Round Table: Let's Talk About PlayStation Vita

Thomas Whitehead: Let's assume that Vita is a long term project. Looking at the device from a commercial outlook, has Sony got its strategy right: is Vita overpowered and pricy, or is it the logical and much-needed revolution in handheld gaming?

Corbie Dillard: Both. I think Sony is looking at this from a "long haul" perspective, much as it’s done with PS3.

Mike Mason: I don't think it's a revolution by any means, but I do think giving it the capabilities to pull in both traditional and more unique gaming opportunities is the best route it could have gone.

Sammy Barker: To be honest, I think it's completely illogical — but that's why I love it. Sony looked at the trends in the market — small, cheap casual games — and said let's go the other way. The questions about the market remain relevant, but it made the handheld that I wanted. I think time will tell whether things work out.

Christopher Ingram: It’s risky, but it’s brilliant. Staying away from the casual and catering to the hardcore has the potential to draw in the millions of gamers who want a gaming console that focuses on games and not the next quick hit, money cash-in. Of course, time will tell if Sony sticks to this strategy, but I think it’s highly plausible.

Corbie Dillard: The sheer fact that Sony made it bigger alone kind of shows you the way it wanted to go against the norm.

Mike Mason: Yeah, it's pretty much the opposite of what people expected I feel. But that's one of the things that makes it great.

Corbie Dillard: Bigger, faster, more visually powerful, more controls, and of course, more moola.

Thomas Whitehead: Considering Sony’s poor financial results, not unique to it certainly, do you think a 'long term' strategy is sensible?

Corbie Dillard: I think it has to go long-term. This could take a while to take off, especially with the dynamics of the portable market. And Sony’s still fighting against a company in the portable market that's dominated that market for over 2 decades. Let's face it, Nintendo pulling that 1/3 price drop all of a sudden hurt Vita: it made a reasonable price point all of a sudden look "too expensive"

Christopher Ingram: Yes. The high price to purchase systems is already tough in this economy, so a long term strategy is needed more now than ever. Letting buyers know they’ll get the worth for their money for a long time to come is never a bad thing.

Mike Mason: I don't think it was ever going to come out and be a short term profit maker with that much focus on technology. I think this might be another case of Sony going for the desired 'ten year plan'.

The high price to purchase systems is already tough in this economy, so a long term strategy is needed more now than ever.

Sammy Barker: Which is the only thing that worries me about it really. The mobile market is changing so fast, I wonder whether it can keep up.

Thomas Whitehead: I personally think Sony should have come in with slightly weaker tech under the hood to lower the price, and used standard SD cards.

Sammy Barker: What would set it apart though?

Thomas Whitehead: The rear pad for one thing, and it wouldn't take much to beat 3DS graphically. Vita blows it away, rather than just beating it. I don't think long term is sensible in the current market.

Mike Mason: I definitely agree on SD cards. From a tech standpoint, though, I think it made the right call. Vita’s future proofed.

Corbie Dillard: I'm not sure it could have come in with weaker tech. It needed to make something that would blow people away, something that PS3 fans expect from Sony. And as I mentioned earlier, I think the proprietary memory cards help to fight piracy, but more than anything make up some money Sony might be losing on the units.

Sammy Barker: I don't know. PlayStation for me is all about cutting edge. I think Vita compromised by using very common parts which are only going to get cheaper as the system matures.

Corbie Dillard: I think Vita has the potential to do what the PS3 will likely do and that is to outlast the competition.

Thomas Whitehead: I agree it'll last, but I wonder whether Sony could do with some profits now, not in five years’ time.

Mike Mason: It certainly wouldn't be a new trend for Sony, with PlayStation 2 still simmering for years after many moved to PS3.

Corbie Dillard: I just think it's resigned itself to do things this way. It’s all about power and performance now and it’s taking it quite a few steps farther with Vita. As you said, not merely "beating" 3DS, but trying to blow it out of the water. It's risky.

Sammy Barker: But it's awesome.

Corbie Dillard: I agree.

Thomas Whitehead: Before we focus on some positives, what concerns, if any, do you have for the Vita?

Sammy Barker: I'm terrified third-parties aren't going to adopt the thing, personally.

Corbie Dillard: Sony keeping a steady flow of top tier games coming to the system. We saw what a lull did to 3DS. I'd hate to see that happen to Vita as it could be quite detrimental. I'm with Sammy on that one too.

Mike Mason: Well, the memory card prices, but we've been over that. The slow start is worrying, especially the situation in Japan.

Sammy Barker: Yeah, I mean we already established its a hardcore machine, but it needs to sell to get further support. And I'm worried the likes of EA and Activision are going to look down on the device. And if things don't improve in Japan, it could get worse.

Corbie Dillard: I also fear that Sony's stubbornness might keep it from dropping the price when it needs it. As a company it tends to stick to its guns.

