The Official PlayStation Vita Thread - 11/4: FW 3.00 Coming Just in Time for the PS4 Launch!

I'll definitely be getting one, but I'm going to be cautious for the next few months. Nearly every person here is floored that this is coming in at $250, which means a lot. If $250 is a reasonable price, I worry about what they've done to the system to make it cost effective. If $250 is them realizing they needed to set a competetive pricepoint, I worry about how they plan to make up that cost. We have no idea how much games will be, and there's already the proprietary memory thing floating around.

I'm excited about this because it's definitely a direct volley at Nintendo. I almost guarantee that the $250 price was only set after they found that they 3DS wasn't flying off shelves... Sony can now claim that their higher power system is a better value, whereas if the 3DS was selling, they could still claim higher power with a $300 pricepoint. It'll be interesting to see if this shakes out like the PSP vs. DS, or a totally new animal. I sincerely applaud Sony for going head-to-head with Nintendo again and not backing down at all.

I love the 3DS, so I can't count Nintendo out yet. Uncharted and a $250 pricetag is tempting, but a fall release of possibly a 3DS Zelda Holiday Bundle along with availability of a new Mario game and Mario Kart by Christmas would make a pretty damn convincing argument on it's own.

Exciting times.
 
[quote name='Dark Rider']Hey guys, I am worried, every time I search PS Vita on amazon it comes up with pages of vitamins. :([/QUOTE]

Search for "Playstation Vita".

I preordered last night...Wifi version, since I don't think I need the cell phone one for anything, do I?
 
I wouldn't be suprised at all to see $50 PSV games. PSP games were $50 when it launched but it then went to $40 eventually.
 
So, for the 3G, does anyone have an idea what the monthly data cost will be? I'm thinking of going wifi only just to avoid the extra cost.
 
[quote name='CrimsonPaw']So, for the 3G, does anyone have an idea what the monthly data cost will be? I'm thinking of going wifi only just to avoid the extra cost.[/QUOTE]

Probably the usual 20-30 dollars for mobile broadband so i'm going wifi no doubt about it.
 
[quote name='CrimsonPaw']So, for the 3G, does anyone have an idea what the monthly data cost will be? I'm thinking of going wifi only just to avoid the extra cost.[/QUOTE]
Someone in the other forum suggested that ATT has a set plan for devices like these that have 2 levels. I believe it was:

200mb for $15 a month
2gig for $25 a month

I still ordered the 3G just in case I want to use the service, but I doubt i will.
 
I wish I could get the Wifi version but I don't have very good wifi at my house. If the 3G costs $20 or less, I think I'll take the 3G
 
Remember you can just add a Wifi router to your broadband connection if you want. Don't even have to use it as a router, you can just plug it in and turn it on if you're using it (I bought Apple's thing and use it like that).

Presumably you won't HAVE to sign up for service on the 3G model, so if you ever think you might want it...but to me that's just too expensive for something I don't really NEED online at all.

I mean I guess for someone big into deathmatch or something, if the cell phone connection is low latency enough to handle Call of Duty or whatever, that could be cool for some people.
 
I can vouch for a cellphone service for playing games online. A fellow CAG member, smthng, raced with us Sunday night on GT5. 6 people in the room and he had a fairly solid connection. Out of the 6, he couldn't see 1 person the the track, but overall, not bad...and that was routing his cellphone service through a Windows 7 box and to his PS3.
 
Huh...okay then, should work! Could really be cool for some people. I mean you could play deathmatch stuff FROM A MOVING CAR in a lot of cases...well, if AT&T's coverage is solid enough that is.

I don't know...maybe I should preorder both, and cancel one or the other, but I'm not in to online stuff that much, so I doubt I'd ever use it :whistle2:/

$50 extra is pretty reasonable though. Cheaper than Apple gives it to you, and in line with like Amazon.
 
I've searched for this and still haven't found an answer.
Does the Vita have any internal storage memory?
I'm sure it will have something but I have not come across this anywhere. Thx
 
It doesn't have any internal storage. There's a memory card slot for the new storage format that it will be using, so you can get any of the sizes that they'll be offering.
 
I don't want to read through all 20 pages of this thread, but does anyone know if PSV is backwards compatible with the PSP? Obviously UMDs are out, but what about games that are downloaded via PSN? If so, I may have to throw a few of my favorite PSP games on Goozex and download them. I don't play my PSP a ton, so I won't mind much.
 
http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=2254

They have a fairly in-depth FAQ that answers a ton of questions about Vita:
Question: When will PS Vita be available? Answer: There will be a phased roll out from the end of the year 2011 throughout all the SCE regions.

