Playstation Vita

[Jables]

As I get older I'm less about the convenience of having something at the very second I want it, and am becoming more okay with waiting for it to come from Amazon US. Think I said elsewhere already I'm giving up the fucking ghost with buying hardware AU, at least in terms of handheld. I'll import the Vita, and if I ever get the inclination for a 3DS I'll do so for that too.

[gunsmithx]

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/307548/news/sony-ps-vita-matching-ps3-product-pipeline/

 

good to see they will at least try to avoid some problems the psp had.

[gunsmithx]

in other news, vita dev kits will be around 2k for small devs which is a huge huge things, dev's kits used to cost 20k and up each and even the psp one was 15k. They could also be free and maybe even help budget games from indies/small devs if they publish games exclusive on sony consoles. say they are seeing about 15 pitchs a week.

 

http://www.develop-online.net/news/38459/PlayStation-Vita-dev-kit-priced

 

*edit, forget this but they also again confirm that non gaming apps will show up.

 

awesome news from sony, hope they keep this up.

Edited August 16, 2011 by gunsmithx

[Newtype]

PSVita cases revealed

 

 

[Thelogan]

Carts?!? Sweet fucking action. That stupid fucking UMD format was one of the reasons I wasn't a fan of the PSP.

 

I'd really like a sense of scale here. Those cases look like they'd look nice on a shelf with blurays at least.

[gunsmithx]

 

 

 

 

there you go.

[Thelogan]

Poifect! Thank you sir.

[The NZA]

...so have we not talked about the hidden cost yet? $50-100 for a memory card (16, 32GB respectively) fucking sucks. we're all hoping for an adapter to their last one, but there was a (sadly) logical post on GAF about how that might not be possible, i really hope that guy's wrong. anyway, expect $300+ at launch before any games....they had a good show at TGS but everything about this screams "wait", for me.

 

oh, the details on the android development were solid too, ill leave those to gun to post.

[gunsmithx]

ok fuck my life, just lost a super long post....

 

ok memory prices suck, 3rd party will come up with something, use pc or ps3 to back up and store games.

 

PS suite looks very cool, uses c#, devs excited, no word on psn or anything like that. next year.

 

very excited for vita, rpg machine, Falcome home, and will get tales games and region free.

 

fuck my browser btw.

[The NZA]

 

gun mentioned it earlier, but there's confirmation! props to sony for doing right by this on both their platforms, really hope it becomes an industry standard one day.

 

let's talk about the downsides.

 

1) presumably because of some rapscallions using the battery exploit last gen, the Vita's battery will be locked in. i get why, but having dealt with sony customer service for years now: be prepared to send your whole unit & be hosed if it dies.

 

2) Memory Card not included (carts can handle saves, but good luck with your PSN games), japanese prices are as follows:

 

Memory card 4GB December 17, 2011 ¥2,200

Memory card 8GB December 17, 2011 ¥3,200

Memory card 16GB December 17, 2011 ¥5,500

Memory card 32GB December 17, 2011 ¥9,500

 

yeah, that's $50/60 for 16GB, $100 for the high end. proprietary tech is a motherfucker, here's to hoping for a workaround. Launch-day purchasers, make sure to factor in this cost.

 

3)

 

3-5 hours at normal brightness, wifi off...so don't expect much from online gaming unless you can do so on dim, with the volume low, presumably. i believe both handhelds have something of an issue with this, battery tech really needs to step it up soon.

[gunsmithx]

meh, the psp had around the battery life and it never bothered me at all, I also believe part of the battery issues was thinness and the rear touchpad. I still say wait to see what they offer state side in terms of pack ins. I think we are bigger in terms of DD here on psn so that might factor in. or not fuck if I know.

[The NZA]

that would make sense - i really hope you're right, i know they want to push this as a digital download system and they'd not do that any favors without packing in at least 2-4GB.

 

i read somewhere that many portables are supposedly played plugged into walls somewhere, just wondering about this one since having dual analogs actually makes me think it'd be an interesting system for fighters and other demanding genres, really wanna see what kinda #'s testing gets out of online play though. that's the other bitch of a locked-in battery, you can't really bring another one with you (apparently this wasn't uncommon with the PSP).

