Nintendo 3DS, Sony’s PlayStation Vita each have its own pros and cons
By Colin Reid
Feb. 23, 2012 11:47 a.m.
Bringing the world of video games to consumers’ pockets are Nintendo’s 3DS and Sony’s new PlayStation Vita. The two systems possess their own advantages and failures, ruling out any easy choice as to which handheld to purchase. Being stuck with the wrong electronic handheld can cost a gamer upward of $150 in this case. Luckily, by comparing the specs of both handhelds, prospective buyers can gain clearer insight into which handheld is personally right for them.
Released nearly a year ago, the 3DS is Nintendo’s fifth iteration in its DS handheld lineup since the coming of the first DS back in 2004. Initially sold at $250, the handheld has since dropped to $169.99 five months out from launch because of its poor sales figures. While this may be surprising for a Nintendo product, sales have increased in recent months, providing a better representation of Nintendo’s near infallible sales history.
The 3DS’ main features include an analog stick and “no glasses required” 3-D graphics. This second feature, while one of the main attractions, is also its main detriment. Originally thought to be revolutionary, the 3-D effect actually puts a strain on the eyes after long periods of play and tends to lower the battery life between three to five hours. Fortunately, the effect can be adjusted or completely turned off by using a slider bar found on the side of the device. Other features include a digital shop for games, a 3-D camera and a “StreetPass” functionality that allows players to interact with other 3DS owners around them.
One thing the 3DS did lack at launch was a solid lineup of games. Only lately, with the release of “Super Mario 3D Land,” was there any real reason to purchase the handheld. In the next few months, “Resident Evil: Revelations” and “Kid Icarus: Uprising” will be available, hopefully making the handheld all the more desirable. Backwards compatibility has also been accessible since launch, which allows all DS titles to be brought over to the new system. This last key aspect held the system afloat during its earlier, darker days, and is a feature that its rival handheld, the PlayStation Vita, will sorely miss.
Launched on Wednesday, the PlayStation Vita, or PS Vita, will run at two prices: $250 for a Wi-Fi model and $300 for a 3G/Wi-Fi model partnered with AT&T. As mentioned, the PS Vita is not backwards compatible with PSP games. Instead of the physical Universal Media Discs, Sony has chosen to solely use digital titles. These games will be sold on the handheld’s PlayStation Store and stored on small memory cards.
While losing much, in return consumers receive an acceptable lineup of titles the day of release. Games like “Uncharted: Golden Abyss” and “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3″ are expected to do well critically, jumpstarting sales for the handheld. As for the device itself, the system sports dual analog sticks, an OLED touch screen, front and rear cameras and cross-platform play with the PS3. This entails transferring PS Vita games between a consumer’s Sony handheld and PS3, creating a seamless transition of home and on-the-go play.
Although all of these features are spectacular, they are as yet untested by most of the public. Only released in parts of Asia a few weeks ago, the PS Vita is already showing a decline in sales. The European and North American market will decide the fate of this 3DS rival.
Now, which handheld to choose? After examining all the facets of both systems, it’s up to the consumers to then decide what kind of gamer they are. Those that play occasionally and generally don’t wish to spend large amounts of money on their hobby should buy the 3DS for its large backlog of games, low retail price and tested hardware. For those who are more tech-savvy and don’t mind the price hurdle, the PS Vita is a better purchase for its longer battery life and more advanced features.
And finally, for those gamers like me, who play games regularly and view it as more of a lifestyle, we will probably end up forgoing the choice and buying both handhelds out of sheer love for the industry.
