Why I'm Avoiding The Vita

Splitkick: The PlayStation Vita launches this week and looks to be one hell of a neat tech toy. Touch sensors on the front and back, a couple of cameras, graphics that rival some of those seen on dedicated consoles, and plenty of bells and whistles. What’s not to love? This is what I’ve struggled with for the past few weeks when trying to determine if I’m going to get one or not. I love technology and neat stuff. I love games, but can the Vita really justify a day one purchase?

[guitar_nerd_23]

Mine got delievered today. Even though I'd tried it at GameStation I'm in awe of how well it works and is designed.

Absolute stunner, I've never been more pleased with a portable gadget of any description.

I wonder if this guy has ever held and played with one, I've seen a few strong negative opinions melt in seconds today.

[farhad2k8]

My version of this article..

'Why I'm Avoiding This Site'..

The guy doesn't know what he's talking about.
The VITA is beast. Enough said. Just wait 2 more days and try out for your self.

[danny818]

if u have never owned a handheld, then why are u even commenting on it.I know u write about all things games but ur just putting negative thoughts to those who are on the fence. Some gamer u are.

[one2thr]

Well if you think about it the 3G model is relatively cheaper than the non 3G model:
#3G Model cost: $300 + taxes (.08*300)= $324 (Ny taxes is .08%)
Cleaner math: $300+(.08*300)=$300+$24=$324 after taxes and it also comes with free a 8GB memory card, and a free 250MB At&t data session
#Wifi only model cost: $250 + taxes (.08*250)= $270
A games cost: $32.4 (after taxes)
A 8gb memory card cost: $32.4 (price vary on cards)
***Wait nevermind, its better to just get the 3G model instead, especailly if the bundle isnt a limited time deal... Because in the long run it seems as though getting the wifi only model, will cost just as much ( lol "Ass munch") as the 3G model...

[spektical]

over time you'll spend more on the 3G one. especially with those ridiculous rates, and unreliable AT&T service.

[one2thr]

Oh no I didnt mean it as in "Get the 3G model, because its better" what I meant is that the 3G model will save you/people some change and troubles by getting everything at once, which happens to be with the 3G model thats all... And on top of that it comes with a free at&t session, its a prepaid service not a signed contract thing... My phone has unlimited everything, and I only used up 6.57MB in one month, and thats including the data used to download both music, videos, and shitty smartphone games, with the back ground data thing enabled... So $15 for 250mb is rediculous but watch as a lot of people say "Hey "f" it 3GB of data for $30 is worth it"... Im not going to deny, it I might do it once depending on where im going and how the plan works... Thats all, both models are identical to one another except that one has 3G which doesnt grant online play, but only leadboard updates, and etc...

[ginsunuva]

You mean ny tax is 8% = .08

[MaximusPrime]

When it comes to PS VITA articles, key word to begin with is "why?"

[Aerialbots]

why do people keep comparing the vita to a phone when its a handheld gaming consoles???????

[LOGICWINS]

Your five bubble count would suggest that your intelligent enough to understand why these comparisons are being made.

The mainstream(not hardcore gamers) are used to the idea of paying $1 or $0 for handheld games that offer quick bursts of enjoyment. Now all of a sudden, these consumers are being asked to spend $7(PS1 classics)-$50 on games, at least $20 on a memory card, and yet another $250 for a portable gaming device.

You can make the argument that the Vita isn't intended for mainstream gamers...but with $50 million spent on advertising

Link:

http://www.ps3trophies.com/...

not to mention the millions of dollars in R&D that was spent to develop Vita, they clearly want to capture a bigger audience than hardcore gamers.

Clearly Vita offers a more sophisticated gaming experience than anything you can find on a smartphone, but the question is: How many people will spend $300+(Vita, memory card, a game) in order to have this "better" experience?

If there is ANY shred of common sense within Sony's headquarters, they will drop the price this year OR begin bundling Vita with a memory card/game.

[brodychet]

Lmao wtf? Bubble count doesn't signify intelligence in the slightest. You see mine? Mine went down because I typed "Ching-chong".

Lol you can say something unintentionally funny, and you'll get bubbles.

But on the article:
Nobody who has a Vita regrets it; That should say something.

[LOGICWINS]

"Lmao wtf? Bubble count doesn't signify intelligence in the slightest."

I agree. Which is why I said it SUGGESTS intelligence. For example, being a U.S President SUGGESTS intelligence...yet Bush Jr. clearly indicates otherwise.

