Vita Hands-On Impressions From A Portable Skeptic

Still, the touchscreen works just fine and is quite accurate and responsive. Thus far, I haven't come across some of the complaints I heard when the unit launched in Japan (I've also read it in some reviews of Uncharted: Golden Abyss); i.e., that the screen won't always read your finger. I have had it happen, but it seems exceedingly rare. I'll have to play more to pass final judgment of course, and I should add that of the games I've played so far, I almost always invariably go with the regular controls.

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However, moving through the menus with the touchscreen is easy as pie and I actually like having the option. Just to freshen up the experience, I will often switch to "touching" rather than "pressing." I've also tested out the camera, which works well, and I won't forget about other high-profile features, like the NEAR system, connectivity to the PS3, etc.

The battery life is a hot topic because, after all, it ain't that great. I was one of the first to go, "wait...how long will it last?!" But here's the thing- I never really sit down and play a video game for longer than 3 hours at a clip these days and in all honesty, nobody I know does, either. On top of that, think logically for a moment: if you're out and about, or even if you're traveling somewhere, how often are we away from a power outlet for longer than four hours or so? I only just thought about that.

Besides, given what this thing can do, perhaps the battery life isn't too surprising. I am hoping, though, that later models will offer longer life.

Games, Games, Games

With no less than 13 games to sample, I've seen a lot...and I've still got a long ways to go. Above all else, I think, is the available selection at launch and upcoming titles. With over 100 Vita titles currently in development and 25 ready for the system's official release next week, Sony is coming with the software.

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Furthermore, I like the variety and diversity of the upcoming lineup. Just looking at the launch titles, you've got action/adventure in Uncharted: Golden Abyss, racing in Wipeout 2048, puzzle/action type games in Lumines: Electronic Symphony and Super Stardust HD, an action/RPG in Dungeon Hunter: Alliance, sports games in Hots Shots Golf: World Invitational and FIFA Soccer, strategy in Army Corps of Hell, fighting in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, a platformer in Rayman Origins, and miscellaneous stuff in Little Deviants. I mean, come on...what more can we really ask for from a launch lineup?

And looking not far down the road, we see Resistance: Burning Skies, Unit 13, Escape Plan, Killzone, Gravity Rush, LittleBigPlanet, Reality Fighters, Bioshock Infinite and much, much more. Suddenly, I find myself begging to try 'em all. I can tell you right now that when we issue a final Report Card for the Vita, the software will at least get a B...and that's saying something for a PlayStation launch lineup.

Pricing and Availability

This is the tough category because the price is a major point of contention among gamers worldwide. At $250 for the Wi-Fi-only version and $300 for the 3G model, this isn't exactly a cheap machine. Plus, with no memory card, as mentioned above, you're looking at a potentially prohibitive starting price point for consumers, especially when you start tacking on the games and data plans.

And this remains the system's biggest obstacle in my eyes. I have the luxury of just getting it for the sake of coverage, so I have to put myself in a position where I'd have to pay for what I have. I knew this going in. But I was all sorts of convinced that at best, I'd be on the fence. I'd go, "you know, it's your hard-earned money, and we're talking a good four or even five hundred bucks if you want the full Vita experience with some games...and that's tough to recommend." Strangely enough, though, it actually isn't that difficult for me to recommend.

As for availability, I'll just assume Sony won't make the mistake they made with the PS3 and say there will be enough Vitas to go around. But it's a wait-and-see situation before we issue the final grades.

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Brief Summary

I was all prepared to be a staunch critic. I really was. I don't understand this handheld fascination, whether it be a DS or a tablet of some kind. But here's the thing- I'm still not a big fan of that stuff, but I still love video games. And that's the kicker. The Vita is about the games. It's for gamers and that's really the only reason I love it so much. It's not about a gazillion useless apps or other completely trivial features that 15-year-olds find cool but I just find intensely boring. It's about the absolute best portable gaming experience available, with several modern, high-tech options.

And if we define it along those terms, how can one go wrong? The PlayStation Vita is definitely going over well with me and as I said at the start, that's saying something.

Early Impressions Grade: A-