Can Sony Save Vita?

Play magazine takes a look at ways Sony might be able to turn the fortunes of the Vita around.

[Mikey32230]

broken link?

[Vitalogy]

Works for me.

Sony know how to save the Vita, they just need to make more games with Killzone: Mercenary quality and all would be great but no, they keep pushing the indie 8-bit/16-bit and/or android games into a freaking €250 device that can easely handle most ps3 games.

[DragonKnight]

How long has it been since we've seen another "Vita is doomed" article?

[xX-StolenSoul-Xx]

Can they save it, maybe but we need more games. GOOD games

[zeal0us]

Also better marketing for its games and the vita itself.

[DOMination-]

Yesterday they tweeted a picture of a guy playing on his Sony tablet using a dualshock with the headline "future of mobile gaming" (paraphrasing, I can't remember the EXACT phrase)

I honestly think Sony have given up on Vita

Edit: Sorry, I should probably have provided a link:

https://twitter.com/Sony/st...

[slivery]

You realize that is the Sony twitter and not the Playstation twitter, right? So of course they will advertise Sony products. Sony and Playstation are separate divisions.

That has nothing to do with the PS Vita or them giving up on it. Using a controller with a tablet is nothing new either.

[SuperWeeb]

There are games, GOOD games.
It has more games than when the 3DS was that age.
It has more higher rated games than the 3DS has at that age, and more or less the same amount as it does currently.
It has more games being released over the course of 2014, more first party titles and more personally funded games.

What the issue is, is the following
1) Tunnel vision - People ignoring and not aware of perfectly legitimate games on the system like Malicious Rebirth, Dynasty Warriors Next and Sorcery Saga.
2) Comparing a library size to an older device and expecting it to be the same or larger
3) The majority of first party titles being new, fresh IPs. Compared to the 3DS, where most, and almost all first/second party titles are continuations in a series.

[Gravity_DoGG]

@Nabbic - "1) Tunnel vision - People ignoring and not aware of perfectly legitimate games on the system like Malicious Rebirth, Dynasty Warriors Next and Sorcery Saga" not everyone likes to play those japanese games you know?

[Spinal]

I don't own any portables but you just listed a bunch of games most people have no interest in.

If I was to buy a portable it will be the 3DS with mario kart, pokemon x/y an the upcoming smash bros. now those are extremely fun looking games compared to the crap u listed. No one wants to play uncharted on the go lol that's why the vita has failed an won't ever succeed.

Unlike the PS4 which is on a good path just needs more games then I'll pick it up. I never buy consoles at launch the games library is always baron.

[SuperWeeb]

1) But Japanese games!
Killzone Mercenary, Unit 13, LittleBigPlanet, WipEout 2048, Uncharted, Tearaway...
Furthermore, the more popular rival, the 3DS, is a Japanese system. And you may be forgetting it, but Mario, Zelda, Fire Emblem and Bravely Default are all Japanese games. In fact, FE and BD are heavily Japanese games. Double standard much?

2) Games no one is interested in
You've never even played these games, how can you say you have no interest in them?
From your argument, it seems you're sticking to noting but mainstream games... You are effectively the cancer of the industry and the reason new IPs never kick off. I can safely bet you've played Square Enix games but never heard of Falcom.

A game doesn't have to be a continuation of a series to be good. And everything you've listed is stuff the majority of us have played a thousand times before. But no one's played Gravity Rush or Soul Sacrifice before this generation... No one played Patapon before last generation.

[DCfan]

lol, you just owned them man.
Have a bubble.

[Inception]

@Nabbic

Well said, bubs+

I own both 3DS and vita but the stigma of "vita doesn't have games / good games" is ridicilious. What you described are spot on, especially point number one where the majority of people too lazy to try new IP's. That's why we stuck with CoD or Asscreed year after year :(

[MaximusPrime_]

vita needs saving?

[bothebo]

Stop lying to yourself. This is why I hate Sony fanboys: WAKE THE F*CK UP!! the PS4 has helped its sales marginally and mobile and indie software is doing nothing for Sony and YOU other than guarantee small profits for Sony. All it does for you is gives you a crappy over priced game that you could buy on any other platform for a lower price. Instead, you're getting an overpriced version on your $250 (for me) dedicated handheld device which should provide unique experiences for you (oh wait, you can't do that in 2D on a >100MB game).

YES IT NEEDS SAVING!!

