One of the biggest surprises of E3 Day 0 was the PlayStation Vita. Everyone knew that the hardware was going to be powerful since details were known when the system was codenamed NGP. The big surprise was the price point — $249 for the WiFi model and $299 for the 3G/WiFi model. That’s a bit cheaper than people were expecting. The recently released Nintendo 3DS retails for $249 and uses older technology (CPU, GPU, screen, etc.). Compared to the Vita, Nintendo’s portable system seems like a rip-off at the same price.
Then there was the AT&T “surprise”. On paper it makes sense; AT&T is the largest GSM carrier in America and would get more customers for the 3G version of the Vita. In reality, AT&T blows in some major American cities, such as New York and San Francisco. Tech writers have been bashing AT&T’s poor and inconsistent service for years; it tarnishes millions of iPhone experiences and will likely tarnish PlayStation Vita experiences. It was absolutely hilarious to hear the crowd groan when Sony announced its partnership with AT&T.
I’m absolutely high on the Vita. I’ve played with it and wish I could show you games like Sound Shapes (it doesn’t look all the impressive, but it’s so much fun!). Now that pricing and carrier information has been revealed, I wanted to get your updated thoughts on Sony’s next portable system. Please fire away with your PlayStation Vita musings!
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Do you have to be a PS+ sub to get cloud saves? If so, that will be disappointing for sure.
I do agree with you though. That feature (RUIN) sold me quite a bit. The fact that the devs of UC incorporated a unique way of using touch on a machine WITH actual tactile buttons was pretty nice. The feature where he would swipe his way across the ledge was pretty nice. LIttle things like that. I’m a pretty big proponent of iOS games and even I was impressed with a non iOS dev coming up with a good scheme like that.
Oddly enough the controller itself gave me a great view into what I think Nintendo’s controller will be like. In fact I’ll go ahead and say that the Vita is pretty much what Project Cafe has up its sleeve. I would not be opposed to Sony putting out firmware to use the Vita as a controller for the PS3. The touchscreen and rear touchpanel would be a great way to interact with certain games.
I had mainly negative feelings towards Vita before the show. Now that I have seen the first gen software and the hardware in final form…I'm pretty sold on it. It has tremendous possibilities.
Maybe this only interests me but after seeing the demo for RUIN, it made me think that the Vita is about 2-3 years too late. Sony should have pushed this device out closer to the actual launch of PS3. That kind of connectivity would have really given them a leg up on MS as far as online capabilities and community.
Did you see my post on Cloud saves the other day. It is the biggest POS EVER. You can upload as much as you want, up to 150 Mb. Each game takes 2-3 Mb per save. Once uploaded you cannot download more than once every 24 hours. There is a warning message about it when you begin uploading (showed up on my second upload).
Well that's certainly hamstringing a good idea.
I am excited for the PSV. I assumed the price would be similar to an unsubsidized cell phone ~$600.
I am happy with it being on AT&T, but I doubt I will buy anything other than the WiFi version because my phone offers great internet speeds via MobileAP for free (thanks XDA).
The specs are amazing. I was surprised when the Motorola Backflip came out at how easy to use and intuitive a rear touch pad could be. I thought it would be gimmicky, but it feels oddly natural (oxymoron?).
I like the display on my Captivate and I love the colors the way they are, it makes other screens seem dull. So I think I'll love the PSV's screen.
The press conference was my favorite so far (maybe Nintendo will get the top spot this time). The PS Vita, even if not aptly named, is going to be my favorite handheld console period. In terms of price, it couldn't possibly be better. They already cut corners AND took a loss on the pricing to get it down to $250, which by itself is amazing. But, even more so, the fact that they could keep the 3G version under $300 is mind-boggling. I don't know how they did it, but they did. I just hope there's no monthly data plan thing – I can't afford that.
In terms of games, I can't help but compare this to the 3DS's launch lineup. This lineup is so much better than the 3DS's launch lineup, and I'm sure that the new Uncharted will be available at launch. Among the other things I want at launch are Street Fighter vs Tekken (blows Street Fighter IV out of the water), Sound Shapes (it looks different, and different is usually good), Smart As/Little Deviants for the tech introduction, and for the love of God, Sony, make your online available day-of. I don't want to see another 3DS fiasco with your product. You've got enough time now to make it happen, so there's no excuse to hold it back.
The actual applications are unknown. Near looks like the best attempt at social networking the gaming industry for portables so far and looks like it has some practical applications. The idea that I can talk to a buddy via the Vita (haha) is interesting. I could really care less about the trophies, really, but augmented reality and social networking is a must. And, as I said before, HAVE IT ON LAUNCH. Or else.
It's actually fairly normal that the 3G version only costs $50 more. Adding a 3G chip isn't that expensive. Apple hoses people for that on iPads, so it seems comparatively cheap.
I would be shocked if the Vita didn't require a data plan. Why would you think it would be free?
I really don't know. If there was some 1-time payment or something, I could go for that. But a monthly thing? I don't make any money during school (that would be awesome). I've only got enough to buy the Vita because I have a summer job. I'm not sure I could afford the 3G version if that were the case. Either way, I'll end up with a great new handheld device and some good-looking games. Thanks, Sony!