Why The PS Vita Is Still The First Choice For Handheld Gamers

Despite the release of the Nintendo Switch, the PS Vita is still the first choice for handheld gamers.

[Elda]

I don't even use my Vita.

[cleft5]

I love my Vita, but lets get real here. The Vita has never been the first choice for handheld gaming. It could have been if Sony had actually heavily pushed it in more places than just Japan. But no, Sony pretty much gave the Vita the opposite treatment on the PS4. Which is a shame, because I love my Vita. I love my Vita more than my 3ds. But the New 3ds has a constant stream of games. If the Switch follows suit then it will take the place of the New 3DS in time. I love the Switch and I like the games I am playing on it now.

[XisThatKid]

I'm using mine right now.

[bouzebbal]

First choice ?? That's far too stretched don't you think ???
Vita is the X1 of handhelds. Proof that superior 3rd party and no exclusives don't sell.

[RosweeSon]

Nope it could have been had Sony got some more big name games to the system where was a Tony Hawks?.. ok maybe not these days but an older remaster of 1-4? 🙌🏻 Metal gear swerved vita except for a collection of 1/2 same with God of war, gravity rush sequel jumped ship same as tearaway? Well they re-released that for PS4 but they should have just done a sequel for Vita and made a HD collection for PS4 of both. There was no burnout on Vita GTA swerved it had Sony delivered the Big games a bit more instead of more or less dropping it to a 2nd screen then it could have been very different it's quite clear the console is more than capable just never got truly utilised some of the indie games are fantastic don't get me wrong but it's the god of wars or Gran turismos (another Vita MIA?) that push the systems

[nodim]

New 3ds has a constant stream of games and vita doesn't? Literally what?

[Scatpants]

I feel like the 3DS puts out 96% shovelware where the vita puts out 63% shovelware.

[BlueOnBlue22]

love my vita

[Shiken]

The Vita is better than people think, nothing that it should have been, and a failure overall. I enjoyed my Vita, but saying it is the go to for handheld gamers is nothing short of a joke.

[gamer7804]

depends on what games you like honestly, if you are a Japanese game fan, there are a ton of good games on vita. now if you want Nintendo games, obviously you want a switch, or currently a wiiu which has more games. than the switch atleast as of now.

3ds is an option, but the graphics are sooo dated now its hard to go back to gamecube days.

[Scatpants]

I played my Vita far more than my 3DS when I was using both. I've since moved on to the Switch for my handheld gaming, but Danganronpa 3 is making me consider taking it out of retirement. Really wish they would release a Switch version of that.

[MizHDTV]

If there was a game I wanted to play on it I might
I haven't bought a game in like 2 years

[kneon]

I don't use mine much, but I never expected to. I'm not going to carry around an extra device every day just for gaming. I bought it mainly for when I travel and have 10+ hours to kill on a plane. I rarely sleep while flying , not even in business class, so I have a lot of spare time once I've watched the 2 or 3 movies worth watching.

[blackblades]

I use mine every now and then, been months though lately. I still got games to play like tales of hearts and others.

[Skuletor]

I thought the 3DS had that honor, judging by sales.

[BlindGuyMcSqueazy]

Lolz. It sure looks that way

[Sopota]

You are right. Also, I don't know how the Vita can be a choice if you can't event buy one.

Edit for clarification:
In Spain major retailers do not get new stock from more than a year, it's not hard to buy remaining stock online, but in traditional shops is nowhere to be seen anymore.

[gamer7804]

you can make a new tab in your browser and buy one without getting up from your chair :)

[RosweeSon]

Sales Smales sure they are smashing it in sales but that's not everything... however I'd have to agree with the majority/sales 3ds number 1 for me vita was/is great but likely my 3rd choice now switch is here PS4/Wii U for home console currently Wii u will be retired by end of the year tho 🤞🏻 Then Switch can double up as my 2nd choice home console as well, sold my Xbox one S after 4 months but think I'm good if all else fails I'll get my Star Wars 360 out and use that as 3rd choice home console... think I'll swerve Xbox for remainder of this gen. done all the exclusives ✌🏻🤓

[KuroKiko]

The 3ds is my Pokemon and MH unit, not much honestly. Lots of kiddie games though, Im not saying its bad but its true.