[LOGICWINS]

"But on the article:
Nobody who has a Vita regrets it; That should say something."

Yeah...okaaay. What does that have to do with anything in my comment? I'm speculating whether or not the mainstream will be okay with spending $300+ on a new portable gaming system that doesn't have the word "Apple" behind it. Your talking about something completely different.

Thats two strikes brodychet...please read carefully before you reply.

@maverick- Congratulations on your purchase. I hope you enjoy it =D

[maverick40]

Exactly i am typing this from my 3g vita. It is an amazing gaming device.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

~*"Your five bubble count would suggest that your intelligent enough to understand why these comparisons are being made."*~

Yeah, true that. I don't understand why you have four. You should have one to be honest.

~*"The mainstream(not hardcore gamers) are used to the idea of paying $1 or $0 for handheld games that offer quick bursts of enjoyment. Now all of a sudden, these consumers are being asked to spend $7(PS1 classics)-$50 on games, at least $20 on a memory card, and yet another $250 for a portable gaming device.

You can make the argument that the Vita isn't intended for mainstream gamers...but with $50 million spent on advertising"*~

The Vita isn't intended for people that game on the smartphone period. Yes, Sony would like more than just the hardcore to purchase their device, who wouldn't? But that doesn't change the fact who the Vita is intended for.

Comparing the Vita to smartphones is pointless. People don't buy smartphones to play games on it. People only play games on it because it's available. I'm pretty sure had games not existed on smartphones it'll still dominate the mobile market. Yes, there are people that might be like "I'm not buying a vita when I can just game on my smartphone" but those are the people that the Vita wasn't intended for in the first place. Those are the people that are just gaming on their phone because it's available. They wouldn't give a second thought if games were to be removed. There is no point in catering to those people.

~*"How many people will spend $300+(Vita, memory card, a game) in order to have this "better" experience?

If there is ANY shred of common sense within Sony's headquarters, they will drop the price this year OR begin bundling Vita with a memory card/game."*~

And if the Vita sells well would it still be common sense for them to do it? Stop assuming that the Vita will have a poor launch based off of your uneducated speculation. You assume that price and popularity are the only factors in sales.

[Hicken]

"You should have one to be honest."

Beat me to it.

Bubble count is irrelevant on this site. Not pissing off certain groups is what's important.

Spending lots of money on R&D and advertising is in no way an indicator that Sony "clearly" wants to do anything but have its handheld succeed.

Logic is lost on you (go figure), but common sense (even the shred you hope Sony has at HQ) would tell you that a dedicated handheld and mobile devices are not direct competitors. They compete in the same way that a Dodge Caravan and a Chevy Corvette compete: both are automobiles, but no one who wants to get one will instead be swayed to get the other... unless they're idiots.

No one who's seriously looking for a device to play games on would instead get a smartphone. Well, seems like you would, but people with real intelligence not tied to some sense of superiority gained through meaningless bubbles on a website would instead get the device best suited for what they want.

Oh, and please, PLEASE explain in what way Sony has even HINTED that they're aiming for casuals with the Vita. I'm interested to hear he "logic" behind your reasoning... if it can be called that.

[brodychet]

Lmao actually. When I said

"But on the article" I literally meant, on the article. You pretentious bigot.

It wasn't meant as a reply to anyone. Just a general comment on the article. Stop trying to defend yourself against nothing.

[GraveLord]

Because people can't accept the fact that some people want to play more than just Angry Birds on the go.

[LOGICWINS]

"Because people can't accept the fact that some people want to play more than just Angry Birds on the go."

Just like certain "others" can't accept the fact that some people are okay with playing free portable games and aren't interested in paying $300+ for yet ANOTHER handheld device.

Lets just agree to disagree. There will never be winner in these arguments because its all opinion based. The value of a $250 portable gaming system depends on what kind of person you are.

[TooTall19]

LOGICWINS if you want to compare prices from a gaming device to a smartphone you should let people know the price of a smartphone.

A good new smartphone will cost you somewhere in the range of $500-$700, or you will have to buy a long-term contract. Even then your "discounted" phone will trap you into paying about $800 a year.

Regardless of what articles say, a smartphone is a more expensive commodity than a Vita.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

~*"Just like certain "others" can't accept the fact that some people are okay with playing free portable games and aren't interested in paying $300+ for yet ANOTHER handheld device."*~

Ummm LOL...

Can you please point out the "others" that can't accept that fact?

