PS Vita: Know The Basics
Want the low-down on Sony's latest handheld gaming system? Well, look no further, as WhatCulture take you on a n00b's guide to the console.
Today sees the UK launch of Sony's latest foray into the console market, and if you've been living under a rock for the past few months you might not know what all the fuss is about. Well, because we're charitable sorts around here, and because Sony have actually released a truck load of marketing and informative material to herald the release, here are the basics of what you need to know about the newest handheld system on the shelves... The device has already sold half a million units in Asia and North America, and the biggest challenge for the handheld will be clawing back some of the market from the 3DS, which has seen a strong year of sales, as well as convincing console gamers that mobile gaming shouldn't be completely considered an iOS and Android concern just yet. And the early reviews seem to suggest that the Vita will succeed, given the accomplishment and quality that Sony have achieved. Sony's head honcho Jim Ryan has recognised the difficulties faced in relation to the smartphone and tablet markets: "Gaming on the smartphone and tablet is a reality and it would be foolish to stick our heads in the sand. We have to demonstrate that our device and the gaming experience is differentiated and we provide great value to justify the financial outlay they have to make to buy into Vita."Sony have confirmed that the target market for the Vita at launch is a core of 18 - 25 year old males who were gamers first and foremost - a move which actively opposes Microsoft's recent broadening of XBox Live, but Ryan does concede that a development may well take place further down the line:
"When we get to year two and year three, we will try to broaden the demographic to bring in the younger consumer - the more casual consumer, perhaps."The system boasts a 5 inch screen which dominates the front, along with a button set-up outlined below, two sturdier shoulder triggers than the PSP's notoriously flimsy paddles, and a rear pressure pad that will take some getting used to for some gamers. And ignore all of those claims that the handheld is difficult to hold - everyone said the same about the XBox controller, and the Playstation controller, and the Dreamcast controller and so on. Adopting a different grip is not the end of the world, and it certainly shouldn't be a deal-breaker.