Q: How much will PS Vita cost?
A: It will cost $249 USD for the Wi-Fi version and $299 USD for the 3G version available through AT&T stores.

Q: What is the official name?
A: The official name will be PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). "Vita," which means "Life" in Latin, was chosen as the name for our next-generation portable entertainment system because it enables a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context.

Q: PS Vita supports 3G network connectivity, does this mean PS Vita will be sold through cell-phone providers?
A: Partnering with AT&T, which powers the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, who will serve as the exclusive service provider for PS Vita in the United States. By having both Wi-Fi and 3G/Wi-Fi models available, PS Vita will enable infinite possibilities for you to "encounter," "connect," "discover," "share" and "play" with your friends wherever they are.

Q: Do all PS Vita users have to sign up with a cell phone provider?
A: No. Users can enjoy PS Vita using only Wi-Fi.

Q: How do you buy PS Vita games?
A: You can download PS Vita games and other content from PlayStation Store to a storage media via the Internet or buy the new game medium at retailers.

Q: What game format will the PS Vita use?
A: PS Vita will utilize the new game medium.

Q: Will users be able to access PlayStation Store from both 3G and Wi-Fi?
A: PlayStation Store will be able to be accessed from both 3G and Wi-Fi.

Q: Which carrier will users need to subscribe to use the 3G networks?
A: Partnering with AT&T, which powers the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, who will serve as the exclusive service provider for PS Vita in the United States.

Q: Can you use PS Vita as a phone?
A: No.

Q: What are the specs of the OLED screen?
A: 5 inches (16:9), 960x544 pixels, Approx. 16,770,000 colors displayed

Q: What colors will be available at launch?
A: This will be announced at a later time.

Q: Does the PS Vita support Bluetooth headsets / headphones?
A: Commercially available Bluetooth headsets will work, however, it may function differently depending on the device specifications.

Q: Can you use a commercially available Bluetooth keyboard / mouse? Can you connect the PS3 wireless controller to the PS Vita like the PSPgo?
A: No. Users cannot use commercially available Bluetooth keyboard / mouse or a PS3 wireless controller on the PS Vita.

Q: Can you access the Internet by connecting PS Vita to a Bluetooth supported cell phone?
A: No.

Q: Why didn't you introduce stereoscopic 3D (without glasses) to PS Vita?
A: In the development process, we studied the possibility of introducing stereoscopic 3D feature to PS Vita, but decided not to install it. After careful consideration of our goal of offering users the ultimate portable entertainment experience with revolutionary user interface, we have decided to focus on the features and spec announced first.

Q: Does PS Vita have internal memory?
A: PS Vita is equipped with the storage media slot so that users can choose what memory capacity they want to utilize depending on their use.

Q: What is "Near"?
A: Near is a core PS Vita feature composed of location-based services, that utilize PlayStation Network. Near, developed specifically for this service and the network , will be pre-installed in the system to let users find out what their friends in the vicinity are playing now or what they were playing recently. Users can meet their friends and new players virtually, regardless of what games they are playing, simply by sharing their game information across different dimensions of time and distance.

Q: Do you need 3G network connection to enjoy Near?
A: Users can enjoy Near using Wi-Fi, but to enjoy further what Near offers, 3G connection is preferred. Users will be able to obtain more information and encounter new players in real time by using 3G connection.

Q: What is "LiveArea"?
A: Every game title for PS Vita will be provided with a space called "LiveArea™" where users can share the fun and excitement with other players. Users will have access to the latest information of games provided from SCE and 3rd party developers and publishers through PlayStation Network. Additionally, PS Vita users will be able to view "Activity" log that is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication among users.

Q: Will existing services like Remote Play, Skype, SenseMe, and Comic content for PSP be available for PS Vita as well?
A: We are evaluating the opportunity to offer non-gaming applications/content and will announce details at a later time.

Q: Will Youtube, Flash content and files like PDF be viewable on PS Vita?
A: We are evaluating the opportunity to offer non-gaming applications/content and will announce details at a later time.

