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[Mihos]

Also remember... its fricken April. I will most likely get both kids a Vita at some point since they bug the crap out of me about it. But it will have to wait until the end of the school year or some other holiday/reward other than "Happy April, you spoiled kids... here is a $250 game system for no reason"

 

[magash]

Also remember... its fricken April. I will most likely get both kids a Vita at some point since they bug the crap out of me about it. But it will have to wait until the end of the school year or some other holiday/reward other than "Happy April, you spoiled kids... here is a $250 game system for no reason"

LOL. What did your kids do to you?

 

[gcubed]

Yes, equating the system, a REQUIRED memory card, and a game is the same to all that stupid shit you just said.

Hey I wasn't the first to ratchet up the stupid by moving to more expensive options

 

[areal]

You know why I don't have a Vita? Price.

What would you pay for one?

 

[ElNino]

Y'know, if I'm honest, I don't find it hard. I found myself in a pub on Monday and I happened to have my Vita with me. It sat on the table switched off while I played iPhone games and surfed GAF. It's happened again since too, I think I'm out of the honeymoon period.

As far as I'm concerned, neither 3DS nor Vita come close to the iPhone when it comes to actually gaming on the move. The games are better suited for 'pick up & play', as is the hardware.
I'd rather play the Vita when I get home and crash on the sofa though, definitely.

That depends on your definition of "on the move". If you are talking about being at a pub (your example) or killing time while waiting in line somewhere, then sure a smartphone will be a better choice.

For me, my "on the move" scenario is commuting to and from work on the train everyday so using my Vita is just as convenient as my phone. Being able to pause my game and put the system in sleep mode and then resume exactly where I was makes it perfect to play during my 30-40 minutes on the train.

 

[massoluk]

Also remember... its fricken April. I will most likely get both kids a Vita at some point since they bug the crap out of me about it. But it will have to wait until the end of the school year or some other holiday/reward other than "Happy April, you spoiled kids... here is a $250 game system for no reason"

Hey how about sense of gratifying as being such an awesome parent! My dad got me Gameboy, making him the coolest dad in the world.

 

[dark10x]

That depends on your definition of "on the move". If you are talking about being at a pub (your example) or killing time while waiting in line somewhere, then sure a smartphone will be a better choice.

For me, my "on the move" scenario is commuting to and from work on the train everyday so using my Vita is just as convenient as my phone. Being able to pause my game and put the system in sleep mode and then resume exactly where I was makes it perfect to play during my 30-40 minutes on the train.

More importantly, gaming on a phone absolutely murders battery life. The iPhone 4S is already more power hungry than the iPhone 4 and playing a game for 10-20 minutes can eat up a whole lot of juice. I recall playing Infinity Blade 2 when it was released and found that my phone was dead by late afternoon as a result. That was with no more than 30 minutes of play.

This reason alone is enough to convince me to stick with dedicated gaming handhelds. If the battery in my Vita dies, oh well, I'll just recharge. If that happens with my phone then I'm cut off until I can charge it up.

 

[SmokyDave]

In that sense, sure, but in cases where I may have played an iOS game I know just read an ebook or surf the net. iOS games have lost most of their appeal. I've tried a couple since Vita and I've played them each one time for about 2 minutes before never loading them up again. There's just nothing to hold my attention anymore. They're cheap but ultimately a waste of money for me now.

Each to his own, I suppose. I guess I was well into iOS stuff prior to buying a Vita so it's no real surprise that I'm still into it after. I kinda knew I wouldn't use the Vita as a 'portable' anyway.

That depends on your definition of "on the move". If you are talking about being at a pub (your example) or killing time while waiting in line somewhere, then sure a smartphone will be a better choice.

For me, my "on the move" scenario is commuting to and from work on the train everyday so using my Vita is just as convenient as my phone. Being able to pause my game and put the system in sleep mode and then resume exactly where I was makes it perfect to play during my 30-40 minutes on the train.

