Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
View
Trending
  • Summer Game Fest
  • New games for 2025
  • Upcoming Switch 2 games
  • Switch 2 stock

Recommended reading

PS5
Hardware Sony has sold almost as many PS5s as it did PS4s in the same time frame, but expects its sales to worsen, and analysts reckon GTA 6's delay won't help
A close-up of a Runner in motion during the Marathon game PS5 reveal.
PlayStation Sony is prioritizing monthly active users over direct sales now, but the company's live-service games aren't doing too hot
PS5 Pro reveal from trailer
Hardware Sony knows "there's a huge interest" in PlayStation's "next-generation console strategy" after the PS5, and "the future of the platform is top of mind" for the company
Nintendo DS
Nintendo 20 Years of the Nintendo DS: "If someone had told you in 2004 that Nintendo was about to abandon the Game Boy, would you have believed them?"
Screenshot of Mario dragon Bowser pointing in realization
Nintendo Switch 2 The Switch 2 wants to be a do-it-all console, but Nintendo needs more first-party magic to overcome the upcoming handheld's biggest hurdle
Nintendo Switch 2 sitting in centre with Steam Deck OLED above on left, Anbernic RG Cube aboveon right, Anbernic RG28XX directly left, Modretro Chromatic on right, and MSI Claw 8 AI+ below on woodgrain desk.
Handhelds Best gaming handheld 2025: my top portable PC and console recommendations
Green and Black Taito Super Pocket handheld with RGB lights in backdrop and sad text face on screen
Handhelds The Super Pocket retro handheld is cheaper than a Switch 2 game, but you'll want to grab one before that potentially changes
  1. Games

PS Vita status report - How is the system doing, six months later?

Features
By Sterling McGarvey published 11 September 2012

It's time to check in on Sony's handheld. How is it faring, a half-year in?

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Its been six months since the PlayStation Vita launched in the West. Since that time, millions of gamers have slotted multcolored blocks, relived Nathan Drakes untold adventures, and broken out double-digit combos with a colorful mix of fighting game characters. Six months is enough time to evaluate every step in the right direction, and every mis-step. And now, a half-year after unwrapping Sonys handheld (and assessing it), its time for a status report. Lets take a look at the Vita and focus in on whats been great about the system, and whats not so great...

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
Good: Great digital downloads, including PS One classics

Good: Great digital downloads, including PS One classics

Thanks to the addition of several PS One classics, theres much more digital content to enjoy on Vita. While many of these games have been available on the PlayStation Portable for some time, Sonys newer handheld adds a greater degree of visual luster to this roster of late 90s games, as we recently pointed out. Its a screen that has better black levels than the PSP, yet its small enough to downplay the jaggies youd normally see through your HDTV while playing on the PlayStation 3.

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
Bad: The PlayStation Store on Vita still needs work

Bad: The PlayStation Store on Vita still needs work

Lots of PSP games (the most glaring example being Rockstars three Grand Theft Auto handheld games) are still missing from the download store. Also, the store suffers from similar problems that Sony had when other PlayStation titles offered up physical and digital versions: Physical games can be priced competitively, but its rare to see the same treatment in the online store.

Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
Good: Solid post-launch titles have kept us using it

Good: Solid post-launch titles have kept us using it

Once the initial launch-time sheen of Lumines: Electronic Symphony, Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack!, and Uncharted: Golden Abyss wore off in early summer, the timing was right for a few more games to step in. Gravity Rush is among the years finest handheld titles. The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, though missing Peace Walker, is still a decent port in its own right. And with Sound Shapes, theres an excellent title that you can enjoy, tweak, and modulate whether on your Vita or at home on a PlayStation 3. Plus, LittleBigPlanet Vita is right around the corner...

Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
Bad: Bland ports of PS3 games

Bad: Bland ports of PS3 games

If you really wanted to look at a prime example, theres Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus. Its a port of a 2007 PlayStation 3 game that is a port of a 2005 Xbox game that is a remix of a 2004 Xbox game.

