3DS vs Vita

[LosOjos]

I'm looking to buy one of the above as I've recently gotten back in to gaming in a big way and my Game Boy is feeling a bit dated now.

 

I'm drawn towards the Vita as I have the impression the games are more "adult" - though I'll be honest that's based solely on the traditional "Nintendo is for kids" image, I've not done a whole lot of research in to what's available.

 

the 3D feature of the 3DS is something of a non-entity to me: I find it horrible to use so simply switch it off (no, I'm not going to buy a 2DoorStop)

 

The reason I'm not just going out and buying the Vita is:

a) I'm not sure whether there's much life left in the platform, my impression is it's dead in the water and I don't know anybody that owns one

b) my missus, daughter and brother all have a 3DS, so in terms of multiplayer that'd be the way to go (assuming there are many multiplayer games worth mentioning)

 

So fellow geeks, which would you buy?

[tmcd35]

Vita's far from dead in the water. They've just released new models, Vita TV, the link with PS4, free games on PS+ and the prospect of future GaiKai streaming. If you have PS3/4 or plans to get one the Vita is the way to go. Other wise... don't know, never used either personally (not a fan of mobile gaming - prefer the big screen).

[L3OUGH]

If I'm honest, neither. My friend has a Vita and says its a waste of money, sold it after 2 weeks of ownership I believe... Have you thought about buying an actually console at all? Pre-owned PS3/360 you'd get for the same money as a Vita probably, maybe even cheaper... Never really thought much of the handheld world. My personal opinion I suppose

[LosOjos]

I mostly play on PC, but i actually have a 360 (for the rare game I can't get on PC) and a PS3 (only gets used for Bluray).

 

Basically, I spend a lot of time playing mobile games but they're just not enough, that's why I'm looking to get a proper portable console

[Theblacksheep]

I had a vita on release and sold it. There was nothing, it was stillborn.

 

I've just got a secondhand vita for PS4 remote play, using the PS4 when the main TV is in use.

 

Some decent console quality games are coming out: Killzone, Dragons Crown, Minecraft (360 version), MGS HD, Terrania, Uncharted. Plus stuff like: Rayman, Hotline Miami, Super Star Dust, Thomas was alone.

 

 

2DS/3DS has lots more games and a much healthier outlook. The vita is just kicking into life.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Theblacksheep

[rush_tech]

Maybe you could look at the Nvidia Shield. It does cost a little more though and still quite new Edited September 11, 2013 by rush_tech

[CAM]

I own both and these are my take:

 

3DS:

+ Nintendo titles (New Pokemon!)

+ Street Pass is very cool especially when you walk anywhere near a cluster of anime geeks like Expo.

+ Nintendo Zone allows for free wi-fi at certain places like major London train stations.

+ Compact and fits in your pocket

+ Great battery life. And when done you just put it in standby and let Street Pass pick up stuff as you walk around town with little effect on battery.

+ Extensive games library with DS backwards compatability

 

- Ever familiar Nintendo games rehash (how many Pokemon now?!?)

- 3D effect I disable as it sends my eyes funny

- Low resolution screen

- Games are smaller and shorter

- UI just feels quite dated

- Friend codes

- Rubbish Internet browser

 

Vita:

+ Feels slick and looks the part with a brilliant display!

+ Full fledged games that can even be found on PS3

+ Extensive store

+ 3G for Internet connectivity anywhere

+ Connects to PSN to talk and play with friends over a proper gaming network

+ Many older titles have now entered the cheap phase of pricing

+ PS1, PS2 and PSP games available to buy on the store

+ Got an OK Internet browser

 

- Expensive at launch (I bought one!)

- Requires proprietary Sony SD Card storage at outrageous prices

- UI is a bit naff and limiting (I keep mistaking the top bar for the Android notifications bar for one but you can't interact with it!)

- Near, their equivalent of Streetpass, is somewhat worthless

- Console is somewhat large and I'm frankly worried about scratching it without a case due to the price

- Poor launch titles gave it a bad start and a bad rep

- Battery life is poor and you will need to bring a charger!