Exactly that. If I'm 'on the move' it means I'll have several 5-10 minute sessions available rather than a block of half an hour or more. Under those circumstances, carrying a Vita just ain't worth it for me.

(Having said that, I'm going to the pub straight after work, I know I'll be on my own for an hour and I still haven't bothered bringing the Vita because I'm balls deep in an iOS game ATM).

Still don't regret buying the Vita though, it's a fucking awesome piece of kit.

 

[Portugeezer]

The initial sales figures aren't good. I know if I was a developer/publisher I would have little reason to back it right now, personally even Sony's games don't seem all that good. Uncharted GA is like a joke of an Uncharted game, Resistance looks like it will be generic crap, Unit 13 already is, no online multiplayer for many of the games, plagues with performance issues and sub-native resolutions.

Sony themselves need to do better before we talk about 3rd parties.

 

[Mihos]

Hey how about sense of gratifying as being such an awesome parent! My dad got me Gameboy, making him the coolest dad in the world.

They are not sufferring by any stretch. They got 3DS on release day and just both got new gaming PCs and Steam accounts for Christmas... my status of super-step-dad is secure!

 

[jman2050]

For me I don't play iOS games because any time I'm on my iPhone I'd much rather be browsing the internet or doing any number of other things than playing a game. When I actually do want to play some games the 3DS or PSP gets taken out.

 

[ElNino]

More importantly, gaming on a phone absolutely murders battery life. The iPhone 4S is already more power hungry than the iPhone 4 and playing a game for 10-20 minutes can eat up a whole lot of juice. I recall playing Infinity Blade 2 when it was released and found that my phone was dead by late afternoon as a result. That was with no more than 30 minutes of play.

This reason alone is enough to convince me to stick with dedicated gaming handhelds. If the battery in my Vita dies, oh well, I'll just recharge. If that happens with my phone then I'm cut off until I can charge it up.

Oh, I'm with you on that one too. I can now easily get though a full day on my Focus without needing to charge it, even with moderate/heavy use during the day (not gaming though) because I spend my commute time on the Vita instead.

 

[chickdigger802]

For me I don't play iOS games because any time I'm on my iPhone I'd much rather be browsing the internet or doing any number of other things than playing a game. When I actually do want to play some games the 3DS or PSP gets taken out.

neogaf mobile has pretty much made gaming on commute obsolete for me.

Why play games when you can complain about them?

 

[OneMoreQuestion]

It's 2012 and you have a device that has external memory cards. I repeat IT'S 2012

Guess what? It's 2012 and there's some devices out that that doesn't even give you the option to expand memory :O How ridiculous is that?

 

[mescalineeyes]

The initial sales figures aren't good. I know if I was a developer/publisher I would have little reason to back it right now, personally even Sony's games don't seem all that good. Uncharted GA is like a joke of an Uncharted game, Resistance looks like it will be generic crap, Unit 13 already is, no online multiplayer for many of the games, plagues with performance issues and sub-native resolutions.

Sony themselves need to do better before we talk about 3rd parties.

Pretty much this.

Although I have not given up on Resistance just yet.

 

[flyinpiranha]

Hey I wasn't the first to ratchet up the stupid by moving to more expensive options

So the cheapest system, a mid range memory card, and a game are "ratcheting up the stupid"? He didn't mention anything in that post that wouldn't be what a regular consumer would purchase, in fact the memory card is the ONLY thing he could really save $30-40 on and the price is still well over $300 just for entry.

What would you pay for one?

$200 with an included memory card and a download link for a decent game (preferably a choice).

I just don't think Sony is really pushing this. Look at what Nintendo did with a lukewarm reaction. 10 free older games, a price drop for latecomers and then they had some great games coming out.

Why doesn't Sony offer some free PSP games or something? Why aren't they bundling it with a game? You can't look at history because the game is changing so fast. They have an amazing piece of hardware, but the price is just too much for the average consumer, and they need that average consumer.

