PlayStation VitaClassic Handheld
Photo: Evan-Amos · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons
Classic HandheldDiscontinued
PlayStation Vita
Sony · Released Feb 2012 · PCH-1000 (OLED)
Sony's technically brilliant handheld — OLED, dual sticks, real power — that was let down by support but adored by its community.
8.6
out of 10
$249
Launch price $249
Pros
- +Beautiful OLED screen on the original model
- +True dual analog sticks
- +Genuinely console-class power for 2012
- +Strong homebrew scene (HENkaku)
Cons
- −Expensive proprietary memory cards
- −First-party support dried up early
- −Sony effectively abandoned it
What can it play?
Emulation performance by platform, based on real-world testing.
Full speedPlayableLimitedNot supported
PlayStation VitaFull speed
PlayStation PortableFull speed
PlayStation 1Full speed
Full specifications
Hardware
- Chipset (SoC)
- ARM Cortex-A9 (quad) + PowerVR SGX543MP4+
- CPU
- Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9
- GPU
- PowerVR SGX543MP4+
- RAM
- 512 MB + 128 MB VRAM
- Storage
- Card + proprietary memory Vita game card + Memory Card
- Weight
- 279 g
- Dimensions
- 182 x 84 x 18 mm
- Cooling
- Passive
Display
- Size
- 5″
- Resolution
- 960x544
- Panel
- OLED (original model)
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Touchscreen
- Yes
Battery & Connectivity
- Battery
- 2210 mAh
- Real-world life
- ~4 hours
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi (3G on some models)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 2.1
- Ports
- Vita game card, Memory card, 3.5mm headphone, rear touchpad
- Expandable storage
- Yes (microSD)
Controls
- Analog sticks
- 2
- D-pad
- Yes
- Face buttons
- Yes
- Analog triggers
- No
- Gyroscope
- Yes
- Hall effect sticks
- No
Software & custom firmware
Ships with: PS Vita OS (LiveArea)
Also plays natively: Vita games, PSP games, PS1 Classics, PS Store
Custom firmware
Our verdict
Value7.8
Build8.8
Screen9.0
Performance8.0
The Vita did almost everything right on paper: a stunning OLED screen, two real analog sticks, and console-grade hardware. Sony's neglect and pricey proprietary memory cards capped its commercial life, but indie and Japanese support, plus a robust homebrew scene, made it a cult classic that the community keeps alive today.