In just a few days time the PlayStation Vita will be in warehouses and on store shelves and we're pensively staring off into the distance weighing up whether it's worth running down to our local store and picking one up at launch.
The case for buying one at release are pretty strong, having had one in the office for a while now we're convinced it an excellent bit of kit. In our PS Vita review we said Sony has managed to cram the handheld with very "Impressive technology" and created a platform that has "uncompromised control inputs". We concluded our review by saying it's "a brilliant hardcore gaming handheld".
The PlayStation Vita also has one of the better launch line-ups of all the recent console launches, and the majority of games available alongside it are reviewing very well.
Our Uncharted: Golden Abyss review was equally praise-filled. We said while it's not "quite up the standard of the PS3 games in either narrative or visual stakes" it is nonetheless "a triumphant outing for Drake", and perhaps the Vita's best launch title.
Other's seem to be equally impressed with its launch line-up, as is evident in our PS Vita games review round-up. Other games such as ModNation Racers Road Trip, Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, FIFA and Hotshots Golf have all scored highly.
Sony seems to making some smart moves to entice us too; it's announced some games can be paid for once and downloaded on both the Vita and PS3, and revealed a very reasonable pricing structure for Vita games being released digitally.
We'll admit there's a few games on Vita we're itching to play, but are mulling over whether it's more prudent to hold off on buying one for a little longer.
So, we'd like to know what your Vita plans are; will you be rushing out and buying one in the coming week, and if so what game's are you interested in? Or will you be holding out for a little longer? Maybe there's a few of you that just don't care for it entirely, let us know in the comments below.
Comments
39 comments so far...
DAEDALUS79 on 19 Feb '12 said:
Ive got one pre-ordered! I havent owned a handheld console since the DS lite so im looking forward to seeing what this can do, the 3DS for me personally doesnt really seem to offer much that I didnt have with the DS a few years back. The social features and media features are secondary for me, my smart phone does everything I need but its nice to have. In the summer im heading off to the states to work for a few months and then will travel, so the vita will be my way of being able to play over the next few years. TBH Im tempted to sell my ps3 or xbox (possibly both) and just use the vita, seeing as my gaming time has diminished so much recently.
El Mag on 19 Feb '12 said:
It's always better to wait. Every console I've ever had has ended up looking like a bad decision to buy on day 1 with hindsight. Be it from official price cuts, different shop bundles, dodgy console bugs that eventually get ironed out or games that haven't been rushed out to meet a deadline.
I'm sure most people who do buy one on launch will be happy with it. For anybody on the fence and still pondering it'll be better to wait.
Unless anybody wants to buy me one, then it'll be completely worth it.
potnoodle1 on 19 Feb '12 said:
This is the first console since the Saturn that I haven't pre-ordered outright. I'd like one, don't get me wrong, but only Uncharted is really screaming out to me to be played. Timing is pretty bad for me as well. There's a couple things that are of higher priority than a games console at the moment so I just can't justify the purchase, and the way I've been stung with the 3DS is making me wary. In a month or two I'll be in a better position and will no doubt end up picking one up, but for the moment I'll be leaving it.
MD1500 on 19 Feb '12 said:
I'm going to wait a while. None of the titles really appeal to me, and let's face it, the console is hardly flying off the shelves in Japan - and I don't buy the "Games didn't appeal to the Japanese audience" excuse - since when was "Dynasty Warriors Next" a Western game?
Therefore, I'm convinced that a price drop will occur sooner rather than later. The 32GB cards aren't even available over here yet, and the absurd lack of internal memory will probably be fixed in the second iteration. In the meantime, I have far too many games to play with my 3DS / Wii. Just look at my Backloggery!
TheLastDodo on 19 Feb '12 said:
At launch? No. Too expensive and not interested in majority of the games that have been released/announced so far.
I would absolutely consider one in the future but only when it's much cheaper and there's a bigger roster of Vita titles that I can't play better versions of on PS3, less Uncharteds and ModNations and more brand new games like Escape Plan and Gravity Daze/Rush in other words.
