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[iceatcs]

It's kind of disappointing that it doesn't actually increase the game resolution to the Vita's native res.

I would love to see Vita can force render to higher resolution for PSP games. But I'm suspect it will lead poor compatibility. Just look at 360 for xbox BC, MS dropped support it further because it have not make any money and too much works to improve BC.

 

[2real4tv]

I am more curious about remote play seems like that gimped it again. Can you at least stream movies?

 

[Graphics Horse]

I only have one game that runs in 16bit (waiting for US store to open ) and that's basically it. Filtering reduces it, but it's still there. I don't really think it "should" cause emulation difficulties - they could keep internal FB always 24bit and just downscale on output to memory, but the transparencies are clearly 16bit, so they don't.

I'd expect it would need a copy of the entire memory which works like that, but it sounds possible.
I could think of ways to break it, like changing the dithering pattern per polygon and expecting to read certain values back from the frame, but that's a bit silly.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

This. Got P3P on PSN to play but I'm waiting on the Vita. Then there's Persona 4 Golden coming, haven't played P4 but I'm interested and since it'll be an enhanced version, I'll get that one.

For some reason, I don't want to hog the TV to play these games. I prefer to play them either in bed before sleep or on the couch while someone else watches something else on TV...

Plus Gravity Daze/Rush. And maybe Ninja Gaiden Sigma +.

This is weird, I just realized I prefer to play Japanese games on handhelds... and western games on the TV...

I mean, it's actually the main reason I'm getting a Vita. WTF?

I posted this on the Forbes thread. Anyone else on the same boat? Or am I certifiable?

 

[kassatsu]

Hey

since we are talking about HK vita's does anyone know a place of 2 where I can get some damn credit playasia do but out of stock?

Oh and does the HK store get updated today?

Thanks

HK psn gets updates throughout the week like japan.

 

[mrklaw]

how is game sharing affected by this region locking? I thought you can share a game with two accounts, but you can only copy a Vita game to a vita that is logged into the same account that bought it? Surely that goes against the gamesharing allowance?

 

[$h@d0w]

HK psn gets updates throughout the week like japan.

Gravity Rush came out the same day it did in Japan which was cool.

 

[Gacha-pin]

how is game sharing affected by this region locking? I thought you can share a game with two accounts, but you can only copy a Vita game to a vita that is logged into the same account that bought it? Surely that goes against the gamesharing allowance?

Isn't it two systems?

 

[mrklaw]

Isn't it two systems?

thats what I thought?

So you'd need both Vitas to be on the same PSN account? Seems a bit odd considering sony thing each PSN account is personal.

Sony should let you download to two PSN accounts (one for each vita). That would also give us a little flexibility in where to buy games from. you could potentially gameshare a JPN vita download with your own other US PSN account, making the 'one account' less restrictive.

 

[winston_pr]

Damn I want to import one so bad! I just wish the prices weren't double what the US version will be. Also,some of the games are almost triple the cost as well. I imported the PSP and don't remember the prices being so high. (looking at NCSX prices)

The JPY is 30% higher than it used to be. That is probably the main reason it seems more expensive.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

thats what I thought?

So you'd need both Vitas to be on the same PSN account? Seems a bit odd considering sony thing each PSN account is personal.

Sony should let you download to two PSN accounts (one for each vita). That would also give us a little flexibility in where to buy games from. you could potentially gameshare a JPN vita download with your own other US PSN account, making the 'one account' less restrictive.

Aside from gamesharing abuse concerns by Sony, there's another big reason why they try to stop people from using more than one account or use an account from another region.

It's because of different commercial laws, sales taxes and publishing rights in different regions. These things are a mess for any multinational like Sony.

All the bullshit of a JP PSN sale to an European customer must be a nightmare. For instance, any sale in my country (Portugal) is subject to a value added tax, even online sales.

Any purchase I make on Steam includes this tax, and the price I'm charged on Amazon UK is a bit different from the price they list, due to the difference between UK VAT and PT VAT.

When it's a shipped product, that's handled by customs and the client, not the company selling the product.

In case of an online sale, it's the company that has to handle it. To prevent the mess they have different regions, but that introduces other problems.

Hopefully, with increased financial system automation this will improve, though we'll still have to deal with the whole publishing rights shitfest.

 

[Shancake]

I cannot give Virtua Tennis enough praise. I'm not one to keep going back and playing a game for hours on end but i've already played it for 25+ hours since getting the console on Thursday night and I've only been playing Arcade and Online... Theres so much to do in this game and if you only get one game at launch then i'd honestly pick this.. It feels like the perfect handheld game yet it actually feels like a console experience at the same time.