I've played every game I want to play on it. I want more software but there is nothing that is appealing to me. Why? Only THREE 3rd party developers of any significance are bringing new games to the system. Sony needs to bring their sh*t at E3 or this is probably one of the greatest blunders in gaming history and has a very small chance of selling over 10 million outside of Japan.

[zeal0us]

It need something because it's almost in the same position the WiiU is in, if not already. Psvita lacks third party support and not to mention poor marketing. Lately I haven't seen any Vita ads or ads for its games.

[Team_Litt]

Way past asking that silly question by now. Burying your head in the sand was cute in year one but three years on it is just annoying.

[hulk_bash1987]

I love my vita and have alot of games for it but even I know it isn't selling so well outside of Japan. That doesn't make me enjoy it any less but Sony needs step it up and release some new high quality 1st Party games and fast. A new Gran Turismo will definitely move alot of Vita's in Europe.

[Bundi]

No of course not, whenever a company downgrades its sales forecast by more than half it's a sign of great success!

[Eyeco]

You're kidding, there's no way in hell anyone can be that delusional, Do you have any idea how many hurdles the handheld needs jump to even be considered a moderate success ? Otherwise at best it's only ever going to be considered an over-glorified PS4 peripheral.

[Sizzon]

It's doing great in Japan these days, but yeah in NA and EU it needs to do alot better imo. A price cut and more marketing, Gran Turismo Vita maybe?

I love my Vita btw :)

[Neonridr]

didn't the Vita already get a price cut?

[Sizzon]

I don't know :p

hopefully when the Slim model comes it will be cheaper

[Neonridr]

well the OLED model was $250 when it first launched, now it's $199 (WiFi model). The new slim model will be $199 as well, but it will have Borderlands bundled with it.

[KrisButtar]

I never use my Vita anymore and its just packed back in the box in the closet, haven't sold it yet. I'll likely take it out for Minecraft though.

I think Sony has a lot to do if they want the Vita to start selling. I have friends waiting for that TV output port like the PSP had.

[Neonridr]

if you have a PS4 it has its uses. Other than that I only play the PS+ freebies I get.

[KrisButtar]

I used it for playroom once to collect a trophy and most of the Vita PS+ titles have not interested me or I already own the titles. Is there other uses?

I'm hoping that the 2nd screen function will work with WatchDogs and the Division(Vita player be the flying drone) but other than that I've pretty much wrote the system off.

I think its a great piece of hardware but it doesn't have the games and none of my friends will upgrade from there PSPs either.

Edit: I know of remote play but I always have control of my TV so I will never need to use it

[Neonridr]

The Remote Play feature allows you to play your PS4 games on the Vita. Great if you are lying in bed but want to continue to play. Or if your significant other / children want to watch TV.

[kayoss]

Since I got my PS4, I've been using my PS Vita almost everyday. Sometime i will be at my cousin and i will remote log into my PS4 and play my PS4. I'm currently playing FFX and FFX-2 on my vita right now. This thing is a beauty on the OLED screen.

[slivery]

"waiting for that TV output port like the PSP"

Not happening, that is why Vita TV exists. It just needs to come over seas now.

[KrisButtar]

lol I know right, but that's what all my friends are waiting for and if it doesn't happen they won't buy one.

Vita TV is not compatible with all Vita games either.

[vergilxx3]

Hackers already done vita HDMI output

[Anon1974]

I'm at a bit of a loss here. The author wants to see more PS4/PSVita connectivity? Being able to remote play your PS4 through your Vita isn't enough? This is a serious question, how do you think they could be more connected?

[Neonridr]

not everyone who owns a PS4 owns a Vita though. And do you really want to glorify the Vita as just a really expensive PS4 controller?

[Anon1974]

That's not what I'm saying at all.

The article itself stated that they should do more to connect the Vita to the PS4. I'm saying that the Vita can already be connect to the point where it becomes your PS4. What more do they want in terms of connectivity? Should your PS4 be able to control your Vita remotely? What use could that possibly have?

I just don't understand that particular criticism from this article. They didn't offer any example of how they'd like to see the two consoles further connected. Maybe my imagination is a bit limited here, but I think one console effectively becoming the other console is about as connected as two consoles can become.

If they stated they'd like to see more examples of the Vita being used as a second screen or something for certain PS4 games (a useless annoyance if you ask me) then I could at least understand that, but the article does nothing to elaborate this point.

[Neonridr]

@darkride66 - gotcha, my mistake there.

Agreed, not much else you can do at this point.

