Which PlayStation Vita to choose?

PS Vita Versions

During its existence, Sony released three versions of PS Vita:

1. PlayStation Vita PCH-1000;

2. PlayStation Vita PCH-2000;

3. PlayStation Vita VTE-1000 (also known as PlayStation TV).

General information about the consoles

PlayStation Vita is an eighth-generation portable console.

It was conceived as a direct development of PSP ideas but with a focus on modern technologies and more flexible gameplay.

Looking at PSP, you can see it lacked a second analog stick - Sony then explained this by saying "players might get confused." But it quickly became clear this was a mistake. PS Vita got a second analog stick, completely changing the controls. Now it's convenient to rotate the camera in RPGs, aim in shooters, and overall gameplay became much more comfortable - closer to a full-fledged gamepad.

Vita also became Sony's first portable console with a touch screen. Menus, games, browser - everything is controlled with a finger, like on a smartphone.

Additionally, there's a rear touch panel, giving developers interesting tools. In Uncharted: Golden Abyss, for example, the player cleans artifacts or climbs ropes using the rear panel. Yes, this feature wasn't always used appropriately, but when it worked, it added depth to the game.

The console also has a gyroscope and accelerometer, like modern phones. This allowed for tilt controls - in racing games or for precise aiming in shooters.

All Vita models have the same internals: quad-core ARM Cortex-A9, PowerVR SGX543MP4+ graphics, 512 MB RAM and 128 MB VRAM. These aren't unique Sony chips but mass mobile solutions - for the first time, the company made a console very developer-friendly for easier game porting.

It's important to understand: all PS Vita versions are absolutely identical in power. Differences are only in appearance, screen, and ergonomics.

All PS Vita versions also have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and use proprietary memory cards.

These cards are incompatible with other devices and quite expensive. But they're especially important for PS Vita 1000 model, which has no built-in memory - without a card, you can't even save or run simple games.

PlayStation Vita — PCH-1000 (OLED model)

In 2011, Sony released the first PlayStation Vita model - PCH-1000. This was the flagship version, replacing PSP.

The console turned out quite large. Its dimensions:

• Length: 182 mm
• Width: 83.5 mm
• Thickness: 18.6 mm
• Weight: 279 grams

For comparison: New Nintendo 3DS XL weighs 329 grams, and PSP 1000 - 280 grams.

Materials: glossy front panel, metal frame, body assembled with durability margin. Unlike 2000 model, this Vita feels solid and well-built.

The main reason people love PS Vita 1000 is its OLED display. 5 inches, 960×544 resolution and deep blacks make the image vibrant and rich. Especially noticeable in 2D games and dark scenes.

Compared to PSP, the new screen is much better: resolution, color reproduction, brightness - all on a new level.

However, PlayStation Vita PCH-1000 has drawbacks. It has no built-in memory, and without a memory card, you can't save or run digital games. It also uses a proprietary charging port incompatible with standard cables.

Some versions were released with 3G support and a SIM card slot, but in reality this feature was hardly used - all Vita's network capabilities work fine over Wi-Fi.

However, such models have one rare but interesting plus: exactly on 3G versions (PCH-1100) you can install PSVSD mod, which physically replaces the 3G modem with a built-in microSD card slot. This allows using regular memory cards without occupying the game cartridge slot as with SD2Vita.

PS Vita 1000 is an excellent console. Of course, like any first model in a family, it has its rough edges. But they don't critically spoil the experience. Rather, it's just less utilitarian.

It has no built-in memory - but most will still need to buy a card because 1 GB in 2000 model isn't enough even for one proper game. Proprietary charging port - not ideal, but doesn't affect gameplay. Weight? Noticeable but not enough to cause fatigue.

For those who want maximum visual quality and love solid things - PS Vita 1000 remains an excellent choice.

PlayStation Vita — PCH-2000 (LCD model)

In 2013, Sony released an updated PS Vita model - PCH-2000.

Developers focused on everyday convenience. First, they reduced the console's size and weight.

New dimensions:

• Length: 183.6 mm
• Width: 85.1 mm
• Thickness: 15 mm
• Weight: 219 grams

Looking from the side, besides thickness difference, you can immediately see the metal frame disappeared in 2000 model. The first version had it for a premium feel, but here the body became fully plastic - more practical, lighter, but less impressive.

Due to this simplification approach - came perhaps the most controversial update - PS Vita PCH-2000 got a new LCD screen.