[The NZA]

Sony’s Shu Yoshida Talks Vita, PSP Lessons, And Nintendo

 

The PlayStation Vita was definitely the star of TGS 2011. Sony’s dual analog sticks, touch capabilities, impressive graphics, remote play, and 3G functionality has the attention of portable-minded gamers everywhere. I got the chance to interview Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Computer Entertainment’s worldwide studios. We chatted about lessons learned from the PSP, Nintendo’s new second 3DS circle pad, HD remakes, and more.

 

The PSP received many different hardware iterations, to mixed reactions of consumers. Do you think the Vita will experience a similar life cycle?

 

We haven’t even released the PS Vita, so we don’t have any plans for future iterations. But as with any electronics product, things get better and cheaper or components advance, so we look at what’s going to be available for us. If it makes sense we might consider updating the product. But what we always make sure of is because we are doing the platform business we have to make sure games are compatible. Any iteration of the hardware you’ll be able to play games on. You look back at PSP, we released three iterations of the PSP. These compatible systems, later versions might have gotten some additional features, but basically these are additional nice things.

 

What options will there be for owners of original PSP games to play them on the Vita?

 

Downloadable PSP games will play on the Vita. We are going through the process of testing that, so we can’t say there will be 100 percent compatibility, but we are looking at a very high compatibility percentage for downloadable versions of PSP games on PS Vita. In addition, because PS Vita has a much larger, nicer-looking screen, and the existence of dual analog sticks, we will provide from a system level that some games benefit using the right analog stick. Like FPS or third-person action-adventure games. We will provide options to remap the control from either face buttons or the action buttons to right analog stick. So the control would be much better on PS Vita.

 

So is there a chance that owners of the physical UMDs will have a way to play the game on the Vita?

 

We just announced that we are working on something like that for the Japanese market. We are still working on the details of the program, so we will inform the details of the plan for the Japanese market. But we haven’t decided if we’re going to do something similar outside Japan.

 

You demonstrated the Vita’s remote play function with Killzone 3 during a TGS 2011 presentation. Will every PS3 game be playable on Vita, or is it up to the developer to incorporate that feature?

 

Yes, that’s correct. The PS Vita has to be customized to support remote play with the PS Vita. Yesterday, the demo that I showed using Killzone 3 was customized. It was meant as a technical demo and we haven’t even finished the utility of the remote play that’s really, really nice to support higher resolution screens on PS Vita, and the mapping of controls like R3, R2, L2 buttons using the backtouch panel. So as soon as we complete the development of those utilities, we will release the utility to PS3 developers so that they can check if their games work with the utility or they may have to do some additional work, because the remote play takes some additional memory and CPU time out of PS3 games. So some games that really utilize the PS3 capabilities may not work, so we’ll see.

 

What would you say is the most important thing Sony learned from the original PSP?

 

There are many lessons we have learned, but if you ask me to pick one lesson… Before the launch, as far as the hardware goes we didn’t put enough resources in the hardware to allow us to develop games that are unique to the PSP compared to home consoles. We had many products on PSP, but most of these games like God of War [Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparda] came from the console. Basically, you can play a bigger, better version of these titles on PS3. So pre-launch of PSP we were too happy with having the basic capability of PS2-class games to play on PSP, in terms of the screen and CPU/GPU. But after the launch and a few years time, just having pretty graphics isn’t enough. Especially when you can play a bigger, better game on home consoles. That’s the one big lesson when we designed the PS Vita. Because it is portable and because it’s a new technological development, we can put a touchscreen, touchpad, cameras, GPS, or 3G capabilities. We made sure that developers will be able to make use of these features that are unique to portable systems, so that with games we can continue to produce something very exciting that you cannot find on games on home console. So that’s one lesson.

 

The second lesson comes post-launch of the PSP. Because we shifted development resources to the PS3 launch, we kind of stopped supporting PSP games post-launch. That was a big mistake, because we didn’t realize that third-party developers were doing the same because they were working on the new launch of software on the PS3, Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360 as well. So going into the PS Vita, because it’s our second time, we are making sure that we won’t make the same mistakes, meaning that we’ll continue to support PS Vita with a stream of good titles through release. So I pick these two as the lessons learned from PSP. I would also say that security and piracy was a problem with the PSP as well, and that will be fortified with PS Vita.

