Sony PS Vita [New Slim 2014 version] (PlayStation Vita)

I'm going to start by reviewing this unit in comparison with the original Vita OLED model, and then I'll compare it to the PSP and give some additional details.I bought this despite having an OLED model because it's thinner, lighter and has better battery life, and I thought I would give my original Vita to my brother as a birthday present, which I will be doing later this month.So let's start off with the controversial screen issue. I'm not sure why so many people seem so bothered by this, but for me, it's not a big deal. Manufacturers of top smartphones use both OLED as well as IPS LCD screens, as there are advantages and disadvantages to both - it isn't at all generally accepted in the phone industry that an OLED is superior by default. It is true that black colours on the new screen aren't as deep as on the OLED which basically has perfect contrast, but they are still very deep - this is actually possible with an LCD!Like other people have mentioned, I do also find the new screen a little sharper. When you get battle close-ups in Final Fantasy VII, the image is now so crisp it almost looks on a par with the PC version. Maybe the screen issue is partly subjective and other people notice a bigger difference in terms of the colours, but don't think you're buying a downgrade if you get this, because you're not.And there are some areas where the new model is definitely an upgrade. It feels better in hands being lighter and slimmer, the rear touch panel is smaller so you're less likely to hit it accidentally in games where it's actually used, and I've also already noticed the improved battery life.4mm slimmer is quite a big difference when you're talking about 18.75mm down to 14.75mm. It's just proportions. I also prefer the new matte black finishing around the outsides compared to the glossy metallic plastic the original had, although again, this may be subjective.Right, so for people who don't own a Vita but do/did have a PSP, let's see how the Vita stacks up to the PSP.For a start, it's a little bigger, mostly due to the slightly larger screen. Secondly, there are now two analogue sticks instead of one - invaluable for first person shooters or whatever else developers want to do with them. The screen is now a capacitive touch screen, and the rear of the console is also touch-sensitive.The console is massively more powerful than the PSP, with graphics rivalling the Playstation 3. It also helps that screen resolution has seen a big bump.This new model also connects to a power supply or PC/PS3/PS4 using a standard micro USB cable, which is handy as these are now widely available and are standard on basically all phones except iPhones.So let's move onto software. The interface is clean and very user-friendly. There are some apps available to download, like Skype, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. There is also a somewhat hidden away section in the PS Store where a library of apps similar to on smartphones/tablets is building up. The web browser is much improved over the PSP's and is now quite usable.The most important thing software-wise is games. And here, the Vita actually isn't doing badly. There are exclusive Wipeout, Uncharted, Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, LittleBigPlanet and Killzone titles, and a good number of ports. There are also some exclusives like Gravity Rush. Throw in the fact that you can download PSP and PS One titles, and you actually have a pretty good catalogue.

I used to own the original Vita and got used to the wonderful OLED screen but unfortunately my console was stolen and I had the opportunity to upgrade to the new Slim version. Upon getting it out of the box the first thing that struck me is the size and weight reduction; the new Vita seems ridiculously light and is much easier to fit in a pocket or bag. The new screen is the biggest change, to an LCD panel instead of the OLED, but isn't really a downgrade at all. It isn't quite as bright, especially if you play in natural light, but it makes the colours look a bit more natural compared to the over saturated look from OLED displays. The battery life increase from decreased power consumption is considerable, as I usually get at least 6 or 7 hours now compared to the 4 or 5 hours I used to get.Pros:+New screen gives more natural colours+Massive battery life increase+Feels very lightweight but still solid+Built in memory (1GB) to store saves and updates etc+Still a great console with its own library of brilliant games (Killzone Mercenary and Tearaway, for example) and remote play with the PS4+Changed to a micro-usb connector for charging compared the old proprietary connectorCons:-Not as good in bright sunlight as the old model-The smaller size can make it even more uncomfortable to hold if you have big hands but I get by now I've got used to holding it-Slightly less premium feel than the original and seems to attract fingerprints more easily-Still not enough built in memory; it should really have at least 8-16GB built in so you don't have to waste so much money on expensive memory cardsDespite the few niggles I have, this is the best portable console I have ever owned, and I can totally recommend it if you don't already have a Vita. However, if you still have the original this is really just an incremental upgrade rather than a massive leave forward so I wouldn't recommend trading up unless you really need the extra battery life.

The ps vita slim arrived speedily and in a conveniently sized package. One that was easy to open, yet solid In keeping the Item safe. Now for the ps vita itself. The price on this thing is remarkable, at £140 you get the best In handheld gaming. The size and design is sleek and overall unique making It aesthetically pleasing to look at and hold. It's charge Is fantastic when compared to its rivals or even last gens. Once on full charge it seems to easily last a day with Intermittent usage. The screen resolution is fantastic for a portable gaming device, but incomparable to the 1080p + of modern smart phones. So I would just say, It's not great at playing films (south park excluded) as the low resolution may appear a little blury. Playing games on It is has never been matched before. I would say It's at PS2 level graphics and detail but in a portable device. The dual analogues really make playing games like declassified feel as though your at home on your PS3/4 because little control is lost despite its small size. games run smoothly and load very quickly. Applications seamlessly multi task due to the fact that they've boosted It's RAM to 512mb, which Is far superior to Nintendos products. It carries that solid looking sony aspect when using It. The camera is of bad quality but equal to most portable gaming devices. Remote play on THE PS3 is easy to set up, though seems a little pointless; maybe it's better on PS4. youtube works well and good, the back touch panel is nice what more can I say?Oh yeah if your thinking slim ps vita or not, I would 100 percent go for the slim, the OLED loss Is well worth the charge and weight, the picture quality really Isn't much different. Thanks for reading, get It if your going Into portable gaming.