I was especially pleased with the included 16GB memory card, which can be supplemented with the built-in one. Sony also took care of users and printed out AR cards for augmented reality. Otherwise, everything is standard - charging, USB cable, instructions, promo codes for games.

Slimmed Vita

The new version is easy to distinguish. The design has changed and I personally like it as much as the regular Vita. And not just because the console has lost 20% weight and become 15% lighter. The elements have become more rounded. Of course, the ubiquitous gloss has not gone anywhere, but Slim looks nicer and lies in the hands.

After the Sony PSP, someone might be surprised by the impressive size of the console, but the thickness of 1.5 cm makes it more convenient to carry in a bag or pocket.

On the back, there are matte elements and areas where you can place your fingers. But the rear touchpad has become a little smaller.

But the main changes, of course, affected the front side and connectors. The PS, Start and Select buttons have undergone some cosmetic redesign. As well as the design of the action buttons and the D-Pad. The buttons and sticks themselves have become a little stiffer. The stereo speakers have also changed slightly.

The power button is on top, and next to it there is a charge indicator and the one that was transferred from the PS button. The slot for game cards is under the cover and the volume control buttons are right there. Well, two Shifts on the sides, of course.

Below is the same slot for memory expansion cards, next to the usual 3.5mm audio output and, finally, a standard microUSB for charging instead of a native format connector. Sony needs to be thanked for this, because now the console can be charged from the same charger as a smartphone, for example, and it’s generally convenient to carry one cable.

On the back is the main camera, and the front one for chats, like the previous version, next to the action buttons. It can still be accidentally closed with your finger during a chat.

Ergonomics is nothing to scold, here Sony knows its business and all the controllers, buttons and even the touchpad are located so that it is very convenient to play. And it's nice to hold the console itself in your hands.

Inside the console

Let's move on to another important part for the gamer - the stuffing. There seem to be no obvious improvements here, the same quad-core ARM Cortex A9 and 512MB random access memory. The quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4+ chip with 128 MB of memory is responsible for the video. That is, in terms of hardware, everything is very close to the iPhone 5 or iPad 3, except that the latter have dual-core processors and a video chip without a plus sign, which means optimization for Sony software instructions.

Now about the screen. It is 5-inch and touch, with a resolution of 960x540, which creates a margin of performance. The Slim version now has an IPS matrix. It is slightly less contrast and richer than the regular Vita's OLED, but if you haven't seen the first console, you probably won't notice the difference.

But thanks to the screen and other improvements, the console began to work one hour longer (battery 2210 mAh). Sony says 6 hours of play. By the way, more capacious batteries are also promised, which can be installed independently.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard on handheld consoles, as is support for different technologies connect and play media, DLNA, for example.

It is hardly worth saying anything about the cameras, they just exist and their quality is not impressive. You can use them for augmented reality games with AR cards. It's way more fun than taking selfies.

Memory expansion cards come in up to 64 GB, the built-in 1 GB is only enough for a couple of small arcade games or one regular game.

Ergonomics and interface

Now let's argue a little with those who predict the death of portable consoles due to the massive and inevitable spread of mobile gaming platforms - iOS, Android, well, that's all.

Yet so far, no device, neither the iPhone, nor the iPad, nor any other gadget has achieved the ease of operation that combines real buttons and sticks with a touch screen and a back panel. To understand this, you just need to try. And even a bunch of extra gadgets for the iPhone that try to turn it into game console with real controls have not yet been very successful in this. Neither Logitech, nor Moga, nor a host of other manufacturers have been able to make controllers as convenient and accurate. And in the new Slim they are even a little better than in previous version, as if compensating for a cheaper screen.

After launching the console, you will be presented with the usual interface for Vita portable consoles.

Here you can find the Welcome Zone with tutorial, PS Store, browser, list of your friends and prizes, of course.

You can exchange messages with friends or invite them to the Party in a general voice chat during the game.

You can connect to PS4 through the appropriate application. At the same time, Remote Play will become available - the ability to play PS4 games on Vita, control the big brother from a portable console, second screen functions and other usefulness.