Totally just my opinion, but it feels like Sony has already given up on this thing. I don't see an aggressive pricing structure nor marketing plan.

Drop it to $200 and I can pay that price and be playing a decent game with it and I'll buy it before Christmas. Probably get the girl one too since we fought over the PSP with Puzzle quest, ended up buying 2 DSi's for DQIX too.

 

[saichi]

Hey I wasn't the first to ratchet up the stupid by moving to more expensive options

so $315 plus tax is not expensive and acceptable?

Guess what? It's 2012 and there's some devices out that that doesn't even give you the option to expand memory :O How ridiculous is that?

they are both ridiculous and evil.

 

[SmokyDave]

Oh, I'm with you on that one too. I can now easily get though a full day on my Focus without needing to charge it, even with moderate/heavy use during the day (not gaming though) because I spend my commute time on the Vita instead.

I'm either very lucky, or very organised. I dock my phone overnight so when I wake, it's at 100%. I then dock it in the car or at work so when I leave the office, I have 100% battery too. If I visit friends, they all have iPhone chargers or stereos with docks and when I'm at home, I obviously have access to docks & chargers. The only time it would be an issue is if I was out all night and wanted to play 4 hours of iOS games. Not likely.

 

[dark10x]

I'm either very lucky, or very organised. I dock my phone overnight so when I wake, it's at 100%. I then dock it in the car or at work so when I leave the office, I have 100% battery too. If I visit friends, they all have iPhone chargers or stereos with docks and when I'm at home, I obviously have access to docks & chargers. The only time it would be an issue is if I was out all night and wanted to play 4 hours of iOS games. Not likely.

I simply don't like to have to plug it in at all times. I have a USB port in my car, but I use that for an iPod that I just leave in there while using bluetooth audio with the phone for podcasts.

I don't have any battery problems as long as I don't play a lot of games, basically, and the games aren't worth dealing with that. The games I play all tend to drain battery life faster anyways it seems.

There's nothing wrong with iOS games and there is definitely some great content out there, but I just don't enjoy them all that much these days when I could be playing something more substantial.

 

[theBishop]

Uncharted GA is like a joke of an Uncharted game

wut.

 

[dark10x]

Uncharted GA is like a joke of an Uncharted game

What? You've got to be joking.

It was like a sequel to the original Uncharted with some of the improvements from later games implemented. They also added a lot of new ideas that worked well (in addition to some that didn't). It's an incredibly well made game.

 

[yogloo]

Does vita have some sort of feature similar to airplay? That would increase my interest significantly.

 

[dallow_bg]

What? You've got to be joking.

It was like a sequel to the original Uncharted with some of the improvements from later games implemented. They also added a lot of new ideas that worked well (in addition to some that didn't). It's an incredibly well made game.

I couldn't agree more, and I was pretty sceptical about it.

 

[Para bailar La Bomba]

The initial sales figures aren't good. I know if I was a developer/publisher I would have little reason to back it right now, personally even Sony's games don't seem all that good. Uncharted GA is like a joke of an Uncharted game, Resistance looks like it will be generic crap,.

OIC.

 

[RoninChaos]

Believe it.

The fact that many retail game cartridges require a memory card is the reason why a lot of people were clamoring for Sony to include at least a small amount of memory with the system.

Exactly. That decision was made to make money on a proprietary memory card. There really is no other explanation. It feels like an artificial cash grab and it's antagonistic to the customer.

 

[RoninChaos]

It's definitely a strange issue, but honestly, this isn't going to impact most people as anyone seriously planning to play games on the system is going to have a memory card. There's little point in playing the games without one so this would only be an issue if you just bought the system and wanted to sample some games.

No. It's a cash grab. Plain and simple. The games are on flash memory, there's. O reason that the system doesn't have some on board, or that the games can't. Not being able to boot a game without a memory card has NEVER happened on any system that I can remember.