Q: What is the difference between the PSP system and the PS Vita in terms of hardware specs?
A:

  • Advanced portable entertainment system
    A high performance CPU / GPU combined with OLED enables rich, visually striking graphics never seen before on a portable entertainment system. PS Vita also adopts the Super Oval Design form factor, which fits comfortably in users' hands.
  • Revolutionary User Interface
    A unique multi-touch pad on the rear, with the front touch display. Two cameras on it's front and rear, as well as three motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer, and electronic compass.
  • LiveArea™
    Every game title for PS Vita will be provided with a space called "LiveArea™" where users can share the fun and excitement with other players.
  • Location-based services
    SCE will provide location-based services on PS Vita as part of the basic features utilizing PlayStation Network. The new application called "Near," developed specifically for this service and the network, will be pre-installed in the system.
  • Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity
    PS Vita is equipped with 3G in addition to Wi-Fi.
  • Closely coordinated with PlayStation Suite
    The newly developed and released game content for Android based portable devices can also be enjoyed on PS Vita.

Q: There are two slots on the PS Vita, what are they for?
A: One is for the new game medium, the other is for storage media to be utilized for personal content and download content.

Q: What kind of game medium will PS Vita support? What is the official name? Why did you decide to introduce it?
A: It is a small flash memory based card, dedicated for PS Vita. Taking advantage of the flash memory feature, this innovative card can store add-on game content or the game save directly on the card. By adopting flash memory based card, SCE will be able to provide game cards with higher capacity in the future, allowing developers to store more game data to deliver rich, immersive games. We will announce the official name at a later date.

Q: What type of storage media will PS Vita support?
A: This will be announced at a later date.

Q: What are the features of the new game medium / storage media?
A:
New game medium

  1. It can not only store the full software titles but also save data as well as additional game content data. Therefore, the game title can be concluded with one piece of card.
  2. Users can play games by just inserting the game medium into PS Vita. (a separate storage media is not required.)
As for storage media, we will announce details at a later date.

Q: How many software titles will be available at launch (in the new game medium/download for each region)?
A: We will announce details at a later date.

Q: What will software pricing look like?
A: We will announce details at a later date.

Q: If you buy download content for PS Vita, up to how many systems can you copy it to?
A: We will announce details at a later date.

Q: Is PS Vita compatible with other PlayStation platform games like PS3, PS2, or PSP? Do you have any plan to support other PlayStation platforms in the future?
A: Users can play PSP titles, minis and PSone classics titles which are offered on PS Store. We do no have any plans to make PS Vita compatible with PS3 or PS2 titles at this point.

Q: Is PS Vita compatible with PSP content other than games such as video and comics available on PlayStation Store?
A: SCE plans to make those content available on PS Vita.

Q: Can PS Vita users continue using their save data for PSP games that they have also downloaded from PlayStation Store to PS Vita?
A: We are looking into the opportunity to do so.

Q: PS Vita doesn't support UMD but do you have any plan to introduce peripherals like "UMD readers" for PS Vita?
A: We do not have plans to introduce such peripherals at this point in time.

Q: I have UMD games but do I need to buy them again from PlayStation Store to play the same game on PS Vita?
A: We will consider every possibility for support on bought UMD games but we have nothing to comment at this point in time.

Q: Will you bring all UMD games to the new game medium or on the PlayStation Store for PS Vita?
A: SCE with the support of third party developers and publishers have been offering select UMD titles on PlayStation Store and will continue our effort to deliver these content in the form of game medium for PS Vita going forward. However, we will need to clear all copyright / legal related issues and due to this not all software titles will become available on PS Vita. We will announce details for each title when ready.

Q: Will PS Vita support all content that will become available on PlayStation Suite?
A: PS Suite content developed in the new game development environment provided for PS Suite can be enjoyed on PS Vita.

Q: Are PSP/PS3 user's PSN accounts also available on PS Vita?
A: The same PSN accounts will be available on PS Vita.

Q: Do you have any plans to introduce a video output cable? Will PS Vita have HDMI output?
A: No, PS Vita does not have a video output feature.

Q: Can you take out the battery from the system?
A: No. We have adopted embedded battery since PS Vita is equipped with a rear touch pad.
Click to expand...
 
[quote name='Wolfpup']Huh...okay then, should work! Could really be cool for some people. I mean you could play deathmatch stuff FROM A MOVING CAR in a lot of cases...well, if AT&T's coverage is solid enough that is.

