New hardware is always a big deal, but the release of the PlayStation Vita is especially important. The world is watching to see if there is room for a dedicated handheld gaming device in a world full of smart phones. With the slow start of the Nintendo 3DS and the Vita’s own struggle in Japan, the outlook is grim. Will the PlayStation Vita be the last great portable gaming device?
As far a gaming hardware goes, the Vita is a powerhouse compared to a smart phone. Not only does it have a touch screen, but it but it has a back touch screen, twelve buttons, a d-pad and (finally) dual analog sticks. For the first time ever you can have a true first/third person experience on a portable device! It even has Sixaxis motion controls, giving developers as many options as possible when developing games.
As the 3DS has taught us, it doesn’t matter how awesome the hardware is if it doesn’t come with the software support. Sony took note of this and is delivering the most impressive launch window in Sony’s history. A full 25 games will be available on launch day, all of which will be available on PSN for those with a memory card large enough to hold them. Another 10 titles will fall within the launch window. The Nintendo 3DS launched with only 12 titles.
If any dedicated handheld gaming device would stands a chance, it is the PlayStation Vita. It is aimed at an audience that wants more then what a smart phone can deliver and has enough software to interest gamers of all kinds. Dissenters claim that gamers won’t want to carry around a separate device dedicated to gaming when they already have a phone. Of course, those same people claim that PC gaming is dead in favor of a dedicated home gaming console.
Gamers don’t really care about the device they use. Gamers only care about games. The Vita’s success will be determined by the quality of its games and Sony’s ability to market them effectively. I, for one, hope there is room for more than just simple touch games in the mobile space.
Popularity: 1% [?]
