Following the failure of the crowd-funded VitaDock, in which its creator xCorra disappeared from the internet, the folks working on it decided to share their work and keep on supporting it which has encouraged users to build their own DIY VitaDock. Now, Crash-Cortez has released the final version of the VitaDock VLC software for those who want to create their own dock!

What’s VitaDock? What does VitaDock VLC include?

When announced, the VitaDock campaign was pretty popular and it managed to raise around $17.7k but xCorra didn’t deliver in the end

VitaDock was a community project started by xCorra which aimed to create and produce Switch-like docks for the PlayStation Vita. These docks, which connect to a TV via HDMI, allow one to connect their PSVita to a built-in USB port (and headphone jack/bluetooth for audio) and seamlessly play on a bigger screen thanks to Xerpi’s udcd_uvc plugin. Unfortunately, the project fell apart as xCorra disappeared from the internet and this obviously left many people  disgruntled. In light of this, the VitaDock Team decided to release the software for the Raspberry Pi powering the dock and the 3D design files in case anybody wanted to manufacture one of their own.

Now, Crash-Cortez, a member of the VitaDock Team, has released the final version of VitaDock software which makes use of VLC before moving on to create versions that use mpv instead.

The VitaDock VLC image comes with many essential utilities built-in together with a bunch of scripts to make life easier!

This image, which was created with the help of m0tie, includes the following features:

• A custom build of VLC configured with optimal settings for streaming the Vita’s screen
• Software for receiving the PSVita’s audio via Bluetooth
  • This removes the need of having to connect your console via the 3.5mm audio jack
  • There’s support for the internal Bluetooth chipset of the RPi 3B+, 3A+ and 4 but not for the 3B
• An on-screen keyboard for easier management when far away
• The ability to automatically start and stop the VLC stream when you plug your PSVita in or take it out
• Enable/Disable scripts for boot video, Vita notification and boot text
• Built-in SSH Client and FileZilla installed
  • The username and password for SSH are found in the link below

 Which Raspberry Pi models are supported? How well does it work and how do I use it?

This version of the VitaDock software supports the following Raspberry Pi models:

• Raspberry Pi 3A+
  

  The range of RPi models supported is pretty good now but do note that RPi 3A+/3B+ can run for more money than an RPi 4 on certain marketplaces!

• Raspberry Pi 3B+
• Raspberry Pi 4B
• Raspberry Pi 3B but you need a Bluetooth dongle to get wireless audio
• Crash-Cortez said that tests are ongoing for Raspberry Pi 2 support but current indications show that the device is a tad too underpowered.
• A test build of the VitaDock software is also available for the RPi Zero

As per tests from Crash Cortez on a Raspberry Pi 3A+, this build of the VitaDock software provides pretty low latency and allowed him to enjoyably play Dragon’s Lair,a game that requires pressing buttons at precise moments in time.

To use it on your Raspberry Pi, you simply need to write the image to an SD Card by using a tool such as Rufus or Etcher, follow the on-screen prompts and you’re ready to go. Crash-Cortez advises against updating when using the VitaDock VLC image as that may wipe the special configuration files that the image comes with.

Conclusion

Perhaps someone will start producing VitaDock units and selling them on a marketplace with buyer protection, such as eBay, so that users who simply want a plug-and-play dock could finally get one and more people enjoy the work of the VitaDock Team [Bu (m0tie), ZoidBerg and his wife Si, David-OX, SilentNight and Crash-Cortez himself]! Till then, you’ll have to build your own VitaDock which isn’t too difficult and could serve as a fun DIY project to do during the weekend.

A recent update on the VitaDock page claims that refunds will be issued in the following months although this should probably be taken with a pinch of salt as its veracity hasn’t been confirmed.

VitaDock VLC Final Release Page (+ Download Link): https://github.com/CrashCortez/vitadock-vlc/tree/master/release