Colors became less saturated, black - less deep. But the image is still sharp and pleasant. And in real life, especially without both consoles side by side, the difference isn't so dramatic.

But LCD screen is more economical: battery lasts 1-1.5 hours longer than 1000 model.

Despite all simplifications, you can't say PS Vita 2000 was just "cut down".

Yes, body became plastic, screen - LCD, but at the same time the console got improvements making daily use more convenient. First such improvement was a standard charging port.

Where previously a proprietary Sony cable was needed, now a standard micro-USB works. You can charge from any power bank.

Second important detail - built-in memory.

2000 model got 1 GB internal storage, enough for settings, screenshots or installing one-two small apps.

Of course, you'll still need a memory card - 1 GB isn't enough even for one full game. But now you can at least start using the console out of the box without immediately spending on accessories.

PS Vita 2000 is a lightweight, convenient and practical console version. It's not as premium as 1000 model and doesn't give the same visual impressions from OLED screen. But it wins in convenience: lighter, longer battery life, charges from standard cable and even has minimal built-in memory.

If you're looking for Vita for everyday use - PCH-2000 might be the best choice.

PlayStation Vita TV - VTE-1000 (PlayStation TV)

In 2013, along with Slim model, Sony presented the most unusual console version - PS Vita TV, also known as PlayStation TV.

This is a miniature set-top box where only Vita's internals remain - and not all of them. No screen, battery or buttons here, but there is HDMI output.

Formally, it's the same Vita, just in a small TV set-top box form. It connects to TV via HDMI and is controlled using DualShock 3 or 4 gamepad. Supports the same games as regular PS Vita: original Vita projects, PSP games, PS One Classics and even emulators - if custom firmware is installed.

But here lies the main problem of PS Vita TV.

Sony literally divided the entire PS Vita game library into two categories: those that can run and those that can't. Reason is simple - PS Vita TV has no touch screen, rear panel or gyroscope. If a game actively uses these elements - it simply won't launch.

What's especially disappointing - many of Sony's flagship exclusives didn't make the list. For example, Uncharted: Golden Abyss - one of the platform's most famous games - officially doesn't run on PS Vita TV.

But Sony fans didn't fail. With custom firmware and patches, many of these limitations are removed. On hacked PS Vita TV you can calmly play that same Uncharted, with controls adapted for gamepad.

Read more: How to launch and complete Uncharted: Golden Abyss on PS Vita TV?

There's another important plus: full-fledged controls.

Regular Vita has no physical L2, R2, L3 and R3 buttons - in PS1 games this causes inconvenience. You have to use rear panel for emulation, and it doesn't work ideally.

PS Vita TV has no such problem: DualShock 3 or 4 gives full button set like on home console.

PS Vita TV is a very strange Vita. It's unclear who and why might need it today.

On one hand, you can really play classics on big screen, use full-fledged gamepad and run PSP or PS1 games comfortably.

On the other - to play at least one flagship Sony exclusive, you'll need to hack the system, install patches and configure controls. And even then the experience won't be the same as on portable PS Vita.

Essentially, today this device is needed only by a narrow circle - creators and enthusiasts. Those who want to record gameplay from original hardware, make screenshots, test firmware or just collect the whole line for interest.

Conclusion

Unlike PSP family where there's no single "that" console, in PS Vita family both main models are quite good. They handle their tasks and each has its pros.

Objectively speaking, PS Vita PCH-1000 model most often turns out more preferable.

Yes, it's heavier. Yes, it has non-standard charging and no built-in memory. But OLED display, quality body materials and overall feeling of reliability and solidity make this version most attractive - be it games, emulation, retro or collection.

After all, you'll still need to buy a memory card, and the cable is just one purchase (if it doesn't come included).

Micro-USB in 2000 model is more convenient, but let's be honest: this port is outdated too. Now everything is USB Type-C.

PS Vita PCH-2000 model can also be safely considered for purchase.

This is a lightweight and more utilitarian option, ideal for everyday use. Screen difference exists but isn't critical, and extra hour-two of battery life is a great bonus for those who often play on the go or during business trips.

As for PS Vita TV - it's already a niche device. For enthusiasts, techies, video creators or just collectors. Yes, with workarounds you can even complete Uncharted - but it's a completely different path.

So if you just want "that Vita" - get PS Vita PCH-1000. And if you need a simple, reliable and convenient portable - PS Vita PCH-2000 won't let you down.