[Scatpants]

Sales just show popularity not quality. Something can be a pile of shit and you can still convince sheep to buy it.

[admiralvic]

True, but I'd argue being the first choice for handheld gamers is a statement of popularity, not quality, thus popularity matters, though even then it's debatable.

There is no denying the Vita has good games, but it isn't like the 3DS outsold it without popular titles. I mean, out of the two of them I personally prefer the Vita, though it's a hard sell that all those classic games (LoZ: OoT, Majora's Mask, Earthbound, etc), strong third parties (Monster Hunter, SMT, FFT) and amazing exclusives (Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Mario) don't bring a lot to the 3DS.

[WeAreLegion]

Not for me. The Vita has a much better library, IMO.

[godashram]

Unfortunately, the new game selection on the vita gets smaller and smaller, and I love my vita.

Sony's real lack of 1st party game releases doesn't help either. While there are some GREAT games on the system, finding physical copies gets harder and harder, and memory cards for digital only releases aren't cheap either.

[gamer7804]

world of final fantasy is a really good game, perfect for a handheld.

[crazychris4124]

I don't even think its the 1st choice for Sony

[2cents]

lol

Love my PSP and Vita. Never play them though.

[dparente74]

vita has a massive library. switches library is mostly trash fam.

[V0LT]

Gee... That didn't seem to matter did it? Its dead.

[dparente74]

yea but if you bought one today the access to great games and enjoyment is exponentially better than the switch at this point in time. i have both and i still pick up the vita way more. i love zelda and mk8 with the kids nothin else really gets me goin yet.

[Sgt_Slaughter]

Gee a system out in 2011 has more games than a system released in 2017? Stop the dang presses we have breaking news.

[Vegamyster]

dparente74

Well ones been out for 5 years while the other has been out for 7 months, obviously one is going to offer a bigger library but that's like saying people prefer the PS3 over the PS4 right now due to overall library size rather than what's coming in the future.

[Cyro]

I can't follow that logic lmao. Switch isn't even a year old and you're comparing it's library of games to something that has been out for years. Might as well stay one gen behind because everything new is trash since it has a small amount of games.

[gamer7804]

if you are buying a system now and want lots of games for a lower price, the ps vita is the better choice. I'd honestly wait on the switch until there are better deals and more games and prices of games have dropped.

[The 10th Rider]

Switch is literally just a day over 6 months old. A little over half a year, LOL. If library size was all that mattered PC would be the unequivocal best place to game.

[Prince_TFK]

The Switch is just released for half a year. Give it time. Its not like it doesn't have any game either. Zelda, Mario Kart, Arms, Splatoon, Mario+Rabbids, and this month Pokken. I say that is pretty good for half a year.

What did the PS4 and Xbox One have during their half year on sale? Knack? Ryse?

[masterfox]

very true, still brainless fanboys will burn you for that fact lol.

[Prince_TFK]

How long has the Vita been on the market compared to the Switch?

[dparente74]

its not a fanboy thing. i own every major consoles since ps1 and have a gaming pc and had most of the handhelds.i just at this time enjoy my vita more than i do my switch in 2 years i hope that changes.as the switch is a great handheld hardware wise. I just would like some non games that have a more mature theme than everything being cartoony and all ages. im def gonna get skyrim on it tho.

[Matology]

The Vita has been out how long? Against the Switch - take off your "fan glasses". The Switch is doing well considering the small amount of time it has been on the market.

Games are coming and trash fam? (What the hell does that mean?)

[zb1ftw777]

The biggest library is the android app store.....

*Drops mic and points at you*

[KuroKiko]

Fan boys have been praying for Vita to bite the dust, then ironically Wii U died first lol.

