing can output 720P native to the TV and still keep the graphics, textures, etc as good as the PS3. Especially now that it has half the RAM (256MB, not 512MB anymore)

[MGRogue2017]

Not such a big deal, really..

[R_aVe_N]

well considering a lot of the games will have that cloud feature I really don't see a need for it for games, but I can see the need for other types of media. The only bad thing is for full retail games you would have to buy both copies if you were going to do that.

[Burning_Finger]

Almost everything can be done via streaming using wireless and PS3 2 PSPVita connectivity. I'm pretty sure Sony's are working on that features.

[TacoTaru]

If they do something like that it will only stream to a Sony TV.

[TheMART]

Its fail. Anyone can say 'its not needed' or 'wasn't used much on psp', you're missing the point.

Any current device thats capable of great graphics nowadays is able to put it out on external screens. Smartphones, tablets, cameras all of them. It should be a basic function, period!

On the PSP it wasn't the best feature, because it displayed it in a pretty small square on the TV, because of its lower resolution. The NGP however, has a major boost in resolution and power to be able to blow it up to full screen.

However my PSP with CFW had a homebrew TV out function to get it full screen which was awesome in combination with emulators for example NES, SNES etc. a portable retro machine with TV output.

So even though it was not the most used feature on the PSP because of its limitations it should have had it on the NGP because of the new powerful hardware and basically any device that is able to output has it these days! Also with the cams on board for taking vids and pics etc.

Lets hope it'll do BlueTooth connection with TV's and other devices to get that stuff wirelessly on the TV. Through the PS3 would work for me also although one would be limited to having it. People without a PS3 would be facked.

See how Sony will bring out NGP Slim in the feature with that output added, upgrading stuff like Apple is doing with iPhone and iPad....

Oh yah I hate PSViSta name, even NGP is better. Or just PSP2. Dumb ass PSPita. I'll get a white one and scratch away that sh!tty PSPViSta name.

EDIT

@ the guy below

que? Why not want to hook it up to a HDTV? When you're somewhere else and want to show stuff to other people and not all have to squeeze in front of that tiny screen? When you're on holiday and have the NGP with you and got a TV to hook it up?

Because a game like Uncharted on the NGP looks so great you'd wanted to check it bigscreen, and what if one doesn't own a PS3?

Again, like pretty much EVERY portable device has a TV out these days, its just missing out.

Its funny how PS fanboys were cheering over the possibility of the NGP being able to have such great graphics and even having it hooked on TV, suddenly downplaying it.

What does it have to do with getting one by just saying this feature should have been on it? I have 2 PSP's, fat and white, and I use its TV feature. How is it useless for ME again? Total droid you are.

Like the Wii U has a controller that has a screen switching back when the TV is put off, its about the same way one could use the PSP as a portable, but also big screen, because its powerful enough to do so.

[fastNslowww]

better yet..get a new hobby you seem to have an obsessive/emotional problem. Just saying.

It's a HANDHELD..the things shouldn't be considered a LOSS....who wants to hook it up to a HDTV anyways? use a PS3. Or don't get one.

useless features..hence why it wasn't used much for the PSP.

get over it.

[Pedobear Rocks]

The VAST majority of handheld devices (see ipod/iphone/android/tablets/cu rrent gen PSP) all have video out. It is the norm not an exception. It being missing from the NGP is a step backwards.

[strickers]

Funny.I've never had anyone I know(techy lot)plug a mobile phone or handheld games console(or iPod Touch)into a TV.
Games will look a lot worse on a TV and they will compete with their own home device.
Who buys a handheld to plug it in the TV?
Can 3DS do it?(god,that would look ugly)

[TheDivine]

I do. Im on the road 4-5 days a week for work staying in hotels so carrying my ps3 or 360 is out. I bring my psp and hook it up to tvs to watch my movies and play games for a portable console. Its also very nice to be at a friends and plug in and watch some new movies or take turns at chinatown wars or play some other games. I really want this to have hdmi out so i can bring this. Sure i can still but u get sick of playing on a tiny screen and movies do suck on a small scren. Its still awesome but this is a basic function for ipods, phones, even the psp so it is a HUGE loss for a lot of folks out there.

[BlackKnight]

I do it with my phone for movies, in 720P. Why would you argue to NOT have a feature for a device?

Especially when everyone claims its close to PS3 graphics (which I highly doubt when it has half the RAM).

[SuperStrokey1123]

I would have liked this feature but its not a deal breaker for me. If im not mistaken didnt they have do this with the first PSP as well and then add it in a later revision?

[Pedobear Rocks]

Yep...thus waiting for Vita 2.0

[gillri]

this will be on the revision

[zinkabass]

Why would they want it on the same market as PS3!!!!