I don't know...maybe I should preorder both, and cancel one or the other, but I'm not in to online stuff that much, so I doubt I'd ever use it :whistle2:/

$50 extra is pretty reasonable though. Cheaper than Apple gives it to you, and in line with like Amazon.[/QUOTE]

For a lot of us, AT&T's network can't hold a stable signal when standing outside, in the middle of a large city, on a totally clear day. I can't imagine expecting it to work in something so futuristic as a moving car! ;)

(it was pretty cool to be listening to Sony's E3 conference streaming live via my cell on my drive home. Thank you, Verizon! Had AT&T and never realized how bad I had it until I finally dropped them for VZW)
 
Q: Can you use a commercially available Bluetooth keyboard / mouse? Can you connect the PS3 wireless controller to the PS Vita like the PSPgo?
A: No. Users cannot use commercially available Bluetooth keyboard / mouse or a PS3 wireless controller on the PS Vita.

Q: Do you have any plans to introduce a video output cable? Will PS Vita have HDMI output?
A: No, PS Vita does not have a video output feature.

=> That's a real bummer. I like being able to dock my PSPgo and use my PS3 controller to play while watching the output on my TV. Maybe not as much of a loss if I can switch between my PSV and PS3 to play the same game with game saves stored in the cloud.

Q: Can you access the Internet by connecting PS Vita to a Bluetooth supported cell phone?
A: No.


=> Not a big deal since most phones have a WiFi hotspot feature that will do this in a better manner if that's what you want.

Q: What are the features of the new game medium / storage media?
A:
New game medium
It can not only store the full software titles but also save data as well as additional game content data. Therefore, the game title can be concluded with one piece of card.
Users can play games by just inserting the game medium into PS Vita. (a separate storage media is not required.)


=> I like that the game cards can hold game saves AND DLC, but I'm wondering if the DLC is tied to the card (good) or tied to our account (bad).

I'm also very glad they are moving away from UMD to flash storage, which just gets cheaper and cheaper over time and can be easily updated to store more information in the same physical space. Just wish they didn't pull a typical Sony move by introducing yet another proprietary storage format instead of adopting the SD format.

Q: PS Vita doesn't support UMD but do you have any plan to introduce peripherals like "UMD readers" for PS Vita?
A: We do not have plans to introduce such peripherals at this point in time.

Q: I have UMD games but do I need to buy them again from PlayStation Store to play the same game on PS Vita?
A: We will consider every possibility for support on bought UMD games but we have nothing to comment at this point in time.
=> Interesting that they aren't saying "No support for UMD games." Maybe they already know the answer is no but are trying to avoid the negative feedback this will generate so they are just postponing the problem in the hope that it will get drowned out in the hype when the Vita is released.

If there were to be a UMD reader, where would it plug in?
- Plugs into the game card slot
- Plugs into the charge/synch port (a port which I'm just guessing will be more like the PSPgo port than the PSP1/2/3000)

Also, how would it be powered? Possibly from the Vita to make it smaller (which would shorten battery life of the Vita which doesn't have a swappable battery) , but possibly using batteries in the UMD reader.

I still think a UMD trade-in program makes the most sense because it encourages everyone to dump their older PSPs (which aren't needed if they no longer have their UMDs) and buy the PSV. But from a license standpoint, there would likely be many games they couldn't convert from UMD to PSN.

Q: Can you take out the battery from the system?
A: No. We have adopted embedded battery since PS Vita is equipped with a rear touch pad.

=> Which raises the question about the battery life. Probably not iPhone/iPad battery life (which is pretty good), but I guess we'll see. I hope they provide an extra long USB cable so I can continue to play while charging.


Obviously the Vita won't be perfect for everyone. Just like with the original PSP, there will be tradeoffs/compromises in the first major hardware release that are improved upon in future revisions. (smaller, longer battery life, more memory, cheaper, etc).
 
Michael Jackson: The Experience was just announced for Vita for Q4 2011. It looks like it'll use the same style of gameplay that the DS version had, which was like Elite Beat Agents.
 
[quote name='DarkonJohn']
Q: I have UMD games but do I need to buy them again from PlayStation Store to play the same game on PS Vita?
A: We will consider every possibility for support on bought UMD games but we have nothing to comment at this point in time.
[/QUOTE]
I find this an interesting response; granted they gave a similar answer for the PSP-Go when it launched, but because of that you would think that if they didn't support a trade-in program they would just come out and say "sorry". I would hope that they would give an incentive to those with PSPs, and a vast library, to upgrade to the new platform. I'm not TOO worried though; most of my PSP games don't get played anymore so I should just bring them into GS for trade-in while they still have a little value left in 'em.
 