[Blastoise]

I think the Vita has done pretty good considering it's been "dead" since 2013

[ARESWARLORD]

Sony always has amazing flash sales for the Vita on PSN I've got games for that little beauty it's not even funny I love the Vita

[TheGamez100]

Yup, this is pretty much the reason Im still active and hanging on to my vita. Theres still my huge backlog too with other games Ive bought cheap during sales.

[quent]

Its never been the first choice, the original psp probably has a better chance in receiving such honors, but that's ofc if we also pretend the ds hh's never existed

[EddieNX]

No. No its not. 3ds has ten times better Library and Switch is about 15 times as powerful.

[dparente74]

3ds does have a great library as well. too bad the actual hardware is pretty booty. i so want metriod samus returns but id rather they port it to the switch. tho just like the vita if one purchased a 3ds today they would have a great library to play. one day the switch will be there too. just not this day.

[Sitdown]

Most people find "booty" to be great.

[The 10th Rider]

I wouldn't mind the actual hardware if extra power wasn't used for the 3D effect and if the screen's resolution wasn't so dang awful. The main reason I haven't bought a 3DS is because I hate the screen resolution.

[sk8ofmnd]

2 reasons...

Its cheaper
It has 100s of games

[bolimekurac]

oh for christ sake just stop it already. whats next the game boy is making a comeback.

[jznrpg]

I still use my vita more because ot has a lot of games. I like the Switch but the games out for it right now aren't very good besides Zelda

[Sitdown]

Pretty sure Mario Kart and Splatoon have been well received.

[Araragifeels]

Mario Kart doesn't count since it's a port

[Sitdown]

Why would a port not count? It's a game on the Switch that is good.

[Prince_TFK]

I would argue that it should be the 3DS, but different stroke for different folks.

[ILostMyMind]

A great gadget but i still have not bought one because it still uses the damn expensive proprietary card.

[nevin1]

PSP for me.

Anyway, how does PSP/PS1 games look/play on Vita compared to PSP?

[Razzer]

Vita has a larger, nicer screen but overall it looks the same on both. I played P3P on both.

[ruefrak]

This sticks on the Vita are so much better than the PSP that it makes a big difference for me. I love my PSP, but the Vita can play PSP games in a better way since you can map a number of functions to the right stick. It makes it so it plays PSP games better than a PSP.

[CJLogix]

If only the vita were playstations first choice.

[Sgt_Slaughter]

I'm sorry but most of the Vita games released are in the same two or three genre's and they are for very specific audiences. Plus why should I support a system that even the company who made it acts like it doesn't exist? Not to mention the whole memory card debacle.

[DarkHeroZX]

Got 512gig micro sd installed thanks to those custom micro sd card readers that for in the game card slot.

[Asuka]

i mean i love my PS vita as much as the next guy, but i am not in denial. 3DS is miles more popular, and IS the first choice for handheld gamers.

[gbsrnctaln]

Why is the wiiu still the first choice for console games? Answer: because it just IS

[Matrix6]

This article is not worth a read, judging by its opening paragraph. 👎

[Segata]

It's mine but not most peoples.

[TheRealHeisenberg]

Don't make me laugh. 3DS all the way. Obvious and desperate attempt for hits.

[Tross]

I'm fairly fond of the Vita and think it's highly underrated, but I wouldn't think that if I truly believed it was the go to system for handheld gamers.

[DeadManMMX]

The sheer amount of playable games. Period. Vita 4 Life!

[Skankinruby]

Such a great little machine that just didn't get remotely close to the love it deserved. So much wasted potential on this one, tragic.

[LastCenturyRob]

Vita is more powerful and very good handheld but I think overall handheld sales (Sony & Nintendo) tells a different story.

[Xavi4K]

I don't even know where is my vita...

[bjjcna]

I just bought one second hand yesterday, mainly for ps one classics. Good selection but I wish some of the greats were available like silent hill , crash, and metal gear........and Jackie Chan stunt master that game was awsome

[tigertron]

In terms of hardware it's the best handheld ever made, but it just lacks support. Sony sent it out to die.

