I know this thread seems a tad off topic during e3, especially given there was zero mention of the platform itself, but I just discovered that the Vita has become rather affordable for those who were on the fence.

Looking through ebay, so long as you don't mind used or refurbished consoles, even the original model with the incredible OLED screen can be found for less than $100 these days. Likewise, I was just looking through the top rated games on metacritic, and I didn't notice any games that were unable to acquire for under $20, especially if you don't need the case (I've often looked through eBay with "no case" in the search on many platforms for cheaper options).

At this point, the only thing that remains somewhat cost prohibitive are those darn memory cards, but they appear to be dropping in price as well.

Really, if you can plan around the inconvenience of storage issues, you don't really need to spend a fortune on memory cards. As of this moment I think I can get an OLED screen Vita (with a memory card included) with a handful of 80+ metacritic games for only around $150 if I really search through eBay.

I just thought I'd bring this up if anyone had been frightened off by the price in the past. Even though it's drying up, there really are a lot of great games already on the platform, and I think I'm going to take the plunge; quite excited really :)

*edit* Obviously prices may unfortunately vary depending on where you live

Wii is also very affordable, I think the vita is an amazing device, that is quiet underrated like the wii u, it is real pity both companies couldn't use some of the money they have to try to reach a larger audience. 

I'm considering buying a second one as a back for down the road should anything happen to mine. I don't have hard data, but feeling confident the PSV will overtake my GBA and GB for most hours played on sometime in 2017.

Yeah and that's why I'm bringing a little attention to it now... I suspect we're closing in on the lowest prices here. Much like the Wii U, Gamecube, and other quality consoles that didn't sell too well, they tend to start rising in price rather drastically a few years down the road. The Wii U is already there, with used games really being stuck at retail.

I don't know what will happen with Vita prices, but past experience with almost every console tells me it won't stay this inexpensive indefinitely.

Not wanting to be mean, but no.If you want to buy a handheld console, there is no better time to buy a 3DS.Much betterquantity, much better quality, and will still get support for a year.

It being a good time to buy a Vita doesn't mean it's a bad time to buy a 3DS. They're not mutually exclusive.

Well, you do have a point there.As long as you have the money, I can agree to that.

I'm not sure there's much difference in quantity. Vita has a tonne of games still on the way with more announced constantly. 2017 titles already being confirmed.

Quality is very much down to personal preference. I think the  software lineup on the Vita blows the 3DS out of the water in that regard. However someone who loves just playing Nintendo software will feel different.

I could see the 3DS releases stopping before the Vita's depending on Nintendo's timetable for a new handheld.

As for OP agree entirely. Definitely the cheaper handheld gaming option right now with many of Vita's games available for a very reasonable price.

Killzone: Mercenary is a portable experience of the like I'm not sure we'll see again.

This thread was not made by Dr. Vita? xD
But it could be a thread from me since I completely agree with the op!

While I disagree with somethings you say, I will say Vita is very uniquely different than the 3DS and both are amazing devices, and yes things like Killzone: Mercenary will most likely not be something you see again. SImilar to how we really have not seen GTA experience on portable since last generation.