On the edge about getting the Vita...

quote Coi Cki

• What are the pros and cons of the Vita?

Pros:
-5 inch HD touchscreen with gorgeous graphics
-superior hardware capabilities
-Dual analog sticks
-Remote play (if you have a PS3)

Cons:
-Cost (expensive hardware, accessories)
-Somewhat uncomfortable to hold after a while but similar to the PSP
-Poor (current) game library

quote Coi Cki

* Besides games, what can I do with it?

You can do a lot with it, although its primary function should serve as a gaming device. The menu interface is updated to what I like to call "app style" and there are plenty of apps initially and additionally through the PS Store. You can download Netflix, YouTube, browse the web, keep track of all your PSN contacts/activity/trophies, store music/pictures/videos, take pictures/videos (although the quality is poor), or browse the store. It does pretty much anything a tablet or smartphone can do give or take a few things.

quote Coi Cki

* How are the controls, compared to the PSP?

The controls are pretty much the same as the PSP. The only significant differences stem from the Vita having a touch screen and dual analog functionality, so it feels like a mix between a smartphone and a console controller. The analog sticks are extremely comfortable and smooth. There's also a back touch screen which works well the few times I have used it but it seems unnecessary. The trigger buttons are so-so.

quote Coi Cki

* In general, how does the Vita compare to PSP?

The Vita is different from the PSP in that it's an internal powerhouse. It can pause any app/program you're running at any time and keep it going so you can multitask without any interference. It obviously has much better graphics and integration of modern networking etc. but has such a similar appearance/feel to the PSP that it's scary.

quote Coi Cki

* Do the games come in physical format, or is it download-only?

Either or. Stores carry physical copies and there are downloadable versions of the full games on the PS Store. There are also free demos of pretty much every Vita game on the PS Store if you're unsure if you want to make a purchase or not.I prefer to have the physical copies because the games don't take as much space and the memory cards are expensive as all hell. Plus the download times are long for demos so I can't imagine downloading a full game.

The Vita has an alright library as of right now, its star titles being Uncharted and Gravity Rush. I've played both games and they're pretty good but the rest of them are bland. You can choose from a decent selection of PSP games to download via the PS Store, but they sell for full current retail price (for example I bought Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for $20).

quote Coi Cki

Also, if I do decide to get it...

• Should I get just the one with wi-fi, or the wi-fi+3g model?

Go with the Wi-Fi. 3G is just more money you'll have to spend when it seems a bit unnecessary considering none of the games (that I'm aware of) are even compatible with 3G yet.

A plus is the cheap games, which are well priced for the quality you get.

Some other Cons are the inability to backup data without being connected to the internet.
Also sometimes the touch screen and pad can be too touchy.

I'd say wait for more games to come out.

I've had a Vita for a couple months now. Like other users have said, the small library of games is a huge downside that would stop me from recommending the system 100%. However by the end of this year that looks to change, with Little Big Planet, Tearaway, Assassins Creed: Liberation, Persona 4: Golden and COD: Declassified set to arrive before Christmas. The announcement of Cross-buy also made the PSV a more attractive system to PS3 owners. However Sony have said that they won't be cutting the price of the Vita this year, which is unfortunate. However if you want my honest advice, I would wait until mid-November to purchase so that you have a nice selection of titles to play.

To answer the above questions:

Remote Play: Remote Play is currently not supported. However they recently announced Cross-Play, which is a PS3/PSV hook up which allows gameplay setups similiar to what the Wii-U demonstrated at e3. This will allow either multiplayer, like in Battle Royale; or use the PSV as a fancy tablet controller like in Little Big Planet.

As far as I know, remote play is missing entirely, with no word from Sony as to what the plans are. However I have seen people mod the OS to allow this, so it is technically possible.

Battery: The battery life is around 5 hours if you are playing a PSV game, which isn't awesome. However I've found that this is long enough for my own use between recharges. If you are playing PSP games, or browsing the web or Youtube, then the battery life can extend beyond 5 hours. I think I played Persona 3 portable (PSP) for around 8-9 hours before the battery died.

Remote play's in now

Btw, how is remote play the determining factor? I view it as a somewhat insignificant bonus.

quote Fluidity

The Vita has an alright library as of right now, its star titles being Uncharted and Gravity Rush. I've played both games and they're pretty good but the rest of them are bland.[/size][/color]

I wouldn't say the rest of them are bland. Lumines is very good, Wipeout is everything Wipeout has ever been (and now includes the two HD packs), and Motorstorm is another good one if that's your thing.
I hope you're not one of those people who whines that the PSP "has no games"

quote smarti3

I came to the forum to ask the exact same question. Think I'll wait until a price drop/more games are released though. When the PSP first came out everything was so expensive then after like a year everything was really cheap

I remember the price of a 1GB memory card when it was released. Was like £60+...lol

Edit: Twin_Master Ville_Valo Is there a way to disable the rear touch screen ? And isn't it really awkward to hold ?

I played on one in store and noticed theres designated places to put your fingers :/

Some games have it as optional to disable for gameplay though stupidly the rest are mandatory and you have to use it. Yes, it is VERY touchy! My suggestion is to get a controller grip for it.

I find the rear touch screen isn't that bad. In fact, it was an optional thing in Uncharted, and it enabled you to aim much much better. It was very good.
I don't know if I'd agree that "some games" have it as optional, and the rest force you to use it...Uncharted didn't. Either did Lumines, Motorstorm or Wipeout.

I guess it all comes down to what kind of games you like. There's a current / upcoming Vita games that look somewhat interesting to me but no system sellers.I'm a big RPG fan and there still aren't any Vita exclusive RPGs that I'm dying to play. New Little King's Story sounds like it might be up my alley but I've never played the first game since I don't have a Wii. I certainly wouldn't mind some ports of older RPGs, especially if they were never released in English.

I hope in time the Vita becomes like the PSP, which is a JRPG fan's dream.