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Please help me choose a Handheld/Portable Gaming Console

As a day one owner of the Switch who also owned those other portables; buy the Switch. It will be supported for years and will eventually get virtual console and who knows, maybe even ports or virtual console of 3DS games?
 
Go Vita OP. Has a ton of games as where the Switch will take a few years to catch up and isn't guaranteed to have nowhere near the quality of games the Vita currently has on it's lineup.
 
Just get a Vita (or 3DS) now and buy Switch in a year once the library's more fleshed out.

With you saying that you could play PSP games on Vita, you're like the exact kind of person I would recommend it to.

People who want the exclusives and latest hardware obviously aren't going to get much use out of it, but anyone who can look past that and see that it's got a great library of games which you'd need multiple other systems to replicate; plus great backwards compatibility with PSP/PS1 will really get some use out of it.

I know I do for those exact reasons.
 
If you've never owned a 3DS or DS grab a new 3DS or 2DS XL. There will be 3DS games coming out for the next year or so and you'll be able to pick up any game you want for cheap.

Switch will be a great purchase in a year or so when it has a bigger library, but 3DS has a much bigger variety and selection right now.
 
3DS, combined with the DS back catalogue, is far and away the best plan. You'll have excellent games to play for years.
When you finally catch up on 3DS games in a few years, the Switch will have had a revision or two come out and a decent library that you can move on to. Terrible idea to buy a Switch now; rushed hardware and overpriced everything. Don't be a sucker.
 
Kazaam said:
Now the PS Vita is the cheapest option and it also has the cheapest games.
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I would think the 3DS is similar, if not cheaper? The premier model for the 3DS, the New 3DS XL, is $200, but you could pick up a 2DS bundled with Mario Kart 7 for $80 - for that price, you miss out on the stereoscopic 3D, some compatibility (mostly just Xenoblade 3D and SNES emulation), and lack of a clamshell, but it's still worth considering. MSRP for both Vita and 3DS games is usually $40.

Have you played any Nintendo consoles? A lot of 3DS games might be familiar if you own a Wii or a Wii U, but if you haven't, then you've missed out on stuff like Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Mario platformers, Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem... It's a pretty incredible library even on its own, without DS games included.

3DS is nearing its end-of-life, but there's a couple of games coming out for it - Elliot Quest and Fire Emblem Echoes are coming this month, and later on it'll get Ever Oasis, Culdcept Revolt, RPG Maker FES, Miitopia, and Runbow Pocket.

Also: Nintendo Selects. They vary based on region, but they're reprints of popular games for $20. NA has Tomodachi Life, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Ocarina of Time 3D, Kirby Triple Deluxe, and Animal Crossing New Leaf. 2DS and some of these is definitely the best bang for your buck.
 
joe2187 said:
PS Vita for PSP, PS1, Indies, Vita Exclusives.

3DS for DS, Nintendo Exclusives

Switch for Zelda and Newer Indies.


Choose the games first and foremost.

I love being able to play all the best PS1, PSP games on the go as well as all the indies available for the Vita. I play Binding of Issac, Spelunky and Darkest Dungeon waaaaaaay too much on my vita.
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This, you play the games, not the hardware, look at the libraries and see what you like the most, you can eventually buy Switch later for cheap and with more games.

Actually there's a fourth option, the GPD Win, a windows 10 handheld, you can play all unlimited pc library of games up to most of the ps360-level games and even some newer games, for exmple you can play diablo 3, skyrim, fallout 3/NV, Batman Arkham games and so on, you can also emulate and do whatever you can do on a pc.
 
Tele_Viper said:
Terrible idea to buy a Switch now; rushed hardware and overpriced everything. Don't be a sucker.
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Hardware is the one thing that doesn't feel rushed with the Nintendo SWitch and it's absolutely not overpriced, so that is the one point I really can't agree with you on.
 
For this summer the Switch can't compete with the Vita or 3DS.

Depending on what type of games you want to play either option is great when it comes to diversity and quality of library. If you're interested in playing PSP games then the Vita is probably the way to go.
 
Breath of the Wild was worth every penny for me and you should absolutely play it. It is in the GOAT discussion. However considering that where you are going (for the summer?) has spotty internet at best and that the Switch offerings for the next few months are geared towards online play then you might be better served by another device. Even MK8D is better with online.