 

[SmokyDave]

Exactly. That decision was made to make money on a proprietary memory card. There really is no other explanation. It feels like an artificial cash grab and it's antagonistic to the customer.

Given that they tried open standards on the PS3 and got very little as a reward for it, I'm not at all surprised.

 

[see5harp]

Having the memory cards also introduced a host of issues with confusion on location of saves. It's nothing like the current situation on 360, because at least there you can individually copy and move saves to a usb drive. Right now some games use the game card like Katamari, some use your memory card, updates sometimes install under app data, sometimes are included in the icon on the home screen. It's super confusing and I do blame part of it on not having internal memory. To be honest I have the same issue on iOS.

 

[TheBanditKing]

I was feeling the same way at the US launch, but at this point even that's not going to get me to buy one.
My desire to own a Vita has nosedived seeing how poor interest is in the device. It's a beautiful piece of hardware, but I'm going to need to see more interest from the masses, as well as some solid game announcements from the big publishers.
At the same time my expectations of what was possible on 3DS was shattered when I bought RE and KI. The more time I spend with my 3DS, the more I love it, so the question for me is now why do I need a Vita?

Feel the same but about my 3DS, Resident Evil aside the 3DS feels gimped (especially with KI, which has horrible controls). The more time I spend with both the more I realize the 3DS's shortcomings. Vita is fine the way it is, just needs more titles. 3DS however needs a redesign with bigger screens, longer battery and two sticks. The simple fact that I get about the same battery life from a system pushing Ninja Gaiden Sigma on a 5 inch screen as I do a system pushing (in most cases) PSP level graphics on a 3.5 inch screen is reason enough to warrant a redesign.

There is no doubt that Vita needs more games to broaden its appeal but the 3DS is far from the perfect alternative, especially since some big titles are borderline broken control wise (like MGS3D) and I am not buying the CPP. Also despite my hatred for the series I think a lot of people will pick up a Vita for COD this fall.

 

[JWong]

Exactly. That decision was made to make money on a proprietary memory card. There really is no other explanation. It feels like an artificial cash grab and it's antagonistic to the customer.

Nope, it's to prevent piracy.

 

[Pureauthor]

Nope, it's to prevent piracy.

That's not the consumer's problem, is it? If Sony wants to fight piracy they should do it in a way that won't screw with the paying customers.

 

[BruiserBear]

Given that they tried open standards on the PS3 and got very little as a reward for it, I'm not at all surprised.

This.


It is funny though that Microsoft began the 360 with exactly the same mentality as Sony is taking with the Vita. But then they opened up the 360 to any USB drive being used as memory.

 

[Hex]

That's not the consumer's problem, is it? If Sony wants to fight piracy they should do it in a way that won't screw with the paying customers.

When PSP first came out, people raged and bitched that they were using memory stick duo instead of the more popular sd.
The only other things that used duo were Sony digi cams so people bitched and moaned that Sony were ripping the consumer off and raping them and it was robbery and the card prices were high.
In no time the card prices dropped to nothing and people shut the hell up about it.
Hopefully we will get to that point sooner than later.
People always love to think that everything is the first time that it has ever happened, because it is more dramatic that way.

People can still get a 3g bundle with 8g memory for 299 without looking very hard at all.


They really do need to get to the pushing of games and game announcements though

 

[patsu]

Y'know, if I'm honest, I don't find it hard. I found myself in a pub on Monday and I happened to have my Vita with me. It sat on the table switched off while I played iPhone games and surfed GAF. It's happened again since too, I think I'm out of the honeymoon period.

As far as I'm concerned, neither 3DS nor Vita come close to the iPhone when it comes to actually gaming on the move. The games are better suited for 'pick up & play', as is the hardware.

I'd rather play the Vita when I get home and crash on the sofa though, definitely.

