The Final Verdict:
The PSP was my favorite portable console of all time. Partly for the games. Partly for its sleek design. Partly for its power. Partly for its multi-media capabilities. I got a smart phone almost two years ago and suddenly, all that mattered in a portable gaming device was the games. I had a better option when it came to movies, music, web-browsing, etc. For many, the smart phone is not an option and I can respect that. For me, right now, nothing matters but the games and which device offers me the most fun for my time.
The reason for the break down was for people to see the strengths of each device. Yes, the Vita has won the most categories. The Vita is easily the more powerful piece of hardware. At the end of the day, a lot of what Vita does just doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. For example: The Vita has the superior browser. When you're near a Wi-Fi hotspot, will you really opt to use it instead of your laptop, tablet, or smart phone? Be honest, now. The Vita/3DS has Netflix, but when will this feature come in handy? When I'm away from home, I can watch Netflix on my cell phone so 3G on the Vita is a non-issue. When I'm home, I have two Xbox 360's, a PS3, a Wii, two computers, and an HDTV with internet. All of them have Netflix access so again, it's fine for the portables to have these features. It definitely doesn't hurt them but they simply don't matter. What does matter is the games. These are "hardcore" gaming devices, first and foremost.
The 3DS got of to a horrible start. A combination of expectations and lack of software made owning a 3DS a painful experience. Over time, things got muchbetter. To a lesser degree, the same can be said of the Playstation Vita. It's true, there's a bit of a wait before the next great games come out but there truly is some good stuff available right now. I think Sony and its third parties could have benefited from releasing games a little at a time instead of drowning the consumer in launch titles. Maybe I would have been hyped for Ninja Gaiden or Wipeout if they hadn't launched right beside Uncharted. Just putting that out there.
What I will say is this. Since buying a Vita, for every hour I've spent playing a Vita game, I've probably spent three on my 3DS. The hype of the new hardware wore off quickly and, like I've said a couple of times already, all that mattered was which one had the games I wanted to play. Since I started this thread a week ago, I've actually gone back and really spent some serious time with the Vita. I have to say, I like it more now than I did when I first purchased it. After a little buyers remorse, I've played a lot of Uncharted and MvC3 and I have to say I am very pleased with these games and my Vita purchase. My issues with the analog sticks are almost non-existent, now (but goddam, that select and start button..). I would gladly recommend the console to others. I also have to say that, when I'm playing in public, I almost always choose to play the Vita. It's just a sexier machine in general. You couldn't imagine how ashamed I was when I went into Wal-Mart the other day at 6am and purchased my copy of Kid Icarus on the 3DS. There was a hot girl working in electronics and she was the only one, there. She got me the game and I may as well had given her my balls, too. How could I convince her I was awesome while buying my copy of "Angel Boy's Fairy Adventures"? The Vita has no such stigma. If I'd have bought Unit 13 for the Vita, she probably would have had sex with me right there on the spot.
In the end, it all comes down to what I play when I'm all alone and I need my gaming fix. Which system do I reach for? Is it the one with the awesome graphics, the great online, and the sleek construction, or is it the one with the bigger library, quirky apps, and people I like talking to? Time and again, I found myself reaching for the winner: The 3DS.
winner and still champion!
Yes, the Vita had the 3DS against the ropes, but out of nowhere, the 3DS slipped in a quick uppercut and knocked the Vita down for the count. The 3DS has the better games. Not only that, the 3DS has the more promising future. On paper, the Vita is the better system. Then again, the Xbox was a better system than the PS2 and the Neo Geo was a better system than the Super Nes. I'd still recommend the weaker system because the weaker system had the games. Being better, technically, is one thing. Being better at what really matters is another. The 3DS is the system to beat. I'm actually going to go as far as to say that the 3DS is well on its way to becoming my favorite system, ever.
Sony fans, take this thread with a grain of salt. The Vita is a brand new piece of hardware. Its' got plenty of time to come into its own. There's a lot of promise and untapped potential for greatness in that device. All it will take is the right piece of software and the Vita can rise like a phoenix. Console connectivity, cross platform play, Wii U styled controls, and more--these are things I don't dismiss easily. As of right now, though, if anybody were to ask me which device they should buy, I'd say get a Vita....after you get a 3DS. Then, I'd challenge them to Starfox, Street Fighter, Mario Kart, Kid Icarus, Resident Evil, or ny number of must own titles.
The Nintendo 3DS takes the crown.
So what do you think? Feel free to post your thoughts. Did I get it wrong? Did I nail it? If you disagree, at least let me know why. I'd love to hear the voice of the community.
