Gaming is evolving into the next generation. For some busy gamers a Vita is a viable option these days. The ability to take some of their console games from the PS3 to the more portable system may be the biggest draw. A 3DS also has its appeal for a gamer on the go. The bigger question is, who has the best deal on one of the systems? Should gamers just wait till Black Friday? The AAA Nintendo titles are more than enough reason to purchases a 3DS, but Sony’s continued support of free games on PS+ as well as the releases for the rest of the year should give gamers more reasons to buy a Vita.
This dilemma started as my gaming habits changed. I’m becoming a gamer that spends less time near his console and more on the couch or on the go. A Vita or a 3DS would fit my needs. The cross buy and cross play options on the Vita are perfect. When I have the time I could start the game on PS3 and move to the Vita. The 3DS has a huge game library with lots of options. There also seems to be more support for the 3DS.
Where would I find the best deal on a Vita or a 3DS? I could turn to Craigslist but most of the Vitas and 3DS systems I have seen are barebones with a few crummy games. Most people want $200+ for a Vita or $150ish or less for a 3DS. Another option is Cowboom, this site sells used consoles and according to the CAG crowd its not that bad of a place to shop. The Vitas are grade 4 on the site for around $120 and the 3DS systems are around $110-$130, but they have scratches and may be missing a few things such as the manual and charger. Ebay has Vitas for $175-$225 and most of them come with accessories. The 3DS systems are $120-$140 If I could find one for $175 with a memory card I would buy it and if I could find a 3DS Ambassador system for $150 I would buy that. Amazon has used Vitas for around $180 and the 3DS sells for $140 or more.
Another option for gamers such as myself is to wait until Black Friday and see if there is a $150 or less bundle for either system. I know with the Vita, PS+ will keep me happy, but I need to find a 32GB Memory Card and a case. Amazon has had deals on both. In the end I am probably looking at $200 for a Vita with memory card and and around $150 for a 3DS; but for the 3DS I”ll need to pick up a few games.
The other argument is although my gaming habits are changing would a Vita or a 3DS fit my needs? I own a DS lite and I barely use it. I had a PSP for about a year and I used that even less. I would take them on long trips but most of the time I wouldn’t use them. There could be a chance that either system would go unused.
What about the must-have games? Can I just survive on PS+? Should I snag Mortal Kombat and Assassin’s Creed Liberation? What about the 3DS, do I buy Mario Land, Animal Crossing, or Project X Zone? Goozex could help offset the cost of buying games. In the long run for gaming cost, a Vita might make more sense due to the free games. But there are more gaming options with a 3DS. In the end it sounds like a tough decision due to the fact I can only get one of them. We’ll have to see what the next few weeks bring.
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