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Tiny Review: New PS Vita ⊟
We used to do a lot of reviews in a list format that accentuated what was “fab” versus what was “butt.” I’ll be using a variation of that format for this review, based on how it compares to the original model.
I’ve covered a lot of Nintendo handhelds in the past, and comparing them is usually much simpler: this one’s big, this one doesn’t fold, this one has a camera, etc.; whereas Sony handheld changes tend to be less clear in their direction. Some things get better, some things get worse, some things are just different. It’s a lot more of a lateral move, I guess.
Basically, this format works well for a device that I really can’t make any strong definitive conclusions about. It’s a Vita!
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PS Vita Slim on the right
Here’s what I like about it:
- It’s thinner and lighter! As a result, it’s a lot more comfortable for my tiny baby hands to hold. All the buttons are the same size and in the same place, and the screen is the same size, so there’s no drawback related to the slight reduction in size.
- Also adding to the comfort is the new curved design. It’s a bit more contoured around the sides (as opposed to the original Vita, which is in no way contoured), an issue I didn’t even notice until I held the new one.
- The connector between the Vita and the AC adaptor is a regular-ass Micro USB instead of whatever it was before. It should be much, much cheaper to replace in the event of loss or dog.
- 1GB of onboard memory makes the thing slightly more usable if you don’t have a memory card (even though you do have a memory card, since the Borderlands 2 bundle comes with an 8GB one).
- The little pulsating blue light is on top of the unit instead of on the PS button. I don’t know why I like that better. Maybe just because it’s different.
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PS Vita Slim on the top
Here’s what I don’t like as much:
- The LCD screen isn’t as vivid… at least, not when I’m staring at both of them doing the same thing. It looks great on its own, but I might be slightly spoiled by the OLED screen’s wildly oversaturated colors.
- The front of the Vita is no longer one continuous piece of glass/plastic. There’s a visible bezel around the screen. This is good for fingerprints, but not as good for the overall aesthetic.
- Still uses Vita memory cards instead of cheaper standards. Okay, that’s not really a gripe at the new model, but it’s not a discussion of Vita hardware without those expensive-ass memory cards.
In conclusion, such as it is: if you don’t have a Vita and you go out and get this one, you’re going to be happy! It’s comfortable, looks great, and happens to be a great value right now (with a free game and a free memory card). If you have the current Vita, I don’t think the incremental changes are enough to justify a new purchase. Screen aside, it’s an upgrade, but not a major one.
BUYPS Vita Slim / Borderlands 2 bundle, upcoming games