[quote name='FriskyTanuki']Why would DLC being tied to your PSN account be bad?[/QUOTE]

If the DLC is stored on the game card, you want it tied to the card and not your PSN so if you sell the game card the DLC goes with it and increases resale value. Otherwise, they better provide a way for the buyer of the used game card to wipe clear the DLC stored on the card so they can at least have the option of rebuying it.

Of course, if they do tie the DLC to your PSN account and not the card, then that should give you the ability to re-download the DLC for the game to a new game card if you sell the game card and then buy the game again.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more likely I think they are to tie the DLC to your PSN account. Otherwise they would have to limit the process of copying the DLC content to the game card to a single time. Not impossible, but different than what they've done so far. Also, I think Sony and the game publishers are using DLC as a tool for discouraging used game sales because they give you "bonus" DLC when you buy the game new that has to be purchased if you buy the game used, essentially ensuring they always get a cut of the profits each time a used game is repurchased (because the new buyer will typically buy the extra DLC).

Buy my preference would be to have the DLC tied to the card so if I buy/sell the card it has maximum value and people don't need to repurchase DLC for a physical game.
 
I really hope that the PSV supports Memory Stick. I just got a great deal on a 32 GB MemoryStick and I'd like to use it for the PSV.
 
[quote name='jh6269']I really hope that the PSV supports Memory Stick. I just got a great deal on a 32 GB MemoryStick and I'd like to use it for the PSV.[/QUOTE]

I'd have guess that there's no chance in hell that they'll support MS or M2 flash cards. First, because if they did, absolutely nobody would buy their new proprietary storage cards they've already said the PSV will use.

Second, I'm guessing they'll be building in some sort of anti-piracy protection into the new cards so that while you can (hopefully) backup your game saves, the cards will only be readable when read through the PSV. Probably no standalone card readers will be available for the PSV.

Then again, if they support cloud storage of your saved games in your PSN account, they may not even support reading/writing to the new flash cards from your PC (except maybe through Media Go). Requiring very specialized hardware to read/write to the new storage cards and preventing external access to the information on those cards from other devices goes a long way to protecting against piracy.
 
[quote name='DarkonJohn']I'd have guess that there's no chance in hell that they'll support MS or M2 flash cards. First, because if they did, absolutely nobody would buy their new proprietary storage cards they've already said the PSV will use.

Second, I'm guessing they'll be building in some sort of anti-piracy protection into the new cards so that while you can (hopefully) backup your game saves, the cards will only be readable when read through the PSV. Probably no standalone card readers will be available for the PSV.

Then again, if they support cloud storage of your saved games in your PSN account, they may not even support reading/writing to the new flash cards from your PC (except maybe through Media Go). Requiring very specialized hardware to read/write to the new storage cards and preventing external access to the information on those cards from other devices goes a long way to protecting against piracy.[/QUOTE]


Hmmm, bummer. Well, the thing did have 2 slots, hopefully one will be a MS slot so all the current PSP owners won't have to buy all this new storage media.
 
[quote name='PuppetYuber']I honestly dont see the future success of this particular device. I want to, I really do, but I simply dont. This will fail like PSPGo =([/QUOTE]

Just curious, but what WOULD be a successful product in your mind?

From a business standpoint, Sony has to make money...on both the device and on the games and accessories. I think the technology in the PSV is far beyond that in the 3DS, so you are getting more value for the same dollar. Technically, the only thing the 3DS has the PSV doesn't is the 3D screen, and I am more than happy to lose 3D in favor of the much larger OLED display. So from a competitive standpoint, I think this is a winner against the 3DS.

Of course, if the competition is the phone/tablet (iOS or Android), then it's really a discussion between multi-purpose devices that can play games and dedicated gaming devices (that can also do things besides play games....hopefully). If you don't believe in the future of dedicated gaming devices, then I guess all dedicated gaming devices will be losers.

But if you do believe dedicated gaming devices have a future, then I guess you're referring to the features and tradeoffs in this device. If you want it to play UMDs, have lots of built-in storage, use industry standard flash formats, have a swappable battery and come in at under $200....that's just not reality.

As far as comparing it to the PSPgo, I think that's comparing two totally different beasts.

The PSPgo did less than the preceding model on almost all fronts (except for build in storage and support for BT), didn't support retail game sales, didn't allow used game purchases, had no real backward compatibility (since few people had purchased PSP games on PSN when UMD was almost always less expensive) and was MUCH more expensive.