[kayoss]

@Darkride66
What the author wanted more in term of connectivity is for him to have the option to shove his PS Vita inside a Ps4 or shove a PS4 into a Vita. He want direct connectivity. S/
Yeah i dont get it either. How much more of a connectivity does he want? Does he want the vita to stream netflix, movies, music and use other apps on the PS4?

[dodgemoose]

There could be a content manager on PS4.

[Anon1974]

I guess they could. That's at least thinking and offering up an idea for increased connectivity..something this article doesn't even try despite having that as a criticism.

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

They just need a steady release of good NEW notable titles. remote play, Vita Tv, price cuts those only go so far.

[kayoss]

At this point I feel that the PS Vita is a niche. It will do "Ok" only but I dont think it will ever take off like the 3DS.
Talking about 3DS, that damn handheld does not seem to have a satuaration point. At the rate that it is selling, everyone in the world will end up having one.

[Neonridr]

or every person will have like 4 if you live in Japan. Can't believe how well the 3DS sells over there.

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

Yeah I rlly feel like Vita sell like 20-40mil max thru out its life but, Sony is never gonna just drop support.

3DS sells like hot cakes so its for sure gonna be fine forever.

[JasonKCK]

I think there will only be like one more generation left for portables. I think it's just an old world tech like VHS and DVD, time to say goodbye. Impossible to compete with phones.

[Bundi]

well they aren't going to do it by constantly making HD remakes and last gen ports.
Sony should consider making new experiences on the Vita or rename it PlayStation Pasado

[GuruMeditation]

Well, they keep trying to save Vita and each time it's like "sorry Sony, your Vita is in another castle" rubbish analogy, but that's how it feels. I really hope something sticks soon, as the Vita is my favourite portable since the original Gameboy. So much potential... I have faith that it can succeed, I just hope Sony can make it happen.

[Gamesgbkiller]

It will not become a huge MUST buy device for Sony.

I think Vita owners like me will be happy :)

[ArbitorChief]

VITA just doesn't have mass appeal, it's a niche product to hardcore gamers and with high end Mobile Phones able to offer console like experiences already, the VITA just doesn't have a place in handheld gaming.

[GuruMeditation]

I get your point Arb, but it DOES have a place, it just happens to be a niche place. Nothing quite matches the feel of the vita, especially not mobiles (without physical controls). I love my Vita and there is an (admittedly small) community of moderate to hardcore gamers who agree.

[slivery]

I don't think it needs saving, seems to be doing a lot better than it was. Definitely not doing poorly in japan either, it has had steady numbers constantly, the only thing beating it is the 3DS.

I play it just as much as my 3DS or sometimes more, so clearly it doesn't lack any games given that fact or good ones for that matter.

If the games don't interest you or you aren't willing to try new experiences, I can't help that but it is getting really old seeing people say it doesn't have any games.. That is really far from the truth. From just checking the PS blog daily, there are games for the Vita being released almost everyday literally. I am not even exaggerating.

Even at launch it had good games but I am realizing it doesn't matter what system it is or how many good games it actually does have, people will always claim a system doesn't have games to favor their consoles of choice more.

I mean seriously ask yourself what system do people never say that about? There isn't a single one out there. Whether it be the 3DS, Vita, Wii U, Xbox One or PS4.. Every fanboy out there who doesn't like some of these said systems always says those exact words "It haz no gamezzzz." I have heard that same excuse for every system I mentioned.

I think the correct phrasing many need to learn, is saying instead, that this system has no games that interest me. Not, this system has no games.

[dorron]

To me this are important factors (and this is coming from a guy who owns a Vita):

* Cheaper Memory cards
* Get rid off of the CMA content manager shit
* No account locking on memory cards
* EXCLUSIVE and GOOD games (no indie shit and no PS3 games)
* At the stage Vita is nowadays, games need to be 20€ or less to even consider buying one game.

[DCfan]

Make good games.

[NYC_Gamer]

The Vita is one the same boat as Wii U in terms of support and low sales..I doubt Sony will ever create another traditional gaming handheld again.

[PrinceOfAllSaiyans]

Oh please Nintendo supports the Wii U, to some extent. Sony doesn't support the Vita at all. All they do is port over games and realease billions of indies on the thing. A machine that powerful shouldn't be just an indie platform. Sony needs to open a few studios just for Vita like maybe 4 or 5 studios dedicated to making top notch vita triple A exclusives.

