In this article we will take an in-depth look at the technology and the features of the latest Sony handheld console, the PS Vita, and try to understand what its strengths are and what its weaknesses are. This is a tech report largely, and we will add comments only where they are due. So let’s first start with the dimensions.
Dimensions:
Width: 182 mm
Height: 18.2 mm
Depth: 83.5 mm
This makes the PS Vita generally larger than its sibling the PSP, to quite a considerable degree. In terms of other hand held gaming devices it is without a doubt the largest, and, also, given its protuberant thumb sticks, it’s largely impractical for pocket carrying.
Screen dimensions and features
Diagonal: 5 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio.
Technology: OLED
Pixel Density: 960×544
Color Depth: approx. 16 million
Touch capabilities: capacitive screen
The PlayStation Vita has the largest screen of all the mainstream mobile gaming devices. However, compared to recent devices, mobile phones, tablets and so on, it fares relatively poorly. But, for gaming it offers more than any of its competitors. A note is due to the touch interface. Capacitive films are no ok, but expect a period of adjustment if you’re coming from devices such as the IPhone or other resistive touch interfaces which are generally more responsive.
Cameras sound and controls
Front camera: 1.3 MP
Rear Camera: 0.3 MP
Speakers: Built in stereo speakers
Microphone: Built in microphone
Keys: D pad, action buttons (classic PlayStation arrangement, triangle, circle, cross, square), 2 shoulder buttons, 2 multidirectional thumb sticks, START button and a volume button.
Touch Pad: Multi touch pad on the rear of the console
Overall, the input and output options of the PS Vita offer great freedom for a wide range of controls in the games. A special note is due to the touch pad, which is a capacitive strip on the back of the console which allows the same type of interfacing as the screen, without obstructing one’s field of view. This is a really interesting addition, and also one that no other console offers.
Communication and other integrated functions
GPS: Yes
Gyroscope: Yes, 3 plane gyro
Accelerometer: yes, 3 plane accelerometer
Wi-Fi: yes, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
3G: yes
Bluetooth: yes
PSP Vita is ready to connect to the internet, to connect to other PSP Vita devices ad can be used as a GPS tracker.
CPU and GPU
CPU: ARM processor, quad core A9. – running at 1GHz.
GPU: SGX543MP4+ with 128 MB of VRAM
Battery
Up to 5 hours of continuous gaming with Wi-Fi turned off and screen luminosity at 50 percent.
Overall, the specs of the PlayStation Vita put it at the forefront of handheld devices. It is the most powerful; it has everything one could wish for in terms of connectivity and in terms of features.
The only problem with the console might be the form factor, the fact that it is really hard to carry around unless you carry it in a bag. Otherwise, if gaming is what you’re into, you won’t be let down. The console is modern, responsive, it is immersive and it is more akin to a fully fledged gaming system, miniaturized as it may be.