The PSV has all kinds of new features and opens up tons of new gaming opportunities. It might not be perfect, but it does have some attractive features that can be built upon in the future. I'm sure there will be some bumps along the way, but I think the PSV has a bright future...if not, it probably means all dedicated handheld gaming devices are doomed.
 
I am referring to sales number. I dont see how or why consumers would fork out another 250-300 for a Sony Playstation hand held device. Sure, the device is faster, more powerful than its predecessor, but it still lacks innovation. It is obvious Sony wants this device to be a gaming only device, but as of right now, PSP software developers are lacking. If you take a look a gamefaqs future releases for PSP and compare that to NDS, you will know exactly what I am talking about. The future of this device relies heavily on software developers. And no, I am not referring to Square Enix releasing yet another final fantasy remakes, or any other PS1/PS2 remakes, but something new, and worthy of investment. If not, 3DS/Iphone will still come out on top once again.
 
"lacks innovation"?

Front/back touch screens
Motion/orientation sensing
Dual joysticks (well, maybe not innovative, but important).
Strong linkage between PS3 and PSV gameplay
Online features anywhere (with 3G model)

Many features the 3DS doesn't have and all of the features the 3DS does have (except for the gimmicky 3D which is an optional, not integral feature of ALL 3DS games). So from a potential standpoint, the PSV supports the creation of new games that are not possible on other devices, but can do pretty much everything possible on other devices.

Obviously it won't succeed w/o game publishers getting behind it, but I really don't think comparing the current pipeline of PSP games is a good forecaster for PSV games. Also, a huge majority of the NDS games are compete and utter garbage, so more does not equal better, but I guess it does prove the point that if the platform market is large enough, even companies putting put utter garbage can still make a buck (or at least are willing to give it a shot in the hope that there are enough dummies out there to buy their crap NDS games). Not trying to bash the DS...I have one and have many games I like. But I'm just amazed at how much crapwhere is released for it.
 
[quote name='PuppetYuber']I am referring to sales number. I dont see how or why consumers would fork out another 250-300 for a Sony Playstation hand held device. Sure, the device is faster, more powerful than its predecessor, but it still lacks innovation. It is obvious Sony wants this device to be a gaming only device, but as of right now, PSP software developers are lacking. If you take a look a gamefaqs future releases for PSP and compare that to NDS, you will know exactly what I am talking about. The future of this device relies heavily on software developers. And no, I am not referring to Square Enix releasing yet another final fantasy remakes, or any other PS1/PS2 remakes, but something new, and worthy of investment. If not, 3DS/Iphone will still come out on top once again.[/QUOTE]

Lacks innovation? NOTHING these days is original. The 3DS surely doesn't bring anything NEW to the game. Comparing the PSV to the PSP is pointless. Developers have long since abandoned the platform due to piracy issues. You have EA and the likes still putting out their sports titles, but with the PSV it's a whole new game, no pun intended. I'd expect Sony to have the piracy issue tightened up, if at all possible, but it's the social interactivity that I think the developers will flock to. You essentially have a PS3 in the palm of your hand, and as we saw with Ruin, cross-platform save sharing is quite honestly, fucking awesome. My hopes are that they bundle these games together (for a reasonable price). The thought of being able to play Monster Hunter on my PSV and then getting the save and continuing at home...awesome!

But I think the true potential is MMOs. Imagine being able to play on your PSV and then continue at home on their your PS3 or PC. I doubt Blizzard would bring WoW over but perhaps their next-gen MMO? And to be honest, developers are stating the cost to develop is closer to the PSP than the PS3, which is good for everyone.
 
Those are not innovations. Touch screens have been around since iphone/nds era? I have yet to see how back touch screen is going to work, but I am willing to guess it won't have a big impact in terms of gameplay. Same goes with motion and orientation sensing. Online feature and strong linkage between PS3 and PSV itself already currently exists with current generation of PSP/PSPGO. Sony enhanced the online experience but at a great cost, which I am not sure consumers are willing to pay.
 
[quote name='jh6269']Hmmm, bummer. Well, the thing did have 2 slots, hopefully one will be a MS slot so all the current PSP owners won't have to buy all this new storage media.[/QUOTE]

Nope.

They've already said one slot will be for the new physical media games you buy in store and the second slot will be for the new proprietary flash card storage for downloads, pictures and other junk.

Not clear on whether they are interchangeable (you can use two flash storage cards at once) or if the game card slot is only usable with the game cards and not the storage cards.

