It depends on what games apeal to you.Personally I bought a 3DS cause the red pokemon special edition 3dsXL was super pretty and because I want to play pokemon Y during Christmas.(Oh!and Kingdom Hearts 3D).But the Vita seems to be a much better piece of hardware than the 3DS(which for example has horrible speakers) but with not many interesting games(for me at least).For now 3DS looks a better option but if you're planning on buying a ps4,the ps4/psvita bundle would be amazing.I'll probably never get a vita,mainly beacause of the memory cards which I don't believe they'll ever drop to a logical price.

3DS has lots of great software, both big "AAA" titles, and smaller, more "niche" ones.
the eShop however, while it does have lots of great indie titles and such, is still not as robust as PSN, it's slowly building up though. The 3DS isn't as powerful as the Vita, but it's shining point really is it's software (which is mostly exclusived so it has a lot of value), from Kid Icarus Uprising, to Mario Kart 7, to Super Mario 3D Land, to Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, etc.

Vita does have it's fair share of great software, although it has a lot (seriously, a LOT) of ports, one of my favorite features on the Vita is the cross buy thing where if you buy a PS3 game that has a Vita port, or vice versa, you get the other version for free, saves you a lot of money, PS+ is also a great way of building up your library, however, if you don't like paying for yearly subscribtions, then i don't think it's worth it as you can only play the games as long as you're subscribed.

overall, i'd say you're better off witn the 3DS, as it's the system with the most value right now.
if you can, get a Vita next year or in a couple of years, it's library will surely be a lot more appealing by then.

buy the system that needs your support to keep up competition

Ps4 or Wii U?
buy Wii U as there is a lot demand for the vita but not for wii u

3ds or vita
buy vita(same reason as for wii u


If you are just interessted in gaming?

You will miss Nintendoexclusives like zelda,mario,pokemon on vita

but you will miss fps on 3ds(no fps games there)and the shooter genre is a lot better to be played with 2 analog sticks and better graphics
than such good exclusives like hot shots golf,uc,gravity rush,tearaway

if you can't live without nintendo games=3ds

if you need more genre variety and better graphics & controls=vita

3DS has a lot of exclusive 3rd party...

Vita, don't listen to the haters, by far best handheld I have ever used. Lots of good games now too, Tearaway, persona, gravity rush, Killzone mercenary and next week Y's alone are worth it.

Don't forget many geat indies on vita too.  You mentioned indies, then vita is a no brainer.

With a PS4 remote play works flawless.

WOW, no, just no. He also said he likes indies, for that alone vita is the clear choice... Vita is not going anywhere.

So if someone don't want a Vita, he is a hater? 

true but most people buy Nintendo for their 1st party, just look at SW sales. 

Have to admit I bought it for KH3D =P

That's not what I said.................

you won't run out of games on the 3ds and memory cards are cheaper too.