[fluffydelusions]

iPad 2 has 16 gigs of space while the Vita doesn't come with any. Most games on the iPad don't cost $35-40 The iPad will do much more than play games and the browser is fully capable unlike the Vita, which while improved from the PSP isn't anything to write home about iPad 2 does much more than the Vita

Yeah but most of the stuff iPad does I could do on my phone. My gf had an iPad and we used it for a few days and returned it because all we ever really used it for was the exact same functions as we did our phone.

[mxgt]

I don't even understand the comparison between a £500 all purpose device and a £200ish handheld gaming device which is far more portable

[Takao]

How is this even worth a thread? You're comparing an already released device to one that hasn't even been announced let alone has solid specs...

[ghibli99]

These comparisons happen because Sony has a lot of the same features as an iOS device. So, the comparison is natural. A company like Nintendo tends to focus almost 99% on the gaming aspect of their systems, whether people like it or not. But a side effect is that they don't draw comparisons with something like an iPad, and instead with a more realistic counterpart, the Vita. Pretty smart, IMO. Comparisons like the one in this thread just further confuse/fracture people and developers, and have got to be frustrating to Sony.

[Metalmurphy]

I'll just leave this here:





If you're a true gamer, you'll still want to game on a Vita, not an iPad. If you want to compare sales, iPad will most obviously "win".

[darkwing]

I don't even understand the comparison between a £500 all purpose device and a £200ish handheld gaming device which is far more portable

like apples and oranges?

[OnPoint]

iPad 3 specs are unknown, but here is how I guess this will shake out.

Even if the iPad 3 comes in less powerful than the Vita, it won't be by a whole lot. Then, a year later, the iPad 4 comes out and is a step above. There won't be a powerful Vita replacement. A year after that, the iPad 5 comes out. Same result.

I just don't think the Vita can stand up to the iPad, nor should it really even be compared to it. It feels like different markets to me.

[ClovingWestbrook]

That's all fine and dandy but the "comparison" article clearly states that Vita games are $30-$50 which is just not true.

Well Vita games are $30-50 for the most part. There are three free 'games' and you have PS Mini's. But games specifically built for the Vita for the most part are $30-50.

I'll just leave this here: If you're a true gamer, you'll still want to game on a Vita, not an iPad. If you want to compare sales, iPad will most obviously "win".

What is a true gamer? Is there a false gamer?

[Fixed1979]

iPad 2 has 16 gigs of space while the Vita doesn't come with any. Most games on the iPad don't cost $35-40 The iPad will do much more than play games and the browser is fully capable unlike the Vita, which while improved from the PSP isn't anything to write home about iPad 2 does much more than the Vita

The Vita does much more than play games as well, and no one is going to say it does as much as the iPad2, there's a reason that the iPad2 is twice as much money (even if you include a 16Gb memory card for your Vita)...I'm honestly a little shocked that someone is defending the article...did you happen to write it?

Well Vita games are $30-50 for the most part. There are three free 'games' and you have PS Mini's. But games specifically built for the Vita for the most part are $30-50.

For the most part your probably accurate, this comparison fails to even mention it.

EDITED

[.hacked]

sold my iPad 2 in prep for the iPad 3, now that I have a Vita I don't think Ill buy another iPad. rather have a vita for gaming (3DS too)

[Risk Breaker]

iPad 2 does much more than the Vita

Like? It can't do games like the Vita, so what's the "much more" rest?

Also, John Carmack.

[snoopeasystreet]

If you're a true gamer, you'll still want to game on a Vita, not an iPad.

Really?

[ClovingWestbrook]

The Vita does much more than play games as well, and no one is going to say it does as much as the iPad2, there's a reason that the iPad2 is twice as much money (even if you include a 16Gb memory card for your Vita)...I'm honestly a little shocked that someone is defending the article...did you happen to write it?

Yes I did.

Like? It can't do games like the Vita, so what's the "much more" rest? Also, John Carmack.

Really? You have to ask what the iPad can do that the Vita can't?

[fluffydelusions]

iPad 3 specs are unknown, but here is how I guess this will shake out. Even if the iPad 3 comes in less powerful than the Vita, it won't be by a whole lot. Then, a year later, the iPad 4 comes out and is a step above. There won't be a powerful Vita replacement. A year after that, the iPad 5 comes out. Same result. I just don't think the Vita can stand up to the iPad, nor should it really even be compared to it. It feels like different markets to me.

The only other quad core mobile device even out is the transformer prime but even that doesn't have a quad core GPU. Even galaxy tab 2 coming out next month will be dual core. iPad 3 will not be quad core...I would put money on it.

