What's it like to use a PS Vita in 2023?

It's a common sight these days to see folks recommend a #PlayStationVita as a retro handheld. However, it lacks some of the features we've come to appreciate in many of the newer handhelds launching today. Does it still hold up?

Links:

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
01:31 Discussion Caveats
01:57 UI
03:14 PS Store on Vita
04:33 Finding Games - Digital
06:29 Finding Games - Physical
07:44 A Note on Piracy
10:17 Vita Gameplay
13:57 Emulation - PSP
15:37 Emulation - PS1
16:22 Emulation - Other Systems
18:14 Remote Play
20:38 Handheld Competition
25:49 Closing Thoughts
26:41 Outro

[KMFDM_Kid]

Sony doesn't put food on my kids' tables. Never felt even a little bit wrong pirating anything at all. Ever.

[BSNintendo]

Great timing for this video, I just picked up a vita 2000 and after modding it I can definitely say its an absolutely amazing experience! Im really looking forward to playing through some of my favorite ps2 game collections on the go!

[iamatoaster]

I completely agree about the smart phones cannot be categorize as a gaming console. Yes, you can play games on it very well but it's not the same. It's like tomatoes being a fruit. Yes, it's a fruit but I can't eat them on my waffles.

[lou]

Great video! I agree with every point you discussed in the video. I bought the Ps Vita attracted by Gravity Rush, Freedom Wars, Wipeout 2048, and the Metal Gear Solid collection, and I have always been satisfied with the quality of the console's native titles. It's a shame that Sony decided to abandon the console so early, although I understand the reasons. After a few years, I started learning Japanese for fun, and after 6 years of continuous study, the Ps Vita has become the console I use the most again. There are so many Japanese titles that never made it to the West, and it's a pleasure to rediscover them after all this time. The fact that people still talk about this "failed" console after 11 years says a lot!

[JamesHxc]

I'm so glad you also have the hori grip. When you started talking about the back touch pad I was worried that your opinion would tank, but you have the Hori Grip and it's GAME CHANGING! Everyone who has a Vita and plays trigger heavy games, get one of those. Worth the price.

Great Video!

[AlexVanChezlaw]

I've been carrying my Vita with me everyday since i bought it back in 2018. It was my phone replacement, main console, main PS4 controller, media player... it has done it all. Seriously, it might not be the master of all but sure is a jack of all trades. It gets even better when you get one of those L3-R3 trigger cases specially for remoteplay and PS1 games. Even today, i still use mine alongside my Steam Deck as an MP3 player or in situations when my steam deck isn't comfortable enough to use. I felt in love with the Vita since it released and i still love it to death.

Regarding this part 18:39, i manage to finish Dead RIsing, TT The Walking Dead, Gravity Rush 2, Silent Hill 3, Fallout 4, Ace Combat Zero, Red Dead Redemption 2 and some other games i can't remember atm withouth the fancy extra triggers. It wasn't easy but man it sure was fun.

[prabeshgurung]

I think possibly the biggest missed oppurtunity with the vita (to me) due to its poor sales and investment by studios, is not enough PS2 were ported to it. We know it is capable with MGS HD collection and GOW collection. Even now, we are waiting for a cheap device (so not like 250 or over), that can run ps2 games. Granted, what we are looking at currently are emulation devices, therefore are mostly less optimised for the games currently (if someone makes a breakthrough with the PS2 emulation programme, it could be possible to play it on existing devices).

[adambilisic]

This video was awesome! Especially the comparison with other emulation consoles. For me it will always be companion to my Steam Deck - its big brother :)

[SurrenderedByGraceMinistry]

The PS VITA has the ability to use your PS4 controller and play the mods. Impressive device man. I have a Switch stand and it holds the VITA to play it on a desk with the PS4 controller.

I started buying some VITAS and plan to buy one more in the near future. Amazing device man. I own the switch and it doesn't compare. This is a real handheld.

[silverssonyoutube]

I hacked my psvita yesterday after years of owning it . I'm finally getting more use out . Cant wait to upgrade the memory to 512gb . I always legitimately bought games but then they removed the option to add funds so I could not buy other games, by doing that they don't get my money . I'm sorry but they forced my hand .

[yogabudiwidiantoro]

I bought Vita in 2019 and I still rocking with it! Best investment for a gaming for me.

Speaking about store, yeah I still buy some games on Vita but the problem is some games on this system is stupid expensive right now, for example I really want to have Ys VIII because it's cool JRPG games on Vita but sadly this game got markup for physical copies on many online store and this game also still full price on PlayStation Store, so for a while now I played Ys VIII via the "dark side" until I find the cheapest and legal way to get this game.

[spaceguy]

Ok, this has to be one of the most informative and interesting videos ive ever seen on the vita. Gonna go pick one up.

[henriko]

Honestly such an accurate verdict. I had the preconception that you'd be either a fanboy or a hater, but what a balanced view and honest analysis you presented. Thank you for that. I totally agree with you too. I really want to love the Vita. Well, I think I love the Vita, but it just doesn't feel so great in my hands making it kind of painful to play, at least for a longer period of time.

[aaronpearce]

Remote play is a big reason I'm looking into getting one. I'm not gonna get a ps5 for a long time and being able my games anywhere in my home is very appealing.

[devilangel]

It’s like we are reborn,
in the gameplay world
and trying a new console out.

[bima]

Just bought mine for 76$. Honestly the best purchase of my life. Though the library of official vita games aren't as impressive as the psp (granted the ps vita could play those games), there's still alot of gems to dig. I just think that the design and overall of the software is so much ahead of it's time and could arguably compete with current handhelds system is just so jarring. Sadly, not alot of developers or even sony themselves put alot into it, i just imagine that the next big thing of handheld console would be just like the vita with it's touchscreen, backtouch, gyro etc.

[jtchoi]

Someone has probably said this already, but OLED Vitas with 3G allow you to replace the 3G modem with an SD card adapter internally. This means you don't have to swap a game card and SD adapter every time you want to play a physical game.

[ABlob]

Secret tip if you have Sonic Mania on PS4: Play it with a PlayStation Vita via Remote Play as the controller. The dpad and buttons are really clicky compared to a regular controller which just feels really good for a 2D game like that.

[Ludecan]

Amazing video. Very informative. Thanks for sharing!

[shaun]

I never understand why people insist on using physical media on portable consoles. It's just counter intuitive and a hassle.