I know some people love the idea of a 'PS3 in your pocket' but it's not for me and is the main reason why I bought a 3DS instead a few weeks ago, I just wanted something completely different to what I can get on PS3, so until the Vita picks up steam, which I believe it will at some point, I'm content with my PS3 and 3DS for now.
It does look a fantastic bit of kit and I'm sure those that want the 'PS3 in your pocket' experience will enjoy it immensely.
03b2wgm on 19 Feb '12 said:
This is the first time I've ever seriously considered purchasing a PlayStation product. I have already pre-ordered the 3G version, a 16GB memory card, and the official Starter Kit. When I top up my SIM by £5 I will get Wipeout 2048, and the discount code in the pre-order pack will go towards one of the four games that I can redeem it for (I can't remember their names). I haven't decided which one to get yet, but I probably will decide that when I redeem it.
Everything about the PSVita appeals to me.
IplayVideogames on 19 Feb '12 said:
If it's anything like PSP, the games may get ported to PS3 (like the GTA stories games were on PS2 and a few others) or PS4 (like the God of War collection) so until there's a unique Vita-only experience, and the price inevitably comes down, no purchase from me.
timewarp1 on 19 Feb '12 said:
Their £209 quid on Amazon with a free 8gb memory card and selected game for £15 extra. Nearly went for one but I want to clear my debts first and buy it as a treat
richard99 on 19 Feb '12 said:
I guess if
-you do a lot of travelling or something so you're going to use it a lot
-you're not fine sticking with an older handheld or you don't have one
-you can afford it and you don't care about waiting for a price drop or that there might be a redesign
-you like being an early adopter or really want to play a few of the launch titles
-you're after an all round media player as well
then it could be great value.
Personally I don't fall into that category though.
I like the look of Vita but I'm happy to wait a year or two while it builds up some good games, the price comes down, maybe a more pocket sized version comes out and I decide for sure that I want one more than I want a 3DS.
I picked up GBA and PSP at launch and regretted it a bit (wish I'd waited for GBA SP, PSP slim) so maybe I'm a little biased on getting new handhelds but I think that's what I'm going to do.
Malmo on 19 Feb '12 said:
I've got it pre-ordered, there's some pretty decent deals online atm like on play.com and amazon. I was a little put off by the price, and yeah, it'll likely have a price drop relatively soon but meh, i can afford it, and i want one so i'm just gonna go ahead and get one. most the launch games can be picked up for £30 online, and a few others i'd like are gonna be pretty cheap pretty fast like unit 13 and wipeout. Gaming on my ps3/laptop is just a little too inconvenient for my pretty busy lifestyle so having near enough console quality games on the go is great as far as i'm concerned. i don't just want ports of consoles games but a few exclusives and a few ps3-esque games that i can pick up and play anywhere is exactly what i need.
ChrisIW on 19 Feb '12 said:
Yes. Because there's a much, much better "launch window" lineup than the 3DS had, it's already good value compared to ipads / iphones, and also they've got the design right first time - so it's unlikely to be outdated by a newer improved model any time soon....again, unlike the 3DS.
I'm also tired of playing sh!tty little games that I can't even control properly on my ipad. These games are mostly 69p for a reason....
Paul_27 on 19 Feb '12 said:
sounds great and i love me gadgets but will wait till the price reduces on games, handheld and memory cards....
will pick one up near to xmas if the price is great along with the wii u
why not grab a psvita at all asda stores for just £200
nOVA1987 on 19 Feb '12 said:
I've had mine pre-ordered since december! Getting the wi-fi only model at launch as I won't use it outside of the house and if I want to look on the net I'll use my phone. I'm getting Game's uncharted bundle (wi-fi console, 8gb memory card and uncharted for £269.99), I'll probably get little deviants and dungeon hunter with it too. I can not wait!!!!