Still, the Vita is amazing as a portable PS1, I have so many classics on there from Crash to Fear Effect.

[Hedstrom]

Its a fine piece of hardware, tons of great indie games on it. But first choice for handhelds? Nah..

Would love a Vita 2 though, this time with more support, real thumbsticks and dual triggers on the back. Compatible with every ps4 game but maybe resolution turned down to 720p so its not to demanding.

[chickenlol]

U are delusional if u think that is happening.It would be impossible to have backwards compatibility with the ps4 and would last 15 minutes

[RosweeSon]

It's my 2nd choice and still is probably 3rd choice now Switch is here. Great system but got 3ds day one and still got it loads of great games new and old. Vita I got a year or so after launch when they were phasing out the launch model screens so grabbed one of them older better screens? Anyway really enjoyed it (4 free games through ps+) helped but I got Uncharted and Gravity rush 2 of the best games for the system for free and street fighter x tekken and katamari would have bought all them so more of less paid for my system but after a year or so unless you like your JRPGS or in my case your ps1 classics not an awful lot to go back for, Vita had hardly any AAA games and the system could deliver them Uncharted looked great God of war and metal gear collections were great but psp had 2 exclusive gow's yet not one for Vita, psp got peace walker, Vita nothing, GTA liberty and vice city stories and Chinatown Wars port... Vita? Nope, all the major series who helped make psp were not there...ps2 classics on vita would be amazing.
However 3ds was the winner for me tho still playing it now got a few clsssics to start and finish yet, vita still got for all the ps1 classics mainly and then there's Switch... alongside my PS4 one happy gamer here... now back to the backlog... gotta finish my Wii u off yet 😩🙄😉✌&# 127995;🤓🕹

[neocores8055]

I stil lplay my vita... Ps1 gameswould have been nice if it got the support it should have.

[_LarZen_]

You Vita fanboys really need to get a reality check. It's over ok?!

[Theyellowflash30]

This is factually false.

3DS has sold more consoles and games in the same generation as the PS Vita, therefore the 3DS is the first choice for handheld gamers, fact.

[lellkay]

I picked mine up this year, just for the indy and PS1 back catalog. It's decent at the the price i got it for.

[TheEroica]

My favorite handheld ever.

Sony murdered it's potential for widespread appeal out of the gate with ridiculous proprietary memory cards.... Shame.

[ruefrak]

People need to look beyond the initial cost fo the memory cards. Yes, they're a bit pricey, but the games are so damn cheap. You save more money on inexpensive games that it practically pays for the memory card. And if you have PS+ then that will make up the difference. Vita has the games which put it over the top and it's vastly superior to the 3DS, which is a wannabe handheld, but since it's Nintendo everyone loves it (though I don't know why). The only competition is Switch, which is 5 year more modern and has one of the greatest games ever made. That's hard to fight. But the Vita has a vast library that is superior to anything available today.

[TheEroica]

I happily purchased a 64gb for it once I realized just how incredible the lineup of indies and legacy games I had at my disposal... But here's the thing, no way in hell am I going to give Sony a pass on something that truly neutered the platforms ability to succeed. They jazzed us up on its potential then cut its legs out from underneath it with ridiculous memory and then subsequently abandoned its first party development after the ensuing reaction and sales numbers.

Yes, you and I can say, "wow look at all the value we've gotten out of the vita over the past several years, but there's no case that can be made defending Sony's decision to kill the console with a horrible choice that potential owners picked up on immediately.

[ruefrak]

I think it all comes down to Sony's obsession with thwarting piracy. Hacking a PSP was so common that Sony was determined that the same wouldn't happen with the Vita. If they had taken half the effort they've put into stopping piracy and put it into making games, the system would have a library comparable to none.