OT: I highly doubt it. They don't support the thing at all besides last gen ports and indies. Look how much love Nintendo puts into the 3DS and it looks like the Wii U is getting some of that love this year too. That's how sony needs to support the Vita.

[mrcatastropheAF]

Phones/tablets will never be able to overtake the dedicated handheld market due to a lack fundamental control design and polished games. Despite what many people think, handheld gaming is still a huge market, the 3DS is ongoing proof of this.

I own both the 3DS and the Vita, and while I still have yet to go out and get Bravely Default, the reality is I enjoy my Vita much much more. Its a known fact that any game released on the 3DS would look/play better on the Vita. Multiplats released on both platforms look/play better on the Vita. The novelty of the 3D screen wore off very quickly for me and truth be told it hurts my eyes to look at it for more than 10 minutes. That being said, the back touchscreen is gimmicky on the Vita as well but if devs put it to good use (Tearaway), it has the potential to be a real treat. Those who say the Vita "has no games" are just being ignorant. There are plenty of games from every genre available and at great prices. The multiplayer aspect of gaming is also far better implemented on the Vita than the 3DS. Remote play was an excellent addition to the Vita's feature set. The Vita's standy and usage time is much better than the XL's.

The Vita's lack of mainstream success can be attributed to the media's perception of it, the ignorance of it's library and abysmal marketing/support from Sony (although its getting better gamewise). 3DS's success speaks for itself but since everyone wants to talk games, it's a known fact that outside of the first party titles and a few third party releases every generation, Nintendo handhelds get the most shovelware in comparison to the competition. I look forward to supporting both devices though because both bring unique experiences to gaming and that is what counts in my book.

[CyrusLemont]

I think developers should try treating the games they make for it like AAA big 3D titles, rather than smaller mobile type games. Making a big budget title on a new handheld can be a massive risk as no one's sure if it will be a success. It's like all the big companies are waiting for each other to try it out and they end up in a catch 22 situation. I know there's a few AAA ones out there but they aren't covering the genres that I personally think would be successful.

I think if Rockstar and another big developer released a high budget exclusive open world game on the system, it would entice other's to follow and bring in a larger crowd and increase profits. Could be wrong, but I feel like the device is lacking big Western releases in the Action/Adventure/Open-world/RP G genres.

[Remy_S]

Sony could save the Vita, but they look as disinterested as ever with their lack of first party support and proper marketing. As of now, they seem content with just indie games, ports, and third party localizations to keep the handheld afloat rather than investing in the new first party games and securing more third party support. Apart from Ubisoft and Milestone, western devs seem to have jumped ship. I can only imagine how barren the line-up would be with be without Shahid Kamal gathering the massive indie support he has for the platform.

Now don't get me wrong, I love indie and Japanese games, it just seems that more could be done to help the Vita, but as of now it appears that the PS4 is Sony's primary concern. It also doesn't help that they haven't brought over the 64gb memory card, and slashed existing memory card prices by half. Memory card prices are the main barrier preventing people from buying the Vita, so why the hell continue to stunt sales growth by continuing to keep them at their absurd rate. The Vita is such a fantastic handheld, there just needs to be a more focused effort in making sure it reaches maximum sales potential.

[Delsin_Rowe]

We just need a GTA, Bioshock, Battlefield, Mass Effect, H-Hour Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts another Assassin Creed, Uncharted, Gravity Rush, LBP, Persona. Then it will sell so well that Vita will convinced more company to make more game for it.

[Apollosupreme]

Guys, the PS Vita is going no where. Cost of production has dropped a lot with the gen two PSV. If anything they start offering bundles with the PS4.

The PS Vita is my favorite handheld all time and I've owned most of them since the OG Gameboy.

I was playing PS4 Madden and COD last night on my toilet via the PSV on the other side of the house and on a different floor and it was almost seamless. When I'm hanging on the couch with my wife and her dumb chick shows come on I can bust out my PSV and game on right there in a seamless way. I could even link in anywhere in the world and PS4 game if I really wanted to; though I haven’t tested how well that works right now.

I have Final Fantasy 1 through X-2, including both Tactics versions in the palm of my hands. I have most of the PS1 catalog ready for me to play right now and they look awesome on the OLED screen. Ditto for the PSP and now even some HD remakes from PS2 era along with some re-optimized PS3 game ports.

That's not even going into the Vita's really nice catalog of games which really offers something for all: MGS, Ninja Gaiden, Street Fighter, Killzone, Final Fantasy, Need For Speed, Fifa, Terraria, Soul Sacrafice, Uncharted, Mortal Combat, Wipeout, the list goes on and on. There’s a large catalog of well received Vita games.

