The PS Vita - Why It Will Fail

 With the imminent release of the Playstation Vita, games shops, websites, blogs and forums have been lighting up with features and videos of Sony’s latest handheld gaming device. Sony has promised great new graphics, new Sony apps, fresh games and the intention to revolutionise an already crowded market. With the failure of Sony’s last handheld device, the PSP, still fresh in the public’s mind, I ask, will the Vita be accepted by the public and embraced like the Playstation? Or, will it merely be an insignificant failure in the gaming world? That is why I am writing this on my blog.

 The PSP, in the public’s eye, will always be seen as a failure. Like many other ‘fads’ prior to the 2005 release, its success was short lived and never lived up to the hype. It could do most things. You could watch movies, TV shows, listen to your songs, surf the web and of course, play PSP games. Aside from the PSP game part, the handheld system was merely an iPod which by this time was gaining momentum to take over the world. Personally, I spent my first ever months wage on a Sony PSP and loved the fact that you could do all these things (as I didn’t have an iPod). The games I bought at the time were Ridge Racer and Fifa 06 (I think). I must have owned the PSP system for around 3 months until I sold it. It was far too big to carry around in your pocket, the graphics were poor (Fifa as I recall was very pixelated) and was more of an inconvenience than a gaming revolution. Soon after the hype had calmed down, the sales had calmed and the games were getting worse. The PSP had had its day, not long after being released. Different models being released which claimed improvements and I haven’t even mentioned the monumental catastrophe which was the PSP Go. All in all the PSP was a failure and I fear the same for Vita, as Sony hasn’t learnt lessons from the past.

 These days, everything can be done from Smart Phones. Gaming, internet, music, TV and movies can all be utilised in some way on Smart Phones. As I have mentioned before, Apple have created a new era for gaming which HTC, Samsung and Motorola have all embraced, while Sony have not. As well as the fact most people already own a Smart Phone, the games are substantially cheaper. The RRP of a brand new Playstation Vita is around £39.99. The most successful gaming app ever on Smart Phones is Angry Birds which started out as a budget app on i-Tunes and has now became a global phenomenon. Merchandise, several varieties of the game available and now every handset wishes to have this addictive game on its phones. Of course there will always be a place for big budget games but for this low cost, addictive type of gaming, it seems to be much more appealing to the masses. The type of people who are willing to pass the time playing games while travelling to work or school as well as surfing the web, texting and watching TV shows. All of which is available on Smart phones. Most is available on the Vita, but not all. This is definitely the biggest problem with the Vita. Where does it stand in the market? The handheld console generation is dying in my point of view with the exception of one company and product, Nintendo with the 3DS.

 The masters of handheld consoles have yet again captured the public’s hearts after a more than shaky start with the 3DS. As much as the console is an evolution for gaming with the 3d technology, early sales suggested that it was due to falter. After releases of Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D World as well as numerous Zelda titles, Nintendo was back on track as more and more 3DS’ were selling out. This is the major difference between the Vita and the 3DS, blockbuster game titles with Mario, Zelda and Star Fox. Mario and Zelda both have millions of fans who would buy any game that is released and not even how often a Mario or Zelda game is released, it will still receive great press and loved by the public. This is something I feel which Sony cannot replicate in fact, no-one can replicate. Mario is appealing to kids today and adults who grew up with him in the 80’s and 90’s. The charm of Nintendo is priceless which appeals to everyone. Even if you are a Sony or Microsoft “Fan-boy”, you can’t help but appreciate Nintendo’s continued success in the gaming market.

 The one thing I feel which the Vita has above any of its competitors, whether its Smart phone or 3DS, is the technology which is integrated in the system. The touch sensitive back seems to be the most impressive evolution of the handheld which the Vita offers. You can control the on screen action, without your fingertips getting in the way.

Kotaku explained how it will be implemented with Fifa 12:

"One of the features they can up with is touch-panel shooting, where you use the rear panel to aim and kick. When you tap, the ball goes to the spot that corresponds to wherever your fingertip is."

This is certainly something to look forward to because of all the touch screen gameplay and mechanics these days; it will be refreshing to feel as though you are controlling everything with your fingertips, without them getting in the way.

 Playstation 3 fans may be excited to hear that you can play PS3 games on your Vita as well. Although all in all the cost of a PS3 and Vita would be well in excess of £400. The powerful graphic system is produced by a Quad Core Power VR Graphics Processer. Most of the games too will be available to download as well as some larger sized titles being available to physically purchase. A neat system called “Near” will let you know if any of your friends are nearby and if so, you can challenge them to a game wirelessly.

 All in all, I feel as though the Playstation Vita has several promising features. The graphics, advanced controls and ability to play titles from its big brother. In a crowded market of portable gaming, I feel as though the Vita will have an initial buzz, or maybe when the price is dropped (similar to the 3DS). Although this buzz will be short lived and will go the same way as the PSP and other handhelds have gone before it. Another victory for the smart phones!