[Metalmurphy]

What is a true gamer? Is there a false gamer?

Yes, people that play AngryBirds on iPhones/iPads and call themselves gamers.

Hell my grandfather plays AngryBirds, doesn't mean he's a gamer.

Well Vita games are $30-50 for the most part. There are three free 'games' and you have PS Mini's. But games specifically built for the Vita for the most part are $30-50.

But Minis are the ones more comparable with games you get on the iPhone/Ipad, no mini is $30.

[WonkersTHEWatilla]

Like? It can't do games like the Vita, so what's the "much more" rest? Also, John Carmack.

Actually, yes it does. Take a look at the ios app market, and you'll find productivity apps that are as wide-ranging as they are useful, something I doubt Sony will come anywhere near matching.

[BlazingDarkness]

The Vita launch lineup is better than 90% of the shit on the iOS store
Games are what matter, there will ALWAYS be a market for higher end portable software, we're not all happy to settle with 1 dollar distractions.

[Darko]

I stopped reading at the 12 hours vs 3 hours part. ;) Article is BS.

i stopped reading at psv vs ipad 3... at least compare it to an iphone.

[ClovingWestbrook]

Yes, people that play AngryBirds on iPhones/iPads and call themselves gamers. Hell my grandfather plays AngryBirds, doesn't mean he's a gamer.

Please define true and false gamer for me because I am not sure how the two differ.

[gofreak]

What is the cheapest 3DS game? How many 3DS games on the e-Store are free to 99 cents? How often is the e-Store updated and with how many games? Currently there are 3 'games' that are free on the Vita. While do you think so many of the big publishers are now bringing games to the app store? Within a couple years as the article states, both iPhone and iPad will be able to output better visuals than what will be available in the dedicated handheld market for the next 5-6 years. That is problematic.

Why?

The offer being made by handhelds doesn't hinge on mere hardware superiority.

Until the iOS ecosystem can support more than low-risk/low-investment punts and port-overs, and as long as handhelds can support more than that, games handhelds as specialist devices will maintain far more important advantages.

Well Vita games are $30-50 for the most part. There are three free 'games' and you have PS Mini's. But games specifically built for the Vita for the most part are $30-50.

Well I've bought so far as many sub-$10 native Vita games as I have $30+ ones. But for the most part Sony's gameplan for lower end games lies in Suite. Maybe it's fair to ignore it until we know the shape of it and how much software it attracts etc. but for a speculative piece I think it's odd to do that given that it seems to be a big part of Sony's mobile gaming strategy going forward.

[jaxpunk]

Actually, yes it does. Take a look at the ios app market, and you'll find productivity apps that are as wide-ranging as they are useful, something I doubt Sony will come anywhere near matching.

Wait you mean I won't be able to work on a excel spreadsheet on my vita???? How does amazons return policy work this is shit!

[Fixed1979]

Yes I did.

In that case good on you for coming in here and trying to defend it. Best of luck though.

[Metalmurphy]

Please define true and false gamer for me because I am not sure how the two differ.

I just defined one for you, I'm sure you can take conclusions on what the other one is from there.

[ClovingWestbrook]

I just defined one for you, I'm sure you can take conclusions on what the other one is from there.

So... if you play angry birds you're not a true gamer?

In that case good on you for coming in here and trying to defend it. Best of luck though.

lol.

[Lonely1]

I think the last three paragraphs are actually pretty poor on a number of levels, surprisingly so for a site like industrygamers.

Is still much better than we have recently got, though. "lol Vita, Apple fap fap"!

[Manmademan]

iPad 3 specs are unknown, but here is how I guess this will shake out. Even if the iPad 3 comes in less powerful than the Vita, it won't be by a whole lot. Then, a year later, the iPad 4 comes out and is a step above. There won't be a powerful Vita replacement. A year after that, the iPad 5 comes out. Same result. I just don't think the Vita can stand up to the iPad, nor should it really even be compared to it. It feels like different markets to me.

you're ignoring the fact that games for a single dedicated platform improve over time as developers get more familiar with the hardware. This has happened with every single console platform since the NES.

So games out for the vita circa the time the ipad 4 or 5 are out will look dramatically better than launch titles- while the hardware drops in price. This is not necessarily true for ipad games, and in fact games that take advantage of the hardware increase on the 4 or 5 may run sluggishly or *not at all* on the ipad 2 or 3.