Why would they want to compete with themselves?
(They will most likely add it in, well into PS4's time ,.. )

[BlackKnight]

Because it WONT look as good as the PS3 games, because it wont have local multiplayer, because you won't be able to play online multiplayer with other PS3 gamers, because not all PS3 games will be on the PSV, not even close.

Fanboys just making excuses for disappointing news.

[Ju]

Oh, boy, good enough to loose a fair share of customers.

I can't believe how people just can't get that. It IS a damn strategic decision. Nothing else. That damn feature is on the debug/show version. Probably costs them more to remove it instead of just run one batch to glue that on all models.

[Megulito]

it this really a thing? like ere have been like 8 news stories about this bs lol like who was really clamouring for/ needing this lol oh man gotta let my friends hear this song / see this game that looks much worse on a bigger tv lmao aight well to each their own i just wanna find out how to get one of these as cheap as possible

[Merivigian]

Then why show it off at E3?

[Ju]

So other people can actually see what someone is presenting on a small screen? Does make too much sense, huh? Same for devs. Those are dev version. Helps devs to actually see that on a big screen rather than getting eye sore after a couple of hours staring at the small screen.

[KonaBro]

because the whole point of a HANDHELD that is supposed to connect you to your friends while you are MOBILE should be knocked down for its inability to do Video Out when its entire modus operandi is counter-intuitive to using video out in the first place. That makes PERFECT SENSE. Honestly, do any of you guys think about what you say before you type it?

[mindedone]

Have you read ANY of the comments that give PLENTY of valid reasons for why they might want to use Video Out? Do you forget that the current PSP has video out?

[KonaBro]

None of those points are valid because the touch pad on the back and touch screen on the front invalidates the whole idea. Besides, no one other than hardcore technophiles are going to even care about this feature because it's not needed to enjoy the Vita. I highly doubt people will change their minds over buying a Vita just because it doesn't have video out. Once again you guys are making a big deal out of something only a certain percentage of consumers use.

[mindedone]

Ok, so travelling a lot, and wanting to use a larger screen isn't a valid reason? I don't see how a touch pad and a touch screen invalidate ANYTHING, as innumerable devices with touch screens have video out.

[Ju]

Well, I guess that's a valid reason. But not the main audience for the device. Sorry, I guess. And it still stands, that with additional touch features, or gyro support, this would be limiting the experience.

[mindedone]

@ Ju, the touch screen and gyro support would still work, and I would think that people that travel a lot WOULD be the main audience, but yea, why would travelling people want a portable gaming system anyway?

Honestly, running the video signal to a 3 lead port instead of the 2 lead port that they decided to go with, wouldn't have been that much more expensive.

[mindedone]

dammit, double post

[Wolf873]

Well it would certainly have been a nice feature. It's safe to say that not all Vita games would be on PS3 like Ruins. It'd be a great feature if someone does wanna play a Vita game on a bigger screen or as someone mentioned, use it for playing videos on bigger screen.

[danielle007]

I never like when a company takes away a feature when they go into a new generation, especially one like this. It would just be useful for consumers all the way around. Maybe they'll add it in.

Anyways, I'll still be getting this. :]

[Falaut]

oh noez! psv dead on arrival nowz!

[Seraphemz]

I never used it on my psp. I know maybe some people did but I don't think it was that important that people won't get it because it's missing.

[AceofStaves]

Same here. I never use the video out on my PSP or any other portable device I have.

[ILikeTurtles]

Lol people buy a portable console and want video output?
that's weird...

(yes I know that psp 2,3 and go had video output, but no one used that xD)

[MasterCornholio]

It would just drive the cost of the hardware up. Didnt they state that they could do this via the PS3?

[ChronoJoe]

Old news.

[Warshade]

IMO lose the back screen gimmick and add hdmi out. Or better yet some sort of wireless streaming system via the ps3.

[XabiDaChosenOne]

Seems like people want more but want to pay less. I would love video output also but it would make the PSV more expensive. And its obvious people don't like that.

[rob6021]

Funny I bought video out for my original PSP, used it maybe 2-3 times then said heck with it. Even the PSV doesn't have 720p graphics; they won't look as good as PS3 games blown up so it's not worth it. Besides the PSV has a fricken OLED screen - why would you want to downgrade?

[blackburn10]

So fun to see people trying so hard to find a reason to hate on the VITA.They practically give you everything and you can always depend on some nitpicking jack@$$ to try and find something wrong. It would be a nice feature to have but if it doesn't who cares?

[fullmetal297]

Sony must of cut this feature to maintain the 250 price tag.

[stuntman_mike]

I'm also surprised Sony never mentioned Golden Eye on PS3/Move?!