 

Speaking of security, can we expect the Vita to need as many updates as the PSP and PS3? Are there plans to make these firmware updates less intrusive?

 

I agree, it’s very annoying when you only have one hour in your busy life to play a game, and when you have to spend 30 minutes out of that one hour to update the hardware. So it’s not necessarily the frequency of how we update, it’s like you said – intrusiveness - of the current processes that we have on PS3 and PSP. I cannot talk about specific plans, but we are very aware of the issues, and we’d like to address those issues on PS Vita going forward.

 

HD remakes are very popular right now. Can you lend any insight into how difficult it is to update games like God of War and Shadow of the Colossus? From an outsider’s perspective it seems like these HD remakes are relatively easy to make but have high returns for Sony.

 

For Sony or for third-party publishers. If they are products for the PS2 that people really, really like, and because the PS2 is an SD system, if there are enough people that want to play these games with HD graphics with some updated features like trophy support, 3D support, or network features, it’s going to be win/win for both consumers and publishers. Because as you said, developing these HD remastered versions costs way less than making brand new titles on PS3 from the publishers’ standpoint. So many of these titles, when you look at the pricing of these games, publishers are pricing these games much lower than they do new titles. So people who really like these games on PS2 and like to relive them in HD format, when you try Ico and Shadow of the Colossus in the HD collection, you feel that these games are actually made for HD systems. The vision of [Fumito] Ueda-san really is realized better on PS3, so it’s a complete version of these games. It’s great for your money, especially when you are a new gamer and have never played these games before. It’s a steal. It’s two brand new titles you can purchase for less than buying one new title. So I think as long as there is this happy win/win situation between consumers and publishers, I would expect more titles will come out in this format.

 

It’s suspicious that Nintendo is releasing a second circle pad attachment for the 3DS after gamers universally praised the Vita’s dual analog sticks. Can you talk about what looks like an attempt by Nintendo to keep up with Sony?

 

Well it’s not like they looked at PS Vita and said “we need to do that as well.” I don’t know. It’s clear that they didn’t believe a second analog was necessary when they designed the 3DS, so I can only guess it was requested by Capcom’s side. Maybe a Capcom producer told Nintendo that to play Monster Hunter we need [two] analog sticks. That I don’t know, so I can only guesstimate. It was a bit shocking to see what they came up with.

 

Touching on the 3DS again, it seems like Nintendo responded to the Vita’s low price tag by dropping the 3DS’ cost even lower. It appears to be a direct response from Nintendo. Is it exciting to see Nintendo, which has had a death grip on the handheld market, seemingly react to the Vita’s hype?

 

I don’t personally believe that they dropped the price of the 3DS to respond to our pricing. We didn’t price PS Vita to their price, either. We had that plan since the last couple years. My personal guesstimate is that they have their business plan and goals to sell a certain amount of 3DS units, and they realized post-launch was that the pricing was not helping them to achieve the goal that they set. That’s my estimate. As far as if I’m excited, I’m not sure. If the 3DS sells like crazy and no one is interested in PS Vita, that’s a problem. There are lots of analysts talking about, “well, you know there are smart phones, there’s no need for dedicated portable game machines.” I don’t believe it. But if they point to certain performance of the 3DS and say the smartphone is here, it doesn’t help us either. I like to see healthy competition between Nintendo’s system and ours because it helps innovation. It’s always a good thing to have.

 

...pretty informative, but did you see the bit i bolded/made larger/etc? holy shit, i had no idea! that could be really cool, surprised they didn't talk more about this feature.

[gunsmithx]

I saw that the other day and there was some speculation about that, some game already come maped for it if you hook up a DS3 and I'd guess they have something running for the rest of them if he's going to make that statement. I'm also curious how this supposed umd turn in thing in japan is gonna go and if it'll come here, no details on that yet.

[The NZA]

oh boy...Some Vita games won't even start without a memory card.

 

these ones are known to require said memory cards:

 

Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention

@Field

Hot Shots Golf 6

Monster Radar

Dream Club Zero Portable

 

not a good look here, i feel safe saying the real price of this thing is now $300, barring Sony giving any real amount of memory (stick wise, not internal) to the US last minute.

i really am grateful for what they're doing with these android kits & middleware gaming (we really need more devts in on efforts like these!) but this part has me less hyped. really hope they're clear about this somehow on the box or there's gonna be a lotta pissy consumers.

