PlayStation Vita [Review]

FULL REVIEW

We promised you an in-depth review, and here it is. Sagar Gokhale spent the last week evaluating all the aspects of the Vita, and grades the pros and cons across six parameters before arriving on an overall verdict.  Here's a quick highlights reel of everything that's been discussed in this 13-minute segment, stay tuned for more coverage of the PS Vita, as we'll be exploring some the best games on this platform.

1) Design: 4/5

Verdict:
+ Lighter, Sleeker Look
+ Good Upgrade to the PSP
+ Chrome touches, Expensive Feel

- Backgrip is small and slippery
- Everything apart from the audio jack is proprietary

2) Hardware: 5/5

Verdict:
+ Made for HD Gaming
+ Responsive Touch Screen

3) Touch Screen Capability: 4.5/5

Verdict:
+ Mind-blowing touch experience.
- Slippery back panel
- Not enough game content yet integrating the back panel

4) User Interface and Navigation: 3/5

Verdict:
- UI feels childish and simplistic
- Touch-only Navigation

5) Gaming Functionality: 4.5/5
Verdict:
+ Touchscreen integration has a lot of potential
+ Great for Online Play

6) Multimedia: 3.5/5
Verdict: A good stand-in tablet, but not a replacement for one.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Official Specs at a Glance

CPU: ARM Cortex- A9 core (4 core)
GPU:  SGX543MP4+
Dimensions: Approx. 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm (width x height x depth)
Touch Screen: 5 inches (16:9), 960 x 544, Approx. 16 million colors, OLED, (capacitive multi touch)
Rear Touch Pad (capacitive type)
Cameras: Front camera, Rear camera
Sensors: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope,
three-axis accelerometer), Three-axis electronic compass
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G (Optional), IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (A2DP/AVRCP/HSP)

Additional Reading

Opinion: Why I would not use a tablet/smartphone for gaming
E3 2011: PSP’s successor is called PS Vita and will cost $249
GamesCom 2011: PlayStation Vita Trailer Blast
Is the Indian Pricing of the PS Vita fair?
PS Vita Preview this week on Technoholik on ET NOW