I'd recommend a 2DS (to save money) and the litany of 3DS/DS offerings for the summer. You'll be able to play every generation of Pokemon except for the 1st, it does have Mario Kart 7, it has SMT IV and Devil Survivor if an SMT game that isn't Persona piques your interest, and there are plenty of other genres well represented on it. I'm a huge fan of Final Fantasy Tactics A2, Chrono Trigger, the World Ends With You, Pokemon Conquest, Pokemon Sun/Moon, Heart Gold/Soul Silver, Bravely Default and Second, and Fire Emblem Awakening. Just a couple of those RPGs and you're covered for a while. If having a handful of SNES games and Xenoblade Chronicles is important then get the cheapest New 3DS you can find.
 
How much do you like SMT / Persona stuff?
I got Vita for:
1. Persona 1 (PSP)
2. Persona 2 Innocent Sin (PSP)
3. Persona 3 Portable (PSP)
4. Persona 4 Golden

I got 3DS for:
1. Soul Hackers
2. SMT 4
3. SMT Strange Journey (NDS)
4. Persona Q
5. ... SMT Deep Strange Journey, in the future.

Vita and 3DS should be cheap enough nowadays. Switch is promising, but it doesn't hurt to wait for awhile, until there's more games or more discounts.
 
I say the Switch. You get to experience BotW and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe right now, and in the summer two more awesome games come out (arms and splatoon 2), plus if you like Neo Geo games there are already quite a bit of them on the Eshop, like Metal Slug. Also, you get the benefit of getting console gaming on the go and when you get back home you can still play it on your TV.

With that being said, you can't go wrong with either the 3DS or Vita, since both system already have an awesome library of games. However, since you haven't owned a Nintendo system since the SNES, I really think you should go with one of Nintendo's systems, either the Switch or the 3DS, since you have missed out on a lot of their awesome exclusives.
 
There are so many good games on the two older systems it's impossible for me to write them off just because the Switch is new and shiny. I own a Switch and it's fantastic, easily the best handheld I've ever owned, /but/ some of the best games I've ever played exist on the two older systems.

Switch has Zelda, Puyo Puyo Tetris, and MK8 which are all really good. That's enough for the next few months at least, especially when you consider the decent amount of excellent indie titles they have.

So really the Switch's smaller library isn't a concern. You want to play both Zelda and MK8, and you like indies.

I'd take a look at the Switch release schedule and see if you think the larger libraries of the older consoles will provide a more consistent stream of relevant games.

The Switch is a brand new experience though which I think weights quite heavily in its favour. The on the go local-cop is a big reason to get the console. And it's obviously more powerful and all the benefits that come with that.
 
3DS has a ton of games. If you want something smaller and cheaper, it wouldn't be a terrible choice.

But... it is slow and a little hard to look at nowadays. The Switch is taking off with a boom, it is quick and responsive, and it looks great. My recommendation would be the Switch.
 
Are you the kind of guy that would have bought a PS2 when the PS4 came out because "GOAT library vs no games"?

Then get a 3DS or a Vita.

If you want an actual modern handheld with HD graphics, new and great games including already 2 90+ metacritic games, local multiplayer, TV-out, and years of games to look forward to, buy the Switch.
 
Persona 4 Golden is amazing but if you have a ps4 id say you cover up the Playstation experience better on that one. Get a Nintendo device instead and get the best of both worlds.

I bought another 3ds last summer and really struggled with how outdated it felt and im not the one that cares that much about graphics. Sure it have some fun games but so does all other gaming systems.

Ofcourse its a bit of a gamble but if you wait a little there is a big chance that most of the series on the 3ds gets new or updated versions on the Switch(Pokemon, Monster Hunter etc) that should be a much better experience and stable user base for the future.

If it is Pokemon you want you might get slightly disspointed tho, they are fun but still have the same concept and is a little to easy as an adult in the long run.

Like you I never been a fan of Zelda eighter but BOTW is one of the best games Ive played, totally worth it. I also love Tetris and Mario Kart to the Switch.

You should check youtube/read up on recommended games to all the systems but I have no doubt that if you buy a Switch you wont get dissapointed. Assuming youre not the kind of gaffer that seem to need 1-2 AAA-games per week to survive.. :)
 
Either 3DS or Vita is a great choice. Both have extensive libraries. I have both and I'd probably recommend the 3DS over the Vita, since you'll have to get a memory card for the Vita which still isn't cheap.

The Switch will be around for a long time so you can get one later. As for Zelda, well personally I played it and finished it with the true ending and still don't know why people say it's the greatest game ever made, because it's not.
 
PSFan said:
Either 3DS or Vita is a great choice. Both have extensive libraries. I have both and I'd probably recommend the 3DS over the Vita, since you'll have to get a memory card for the Vita which still isn't cheap.

