If there's enough games on this list (3DS Rec Thread) and this list (DS Rec Thread) (as 3DS is backwards compatible) to warrant a purchase for the 3DS, then go for it Pezus. It almost seems like you would benefit from purchasing both handhelds (wouldn't we all), but I would honestly go for the 3DS at this point. But hey, that's just me.

Good luck in deciding.

Don't listen to them. Get a 3ds XL. Wait for the vita 2000 next year and hopefully it will have games actually worth buying a console for. By waiting till holiday 2013, you can also see if vita actually takes off or if it fades quickly and memory cards will be cheaper. Also don't be fooled by bundles. more bundles will exist next year and will be cheaper. 3ds has a better fall lineup and library. It also gives you access to a more diverse array of games. Everything vita's got ps3 has in spades and does better. Runa said so himself with such a long list of ports that are, to be quite honest, viewed as generally inferior.

Posted this in the Vita thread but I'm posting it here too just to show off. my tricked out Vita menu.  If you like what you see, you can try to have a Vita as awesome as this, too!  Here ya go.  This is what a real man's Vita looks like:

I'll probably replace Tomb Raider Legend with FInal Fantasy Vii (low on space at the moment) and I'm hoping I can get Crash Bandicoot 1-3 and Crash Team Racing on the system since copying from the PS3 didn't work with those titles.  Aside from that, I'm satisfied.  Still a few PSP titles that won't work (Mod Nation, Syphon Filter) and I had to delete some stuff to save space (Crash Tag Team Racing, etc) but this is about as good as it's going to get with just 32GB to work with.

And here's the first two Vita screens if anybody wants 'em.  I copied them from youtube.  You can just look up "wallpapers" on youtube for some great wallpapers and use the Vita's screen grab feature (home button + Start button) to get a great pic of anything you see!

here's the video I did the capture from.  right at the end--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fEX9-LR9tg

If you want a Vita, I would say get one. Even accounting for a substantial price drop in the next 12 months, this will be your best opportunity to get one.

However, I would strongly recommend the 3DS as well/instead, especially because you never owned the DS. Even if you just use the backwards compatibility (remember DS games are region free and as a whole have fallen in price) for the Pokemon RPGs, it justifies it. As you love Pokemon and Mario, the Mario RPGs are a must as well.

The bottom ones came from the video in the link.  I watched it on the youtube app on the Vita.  When it got to just the right moment, I hit the Home+Start button and it took a picture.  I've been doing that on youtube all day.  Looks pretty sharp, huh?

The other came from www.freevitathemes.com Had it for a while.  No idea where it's from.  I just thought it looked nice.

If you are a true sony fanboy, then you should buy a vita even if you don't ever buy any games for it.

GO FANBOY POWER!!!

Joking aside, I like the rule that you must have enough games you want that are released RIGHT NOW that matches the price of the system you're buying. In your case it might be a bit less as it will come out cheaper for you.

Should you?

Well, the best handheld game this year PERIOD........ is on the 3DS.

So considering you will be getting it cheap then surely its a foregone conclusion......... yes.

(Handheld GOTY thus far BTW........ Resident Evil: Revelations) blows RE 5 out of the water and gives 4 a damn good run for its money.

Get a 3DS mate, not only do you get the fantastic Nintendo first party offerings, there is also great 3rd party support and quite a bit of mature content if you want something a bit Sony-esque.

no get a vita

Why are the sales so weak and the software line up so lackluster then ?