I'm just hoping they bundle in a 2GB or 4GB storage card with the PSV (like they did with a 2 GB SD card with the 3DS). I think there's a good chance they will so that you can immediately download some games from PSN and act like they are giving you a better value (2GB card with retail price of $39.99 included for FREE!!!), but it will be small enough you'll quickly have to get a larger card if you want to store more than one full-size game.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to re-use my 2 x 16 GB M2 cards from my PSPgo or my 3 x 8GB and 3x 4GB MSPro cards with the PSV, but it ain't gonna happen. I guarantee it.
 
[quote name='PuppetYuber']Those are not innovations. Touch screens have been around since iphone/nds era? I have yet to see how back touch screen is going to work, but I am willing to guess it won't have a big impact in terms of gameplay. Same goes with motion and orientation sensing. Online feature and strong linkage between PS3 and PSV itself already currently exists with current generation of PSP/PSPGO. Sony enhanced the online experience but at a great cost, which I am not sure consumers are willing to pay.[/QUOTE]

OK, so you have me curious...what would be innovative to you?

Ideally something within the realm of reality...not a 3D holographic display or a mind-reading control system ;-)

But you're right...no one feature by itself is that innovative (though the back touchscreen is pretty unique), but I think nothing else puts all the pieces together in a single package.

As far as the back touch screen....one potential use would be to support L2/R2 button functionality. It isn't practical to put these on the device (they'd be too close to the L1/R1 buttons), but you could probably sense tapping on the back screen under these buttons to work in the same manner, allowing you to have the same control layout as the PS3 controller (important as they do more dual-system games).
 
Honestly, I believe the 3DS will be more like the PSPGo than the PSVita. The thing isn't selling; I think Nintendo has just flooded the market with new DS hardware every year or two. And frankly, the 3DS really isn't that much of an upgrade from the DSi, let alone the PSP. I'm not certain, but I thought that the PSP is actually more powerful than the 3DS is, or at least close. That's really freaking sad. I haven't gotten a chance to play a 3DS, but from what I am hearing, there's a very small "sweet spot" that you must stay in to even get the 3D effect. I've also heard that if you move, or look away for a second, it totally disorienting. Sure, you can turn the 3D off, but then what do you have--pretty much another DS? The thing still uses a stylus (!) it's freaking crazy when you've had 4 generations of the iPhone now, two iPads, and a butt load of Android phones all with touch screens, yet you release yet another DS without touch controls? I'm sorry, $250 for that is a total freaking joke. Anyone who pays that is a total idiot.

This really is Sony's chance to take the handheld gaming market. Once they can get the cost down to maybe $199, or even less, and get an even smaller form factor, this could be a game changer.

Also, that back touch screen is as innovative as I've seen since the DS first came out. It really is the best of both worlds--you can game exactly how you want, whichever way is most comfortable to you. You can interact with the game using touch, and not have your fingers between the image and your eyes.
 
IGN had an article title asking: "PS3 + PS Vita = Wii U?". That's a damn good point right there. If Sony can capitalize on PS3/PSV integration and get developers to do that same, they may have just future-proofed themselves against Nintendo's newest console...
 
[quote name='SynGamer']IGN had an article title asking: "PS3 + PS Vita = Wii U?". That's a damn good point right there. If Sony can capitalize on PS3/PSV integration and get developers to do that same, they may have just future-proofed themselves against Nintendo's newest console...[/QUOTE]

Yeah, they must be reading Ars Technica. We're arguing in the comments how the PS3 + Vita can do everything a Wii U can do--and more.

Wii U is only good if you only have a Wii, and have never seen HD graphics or played a 360 or PS3. I will get it if there's a good trade in deal at GameStop so I can offload this Wii. I have a huge backlog of Wii games that I haven't bought yet, and I"m hoping to pick them up used or cheap and play them, along with the new Zelda game(s).
 
[quote name='jh6269']Honestly, I believe the 3DS will be more like the PSPGo than the PSVita. The thing isn't selling; I think Nintendo has just flooded the market with new DS hardware every year or two. And frankly, the 3DS really isn't that much of an upgrade from the DSi, let alone the PSP. I'm not certain, but I thought that the PSP is actually more powerful than the 3DS is, or at least close. That's really freaking sad. I haven't gotten a chance to play a 3DS, but from what I am hearing, there's a very small "sweet spot" that you must stay in to even get the 3D effect. I've also heard that if you move, or look away for a second, it totally disorienting. Sure, you can turn the 3D off, but then what do you have--pretty much another DS? The thing still uses a stylus (!) it's freaking crazy when you've had 4 generations of the iPhone now, two iPads, and a butt load of Android phones all with touch screens, yet you release yet another DS without touch controls? I'm sorry, $250 for that is a total freaking joke. Anyone who pays that is a total idiot.