Nobody is denying the fact that there are people that prefer gaming on their smartphones than gaming on the Vita. We call those people casuals or people that aren't serious about gaming in the first place. Which again, isn't the target audience for the Vita, but it seems like you can't accept that fact.

[solidjun5]

" There will never be winner in these arguments because its all opinion based. "
Yet you sure try hard to act like there are. Especially when your logic is faulty most of the time.

[Mediocritysells718]

im typing on my beautiful oled screen as we speak. Vita s just a bewst nuff said.

[tehpees3]

Like with any device it all depends on what you want from it. If the price and launch line-up cannot justify a purchase its best to wait until later. Those who want one right away will buy one. Others will wait.

[erasure242]

Your loss.. The system is awesome! Picked up my First Edition Bundle and I am loving it...

[TheGamingArt]

Why these people are dumb: if you like it you should go and try to get one at launch (if you can). The thing is, the price drop will not come before the handheld has hit a 6 month mark and it will most likely be around a $50 drop. Your saving a little under $10 a month for waiting. Also remember that the launch 3G/Wifi bundle comes with $55 worth of stuff (including a $30 memory card and $15 Super Star Dust game) that you will loose out on then. I don't see what the point in waiting for the price drop is, it doesn't balance out financially.

[Lulz_Boat]

i don't care about you.

[DeeZee]

Meh, I'm loving the hell out of mine. Spent $500 to import it and I have no regrets. Gravity Daze is one of the best games I've played in years.

[etownthree]

I'll probably end up getting the Vita down the road.... looking forward to a GOW and Killzone on Vita.
Seems like the perfect handheld console.

For now.... Enjoying my 3ds. Mario and Resident Evil are 2 of the best handheld games I've ever played.

[Waddy101]

Lumines is not the best Launch Title for the Vita.
The highest rated launch titled on metacritic is Rayman Origins so get your facts right. (Rayman is an amazing game and if you haven't already played it you should)

Articles they like this annoy me for a couple of reason:

1. They ALWAYS go on about the $250 price, everybody was wow'ed by the fact that Sony announced a $250 for the PS Vita which at that time was a direct competition to the 3DS and though that it was an amazing price. Now however all those people are saying it costs too much because the 3DS had it's price dropped. We'd like some consistency people!

2. They ALWAYS seem to think that the average consumer is going to buy the 32gb memory card and compare the prices of a 32gb Vita card to a 32gb SD card. Here's a little heads-up for you, for most people a 4gb or 8gb will do just fine if you're going to be buying physical games. Also, the 32gb can potentially pay itself off in the long run because digital games are cheaper than retail.

3. They ALWAYS compare the games on the Vita to Touchscreen games on Mobile Phones or Tablets saying, 'Why would i pay $40 or $50 for a game when i can get one for $1?'
The reason they charge more is because they are better, fully-featured games for the most part that take a lot more time and money to develop than angry birds or something similar.

Anyway, that's just my thoughts.
Personally i will be getting a 3G PS Vita for £260 with a free 8gb memory card and Rayman Origins for £15 courtesy of amazon.

[Nolando]

i think 8 GB is plenty, is it the 32 thats 100 dollars?

i would only get the 32 if it was gonna you the vita for pics, music, and other multimedia stuff. if you buy it just for games 8 GB is perfect for a handheld system.

[Waddy101]

Yeah it's the 32gb one that costs $99.99.
They don't even have a 32gb one in the UK, we've only got 4, 8 and 16gb cards.

[moparful99]

I have a 4gb with my first edition vita and i downloaded chains of olympus as well as escape plan plus 240 songs and my memory card is almost full.. I would recommend either the 8gb or the 16gb card.. 32 is ALOT or memory for a handheld...

[strickers]

The 3DS got less of a prelaunch beating and the hardware and line up of games were massively inferior(yes,I've played both).
Vita is the best handheld hardware ever made.All that remains open to debate is game line up and that takes time.

[Nolando]

AGREED!

I never have been a playstation person, but i was def interested in the Vita, the price is just really tough to swallow though imho.

i mean not just for the device but the games being 40 bucks is atrocious! handheld games shouldnt be over 30 and thats pushing it for me. and then i have to buy a 100 dollar memory card?! i feel the same about the vita as i did about the xbox 360 when it came out. the games are more expensive and too expensive for stoarge.

so im gonna wait till its 199 bundled with a memory card and a game. then it seems easier to pick one up.

till then ill just play on my windows phone lol (and yes i know phone games are not the same as handheld games HENCE why i want a vita!

