I didn’t originally intend this post to be a rant, but, at this rate, it probably is. I’ve been quite vexed recently. No, it’s not because of bad grades, and no, it’s not because I didn’t get the high-score in Terminal Velocity. The reason for my agitation was because of a morbid sight.

The morbid sight of my PS Vita, sitting inside its case, hidden deep inside my drawer with the rest of my miscellaneous things. I can just take it out, put it to charge, and play some games on it. But, I don’t feel like it.

The PS Vita was unique in almost every single way. There was an initial rush of consumers because it was one of a kind. With 2 analog sticks, dual touch pads, and a pandora’s box of other features, it was held to be one of the greatest portable console of our generation.

Then, why am I not sitting behind it with my face inches away from the gorgeous, 5-inch screen?

Most users’ argument would probably go along the lines of, “there’s not much games on it” or ” I just don’t feel like it”. Like it or not, the PS Vita is dying. But, why?

There are a myriad of factors, so, I’m going to go over the important ones, then skim over the less important ones.

Firstly, let’s begin with the lack of AAA titles. By lack, I mean rarity. The PS Vita is built for AAA titles, but Sony feels that indie titles and minis will suit it better. Come on! The PS Vita is built with the greatest hardware for its time, and I feel that it’s a waste of money, as well as potential.

The AAA titles that already exists are stale after this long period of time. Taking LittleBigPlanet as an example, we can see that the lack of DLCs/Updates provides you with the same old *** over and over again. The repetition is getting a bit bland, isn’t it?

Then, Sony goes way over it’s head and openly declares the PS Vita as a “legacy platform”. I mean, what’s the deal with that?!

Often a pejorative term, referencing a system as “legacy” often implies that the system is out of date or in need of replacement.

Here is the definition of “legacy platform” straight outta Wikipedia. You can probably see how stupid this is.

Second, let’s go over Sony’s memory cards. Proprietary memory cards = better security. But, also, proprietary memory cards = $$$. At launch the PS Vita’s memory cards cost $30, $45, $70, and $120 for the 4, 8, 16, and 32 gig options, respectively. Currently, they cost $18, $22, $40, $80 for the 4, 8, 16, and 32 gig options, respectively. Not a dramatic decrease in price, but a decrease, nonetheless.

Now, let’s take a look at the Nintendo 3DS’ memory chips. The 64 gig option costs less than $30 while the 128 gig option costs less than $80. The PS Vita supports 64 gigs, but, at $130.

You can see that the 3DS offers double the storage but just shy of half the price.

But, why are there no AAA titles for the Vita? You can point fingers at Sony, or the Developers, but, I think the problem lies with us, the consumers. There’s a lot of negativity in the air about the Vita, and social media aids in this approach.

Personally, I believe that the hacking scene pumps new blood into the Vita, and this has, of course, shown similar results on the PSP. Maybe, history will repeat itself. The hacking scene has a lot more to offer than what Sony ever could, and I think that’ll make all the difference.

I still regret buying the Vita. I paid over $500 on it, and there it is, in my drawer catching dust. I could sell it right now if I want to, but, I’m confident that the hacking scene will surely bring the Vita back on it’s feet in no time. Then again, only time can tell.

So, to address the main question. No, the Vita is not dead, but it sure is dying. Let me know what you guys think in the comments below. Until next time, have a good one.

Cheers,

Hyperaktiv