ckyleburnett on 19 Feb '12 said:
I bought first edition and have had for a week. Got a sweet deal on games and ended up only spending 30.00 each for Uncharted and Hot Shots Golf. Both are must haves. I also have MvC3 and Escape Plan, which is great. I have only used around 1.5 gig of my 4gig card with Escape Plan being the only title I downloaded. If you are planning on buying retail, 4-8gig will not be an issue for you at all. My experience with the console has been nothing short of amazing. It is simply unreal how much it actually feels like playing a console. The screen is fantastic
. The battery life is much better than I expected and I usually getting around 5 hrs. I mostly play at home while wife watches TV and kids watch cartoons. I assure you, if you take the plunge, you will NOT be disappointed. 
toaplan on 19 Feb '12 said:
I got burned by the post-launch price drops of both the 3DS and the xperia Play, so I'm not super-eager to be an early-adopter this time
Still, I've been considering the Amazon bundle for a while now and would possibly have gone for it, if either UMvC3 or Wipeout 2048 had been available as the £15-game. But as they aren't I'm just undecided.
The PSP-games available on download are also tempting me. http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/02/ ... o-ps-vita/
Right now I have recently bought games that I haven't even touched (Steam Chrimbo sales...), so I'm trying to be sensible and play those before buying more games. And the ipad3 is going to be released in March... However, when MGS HD-collection becomes available, it may be the game that makes me push the "proceed to checkout and Vita ownership"-button.
deepbluerd on 19 Feb '12 said:
Cancelled my order with Game and went with amazon. Best decision Ive ever made. Also Game are no longer selling 16GB memory cards. For some reason they took them of there site.
JBoo on 19 Feb '12 said:
Yeah buy 1
If your into PURE gaming then get it. Thats what you get from buying a PlayStation product i.e the BEST gaming out there 
RetroSteveUK on 19 Feb '12 said:
Had mine pre-ordered for ages now. This is the handheld I've been waiting for since the 1980's. The twin analogue sticks alone sold it to me. The processing muscle clinched the deal. Everything else is a bonus.
azraes on 19 Feb '12 said:
It totally depends on the individual. For a lot of people it'll be worth it and for some it won't.
If you're an adult with a decent paying job and pretty much find yourself unable to spend time playing your PC or console games - then yeah it's totally worth buying it at launch? Why? There's a lot of games out at launch and in the launch period. I mean there's so many that it's probably the best launch period ever and there's a fair number of quality titles too. So you could buy a few now and then when the prices for a few games drop by the others that interest you plus there's more releases down the line.
You'd have your money's worth of enjoyment for the price difference by the time the price dropped properly. If you have the resources and decide to wait - you're most likely just incrementing your backlog (Which you'd probably be doing buying in the first place but that's a different issue) and you'd be missing out by waiting for the price drop.
Will the price drop? Yes. Will it drop as fast as the 3DS? Doubt it unless sales are abysmal (this is the fear that's giving most people reason to wonder if they should wait. The two products are different and both can succeed in a post-iOS world and both have a healthy lineup for this year I believe). Games on the Vita are more favoured for the western market and there's more games in the first 6 months than most launch devices. Even if it did drop fast, if there's an ambassador program it would not be bad. We're currently as is having pretty decent deals to purchase one and the games too (motorstorm for 4.79, is good).
Now if you don't have the money, have a lot of time to play games on your machines that you own (honestly even if you have them, sometimes as an adult in a relationship or with kids you don't have access or time and portables are honestly the best way to go there), then maybe it's not the best for you. For these people they can wait for the price to drop. There's no reason to hurry. They've always been playing catchup for the most part by waiting for pricedrops and would be enjoying their fresh purchases which they bought at a lower price.
The important thing is that it is a pretty decent device that does deserve to exist in this market and exists for the more enthusiast gamer who's a young professional to settled and married with kids. I'd honestly not recommend this as a product to buy for a younger market unless they do have the cash to blow. Yet. In time of course.
tldr; There's nothing wrong with buying one now or waiting. It really depends on the individual and their lifestyle.