[gamer7804]

I use my vita as much as my ps4, it has a great library of Japanese games if that is your thing, granted it doesn't' have any first party titles anymore, but so far there isnt' much on the switch I can't play on my wiiu. It's also better for 2d games since it has an actual d-pad.

currently the vita is half the cost of a switch too.

oh built in voice chat too (although I do mainly single player)

[chickenlol]

The voice chat on the vita is crappy af. Also,u have to pay for a memory card.

[gamer7804]

its not as good as xbox live, but i've chatted on it numerous times with really no difficulty, i would suggest using a good headset though and not the earpiece one it comes with.

the memory card part does suck though, i wish they had gone w/ standard, so expensive.

[JonTheGod]

I love my Vita and play it every day; probably gets about 15-20% of my gametime.

It's a lie to say that there are no exclusives or no games. There are loads! My backlog currently stands at 31 games (79 if you factor in Cross Buy games).

It's a fantastic bit of kit that SHOULD have been bigger but Sony dropped it. The gits.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

Lol tell me this is a joke....

[TheEroica]

Can pretty much guarantee you've never held a vita.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

Well I can GUARANTEE that your guarantee is mud. I had a vita day one buddy.

[OtakuDJK1NG-Rory]

Then wouldn't that confirm that PS Vita isn't the first choice if many never held one? That would mean not many hours is being put into the system.

[Knushwood Butt]

Love my Vita but right now am a little bit off portable gaming.

My launch unit is still going strong.

Played a bit of draw slasher yesterday. Seems ok. Maybe I should sink some time into that.

[coolastheycome]

Not only is the vita not the first choice. It's not even the second choice. The 3DS is WAY ahead of it in sales and it won't be long before Switch is too.

[nodim]

Indeed it is

[Apex13]

Haaaa, is this article a joke lol? what month is it?

[Uglyday]

It is my #1 for playing my PS4 in bed. Other than that......I must have 60-70 vita ps+ games I have never touched.

[Protagonist]

It certainly is for me.

[jwillj2k4]

I wanted to buy one but I don't like how close the button placements are.

[XStation4pio_Pro]

Last time I checked, Nintendo was destroying everyone in the handheld market and the vita has had more dead/almost dead/not quite dead articles than any DS flavored device. Sorry. Sony doesn’t win everything.

[ocelot07]

I wish I could agree with this I really do. The Vita in my opinion is the best handheld consoles so far. However, it's let down by the lack of first party games and now 3rd party.

[GrimDragon]

Handhelds that sell well will come and go but the vita will live forever.

[subtenko]

If I wanted to care an extra device and do mobile gaming I would get the vita over the DS ( even tho I think DS has more games technically). Or can I pick the Switch in this case? But thats bigger....hmm...idk....see this is why mobile gaming is sooo different for me this age.

Of course when your a kid you dgaf, you bring tablets to the barbershop, anywhere, to keep yourself occupied. So mobile gaming is a greater experience when your a kid...at least it was in the 90's (GBA guy right here)

[BlaqMagiq1]

I love the Vita and it's my first choice but the majority will disagree. The Vita is for a niche crowd. It has a great library if you dig deep enough.

[Blackcanary]

Everyone in Japan has a vita. I see kids on the train playing with them.

[leeeroythe3rd]

Classic troll. Nice work /golfclap

[Neonridr]

Not my first choice. Was only using it for Remote Play with my PS4. Even my 3DS was usually being used more for actual games. And now that I have a Switch, it's not even a close contest.

[Movefasta1993]

Psp was my fav portable ever,since I mainly used Nintendo portables to play Pokemon games and some mario games.the psp was way waaaay better than the vita ,Sony supported that console a lot more

[3-4-5]

No it's not....the 3DS is and everybody knows it. Stop pretending.

I own both btw...and a psp....psp is better than vita for game selection and so is 3DS.

Game selection matters.

50% of Vita games are weebo jrpgs with cast full of girls in skimpy outfits and the titles of the names of the game are all weird.

There are like 40 of these games and maybe 40,000 people at most buy each one.

THAT is why.

Vita developers catered toward like 10% of their audience....that + stupidly high memory card prices doomed the vita.

Also the buttons were small.