 

[Shancake]

thats what I thought?

So you'd need both Vitas to be on the same PSN account? Seems a bit odd considering sony thing each PSN account is personal.

Sony should let you download to two PSN accounts (one for each vita). That would also give us a little flexibility in where to buy games from. you could potentially gameshare a JPN vita download with your own other US PSN account, making the 'one account' less restrictive.

This is the whole point. They would have made the limit 2 devices as games like Motorstorm will probably be a single download and be able to be downloaded on PS3/Vita

 

[mrklaw]

This is the whole point. They would have made the limit 2 devices as games like Motorstorm will probably be a single download and be able to be downloaded on PS3/Vita

surely the motorstorm PS3 version is a different game. They're just giving you both games for the price of one. Thats different from being able to share one game with two accounts.

 

[Rolf NB]

I only have one game that runs in 16bit (waiting for US store to open ) and that's basically it. Filtering reduces it, but it's still there. I don't really think it "should" cause emulation difficulties - they could keep internal FB always 24bit and just downscale on output to memory, but the transparencies are clearly 16bit, so they don't.

Modifying depth and layout causes massive headaches if the emulated device supports framebuffer locking and direct CPU access.

 

[Number45]

I cannot give Virtua Tennis enough praise. I'm not one to keep going back and playing a game for hours on end but i've already played it for 25+ hours since getting the console on Thursday night and I've only been playing Arcade and Online... Theres so much to do in this game and if you only get one game at launch then i'd honestly pick this.. It feels like the perfect handheld game yet it actually feels like a console experience at the same time.

Are there any touch controls in the game, or is it pure VT like VT3 (the only VT game I've played).

 

[Fafalada]

I'd expect it would need a copy of the entire memory which works like that, but it sounds possible.

The thing with PVR chips is that it kind of does that for you already (Tiles get output one by one to memory, and I think it's possible to set the target format for that too).

I agree you can still break things, or make them slow for some stuff (like ping-ponging render-targets), but that could be special case hacks I don't think PSP framebuffer operation magic was nearly as common as on PS2.
And as it is, they probably have to hack things for games like those that expect to manipulate Z buffer directly etc, there's no way this emulator was just directly mapped to hw rendering.

Modifying depth and layout causes massive headaches if the emulated device supports framebuffer locking and direct CPU access.

I know(PSP had unified memory mapping, so CPU could read/write all, without locking or waiting for the GPU), but see comment above, I don't see any way around some hacks for things like Depth manipulation, short of software rendering the thing.

I mean if you really want to - it's very easy to break any sort of emulation if its mapped to hardware, because PSP also had general-purpose VRam. So if I wanted to be an asshole I could store my entire code and data segment in VRam, and then use the whole thing as a texture(or if you want to be truly perverse, display lists) and render from it while the code runs.

 

[test_account]

surely the motorstorm PS3 version is a different game. They're just giving you both games for the price of one. Thats different from being able to share one game with two accounts.

Yep, there have to be two different version due to the two different architecture on the Vita and the PS3. I have no idea how the gamesharing stuff will work in this case though.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

Have there been any comments on how easy or hard Vita development is?

 

[Graphics Horse]

The thing with PVR chips is that it kind of does that for you already (Tiles get output one by one to memory, and I think it's possible to set the target format for that too).

I agree you can still break things, or make them slow for some stuff (like ping-ponging render-targets), but that could be special case hacks I don't think PSP framebuffer operation magic was nearly as common as on PS2.
And as it is, they probably have to hack things for games like those that expect to manipulate Z buffer directly etc, there's no way this emulator was just directly mapped to hw rendering.

I still think it must contain some native PSP compatible parts, although I think that's not the official story.

 

[Shancake]

surely the motorstorm PS3 version is a different game. They're just giving you both games for the price of one. Thats different from being able to share one game with two accounts.

It could still be a single package that includes both games if that makes any sense. I didnt mean that it'd literally be the identical game. I just meant that youd purchase the package ONCE considering you get them both.

 

[Shancake]

Are there any touch controls in the game, or is it pure VT like VT3 (the only VT game I've played).

The best thing about it is that its COMPLETELY up to you. You can swap and change without changing any settings. You can use one analog stick to move then swipe to hit or use the touch screen to move and hit, or just serve with the touch screen. You get to choose!

 

[Number45]

The best thing about it is that its COMPLETELY up to you. You can swap and change without changing any settings. You can use one analog stick to move then swipe to hit or use the touch screen to move and hit, or just serve with the touch screen. You get to choose!

Nice. Sounds like it shows off what the Vita is capable of and it's a fun game to boot, definitely adding it to my (growing) list of wants for the Vita release.