I can't game on the iPhone 4S because I feel the screen is too small. I do all my iOS gaming on the iPad instead. I use my iPhone mostly for surfing though.

I use Vita mainly for gaming. After I got 3G plan last week, I use it for surfing too. iPhone is better for Internet because the apps are more up-to-date. This is the area where Sony needs to innovate more.

 

[brain_stew]

I can't game on the iPhone 4S because I feel the screen is too small. I do all my iOS gaming on the iPad instead. I use my iPhone mostly for surfing though.

I use Vita mainly for gaming. After I got 3G plan last week, I use it for surfing too. iPhone is better for Internet because the apps are more up-to-date. This is the area where Sony needs to innovate more.

You choose to use a Vita over a 4S for web surfing!!!???

 

[patsu]

According to the sales figures, yep it's slowing down tremendously.

Honestly, what did you expect? Many adults and kids-alike have smart-phones that can play portable 3D games already which are either dirt-cheap or free (w/ ads). Not to mention endless number of apps that are available for you already so it really is a no-brainer.

Sales figure for Vita in Japan has stablized to about 10,000+ per week.

They should be able to increase the sales if Vita has more contents, and also sell at a cheaper price. Then again, Sony still has PSP to keep alive. If they lower Vita price now, they may lose more money to help retailers get rid of the existing PSP units already in the channel.

It's probably impossible for Sony to beat iOS in the number of iApps, so they should focus on an integrated and specialized experience instead.

 

[patsu]

You choose to use a Vita over a 4S for web surfing!!!???

Yeah, why not ? Depends on the situation. My iPhone may be charging while I'm lying in bed. Plus the Vita screen is bigger. Sometimes, I want to surf in the middle of a game, switching to Vita's browser is more convenient than digging into my pocket for my 4S. Checking Twitter on my Vita is also quick and pleasant.

Some of my GAF posts are posted from Vita btw. I'm typing from a Mac now though. ^_^

 

[Shadow780]

Yeah, why not ? Depends on the situation. My iPhone may be charging while I'm lying in bed. Plus the screen is bigger. Sometimes, I want to surf in the middle of a game, switching to Vita's browser is more convenient than digging into my pocket for my 4S. Checking Twitter on my Vita is also quick and pleasant.

wait, don't you have to "close" the game to use the browser?

 

[Lonely1]

Well, UC:GoA is overall a good game. But little details, mostly forced use of the motion/touch controls takes it down a notch imo.

Spoiler

Who though that charcoal rubbing was fun?

You choose to use a Vita over a 4S for web surfing!!!???

Well, the screen is bigger so... no. You are right, Vita has an extremely shitty web browser. I even prefer the 3DS web browser since it has fit to screen size text and indentation.

 

[patsu]

Nope, it's to prevent piracy.

According to the Sony engineers, it's for piracy and consistent performance. On the business side, the entry price and the razor business model should definitely be in the picture too.

 

[patsu]

wait, don't you have to "close" the game to use the browser?

And ? Just press the PS button and swipe it away.

It's more convenient than digging for my 4S. If I'm at home, my 4S could be in another room, or I forgot where I left it !

 

[SmokedMeat]

As far as I'm concerned, neither 3DS nor Vita come close to the iPhone when it comes to actually gaming on the move. The games are better suited for 'pick up & play', as is the hardware.

There's no doubt that my iPhone gets the lion's share of my attention. It's not just about gaming, it's about being entertained. Hopping in and out of Facebook, Youtube, Games, etc.

 

[OldJadedGamer]

Nope, it's to prevent piracy.

Was the PS3's open memory the reason it was hacked?

This.

It is funny though that Microsoft began the 360 with exactly the same mentality as Sony is taking with the Vita. But then they opened up the 360 to any USB drive being used as memory.

The 360 memory was based on the PS1/2. Technology was just advanced enough that they could write software to make it so that other third party cards wouldn't work. But as you said, the system now uses open memory so its moot.