Mike Mason: It'll be fine for now, as the new thing, but if things don't take off in six months then it really leaves developers in a difficult situation, that could ruin the system's brilliant potential prematurely.

Christopher Ingram: The non-removable battery. That’s a major concern for me, as I’ve replaced the battery in several of my PSP’s over the years.

Thomas Whitehead: Despite negatives, let's focus now on the strengths of Vita. In your time with it so far, which game or experience has brought the wow factor for you?

Corbie Dillard: The visual power and that OLED screen blew me away the first time I played it. It's got some horsepower under the hood and I love seeing games that look this amazing in the palm of my hand. Of course the dual analog sticks don't hurt either.

Christopher Ingram: I agree with Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack. I enjoyed the previous entry on the PS3, but this game just fits Vita like a glove. It’s a brilliant title that fits Corbie’s 9/10 review score perfectly!

Sammy Barker: Uncharted still blows my mind now. I finished it the other night and — despite a slow start — I really adored what Sony Bend pulled off. It's got a different pace to the PS3 Uncharted games, but that's not a bad thing. There's much more adventuring for one.

Corbie Dillard: I was also quite impressed with the launch line-up of games. I don't think I've ever bought 16 launch titles at once.

Mike Mason: First messing around with that rear touchpad, in games like Escape Plan, is fun too. Something new.16 launch games Corbs?

Uncharted still blows my mind now. I finished it the other night and — despite a slow start — I really adored what Sony Bend pulled off.

Corbie Dillard: You read right.

Sammy Barker: Blimey! I'm having trouble deciding what to play with my six!

Corbie Dillard: I'm set at least through E3 in June. Maybe 2014.

Mike Mason: I thought my three retails and six downloads was excessive...

Thomas Whitehead: So they nailed it with the launch line-up, then?

Corbie Dillard: I think it's the best launch line-up in my 30+ years of gaming. Yeah.

Sammy Barker: I don't know about you lot but I just wanted a first-person shooter. I can't believe no one did one!

Christopher Ingram: Where’s my Killzone and Resistance?

Corbie Dillard: I'm a bit surprised there were no FPS titles.

Mike Mason: I'm sure they'll come soon!

Thomas Whitehead: Even a port would have probably done the job, I guess.

Corbie Dillard: But then again, I'm not an FPS fan.

Mike Mason: But yeah. Best launch line-up I've ever seen, I think.

Sammy Barker: Agreed. It was incredible. It had the right mix of everything I feel. And I know people moan that a lot of the franchises were "ported" from PS3 — but WipEout, Hot Shots, etc are all perfectly suited for handheld play in my opinion. FIFA plays like a dream.

Corbie Dillard: I haven't played a bad game yet. Little Deviants was decent, but other than it, all the games I've played have been extremely good. And that Mutant Blobs Attack was fantastic. Great surprise.

Mike Mason: Generally hardware launches have two or three killer titles, but I really feel that most of what I've played of Vita's line-up comes close to that.

Thomas Whitehead: Now that you've all had time to try different games and play around with the functionality, what are you most excited about for the future of the Vita?

Corbie Dillard: The games. LittleBigPlanet, Super Monkey Ball, and Final Fantasy X HD. I hope we see a lot of Vita titles announced at E3.

Sammy Barker: Man, LittleBigPlanet is going to be so awesome on this thing.

Corbie Dillard: That's gonna sell the system if they can get it right.

Mike Mason: Seconded. I can't wait to get my hands on Gravity Rush, Samurai and Dragons, LittleBigPlanet.

Sammy Barker: The short demo I played was very promising.

Corbie Dillard: Oh yeah, Gravity Rush! I loved the demo.

Mike Mason: I really enjoyed Sound Shapes when I played a demo of that last year.

Corbie Dillard: Now that one is at the top of my wish list Mike. I'm enamoured with that game.

Mike Mason: It seems to have a great grasp on how to use the touch surfaces, and I love me some music games!

Christopher Ingram: The games for me too! I’m also curious to see where Near will go and if PlayStation Home will be integrated into it, but I think I’ve already said that.

Thomas Whitehead: What about Cross Play, could that be a killer app if done right?

Corbie Dillard: It could, but I'm not sure how much Sony will pursue it. They sometimes come on strong and then fade. I hope they keep at it.

Thomas Whitehead: Think of Monster Hunter in Cross Play, that'd get it selling in Japan.

Sammy Barker: I just got done with MotorStorm RC and it blows my mind how seamless the cross platform saves work. It could be huge if it gets adopted by the bigger games. Imagine if you could level up in Call of Duty on the go?

Christopher Ingram: If Call of Duty on Vita has Cross Play with PS3, then it’s on like Donkey Kong!

Corbie Dillard: Yeah Vita needs Monster Hunter. Badly. I agree it's a great function, I just hope Sony keeps at it.

Sammy Barker: Sony do have the tendency to let great ideas rot — look at Remote Play!

