In September 2018, SIE Vice President Hiroyuki Oda announced that plans were underway to halt PlayStation Vita production in 2019. Sadly, it seems such a time is nearly upon us. Production of the handheld could end in Japan in the next few months. According to Gematsu, product pages for the final two Vita SKUs in production in Japan (Black and Aqua Blue) note: “shipments are scheduled to end soon.”
While an official end date remains publicly unknown, it’s possible the PS Vita will go dark before the summer months begin. As Gematsu reported, prior to the end of PlayStation 3 production in May 2017, a notice similar to the one mentioned above had been posted two months previous. That in mind, saying goodbye to the Vita may come sooner, rather than later in the year.
Despite getting all of Sony’s love and attention for a relatively brief period of time, the PS Vita lived a long, promising life. The handheld hit Japanese store shelves in December 2011, two months ahead of the device’s February 2012 launch in the West.
Unfortunately, it appears this may be Sony’s last go at the handheld space for the foreseeable future. When revealing the end of Vita production, Oda also explained, “currently, we do not have any plans regarding a new handheld device.” It seems that going forward, hardware-wise at least, the company’s focus will be squarely on its home consoles and the PlayStation VR.
PS Vita owners shouldn’t fret much, however. Firmware updates for the handheld still go live every so often. Plus, Vita support of some kind, according to SIE CEO John Kodera, is planned until at least 2020.
[Source: Sony Interactive Entertainment via Gematsu]
10 Vita Games That Are Better Than Their PS4 Counterparts
-
10 Vita Games That Are Better Than Their PS4 Counterparts
-
Crypt of the Necrodancer
Crypt of the Necrodancer is a genius blend of dungeon crawling and rhythm games. It's also a perfect fit for the PlayStation Vita. Plug in a pair of headphones, and the game's fantastic music really takes over not only your eardrums, but your mind. There's really no reason not to play Brace Yourself Games' modern classic on the go.
-
Hotline Miami
Hotline Miami is one of the most stylish and brutally fun indie games to ever come out, and the Vita version is arguably the best way to experience it. The dual analog sticks allow players to play as intended, but the ability to lock on with the touchscreen is a real game changer. If you want to go on a real trip then play Hotline Miami on Vita.
-
OlliOlli2: Welcome to Olliwood
Roll7's OlliOlli series debuted on PlayStation Vita, and it turns out that's where it's best played. OlliOlli2: Welcome to Olliwood solidified this after launching for both PS4 and Vita on the same day. The frantic gameplay that has players constantly retrying the same levels over and over just feels more natural on Vita, and nothing is really gained by having it on your TV.
-
Pix the Cat
While the Vita version of Pix the Cat loses an okay, yet ultimately forgettable, multiplayer mode, it's enhanced by the pick up and play nature of portable play. Pix the Cat is best suited in high score runs that only take a few minutes, and it can provide a lot of entertainment in short bursts.
-
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy might not be the best choice for this list, as having such an addictive game constantly at your fingertips means it might just take over your life. The Vita version of Cellar Door Games' hit platformer is a perfect port that loses nothing in the transition. These types of ports of high profile indie games are a large reason why the Vita still receives attention from gamers.
-
Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
Choice Provision's Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is one of the best runner games ever made, and it's non-surprisingly a blast on Vita. The difficult, yet satisfying, action and fantastic sound design shine just as bright on Vita as it does elsewhere. It also has the benefit of being the only way to play the game on the go, which is perfect since the levels are so short.
-
Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight is one of the most gorgeous 2D platformers in recent memory, and the graphics really shine on the Vita's OLED screen. It's a perfect way to spend your commute, although you might unfortunately miss your stop a few times!
-
Spelunky
Peanut butter and jelly. Popcorn and butter. French fries and ketchup. Spelunky and Vita. Some things are just made for each other and that's the case here. The addictive nature, and simple controls, of Spelunky are an absolute perfect fit on the Vita. It's easy to play the daily challenge before you go to bed, and then accidentally stay up until 3am trying to defeat Olmec.
-
Super Meat Boy
Team Meat's classic masocore platformer found a lot of success on PC and Xbox 360. Many years later, Super Meat Boy found new life by being released on PlayStation consoles, and the Vita version is a joy to play. The controls feel like a perfect fit for the system, and you'll never feel like you're missing out by not using a DualShock 4. This is the best way to play Super Meat Boy on a PlayStation system.
-
Volume
Both of Mike Bithell's games have seen great Vita releases, but Volume really sticks out. His stealth game's unique art style really works well on the portable system. Also, since the port is top-notch, there are no technical issues to think of that have plagued some other ambitious ports.