EDIT and one more thing, ill probably just wait for the redesign because all handheld systems get a slick redesign in about a yeaer or two. by then this whole launch stuff will have blown over.

[moparful99]

The only vita game over 40 is uncharted.. Most of the games are between 20 and 30 dollars..

[f789790]

You don't HAVE to buy a $100.

The 8GB for $30 is fine unless you insist on getting every Vita game digitally and having everything stored on it at once.

Bubbles down!

[Aerialbots]

ok but when the 3ds came out at 250 i could be wrong about this but i dont remember people comparing it to a phone

[facelike]

The 3DS didn't have a touchscreen similar to phones.

[TooTall19]

So are you saying the 3ds touchscreen is worse than phones? That only makes the Vita look better.

[krontaar]

No interesting games just yet, but the system is amazingly built, no doubt about it.

[El Nino]

Mine has been dispatched, should be here tomorrow. Not been this excited since the PS3 launch and as it happens it was the best 525 pounds I ever spent on March 23rd 2007. This will equal it.

[Aerialbots]

no but it does have cheap 2 dollar games on the online store like phones do

[mullerhun]

you avoid Vita cos you have no moneyz...

[peeps]

the price of the memory cards isn't too much of an argument considering many, if not all retailers are throwing in at least an 8GB card for free.

In fact I'm only paying £10 more than the RRP of the console for the console, Uncharted and an 8GB card...

I do agree with comparing the price point to the 3DS though. There's no question that the PSV is the technically superior handheld but I think a lot of people will find paying an extra £100 hard when choosing a device. If Sony are struggling they could well drop the price 6 months down the line... certainly the 3DS price drop contributed a lot to sales, who would of thought after 3DS's start that there would be an announcement just today that the 3DS is officially the fastest selling console in Japan!

5 million units sold through to Customers in 52 weeks in Japan: http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

Notice the spike where the system got the price drop lol If the PSV had of came out when the 3DS it would of stood a much better chance imo, I think at it's current price it will struggle. I actually think the Vita is pretty reasonably priced, however I just can't see it shifting loads, even with a stellar launch lineup

[RevXM]

Some people seem try to make Vita sound bad, and uses the most silly arguments against it. So much nonsense. A decent smartphone is not cheap either, Iphone certainly is not, and it's twice the price of the vita or more where I live.

BUT the vita is a console that have it all.
It have app support, fleshed out set of features and awesome hardware. And games for all audiences!
From uncharted to tetris, everything in between! and for various pricepoints!

But other mobile platforms doesnt have FULL console experience games on them like Wipeout, Uncharted, Unit 13 and Gravity Rush! If those released on ps3 people would prolly be happy to pay those 30-50 bucks for these titles. -_-

If the author really is a gamer he should buy the dam VITA, Im 100% sure he wont be disappointed.

People Y U NO USE LOGIC?
VITA IS TEH SHIET!

[killasder]

lol im typing from my vita right now.. so i didnt avoid it.. your lost....

[sikbeta]

1· Possible price drop as the platform is not selling well

2· Redesign, I'm personally waiting for Vita 4G or the *rumored* Xperia Play successor that can play Vita games

3· Not enough "big games", launch line-up is big, but almost all games are sequels

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

"Not enough "big games", launch line-up is big, but almost all games are sequels"

Launch line up should consist of games that people are familiar with. No body wants to risk buying a game that they may or may not like as their first game for the console.

"Possible price drop as the platform is not selling well"

That's Japan only. It could end up being a hit in the U.S. and Europe.

[kma2k]

My plan is the same as i had with psp & ps3 wait for the first major price drop & if the game selection is nice bye then jump on board. I also plan on following this plan when it comes to ps4/xbox720

[Mikhail]

Why are journalist and haters always forget about PS minis. It's like they don't exist. They are cheap but more fun than most iOS and Android games.

[hardandsloppy]

Its not really expensive. I got:
- PS Vita
- 4 gb memory card
- little deviants
- uncharted golden abyss
- a case
All for $300, so, eat it haters :)

[f789790]

For those of us first adopters that actually bothered to find pre-order bonuses, we get a great deal. People waiting for a price drop missed out.

Time is money and I'll definitely value the full year I'll be playing this console while it's still full price. Sony might drop the price in December at the EARLIEST if it isn't doing well.

[GupX19A]

If the article writer really values a $5 iphone/android experience over a $50 handheld title, that's on him. Sorry, but there's no way what's available on smartphones can measure to the experiences that one would get on a dedicated gaming device.