This really is Sony's chance to take the handheld gaming market. Once they can get the cost down to maybe $199, or even less, and get an even smaller form factor, this could be a game changer.

Also, that back touch screen is as innovative as I've seen since the DS first came out. It really is the best of both worlds--you can game exactly how you want, whichever way is most comfortable to you. You can interact with the game using touch, and not have your fingers between the image and your eyes.[/QUOTE]

I don't think the 3DS will be like the PSPgo, but I do think it will drop down in price pretty quickly...probably $199 before the holiday season. Nintendo has never been about "power" but instead focuses on the types of games that appeal to kids and grown up kids. While there are some titles that target the more mature gamers, they are few and usually not too successful (GTA:CW?).

The reality is that they have their niche (and it's a pretty big one), but they really just fumbled the ball with the 3DS. Terrible marketing (what marketing there was) that completely failed to advertise anything other than the 3D feature, but did nothing else to differentiate it from the DSi in any way. The DSi was already pushing the limits at $179 or so, so pricing the 3DS at $249 was just being greedy.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, they should stop selling the DSi and just release the "2DS"...the 3DS with everything but the 3D screen. It would be far better than the DSi and help push the new "xDS" titles more quickly than limiting them to 3DS owners only.

I guess it isn't surprising...Nintendo hit a home run with the Wii and the DSL, so they are going to foul out every once in a while.

As far as the PSPgo was concerned....at $250, PSN only, no UMD conversion/support... it was hard to believe that Sony was THAT stupid. But at $100 or $150...with 16GB of built-in storage....a much better deal for a new PSP owner that can start building up their PSN library which will work with the PSV. Unfortunately, there weren't too many chances to get them at that price.
 
I think the PSPgo was a test from the beginning. See what people are willing to pay, as well as gauging digital downloads.
 
[quote name='SynGamer']I think the PSPgo was a test from the beginning. See what people are willing to pay, as well as gauging digital downloads.[/QUOTE]

That's how they tried to position it after it totally failed in every conceivable way, but I'm not sure even a company as big as Sony can afford to do something that stupid. Calling it an experiment covers it up a little, but seriously....putting a product out there when it's success is based on the assumption that you customers both stupid and rich (and don't mind being laughed at by their friends for paying so much for so little), whoever made that decision should be fired 10 times over. There are far better ways to experiment with features and pricing without insulting the intelligence of your customers.

Regardless, they seemed to have learned their lesson and are doing a better job with the PSV launch.
 
The PSP Go was an attempt to show third-parties that they were committed to the platform to get them back into making games for the PSP, as that's the only way that we got the good titles from third-parties since it's announcement.
 
[quote name='DarkonJohn']Nintendo has never been about "power" but instead focuses on the types of games that appeal to kids and grown up kids.[/QUOTE]

"Nintendo: Now you're playing with power"

Remember that? And the GCN wasn't a slouch compared to the PS2 either--it just had that crippled storage medium. Nintendo went from the company it was, to trying to fit its brand into a certain price point, then claiming that it's about how fun a game is and not graphics (like it's really a trade off). Nintendo used to be about specs and they remained competitive, yet made some of the best games of all time.
 
Sony says they are selling PS Vita at a loss and hope to profit within 3 years. Certainly didn't expect them to take a loss on hardware again for that long, especially a portable. Good sign for PS4 hardware.
 
[quote name='Cerebral_One']Sony says they are selling PS Vita at a loss and hope to profit within 3 years. Certainly didn't expect them to take a loss on hardware again for that long, especially a portable. Good sign for PS4 hardware.[/QUOTE]

Just curious, but where did you hear that? Last I heard they said they didn't want to sell at a loss and had specifically targeted a particular price point when making decisions.
 
http://dragons-crown.com/na/

Dragon's Crown is confirmed as the Vanillaware game from the Vita montage. It's also coming to PS3 and has four-player online co-op, potentially cross-platform as well. It looks amazing and also potentially NSFW (click on Characters on the site and you'll see why).
 
It doesn't look like they're M2s:
5177BBIiqpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

playstation-vita-20110607104811904.jpg
 
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