 

*edit: looks like they're preparing for that, at least:

 

Edited October 29, 2011 by The NZA
box

[Newtype]

That killed my hype for it.

 

Found this:

 

The U.S. bundle includes a PS Vita 3G + Wi-Fi model, a limited edition case, 4GB PS Vita Memory Card, and Little Deviants game for $349.99 (MSRP). The Canadian bundle includes a Wi-Fi model, a limited edition case, 4GB PS Vita Memory Card, and Little Deviants game for $299.99 (MSRP). Best of all, you can pick up the PS Vita First Edition Bundle on February 15, 2012, so this is your chance to play before everyone else.

 

 

The Canadian bundle is such a better deal.

Edited October 29, 2011 by Newtype

[Thelogan]

Vita internet browser won't support Flash

 

Kinda weird.

That said, when I think about it, I hardly give a shit. Is anyone really going to be using the internet browser much anyway? I thought the 3DS having one was cool(which also doesn't support Flash), but if I wanna browse on the can or something I just use my phone.

Edited October 30, 2011 by Thelogan

[The NZA]

probably not, but flash not being standard might be part of that.

i too have zero use for console browsers until said systems have enough RAM to atl+tab of some kind over to them in-game, for easier gamefaqs use.

[The NZA]

rumor: PS Vita Games May Be 40% off retail if purchased on PSN

 

Sony has hinted in the past that downloading games on the Vita will be a cheaper option than buying them off the shelves. The scuttlebutt from a recent Sony event is that the savings could be a dramatic 40 percent for ditching the box.

 

According to Thrifty Nerd, Vita games will be capped off at $39.99 at retail. Downloading a game at the same price would only cost around $23, however, saving you a pretty penny by going digital. Many gamers gasped at the Vita's spendy memory cards (4GB: $30, 8GB: $45, 16GB: $70, 32GB: $120), but these savings, if true, could soften that blow.

 

While this prospect is exciting for prospective Vita owners, keep your expectations low until we have official confirmation from Sony.

 

could be huge if true - japan's already seeing a DD discount on some titles. honestly, titles < $25 could really push support, and highly offset the memory card price. Mal was saying retailers might not want to nuke this if PSN cards/game vouchers were sold at a similar price there, i still think without their markup, they're gonna wanna bury this. mad props if Sony does it anyway.

[Visitant]

Sony baby, get a new Monster Hunter from capcom and boom...money. That's all you have to do.

[The NZA]

...so here we are, just under 2 weeks from the US release, and i gotta ask: what have you guys seen Sony done to promote this thing?

 

They've got the Taco Bell promo, and i've read about 6-7 people winning Vitas that way so far, which is cool. they've also got a local setup to demo it over @ south beach this month, which is a really great idea but i'd never have known it wtihout Space Cowboy. are there ads going?

 

because a few things are kinda troubling going into this for me:

1) sales in japan weren't great, but they could pick up later with the inevitable Monster Hunter or something

2) PSN 10% off buying digital discount is nice, but i don't think it's enough (also, only certain titles: Uncharted is still $50, WTF?)

3) Nintendo's kinda bringing them heat by dropping the price of the 3DS for a few weeks to only $150 @ newegg and gamestop.

4) sony really needs this, they just reported a 2 billion dollar loss for the fiscal year. if this thing tanks, i don't imagine another handheld entry (which sucks cause they really compliment the scene, i think, and we need way more options for middleware/etc development, not less) plus i can't help but fear it'd hurt the specs of the PS4, as far as what degree of loss they'd be willing to take at launch.

 

so yeah, thoughts?

[Maldron]

Day one buy. I'm dumb.

[The NZA]

nah, i think it's you and possibly Los? but yeah, what non-Uncharted games you gonna get at launch m'man?

[Maldron]

For one, not getting uncharted. For two, I'm getting WipEout 2048 because FUCK YEAH WIPEOUT and Blazblue: Continuum Shift Xtend.

[The NZA]

nice.

but Y U NO uncharted

 

 

waiting on a pricedrop amirite