First impressions: PlayStation Vita

The folks at Sony Computer Entertainment NZ have managed to nick off with the most sought-after device from an event on the Gold Coast last weekend, the EB Expo. The lone, pre-production model of the Vita was the first to cross Australian borders, and now it's the first one to hit our shores.

We'll have a full hands-on piece published when we've had more time with the device, after the long weekend, but for now we can share our first impressions.

It's big. Not really clunky big, but accommodating-a-bunch-of-stuff big. It has a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, plus two thumbsticks - which both feel quite solid - but is still relatively lightweight (PlayStation hasn't published an official weight for the final model yet). We'd have to hold it for hours to be 100% certain, but as far as we could tell, the device was light enough that you didn't notice the weight and it was comfortable to hold. The only problem with the size is that it's probably not going to readily fit into pockets. If it does, it'll be a tight fit in the back pocket and unless you carry a bag with you, you'll have to be vigilant about not sitting on it.

And yes, the Vita has beautiful graphics to boot - far beyond anything we've seen previously on a dedicated handheld device. We played through a small section of Uncharted: Golden Abyss - one of the biggest titles expected to launch with the Vita on 23 February - and animations were as smooth as they would be on a console. There was no lag, no stuttering, and the graphics the device is capable of running are nearly - not quite, but nearly - on par with modern PS3 graphics.

The combination of a powerful engine and big screen mean that you might actually consider watching video on your Vita, even if you wouldn't do it on your smartphone.

For those hardcore gamers who are opposed to the smartphone gaming movement - and we know there are many - you can play your games exactly as you intended to, with your directional buttons, thumbsticks, PlayStation buttons and bumpers. But for those of you who aren't opposed to using a touchscreen, the Vita invites you to mix up the way you control your games. For example, when moving from ledge to precarious ledge in Uncharted, you can swipe across the screen to highlight where you want Nathan Drake to go. It's a lot easier than using the regular controls, but not necessarily better, as some people will like the added difficulty of using the traditional controls. Good thing you have options, eh?

The Vita also has a touch-sensitive panel on the back, which we (unfortunately) haven't gotten to try out yet. We'll make sure to ask at our longer preview session, but in the meantime, you can see how it works in ModNation Racers from this video from E3 earlier this year.

The one thing that's already soured a few Kiwis and Aussies to the idea of buying the Vita is the pricing, which is more in line with Europe than America. Of course, we're paying a significant amount extra by way of living in New Zealand - the RRP is $450 for the Wi-Fi only version and $550 for the Wi-Fi and 3G version. However, the Vita is region unlocked, so there's nothing to stop you from importing a cheaper one from the USA, unless you absolutely must have one on launch day. Any games you buy for the Vita, from anywhere in the world, should work with your device regardless.

It's also good to remember that if you already have a smartphone that can wirelessly tether to other devices, you don't really need the 3G version. As long as you're carrying both devices around, you'll have internet access on your Vita.

The one thing I can honestly say about the Vita is that I had my doubts until I actually got it in my hands. As soon as I got to play with it, I had to have one. Fortunately for those who are struggling to make a decision, Sony Computer Entertainment says there'll be more Vitas in stores around the country come November, so potential customers can try them out for themselves. We'll try and let you know when and where you can give one a go.

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