 

[twentytwo22]

Have there been any comments on how easy or hard Vita development is?

Various studios/people have said the Vita is easy to develop for, and Sony also came out and said they want smaller teams to have an easier time developing for it, as well.

Also, why does Lumines still not have a Japanese date (it's a US launch game)? And why aren't Lumines 1 or 2 on the PSN store? Ugh.

 

[dallow_bg]

My second review for a PS Vita game, this time it's Little Deviants - http://www.shoptonews.net/2012/01/02/little-deviants-review/

You know, doesn't seem that bad for a time waster.

 

[Wazzim]

Various studios/people have said the Vita is easy to develop for, and Sony also came out and said they want smaller teams to have an easier time developing for it, as well.

Also, why does Lumines still not have a Japanese date (it's a US launch game)? And why aren't Lumines 1 or 2 on the PSN store? Ugh.

Licencing problems because of the music.

 

[[Nintex]]

I'm reading on Playfront that a Japanese retailer has cut the price by 20%.

 

[Spiegel]

Okay.
It's not true.

 

[[Nintex]]

Okay.
It's not true.

Found it:
http://playfront.de/ps-vita-japanische-handler-senken-preis-um-20-prozent/
Or are those used units? Gotta love the logic on germans reporting Japanese retailer price cuts.

Even if that's a new unit and a real offer, retailers are still not cutting the price a 20%.

It would be one retail store/chain selling the 3G model for 25000Y

Ok, editted, my german is about as good as my japanese these days.

 

[Spiegel]

Even if that's a new unit and a real offer, retailers are still not cutting the price a 20%.

It would be one retail store/chain selling the 3G model for 25000Y

 

[Jinfash]

I'm reading on Playfront that retailers have cut the price by 20%.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

I just want the damn thing to be successful and get lots of games. I don't like the games I've played on my itouch or on my smartphone.

They better do whatever they have to in order to ensure its success. I want a viable mobile gaming alternative with traditional controls.

If they have to cut the price, they should do it. It's not admitting failure, it's doing what it takes to succeed.

 

[Phife Dawg]

Even if that's a new unit and a real offer, retailers are still not cutting the price a 20%.

It would be one retail store/chain selling the 3G model for 25000Y

They are not claiming it's all retailers. They are saying they can be had for 250 € in particular cases and it's not permanently but only for a limited time. Reason according to the site is the relative popularity of the WiFi version in comparison to the 3G version. This is meant as an incentive to get rid of abundant stock of the 3G version.

They are then going on by speculating that if enough retailers cut the price it may pressurize Sony into making an official price cut.

 

[Spiegel]

They are not claiming it's all retailers. They are saying they can be had for 250 € in particular cases and it's not permanently but only for a limited time. Reason according to the site is the relative popularity of the WiFi version in comparison to the 3G version. This is meant as an incentive to get rid of abundant stock of the 3G version.

They are then going on by speculating that if enough retailers cut the price it may pressurize Sony into making an official price cut.

Nintex has edited his original post. He thought retailers were cutting the price by 20% and I just said that it wasn't true.

Thanks for the translation and further explanation

 

[Pai Pai Master]

If they have to cut the price, they should do it. It's not admitting failure, it's doing what it takes to succeed.

I think this had a really negative impression on people before it happened with the 3DS. It didn't really have much of a precedent prior to that happening.

I think $250 is a totally fine price for the Vita hardware but if sales do start out too slow then Sony does need to do the same as Nintendo (definitely not as drastic as 3DS' price cut though, $25-50 tops). Seeing as how the 3DS is blowing up sales charts just like its predecessor and its games are able to sell as much as they are because of the lower entry price, I don't think anyone is regretting Nintendo's decision.

The industry will be much healthier with both the 3DS and Vita succeeding.

 

[tzare]

I cannot give Virtua Tennis enough praise. I'm not one to keep going back and playing a game for hours on end but i've already played it for 25+ hours since getting the console on Thursday night and I've only been playing Arcade and Online... Theres so much to do in this game and if you only get one game at launch then i'd honestly pick this.. It feels like the perfect handheld game yet it actually feels like a console experience at the same time.

Virtua Tennis was, when psp launched, one of the most impressive games, next to DC/PS2 experience.
I think arcade games, like VT, racers, sports games and such are just a natural fit for handelds, and powerful ones like vita, even more. i'd love to see Sega release games like Daytona or Sega Rally. The classic ones.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

I think this had a really negative impression on people before it happened with the 3DS. It didn't really have much of a precedent prior to that happening.