 

 

Out of the two I prefer the Vita, though I wish they had more games to match Nintendo's offerings. There is a big back catalogue but you risk filling that expensive storage card rather quickly.

[tmcd35]

Maybe you could look at the Nvidia Shield.

 

Best advice yet - for a PC gamer.

[LosOjos]

Aren't you tied to WiFi with the Shield? Portable for me means able to play anywhere, not just within range of WiFi...

[X-13]

If you're going for handhelds, get a 3DS and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. [>40 hours in... Nowhere near the end.]

 

 

TBH, before you spend any money, check out what games are available for each console [including things that are coming out soon-ish] and choose the one with the most games you want.

[LosOjos]

If you're going for handhelds, get a 3DS and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. [>40 hours in... Nowhere near the end.]

 

 

TBH, before you spend any money, check out what games are available for each console [including things that are coming out soon-ish] and choose the one with the most games you want.

 

I played the demo on MH3 on my missus' 3DS - couldn't get in to it. WTF is wrong with the camera in that game?! Would it have killed them to throw a bit of a story/tutorial in to the start for those of us who haven't played before? (Perhaps that's just the demo)

[LosOjos]

So it seems the general consensus is to go for Vita then. I'm a little concerned about the battery life though - what kind of play time do you get on a full charge?

[X-13]

I played the demo on MH3 on my missus' 3DS - couldn't get in to it. WTF is wrong with the camera in that game?! Would it have killed them to throw a bit of a story/tutorial in to the start for those of us who haven't played before? (Perhaps that's just the demo)

 

MH is a good game that has bad demos.

 

Also, theres pretty much NO story. It's basically "You're a hunter. Go kill things."

 

And the camera IS bad. Boss monster camera lock is awesome.

 

Le EDIT: a lot of the world building is done is NPC and quest text.

 

It's also a game about skill. There's not really a point in the game where you can OHKO everything [without exploiting damage modifiers]. If you're not paying attention, you're going to have a bad time.

Edited September 11, 2013 by X-13

[CAM]

I got almost 6 hours last night on PvZ with minimum brightness and that took me to about 3/5th battery (one off from red warning zone).

[CAM]

Err..no, 2/5ths. Old browser won't let me edit.

[LosOjos]

MH is a good game that has bad demos.

 

Also, theres pretty much NO story. It's basically "You're a hunter. Go kill things."

 

And the camera IS bad. Boss monster camera lock is awesome.

 

Le EDIT: a lot of the world building is done is NPC and quest text.

 

It's also a game about skill. There's not really a point in the game where you can OHKO everything [without exploiting damage modifiers]. If you're not paying attention, you're going to have a bad time.

 

Got to be honest, it sounds awful... I like a game to engage me, lack of a story is gonna make that difficult. I hate games where you have to spend a ton of time grinding to get anywhere and it sounds like that's pretty much all you do in this game... I don't see what all the hype is about?

 

I got almost 6 hours last night on PvZ with minimum brightness and that took me to about 3 2/5th battery (one off from red warning zone).

 

Well here's where it becomes obvious I've been out of the portable market for a long time - 6 hours sounds great to me!

 

OK, I think my decision is made - Vita. Only decision to make now is whether to pick up an "old" one with OLED screen or one of the new LCD ones. I've always been under the impression OLED is about as good as it gets in terms of both clarity and power consumption so I'm a bit confused why they've switched to LCD?

[CAM]

Old models are fine TBH. I like my OLED screen and one of my favourite things about the Vita.

 

Also PvZ isn't the most powerful game out there so might get less battery with a flashier title!

[LosOjos]

Old models are fine TBH. I like my OLED screen and one of my favourite things about the Vita.

 

Also PvZ isn't the most powerful game out there so might get less battery with a flashier title!

 

I'm thinking I should get an old model sooner rather than later, I can see them doing a 60GB PS3 and becoming more expensive than the new models once they're no longer available!