[Pazuzu9]

There's a lot to be said for the pricing of the games, and I absolutely agree with you there. And the iPad 2 is already capable of some serious graphical performance, but it's never going to take off as a "serious" gaming platform without any damn buttons. I love my iPad 2, and have plenty of quirky games on it that work great with the touch-interface. But actual quality experiences akin to console or PC games are completely non-existent.

Exactly this. And I don't believe the argument that 'the masses' don't understand the beauty of real buttons/sticks. It's just nonsense. 'The masses' are drawn to simple touch games because they're accessible and on cool smartphones. But lots of them are aware that 'consoles' exist, and can quickly appreciate/describe how they deliver a different experience.

There's no denying that many people will be satisfied by what touch gaming can deliver. Such people typically have a limited interest in games, and it's enough for them. And that's fine. But as long as big budget, console-style games remain the biggest business (which they will for the foreseeable future, whether rendered locally on a console/PC or streamed via OnLive-style services), there will always be an understanding that YOU NEED BUTTONS for this kind of experience.

So there will always be a market for a handheld with the layout of a console controller (the closest being the Vita, so far).

Will the next generation of consoles kick ass? Yes. Will people want those experiences in their hand? Yes. Vita 2 could deliver this, but ONLY if it has buttons. The cycle will continue.

[muu]

I loved my ipad1/2, but I still can't see it as a proper gaming device. And I refuse to trudge through the mess of the iOS store to find the rare gem that turns out to be worth the time wasted finding/playing.

And the more/less power thing is still a moot point. Majority of the games made will end up catering to the lowest common denominator, and w/o the production value of a Vita/3DS game it's not going to look nearly as good or be as polished game-wise. I've already tried the $2 game route a few times, and really do not wish to go down that road any further as it's been nothing but a waste of time.

When haptic touch feedback makes tablet controls more legit and premium-tier games get a better presence I'll quit using the ipads as a glorified 2ch viewer/comic reader.

[Haunted]

Please define true and false gamer for me because I am not sure how the two differ.

one has a dedicated gaming device the other is happy with a phone

Joking aside, it's all about preferences. Instead of his stupid "true" moniker he should've just used "traditional" or something.

[The Abominable Snowman]

How was that a 'good' analysis? The topic lied to me.

Until I see a series of games with decent developer effort and robust features on par with console games, I don't think Vita or 3DS has much to fear. Those games are few and far between on iOS, and although the 250+ Million number is thrown around constantly, I don't hear sales of those titles (ones with more effort put into them) being touted as blockbuster by any measure.

That combined with a very low average selling price has got to hurt.

[FanTomasas]

Quality > Quantity. I have no idea why would you play any iOS crappie when you can play Uncharted, Gravity Daze or Mortal Kombat. Mini-games will come to Vita, I am sure there is going to be plenty of 0.99$-5$ titles within the first year. What makes PSV a gaming device: buttons, multiplayer.

What is more, devices do not compete in the market: 250$ vs 500$. Based on the current life cycles, Vita will last at least 3 generations of iPads. Older generation iPads will not receive latest games, therefore, as a gaming device they will be outdated.

[HamPster PamPster]

iPad 3 specs are unknown, but here is how I guess this will shake out. Even if the iPad 3 comes in less powerful than the Vita, it won't be by a whole lot. Then, a year later, the iPad 4 comes out and is a step above. There won't be a powerful Vita replacement. A year after that, the iPad 5 comes out. Same result. I just don't think the Vita can stand up to the iPad, nor should it really even be compared to it. It feels like different markets to me.

I hate how this is a knock against the Vita (and was brought up in the article too). Personally I like buying a device and using it for several years. I dislike the rapid hardware cycle and what good is the graphics on an iPad 4 when I bought the iPad 3 a year ago? Sure apple products retain value pretty well but I have a kid and don't want to tip toe over something I own because I already know I'm going to sell it. I hated when my ipod touch, not even two years old at the time, wouldn't play the games I wanted on it. Sure handhelds have revisions but they will still play everything (not a fan of handheld revisions either, get it right the first time)

[ClovingWestbrook]

one has a dedicated gaming device the other is happy with a phone

So... someone who enjoys playing GAMES on their iPhone isn't a true GAMER?
Funny, I thought being a gamer is someone who enjoys playing GAMES.

[Takiyah]

How is this even worth a thread? You're comparing an already released device to one that hasn't even been announced let alone has solid specs...

Stop making sense. Now, back to the article...