The Switch will be around for a long time so you can get one later. As for Zelda, well personally I played it and finished it with the true ending and still don't know why people say it's the greatest game ever made, because it's not.
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who said BotW was the greatest game ever made?
 
I own all three and honestly you'll have enough content to keep you busy whether you choose the 3DS or Vita but if you are only going with one I'd lean towards a Switch since it isn't end of life.

3DS
+ 1000 games
+ backwards compatible with DS
- close to end of life

Vita
+ 1000 games
+ backwards compatible with most PSP/PS1 games via digital store
+ 'free' monthly games available via PS Plus
- close to end of life

Switch
+ longer life than the other options
+ hybrid system
- small library (for now)

At the end of the day it comes down to the games, I'd make a short list of what must play titles you are looking for if you are deciding between 3DS/Vita.
 
Despite my love for Vita, I can't recommend it. I was not expecting to run so fast of games that catered to my tastes, and after completing Persona 4 Golden, it's been in the depths of a drawer, completely forgotten.

I ended getting a New 3DS and it's easily my most played handheld since GBA. It has a great catalog and you could probably find cheap refurbs with people migrating to Switch. IF I did not have a handheld, I would be split between 3DS and Switch, as this last one, despite being the logical choice right now, it's a bit too big as daily carry for commute gaming.
 
PSFan said:
As for Zelda, well personally I played it and finished it with the true ending and still don't know why people say it's the greatest game ever made, because it's not.
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It doesn't have to be the greatest game ever made to be really good. Personally I'd easily rate it in my top 5 ever. People have different taste I guess.
 
If you're planning on loading up on games - particularly digital ones - I'd be mindful of storage prices.

Vita takes proprietary memory cards, whereas the 3DS will take either microSD cards (New models) or full-size SD cards (older models). Vita memory cards will run you a lot more than an SD card would - a 16 GB Vita card would run you around $35, whereas a 32 GB microSD can be found for less. Usually you can deal with this by deleting and redownloading games or relying on physical media, but if you're going to play lots of indies with spotty Internet, that can be challenging. I believe Vita comes with 1 GB flash, whereas the 3DS comes with 4 GB on an SD card plus some flash. Switch takes microSD cards as well and comes with 32 GB flash, though Switch games tend to be much larger in size.

Figure out what your libraries might look like beforehand, and look up game sizes if you're going to do a lot of downloading.
 
Vita has P4G.

Compare the libraries to see what entices you most. Obviously Switch just came out so it only has a handful of titles to choose from.
 
Cubas said:
There's no reason to get a Vita or a 3DS when you can get a Switch. More powerful and will be supported for years to come, while both Vita and 3DS are in the end of their lifecycles.

Yeah, they both have some great games but I don't think it's wise to buy them instead of a Switch at this point.
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Not true, when a machine is at the end of its life cycle is the best time to consider it, as you can see the whole library which will be often heavily discounted, and decide whether it's worth it with all the facts. Compared to waiting for new games at £50 a go the other portables with their huge back catalogues are well worth a look if budget and range are a consideration.
 
Strangelove77 said:
Everyone's going to say Switch.
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Oh really?

I would say get a Vita if you want to play classic Sony games + the amazing library of games it already has. I only say this first because it will only get more expensive as the games become harder to find

Then, a 3DS which is the best bang for the buck with the whole DS library included with it. This is a no-brainer.

THEN the Switch. It has the least amount of games and by the time you catch up with the Vita and 3DS, the prices for all the games will be widely available as used copies for much less money.

I own all three and this is my recommendation.
 
Cubas said:
There's no reason to get a Vita or a 3DS when you can get a Switch. More powerful and will be supported for years to come, while both Vita and 3DS are in the end of their lifecycles.

Yeah, they both have some great games but I don't think it's wise to buy them instead of a Switch at this point.
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I mean, the reason to so is because they are both cheap and have an already established, extensive library.

That being said, I'd go 3ds until the switch has more software.
 
Wait a year or two before getting a Switch, unless you absolutely need to play games that are already available on other Nintendo platforms.

I'd recommend the 3DS and Vita wholeheartedly.
 
While the Vita may be the cheapest (is it really?), that advantage will quickly be wiped away once you see how expensive those memory cards are. It's bullshit. A lot of the games you mentioned are on the PS4 as you said, so there's also that.

3DS has a ton of unique great games plus the entire DS back catalogue, which is absolutely amazing. And it also has the virtual console for whatever that's worth, so there are a few GB/GBC/NES/SNES games you could pick up too. Personally I recommend getting a 3DS.

Switch is probably too early to pick up for you? At least that what it seems like. Though it is getting a decent amount of (newer) indie games, which seems to be an important aspect to you.