[Cush2790]

I bought a Vita before Christmas and I love it, as a PS+ member I get free games every month, and the quality of games now being released is much better, Killzone is fantastic its actually built on the Killzone 3 engine from PS3 and it seems a fair few ps4 games announced have vita versions too so far from dead

[AlfaTech]

3DS all the way!!! Goodness knows how many hours of gameplay I've racked up on mine (probably talking 3-4000 hours). There's a huge of variety of games, and no Nintendo is not just for kids. I have friends who I play multiplayer games with online/locally. I would say to get the 3DS XL though, unless you like petite portable gaming (I've been thinking of trading mine in for one but still haven't got around to it). My friends got a Vita and he was bored of it within a short period of time, I played it on occasion and wasn't that impressed, but each to their own. Ninty FTW!!!

[CAM]

This is interesting: Compare the PS Vita 2000 to the OLED Version ~ PS Vita Hub | Playstation Vita News, PS Vita Blog

 

Now, it could be due to the camera. I can't help but notice the OLED model (top) has far more vibrant colours then the 2000 LED model (bottom). The 2000 model has a larger screen and bigger buttons but the OLED model seems nicer and more compact?

[LosOjos]

This is interesting: Compare the PS Vita 2000 to the OLED Version ~ PS Vita Hub | Playstation Vita News, PS Vita Blog

 

Now, it could be due to the camera. I can't help but notice the OLED model (top) has far more vibrant colours then the 2000 LED model (bottom). The 2000 model has a larger screen and bigger buttons but the OLED model seems nicer and more compact?

 

Thanks, that is interesting. The LCD model looks like the colour balance is off - it's definitely got a much more yellow tone than the OLED. It's also clearly lacking in contrast. Frankly, it looks like a cheap Chinese copy in comparison!

 

I'll be looking to pick up an OLED cheap on eBay when people rush out to upgrade! (I won't hold my breath lol)

[AlfaTech]

I went into Game yesterday and following this discussion I thought I'd take a look at what's out for the Vita... man I was shocked by the sheer lack of titles for it!!!

 

On the flipside I made a pre-order for a Limited Edition Pokemon Y 3DS XL. Yay! Happy days. Now I've gotta think about selling on my faithful old 3DS or DSi.

Oops, it was actually following this discussion - I got confused.

[LosOjos]

Well I bought a Vita and... where are the games?!

 

I signed up to PS+ and got a few free games from that:

- Soul Sacrifice (only played briefly, not sure I like the controls)

- Uncharted 3 (again only played briefly, seems OK apart from awkward camera angles)

- Blazblue (can't be doing with fighting games!)

- Vice City Stories (love GTA but seriously, no Vita update?!)

- Gravity Rush (seems to be one of the highest rated games for Vita, I'm enjoying it in small bursts but it's so repetitive!)

 

I got Tearaway and Little Big Planet with the console. Tearaway is good fun and probably best game I've seen using all of the Vita's features. Little Big Planet - well it's Little Big Planet both good fun if a little kid-ish

 

I guess what I'm really disappointed in is the lack of "deep" games - I have a smartphone I can play endless casual games on, I really expected more depth from the Vita. My main reason for getting the Vita over 3DS is I thought the games would be more in depth - as it stands, I'm thinking the opposite is true!

 

Think I'll give it a couple of months to see if it grows one me then trade for a 3DS if not.

 

EDIT: also, it seems that downloads are the only way to go with the Vita but as has been said, the memory situation sucks. I noticed with Content Manager you can back up games to your PS3 though so at least you can store games you're not currently playing on there rather than downloading them again (big issue for me with my crappy BB)

Edited January 7, 2014 by LosOjos

[X-13]

Think I'll give it a couple of months to see if it grows one me then trade for a 3DS if not.

 

If you register a 3DS and one of the selected games you can get a free copy of Super Mario 3D Land. [i think it ends next week]

 

The new Zelda is one of the selected games and it's good.

 

Just something to think about...