People always love to think that everything is the first time that it has ever happened, because it is more dramatic that way.

So what system previously couldn't play all launch games out of the box besides games that required special hardware like the R.O.B. robot?

 

[marc^o^]

The initial sales figures aren't good. I know if I was a developer/publisher I would have little reason to back it right now

At that period of the year in 2007, PS3 was selling pretty bad too. Not Vita level bad but at times it happened to sell below 15K.

So there is hope. Sony just needs to drop the price and somehow stop 3DS becoming the gamer choice.

 

[Shadow780]

And ? Just press the PS button and swipe it away.

It's more convenient than digging for my 4S. If I'm at home, my 4S could be in another room, or I forgot where I left it !

No I mean you have to shut the game off in order to use the browser, not like twitter or near where you can go back and forth instantly. To go back the game will start loading again, which for something like Uncharted takes 10 seconds or so, that's not convenient at all.

 

[dark10x]

No I mean you have to shut the game off in order to use the browser, not like twitter or near where you can go back and forth instantly. To go back the game will start loading again, which for something like Uncharted takes 10 seconds or so, that's not convenient at all.

You actually CAN go back and forth with a little trickery. If you start the browser from the Twitter app is does actually run in the background without leaving the game.

So what system previously couldn't play all launch games out of the box besides games that required special hardware like the R.O.B. robot?

What is the usage scenario in which you would play a game without a memory card?

There were definitely many other ways to handle this, but memory cards and hard drives aren't uncommon. It's true that you could boot up games on other systems without a memory card but under what circumstances would people realistically do this?

 

[patsu]

Uncharted GA is like a joke of an Uncharted game

Well, UC:GoA is overall a good game. But little details, mostly forced use of the motion/touch controls takes it down a notch imo.

Spoiler

Who though that charcoal rubbing was fun?

I enjoy UGA better than U2 and U3. There are more gameplay variety and the gunfights are better paced. I don't mind the

Spoiler

charcoal rubbing

. I like how they try to combine it with clue discovery, and inspecting treasure though. I hated log balancing with a passion. Gyro aiming is helpful overall.

Well, the screen is bigger so... no. You are right, Vita has an extremely shitty web browser. I even prefer the 3DS web browser since it has fit to screen size text and indentation.

Yes, the screen is bigger, and the keyboard is also bigger. The text completion hints are also superior to iOS's auto text correction.

I have not used a 3DS browser yet, but based on the screen size alone, I think I won't use it for posting for sure.

 

[Shadow780]

You actually CAN go back and forth with a little trickery. If you start the browser from the Twitter app is does actually run in the background without leaving the game.

ARE U A WIZARD?!

 

[dark10x]

I have not used a 3DS browser yet, but based on the screen size alone, I think I won't use it for posting for sure.

Don't bother. The 3DS browser is "old Blackberry" kinds of bad. It's one of the worst browsing experiences you can have on a mobile device.

At least Vita feels like a mid-range Android phone when browsing the net. ;P It needs a lot of improvement but it IS usable.

 

[patsu]

No I mean you have to shut the game off in order to use the browser, not like twitter or near where you can go back and forth instantly. To go back the game will start loading again, which for something like Uncharted takes 10 seconds or so, that's not convenient at all.

Just press PS button and swipe away is sufficient.

You actually CAN go back and forth with a little trickery. If you start the browser from the Twitter app is does actually run in the background without leaving the game.

Yes, my Twitter is usually up and running. Stopping UGA for browsing is also fine when I decide I want to check the web. I don't try to finish my game in one sitting. For games like Rayman and Mutants Blobs Attack which I have been playing for the past 2-3 weeks, loading is fast too.

ARE U A WIZARD?!

You don't know the Twitter trick ? It can launch the web browser even when a game is running. But I usually don't bother. If I want to check the web, I will check the web whether a game is running or not. ^_^