Summary:
This device is going nowhere. They've lowered costs, boosted sales with PS4 support and continue to give gamers exactly what they're looking for. Now they just need to pull in some my 3rd party devs but that's going to take care of itself as the install base keeps growing. Lord knows they've done an absolutely outstanding job with indy devs.

I love my Vita, bottom line. Regardless of the critics, it's one of the best gaming experiences you can have and strongly encourage everybody to dive in, especially PS4 and 3DS owners because you are the guys who will love it the most.

[psDrake]

As a Vita owner this type of talk never gets boring but facts are facts.

No one is questioning Vita's hardware specs. It's very capable of running console quality games when optimized ( ie Killzone Mercenary or Uncharted Golden Abbys ). However, there is no need to kid ourselves since it can't run games like GTA 4 or Skyrim...

1 - Vita sold nowhere near Sony expected due to emergence of tablets/smartphone market.

2 - Vita will get a lot of indie games, which is awesome.

3 - A lot of ports ( personally I am not a big fan )

4 - No AAA support. It's just not gonna happen. I personally have not heard a single 1st party studio ( aside from games like the Soul Sacrifice 2 or Gravity Rush 2 ) working on a game for Vita.

5 - If Sony doesn't support its own platform, why would a 3rd party should take the risk and put resources into developing an exclusive Vita game. No meaningful 3rd party support that you expected when you got your Vita

Lastly, the remote-play is okay for now and it'll get better. However, the remote-play feature won't attract the mass consumer market.

Realistically it'll be a slow death since I don't see sony releasing a hand-held for the foreseeable future.

My last hope is PlayStation Now. If I can play my PS4/PS3 games on wi-fi at school/work that'd be a game changer for me but not sure if it'd attract the mass market.

[bothebo]

Indie games are doing nothing for the Vita. They provide Sony with risk free adventures that will guarantee them profit and give you a crappy piece of hardware. Yes I sad crappy and I would like to brand it onto you that indies are crappy producers of software with few exceptions.

Obviously AAA studios aren't going to make games for it if Sony will not. So, the initiative HAS to come from Sony. If they care one ounce about the success of this device at this point and I would argue they really don't hence the present of indie and mobile software, they would take risks. If they took their own risks like making games for it or paying 3rd parties the Vita would not be in this position.

[psDrake]

1) " indies are crappy producers of software with few exceptions. "

Not all games are good games and same argument goes with the indie games but it's really harsh claim such thing that they are crappy. I can write an essay of why indie games are needed and great but I don't have time for that.

2) "If they took their own risks like making games for it or paying 3rd parties the Vita would not be in this position."

Did Sony screw up a few things when they launched the Vita ? Absolutely ( ie.memory card pricing ) but they showed their investment in Vita when presenting the Golden Abbys & Wipeout and a few other good games at the launch.

Sony has not made any profit for years as a company ( PlayStation division might be making profit ). They are not in a position to invest millions in games that won't sell or pay 3rd parties do their work for them. It's that easy.

- That's the reason BioShock Vita did not happen even though Ken Levine had a project in mind. -

Vita is in this position because of the smartphone/tablet gaming and yes lack of commitment from Sony in terms of AAA titles but I'd give 30% of blame to Sony and the rest to others.

I love my Vita but I am also realistic when it comes to facts. Vita is dying, the sales back that up and it's the only stat that matters.

[Odoylerules000]

Save the Vita? What, is it going somewhere? We have a lot of retarded armchair analysts putting their two cents in here. "Vita is dying." FFS. Just like the PSP, Sony's handheld is in second place to Nintendo's where, in my opinion it will probably stay. The Vita's price makes it much for niche than the 3DS and the fact that it doesn't get Pokemon games doesn't help either. Regardless, it has a slowly growing library of quality games and now and then it even caters to the casual. I really doubt its going anywhere.

[Knushwood Butt]

I will say this, due to reduced gaming time, and PS+, I now find I've got a huge backlog of Vita games to play; some retail, most PS+.

In that situation, I can't justify buying any more Vita games right now (although I'm tempted to get Guacamlee).

[tubers]

Keep it a profitable niche market with aggressive localizations.

[Sheed]

I think it's safe to say the Vita is no longer considered competition for the 3ds.
The 3ds is selling like hot cakes, and the new Smash Bros will probably get it printing money.
If the Vita doesn't do something quick even the Wii U might turn out better