[VanWinkle]

When are these tech guys going to get it through their heads that the Vita is not the iPad, and it's not trying to be one? One is meant to play games, and one can play games. You don't compare Facebook's insanely popular games to real PC gaming, even though there's actually some genuinely decent games on Facebook. They're just not the same thing, and they aren't meant to be compared. The only thing these two products compete on is your time, and it entirely depends on what you do in your free time to determine whether you want an iPad or a Vita.

[Nils]

It's not a good analysis becasue at the moment, rumors aside we know very little about the iPad 3 so it's inane to make bold statements already even if it end up to just be a higher-res iPad 2.

[Haunted]

So... someone who enjoys playing GAMES on their iPhone isn't a true GAMER? Funny, I thought being a gamer is someone who enjoys playing GAMES.

angry birds isnt a game

its a lifestyle

[WonkersTHEWatilla]

Wait you mean I won't be able to work on a excel spreadsheet on my vita???? How does amazons return policy work this is shit!

Well, yeah, if you want to do excel spreadsheet on ios, you can. It has options that Vita in many areas probably won't match, simple as that.

[ClovingWestbrook]

angry birds isnt a game its a lifestyle

lol because that is all the iPhone has. Guess what also has angry birds, Playstation 3. OMG THE PS3 ISN'T FOR REAL GAMERS!!!

[inner-G]

For practical gaming, iPad needs buttons, not more pixels.

I don't know what ipad3 is really bringing to gaming that previous versions didn't.

[Metalmurphy]

So... someone who enjoys playing GAMES on their iPhone isn't a true GAMER? Funny, I thought being a gamer is someone who enjoys playing GAMES.

Someone who only plays games on their iPhone.

You're not gonna call someone who plays football once a month with mates a footballer are you?

[Fixed1979]

So... if you play angry birds you're not a true gamer? lol.

=) Seriously, I can only assume that you're trolling at this point.

[DeathNote]

ipad3 vs Vita is mentally retarded as hell.

The threat on dedicated gaming is is iPhone+iPad.

But the advantages of dedicated gaming are too clear and aren't going anywhere anytime soon. #lul

[tzare]

iPad 2 has 16 gigs of space while the Vita doesn't come with any. Most games on the iPad don't cost $35-40 The iPad will do much more than play games and the browser is fully capable unlike the Vita, which while improved from the PSP isn't anything to write home about iPad 2 does much more than the Vita

well, add 49€, still 300 and you got 16GB you can easily swap cards or buy a bigger one. can you do that on a iPad?
Not all vita games are 40€, i am having a blast with SSD wich costs.... 6,99€ probably a better game than most things you can buy for tablets.
Ipad has better browsing, as vita offers much better gameplay options, and as we are on a gaming forum i my thoughts would be gaming>>>internet browsing , Oh plus the price of the device of course. oh and the fee you have to pay for internet browsing if you go 3g.

You know, i'd rather buy a vita and a ICS tablet for the same price i could get an ipad2 or 3, i get the best of both worlds, better gaming on my vita and good internet browsing on the tablet. But hey, i must be a strange gaming guy

[ClovingWestbrook]

Someone who only plays games on their iPhone. You're not gonna call someone who plays football once a month with mates a footballer are you?

No, but if they kick the ball around daily with their friends I will.
If someone plays GAMES on their iPhone daily I will.

The retina display #gamechanger.

Nope, not trolling.

[upJTboogie]

For practical gaming, iPad needs buttons, not more pixels. I don't know what ipad3 is really bringing to gaming that previous versions didn't.

The retina display #gamechanger.

[snoopeasystreet]

So... someone who enjoys playing GAMES on their iPhone isn't a true GAMER? Funny, I thought being a gamer is someone who enjoys playing GAMES.

A true gamer is someone who dislikes a certain type of games/a platform for no logical reason. You can't be true gamer without hate flowing through your veins.

[Risk Breaker]

Actually, yes it does. Take a look at the ios app market, and you'll find productivity apps that are as wide-ranging as they are useful, something I doubt Sony will come anywhere near matching.

Yeah, I don't think a tablet is the best place for "productivity". For 500 or more you can get a netbook or even a full laptop that is much better for that and equally bad for games. Anyway, writing text documents is much more, then. Okay!

[ClovingWestbrook]

A true gamer is someone who dislikes a certain type of games/a platform for no logical reason. You can't be true gamer without hate flowing through your veins.

lol yep. Apparently. My daughter loves playing angry birds and it was thanks to angry birds and smart phone games that she started to become interested in Nintendo games. BTW, she's 3. I'd argue she's a gamer since you know... she enjoys playing GAMES.

[Huff]

I want OP to bold the good part