Mike Mason: It's great, especially in MotorStorm RC as Sammy says, but I think the fact that Vita and PS3 don't need each other to work might stunt the possibilities. Will many developers put in the extra effort for that functionality when it's not guaranteed that all can use it?

Corbie Dillard: Damn, now I want to play Motorstorm RC again. Thanks Sammy.

Thomas Whitehead: Disregarding issues of cost, sales etc. Is Vita, in your opinions, top of the class ahead of systems like 3DS and iPad? I mention the iPad on purpose!

Sammy Barker: Yes.

Christopher Ingram: Yes. Play the thing and you’ll see for yourself.

Corbie Dillard: Yes. At least until Paper Mario 3DS comes out!

Sammy Barker: I thought the 3DS was a bitter disappointment if I'm honest.

Mike Mason: iPad, certainly. 3DS... for now, yeah. But it's an issue that might come up soon, as 3DS is now really starting to hit its stride.

Corbie Dillard: I see the Vita getting a lot of my playing time, likely far more than 3DS over the long haul. The iPad just isn't my thing. I have a 13" Macbook Pro I haul everywhere with me.

Thomas Whitehead: 3DS has come on, I'd say, but surely Vita will do the same.

Mike Mason: I've played Vita more at launch than I did 3DS at launch I reckon.

Sammy Barker: It's all about software, software, software, right? It just needs to maintain the pace.

Corbie Dillard: Yep, get the great games to it and keep them there.

Sammy Barker: We make it sound so simple!

Thomas Whitehead: We've dodged it, but share some thoughts on smartphones. Vita will find its place in the market, right?

Corbie Dillard: I wish someone would un-invent smartphones.

Sammy Barker: Does anyone here play games on their phone? I don't.

Corbie Dillard: Only if I have no Vita on hand.

Thomas Whitehead: I think smartphone games are mostly pretty poor, personally.

Christopher Ingram: I enjoy playing Plants vs. Monsters and Drop 7 on my iPhone very much, but the only time I feel like I’m really gaming is when I’m playing Infinity Blade. Even though it’s an awesome game, I always find myself thinking: this could be even better on a console.

Vita has found its place. It’s standing out in the market as being a console for gamers. Imagine that guys! A gaming console developed specifically for gamers. Who’d of ever thought the day would come?

Mike Mason: The problem Vita has is that 3DS has a year's head start on it. Nintendo has had some stumbles, but it seems to have got the ball rolling again now. When Vita expands, who's to say that 3DS hasn't already got even further in market share? Vita has its place, though, and it's a far better one than smartphones.

Corbie Dillard: I agree. People who want great gaming won't stick to a phone.

Mike Mason: The turnover rate of smartphones is worrying. Vita is here for the long haul provided it gets the development support it deserves.

Sammy Barker: My personal opinion is that the smartphone bubble is going to burst. The App store is overloaded and the consumers are fickle.

Thomas Whitehead: I agree with that Sammy, 100%.

Corbie Dillard: I agree. Too much too fast.

Mike Mason: The race to the bottom culture of pricing structures is a particular concern.

Corbie Dillard: Like another time in my memories of gaming that came crashing down in front of my very eyes, in 1984.

Sammy Barker: Plus, Sony's still got PlayStation Suite to detail. It seems to have a pretty compelling strategy there, but we'll need to see what it entails first.

Corbie Dillard: Right.

Thomas Whitehead: Finally, in a word, will Vita Win, Draw or Lose?

Christopher Ingram: Sorry Tom, but I don’t play this game. If it has good games I play it and enjoy myself. It’s pretty much as simple as that for me.

Thomas Whitehead: Fair enough Chris!

Corbie Dillard: WIN! Sorry, but I had to remain positive, it's Vita after all.

Thomas Whitehead: I think draw, just judging by trends etc.

Mike Mason: I'm going to get it in the neck here, but I can't help but worry it's going to be a 'lose' or 'draw'. It's a tough market, far tougher than when PSP came out. Even though Nintendo has had some stumbles, it’s still an extremely strong competitor that hasn't been bested in handheld console terms yet.

Sammy Barker: I don't think it's going to "beat" 3DS or smartphones, but I think it's going to exist within its own niche. As long as that niche keeps getting supplied with top content, then it'll go down as a "win" for me.

Corbie Dillard: It won for me personally already, but only Sony and the hands of time can determine if it will ultimately catch on and do well. I certainly hope so because I think it has an awful lot to offer.

Mike Mason: Yeah, I definitely think it has the right stuff to carve out its own substantial niche. If the flow of games continues, I can't see why it couldn't.

Corbie Dillard: As we talked about earlier, it has an uphill battle ahead of it.

Thomas Whitehead: If it finds a solid audience and earns a profit, that's surely a win, it's not purely down to raw numbers.

Sammy Barker: Then there you go: win.

The team are now off to play Vita all weekend, of course. What have you thought of the Vita since its launch, and how hopeful and optimistic are you for its future? We'd love to read your views in the comments below.