I'd say 3DS >>> Switch >= Vita.
 
If you are looking for something to play now, I wouldn't get the switch. Beyond Zelda and Mario Kart, there just isnt much there yet. (Zelda is fucking magnificent, though) Both the 3ds and vita have huge libraries right now and many of those games are very cheap.

You might look at the 2ds xl coming in july. $150, big screens and no 3d.

I'm playing p4g on the vita now and loving it. It just comes down to what interests you most. Vita is getting hard to find new at this point, though it is region free, so you could buy from amazon.jp.


Also as a handheld, the switch has the worst battery of the three. I feel like the vita may be the best, but I am not positive on that.
 
jj984jj said:
I'd say wait for E3 but since you can't it's a bit harder. Given what you said I think Switch is a good choice, but Vita is also a good option since it'd be cheaper and you can still probably find games you enjoy. I don't think you need a 3DS, especially if Pokemon is the biggest selling point.
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This is what I'd say. Wait for E3 to see if Sony does something with handhelds again, however unlikely. It's only a months' wait. Make your decision afterwards.
 
Drackhorn said:
This is what I'd say. Wait for E3 to see if Sony does something with handhelds again, however unlikely. It's only a months' wait. Make your decision afterwards.
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the OP already said

Kazaam said:
Another thing to keep in mind is that I’m leaving in the beginning of June and going to places where buying any of these options will be impossible. So if you’re thinking something like “wait for Nintendo’s E3”, unfortunately I need to take a decision beforehand.
Click to expand...
 
The only negative about the switch is that it's brand new and there hasn't been a lot of time for the library to fill out. You have Zelda and mk8 as well as some great indies though and there will also be a lot of games coming out this summer. If you buy games digitally on PS4 you would already probably have some games available due to cross-buy so it would be more cost effective. I can't really think of any compelling arguments for the 3ds over the switch or vita. Unless there's some platform exclusives you really wanna play.
 
Switch is a decent investment for the future, but if you've never got on board with the DS or the 3DS you've got an utterly killer software lineup to go for. I'd say 3DS, personally.
 
Since you've been out of the loop for so long, the clear answer is either a DS Lite or a 3DS. Either way, you get to experience GBA/DS or DS/3DS. You'll have an exponentially larger selection of games to play at a much cheaper point of entry.
 
3DS+DS library is just unrivaled IMHO. And you could buy a super cheap 2DS and get access to it, it's honestly an amazing deal.
 
I agree that you should just pick the one that has the games you most want to play on it. That said here are a few other considerations:

  • Form factor - The clamshell design of the 3ds makes it easier stow in a bag or pocket. Yes, you can get a case for your vita or switch. Maybe that's fine for you. I've always found that when traveling, having to get the handheld out of a separate case on the bus or something is not something I like to deal with. Having a 3ds that can flip open/shut and live in a jacket pocket is a bonus. So depending on how you are going to use the handheld, you might want to consider that.
  • Suspend Life - I can't speak to the switch since I don't have one, but I do have a 3ds and Vita and between the two, the vita has a much better suspend/sleep mode, in that it lasts way longer. Again depending on how you'll use the handheld, this may or may not be a big deal. I like leaving an rpg suspended on the vita, sometimes for days, and then popping it open for quick bits of play when I get a chance. WIth the 3ds, this doesn't really work as the battery will die out.
  • Streetpass - If you are going somewhere (a major city) with lots of potential 3ds systems around, the streepas functionality is pretty fun and unique between the three options you're looking at.

For me personally, the Vita is a great 'on the couch' handheld that gets lots of use when the wife is using the TV. I can definitely see the switch replacing it at some point (can't afford it right now). The 3ds is actually a better 'travel' handheld for me, but also gets a lot of couch use. To be honest I actually end up taking my android phone lately and gaming on that when commuting, so the 3ds is getting eclipsed there.

Sorry for the long rant, that got longer than I thought it would. Hope it helps you out :) I do love all my handheld systems. I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever you decide on.
 
Cubas said:
There's no reason to get a Vita or a 3DS when you can get a Switch. More powerful and will be supported for years to come, while both Vita and 3DS are in the end of their lifecycles.

Yeah, they both have some great games but I don't think it's wise to buy them instead of a Switch at this point.
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Vita has 1300 games and counting; 3ds has 1100 and counting.

That's a fuck lot of gaming..
also games from yesterday aren't unplayable today. Cheap option would be 3ds or vita with more than enough games. Then come back next year for a better or cheaper Switch with more games to choose...
 
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