Personal Note: I've got my 3G preordered and it'll be with me this week
Padua on 19 Feb '12 said:
Not being sarcastic here - but you need to be awarded a smart medal
Is it worth it - of course it is! I think it is great value and has so much potential. I agree with a playStation in your pocket comment but who wouldn't want a portable playstation with them, lounging in the shade in a wifi hotspot on a beach, whilst drinking an ice cold beer
I don't really like getting anything at launch. It is the only portable gaming device that appeals to me but a year makes no difference to me either - unless some really stunning comes out for it. The Vita just underlines how lame tablets are for core gamers.
alan666 on 19 Feb '12 said:
the more i hear & see the more appealing the Vita seems to be, however i won't be buying it on launch, my fingers are still hurting from being burnt with the 3DS,
i would like to see a drop in the price & what the upcoming games are like, i don't just want to see PS3/360 ports on the Vita & other shovelware, the unit price is not to bad but the unit plus the memory card & two games is well over £300, the memory card is pretty small to, i'm going to wait until xmas at least before i consider buying one.
monty_79 on 19 Feb '12 said:
Would really like one to be fair as it looks like a fantastic bit of kit. I'm just reserved about the price of the games and the mem cards to be honest. Also, I want to see what Bioshock Vita is going to be like, and I am also curious to see how it does first before taking the plunge. Furthermore, I can't help but think I will wait until a slim version as it is not a convenient size for me to carry around in a coat or jacket pocket.
All in all though, very nice looking but the pricing of its premium games and memory cards are still really off putting.
Mmmmgrolsch on 19 Feb '12 said:
Already pre-ordered mine, 1st console I've ever pre-ordered! Is it worth it? It's down to the individual, and I see great value in the console. Also Sony always downgrade consoles as time goes by so who knows? If people are on the fence then like Mag said, wait for a while as there isn't many games about.
Anyway 3 more sleeps till I'm sitting outside HMV at 9am collection mine! I can't wait
TheDragonDoji on 19 Feb '12 said:
Would love one but cannot afford it. Simple fact is; If I had the money I'd buy one. No kids, no decent career, no wife...so no reason to be denied Vita.
damoxuk on 19 Feb '12 said:
I have one pre-ordered and hopefully will ship tommorow. And I can't wait. All the stories and articles naysaying the vita is beyond mental, it's like the entire gaming press wants it to fail but hey f**k em because I for one will be enjoying it.
And yes in terms of money it's always better to wait for a discount/price cut etc. But if you really want it go for it, you only live once.
Super stardust delta please stand up.
* I bought 3DS at launch like most gadgets (ipad/iphones every 3rd iteration is what my funds allow) but out of all the day 1 gadgets that in hindsight was probably the worst of them all. PRice is similar to Vita but in terms of tech/design/games it truly wasn't worth £200 - vita on the other hand is.
KK-Headcharge78 on 20 Feb '12 said:
For me, at this stage, no. I have played one, played about 5 or 6 games, I liked FIFA, Wipeout and that Limbo-esque game I forget the name of however the others were pretty meh! It looks great, plays well and has some nice options including the back touch pad and touch screen options. However I don't travel a lot on public transport and it is way too over priced considering I have an iphone for the brief times I fancy a game (and no I'm not saying they are as good but they fill the time adequately) and when at home I have an Xbox. I'll be tempted perhaps when I see a price drop and play some other games, instead I'll be wasting my money on a Street Fighter 2 Hyper Fighting arcade machine with several thousand classic games on it
A3RO_DYNAMIK on 20 Feb '12 said:
I am definitely going to get one but just can't afford it at the moment. It looks amazing for on the move and it is also going to enhance games at home as well with the PS3 integration. If you have the money I would say yes especially considering some of the deals available.
toaboa on 20 Feb '12 said:
Got a pre-order bundle for Amazon pending delivery. I do most of my gaming on handhelds (at home or during travel), and the Vita is just the way forward for me on this. I look forward to doing some in-the-couch PS1 playing via remote play, and dvelving into the PS3-Vita cross play and the super set of launch titles.