Another genre full of egregious offenders? Sports games. Madden NFL 13 on Vita pales in comparison to the bright and exciting new console experience, and theres no cross-save data between the two versions. MLB 12: The Show offers cross-play, but the experiences arent as gripping on the go. In the future, the Vita needs more games that are more creatively designed around its hardware, or at least more features that go above and beyond touchscreen minigames.

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
Good: Apps turn it into a mini-tablet (or a huge smartphone)

Good: Apps turn it into a mini-tablet (or a huge smartphone)

The Vita may not replace most peoples smartphones, but the implementation of apps such as Netflix, Foursquare, and Twitter have added nice touches. Flickr, with its ability to upload your in-game screens, is an especially useful addition that weve used quite a bit since the console lauched.

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
Bad: The battery

Bad: The battery

What good are those apps if you have to charge your system all the time? In sleep mode, or even powered-down, it seems like the battery slowly leaks energy like a poorly insulated window in wintertime. Whether its another hardware iteration or some firmware tweaks that will reduce certain apps juice drain, its something that could stand to be addressed.

Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
Good: Vita Cross Buy is a great step forward

Good: Vita Cross Buy is a great step forward

With games like Sound Shapes, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, and Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault implementing a feature that lets you play games at home, then continue them while out and about, its a valuable bonus thats worth getting excited about. Perhaps not every game can offer it, but any steps in this direction are welcome.

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
Bad: The foreseeable future looks a tad thin

Bad: The foreseeable future looks a tad thin

This first holiday season brings three blockbusters: LittleBigPlanet, Assassins Creed III: Liberation, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified. Arguably, you can throw in Need for Speed: Most Wanted--though neither hide nor hair has been unveiled about it--and Street Fighter X Tekken, but its a port of a PS3 game that dropped around the Vita launch.

Otherwise, the big-scale game lineup looks rather threadbare. Tearaway doesnt seem like its coming around the corner soon, nor does Killzone: Mercenary. If youre jumping into the system this holiday season, theres a decent catalog, but if youve been onboard since launch, it may be a different story.

Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
The Future Could Be Bright

The Future Could Be Bright

Although there are elements about the PlayStation Vita that could use more attention, theres still lots of potential in Sonys handheld. And lets not forget that Sony kicked off the PS3 with a rather rocky start, but eventually righted the ship. Hopefully, in six months, gamers will be talking about solid PlayStation Plus integration that allows the sort of free game perks seen on the PlayStation 3.

Ideally, there will be more app partnerships announced that will increase its value as not just a handheld gaming system, but a portable entertainment option. Finally, with Sonys push for indie games, there will be more excellent, creative titles that utilize the hardware outside of the big-budget realm. Look for an assessment when the Vitas first anniversary hits.

Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
CATEGORIES
PlayStation Platforms
Sterling McGarvey
Sterling McGarvey
Social Links Navigation
See more Games Features
Read more
PS5
Sony has sold almost as many PS5s as it did PS4s in the same time frame, but expects its sales to worsen, and analysts reckon GTA 6's delay won't help
A close-up of a Runner in motion during the Marathon game PS5 reveal.
Sony is prioritizing monthly active users over direct sales now, but the company's live-service games aren't doing too hot
PS5 Pro reveal from trailer
Sony knows "there's a huge interest" in PlayStation's "next-generation console strategy" after the PS5, and "the future of the platform is top of mind" for the company
Nintendo DS
20 Years of the Nintendo DS: "If someone had told you in 2004 that Nintendo was about to abandon the Game Boy, would you have believed them?"
Screenshot of Mario dragon Bowser pointing in realization
The Switch 2 wants to be a do-it-all console, but Nintendo needs more first-party magic to overcome the upcoming handheld's biggest hurdle
Nintendo Switch 2 sitting in centre with Steam Deck OLED above on left, Anbernic RG Cube aboveon right, Anbernic RG28XX directly left, Modretro Chromatic on right, and MSI Claw 8 AI+ below on woodgrain desk.
Best gaming handheld 2025: my top portable PC and console recommendations
Latest in Games
Genshin Impact's Traveller pulls Paimon out a river while using a fishing rod
After nearly 5 years, Genshin Impact recasts Paimon in English – and I'm definitely not the only one who prefers her new voice
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 may not cost $80, but it will be more than that when you upgrade your PC to meet the absurd minimum requirements
Nier Replicant remaster
Nier creator Yoko Taro reckons "there’s less 'weird people'" making games nowadays although he's not sure if it's "something that's happening to the world as a whole"
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 started as a "completely different game set in Victorian England," not the French turn-based RPG we now know and love
GTA Online QuickiePharm
How to complete GTA Online QuickiePharm deliveries
Elden Ring Nightreign Wylder warrior
You can cure Elden Ring Nightreign's most annoying random event for free by simply making it to Day 3 and jumping off a bridge and into a black pit of death
Latest in Features
Borderlands 4 screenshot showing a player on a Digirunner
After 4 hours with Borderlands 4 I'm not yet sold on its biggest changes, but Gearbox says "it would be strange" if Borderlands wasn't "constantly growing and adapting"
Hideo Kojima speaking at Sydney Film Festival about Death Stranding 2
"I almost gave up": Hideo Kojima on looking into the abyss, Death Stranding 2's Australian setting, working with his idols, and connecting with koalas
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
I was already excited for Marvel Cosmic Invasion after the studio's incredible retro TMNT brawler, and 30 minutes of hands-on has me even more confident that the spirit of '90s arcade gaming is alive and well
Gears of War Reloaded screenshot
Diving into Gears of War: Reloaded's chaotic multiplayer servers is like being wrapped in a warm blanket lined with sandpaper
Cloud Commander card and MTG Final Fantasy Commander deck
Best MTG Final Fantasy Commander decks, ranked and compared
Resident Evil Requiem
29 years of Resident Evil has left the horror series riddled with lore issues, but I'm convinced Requiem can finally tie it all together
  1. Exo throws an identity disc with lightcycles in the background in the key art for Tron: Catalyst
    1
    Tron: Catalyst review: "Disc slinging is a thrill in this gorgeous rendition of the series, but I'm let down by a time-loop story that falls flat"
  2. 2
    FBC: Firebreak review: "A disappointingly bland multiplayer FPS that's missing far too much of what made Control special"
  3. 3
    Dune: Awakening review: "Both extremely compelling and extraordinarily boring, sometimes at the same time – yet still a true Dune love letter"
  4. 4
    Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour review: "Mostly a fancy toy and not much more"
  5. 5
    MindsEye review: "An uninspired and forgettable sci-fi action adventure that feels like a Netflix movie you watch while on your phone"
  1. The Yautja in Dan Trachtenberg's animated movie Predator: Killer of Killers
    1
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  2. 2
    From the World of John Wick: Ballerina review: "Brilliant action, even if the plot gives you a sense of déjà vu"
  3. 3
    Karate Kid: Legends review: "Better than Karate Kid (2010), nothing on Karate Kid (1984)"
  4. 4
    Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning review: "Wraps up this spy franchise in spectacular style with Tom Cruise in peak condition, even if its villain lacks terror"
  5. 5
    Final Destination Bloodlines Review: "Meticulous murderous mayhem"
  1. Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin-Riley / Number One and Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
    1
    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 review: "The show's most assured run of episodes to date"
  2. 2
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  3. 3
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision
  4. 4
    Rick and Morty season 8 review: "Largely plays it too safe after years of crossing boundaries"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 6 spoiler review: 'The Interstellar Song Contest' is "a blast and sets the stage for a thrilling season finale"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...