I think $250 is a totally fine price for the Vita hardware but if sales do start out too slow then Sony does need to do the same as Nintendo (definitely not as drastic as 3DS' price cut though, $25-50 tops). Seeing as how the 3DS is blowing up sales charts just like its predecessor and its games are able to sell as much as they are because of the lower entry price, I don't think anyone is regretting Nintendo's decision.

The industry will be much healthier with both the 3DS and Vita succeeding.

Personally, I think Sony would be in a better position if it cut the price to 200 for the WiFi version and 250 for the 3G (euros and dollars).

I'm still buying it day one regardless.

 

[Mrbob]

3G Vita is going to be the 20GB PS3.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

3G Vita is going to be the 20GB PS3.

Yeah, I don't see a reason to get the 3G version. If I want to connect it to the internet, I'll use WiFi and my phone as a hotspot.

 

[Hasemo]

Yeah, I don't see a reason to get the 3G version. If I want to connect it to the internet, I'll use WiFi and my phone as a hotspot.

But... But... The option to get your exact location!

 

[The Elite]

3G Vita is going to be the 20GB PS3.

I don't think it's even coming out in Canada at launch.

 

[Pai Pai Master]

3G Vita is going to be the 20GB PS3.

Yeah, with 3G probably added to a revised model in a year or two. Probably doesn't cost much more for that 3G chip anyways.

 

[H_Prestige]

3G Vita is going to be the 20GB PS3.

If anyone ever needed proof that Sony did not think through the Vita, just look at the 3G model. Utterly, utterly pointless. This isn't a bloody phone Sony where you need to have internet where ever you are. You can't even play online or download stuff over 3G so what's left?

 

[darkside31337]

If anyone ever needed proof that Sony did not think through the Vita, just look at the 3G model. Utterly, utterly pointless. This isn't a bloody phone Sony where you need to have internet where ever you are. You can't even play online or download stuff over 3G so what's left?

What? There are games which let you play online with 3G (Hot Shots for instance) and technically you can download some stuff as well (basically just some DLC and various other small things).

But yeah its pretty useless. I'll still be getting it.

 

[spwolf]

If anyone ever needed proof that Sony did not think through the Vita, just look at the 3G model. Utterly, utterly pointless. This isn't a bloody phone Sony where you need to have internet where ever you are. You can't even play online or download stuff over 3G so what's left?

uh, why the hell not? it has big ass screen, why wouldnt you want to surf on it instead of your tiny phone screen.... or check mail/facebook/twitter.

i will have 15 GB 3G internet soon, with 5 cards sharing same plan... I would never ever consider buying 5" device without 3G today.

 

[tzare]

If anyone ever needed proof that Sony did not think through the Vita, just look at the 3G model. Utterly, utterly pointless. This isn't a bloody phone Sony where you need to have internet where ever you are. You can't even play online or download stuff over 3G so what's left?

i disgree. I won't be picking the 3g unit myself, but with tablets and such having a dual sku bussines, vita 3g had to exist. And it is probably the better deal for sony themselves

 

[$h@d0w]

I bought the 3G model.

It came with a 300MB trial sim card so I just went ahead and activated it. So far, I've used 22MB in a few days from downloading game goods on near, updating on near, using LiveTweet, checking the PlayStation Store catalogue and playing games like Ridge Racer.

Now, this is heavily dependant on where you are living, but here I can pay US$5 for 300MB a month, no commitment to use this on my PS Vita - that's okay by me. I'm planning on continuing the plan.

The convenience of not eating into my phone battery (which is way more important than gaming) and also being connected at all times is worth the price in my opinion.

 

[Sleepy Buddha]

But... But... The option to get your exact location!

LOL, I'll use my phone for that. As far as I'm concerned, the Vita is for pure gaming, which all mobile phones and tablets suck at IMO.

I don't want to waste my phone's battery life with games, and I don't want to waste the Vita's battery life with anything except games.

 

[Mrbob]

Yeah I suppose in Europe and Japan 3G might be useful. 3G data plans in the USA are terrible by comparison.

 

[test_account]

If anyone ever needed proof that Sony did not think through the Vita, just look at the 3G model. Utterly, utterly pointless. This isn't a bloody phone Sony where you need to have internet where ever you are. You can't even play online or download stuff over 3G so what's left?

How do you mean with look at the 3G model is proof of how the Vita in general was designed? There are two models, one with WiFi only and one with 3G/WiFi. The 3G models just adds something, it doesnt take anything away. If someone doesnt find any interest in paying extra for the 3G model, then just buy the WiFi only model. I would compare this to the card reader in the 60GB PS3 model. For some it is useful, but for others it wasnt needed at all.

3G in Vita is no difference from having 3G in a tablet, at least thats the way i see it.