Bring it!
rhyfel on 20 Feb '12 said:
personally i dont think there has been any system worth buying at launch and that includes the vita, i think a new system needs about a year or so to get into its stride, i know the vita is a powerful piece of kit but i think at nearly £300 for a handheld is to much also its the crap sony come's out with concerning its memory cards, just another corporate tactic to rip off there customers even more, do the suits at sony actually know there is a economic recession? it doesn't look like by there pricing structure, i hope the vita is a success because we need dedicated gaming machines and to show that piece of crap "the i pad and i pod how its done properly.
delmariachi on 20 Feb '12 said:
Personally no, new tech is always tempting, the shiny new smell etc. BUT this doesn't really set my world alight to be honest, yes i can play quality stuff on a handheld (which is pretty cool) but to be honest its not something that excites me anymore, multimedia and social app capabilities are two a penny nowadays, so again something that is nice to have but not essential to my life, when I have it on tap elsewhere. Maybe we are just spoiled with tech these days..
I hope it does well as a failure here could have repercussions for future tech, but if the price drops a bit and the games keep coming, who knows I may well finally end up grabbing one.
clayf1ghter on 20 Feb '12 said:
Yes absolutely once I was directed to the Amazon deal I've never looked back £235 with an 8gb card and Lumines which I would of bought anyway.
Well pleased and can't wait to get my grubby little mits on it along with FIFA and Uncharted.
Admittedly it's not cheap £300 for a handheld with 3 games and a memory card but I just know I'm gonna love it I can afford it so f*** it why not.
a3HeadedMonkey on 20 Feb '12 said:
Has anyone seen it in person? It's f**king massive!
I remember people complaining about the original Game Boy being too big to fit in your pocket. The Vita is even bigger than a PSP ffs. Way too big to carry around everywhere you go.
CDK1986 on 20 Feb '12 said:
I've got mine preordered and even though I'm on nights, I'll be staying up to wait for to be delivered on Wednesday
Having tried it in Game I can say it is leagues above any other handheld and puts apples products to shame (I have an IPad 2 and iPhone 3GS).
benedictm on 20 Feb '12 said:
no console is worth buying at launch - price premium and lack of games.
i always wait a year before buying a console now. at least .
Brigandier on 20 Feb '12 said:
It's pretty big but you describe it like it's the size of an atomic bomb. It fits nicely in my inside pocket in my jacket it's honestly not that bad.
Had mine since I went to japan last year absolutely wonderful console, I struggle to understand people complaining about the price especially when it's new hardware, Check the deal at amazon people.
humanhand on 20 Feb '12 said:
Dual analog sticks, and the OLED screen has me chomping at the bit waiting for release day.
Nitramuse on 20 Feb '12 said:
This'll be the first new hardware kit that I won't be buying at day one. Thanks to the 3DS. I'll wait for bundles and hopefully a white one.
Very_Silver_Ownz on 20 Feb '12 said:
Not for me. I played it in a game store a few weeks back and while it had impressive tech I'm not really interested in a portable PS3.
The Vita seems more like a console like the 360 or PS3 than the 3DS which maybe a good thing for some people but not me. If I want to play PS3 type games I'll play my PS3 which is why once the 3DS gets redesigned with a second anolgue stick is when I get one as the games seem more suited for portable gaming.
RTY1998 on 21 Feb '12 said:
The console itself is very good, but it's worth noting it's basicly a compilation of best bits of smart phones and other consoles. The launch games aren't that great and the launch games worth getting haven't even cracked into CVG's 9s, although from what I played of Uncharted, Rayman, Blazblue, Wipeout and FIFA on other consoles I expect alot. I did have the honor of playing Wipeout on the Vita at game and I though the Vita's launch games had alot to live up to. One good reason for not getting a Vita straight away is the price. £280 is too much, and seeing as the games are going to cost a lot maybe it's best to wait for a price cut. Also I'm personally going to wait a couple months for the upcoming greats, such as Little Big Planet, Assassin's Creed, Metal Gear Solid and Little King's Story 2. So I think it's worth waiting for the other good games to come out and the price to drop before you consider spending that amount of money.