On the second screen are shortcuts to the media libraries of video, music and photos. Here you can watch media files from memory, from a home media server and other computers, and so on. Near maps from Google, mail application, data management on a memory card or built-in memory.

The ability to connect to the PS3 is also available with remote play and console control, although, unlike the PS4, not all games work.

The Near app will show you who is playing what near you. Well, the settings, which, however, will not be discussed in detail.

All are added to the last screen installed games or games with a game card inserted into the slot. At the top are different notifications and indicator icons. And with a long press on PS, a menu appears from the bottom quick settings, where can I find turn on wifi and bluetooth, flight mode. Here brought the brightness control, volume and player control. Well, almost like in iOS 7 everything.

It is worth noting that PS Vita has most of the applications for communication, such as Skype, there is integration with Facebook, Twitter and Forsquare.

Are there games?

Are there games, you ask? Yes, this set is quite a good set, but it is more suitable for children. Therefore, we did not hesitate to make our own TOP 5 games that are definitely worth playing.

So, in the 5th position, of course, we have Uncharted: The Golden Abyss - definitely one of the most worthy exclusive series on the Playstation in general, and the Vita version of this action-adventure game has significantly strengthened the position of the console. Nathan Drake is no less cool in the mini version.

The next position is occupied by The Walking Dead - a game based on the series of the same name or a series based on the game of the same name - you won’t understand how everything is mixed up.

Runner-up Killzone: Mercenary is a portable version of a great game that has retained all of its pluses on PS Vita.

And finally, dedicated to all fans of LittleBigPlanet. No, it's not in the first place, but Tearaway is one of the most creative games that we've seen on consoles in general. Just a must have, or rather a must play.

Opinion iCover

Well, Sony's portable console update looks quite expected and logical. Yes, again the device was slightly cheaper, but this time everything went less painfully than usual. And the benefits of longer battery life, better handling, and a smaller footprint justify the title of best handheld console. Of course, owners of the previous version should hardly immediately run to the store, but if you have a smartphone with microUSB, there is a chance to get rid of two different charging wires. No plus.

Come to our store on Novoslobodskaya, there we have a whole stand with consoles, or you can subscribe to our channel and wait for new videos so as not to miss anything interesting.
See you in new reviews!

PlayStation Vita - a new word in portable console technology from Sony. The original version, subtitled Fat, was released in 2012 and its revision, PlayStation Vita Slim, saw the light a year later, in 2013. The second version of the portable console has undergone several significant changes, and gamers looking to purchase a console will surely have a question: which version should you choose, Fat or Slim? Make yourself comfortable - in this article we will analyze in detail the advantages and disadvantages of both versions of Vita.

At first glance, the PCH-2003 version known as the "Vita Slim" is simply a more subtle revision of the original console. However, under the glossy black body hides more significant changes. Let's see which version is better - PS Vita Slim or PS Vita Fat.

Comparison of PlayStation Vita versions. Dimensions and controls

Both versions of the console are now available on the market. The Fat version tends to be more affordable than the Slim version. However, the differences are also as follows:

PS Vita Slim is smaller

Looking at the front panels of both versions of the console from above, they look identical. But as soon as you lift the devices and look at them from the side, the difference will immediately catch your eye: Vita Slim is noticeably thinner and lighter than the original. Except for the protruding buttons and sticks, the thickness of the Slim version is 15 mm. By analogy, Fat is 18 mm thick. The weight has also decreased in the revision - now it is 219 gr. as opposed to 260 gr. first version. The change is not revolutionary, of course, but the Slim prefix is ​​easier to fit in your pocket.

Button layout and interface have changed little

The layout of the buttons in both versions is the same, which is great: just in this aspect, changes were not needed. The original scheme worked perfectly and did not cause complaints from gamers. The small analog sticks on both versions of the console are responsive and comfortable to use. The D-pad and face buttons are also very responsive. The front and rear touchscreens diversify the options for interacting with the console (the front touchpad during Remote Play is convenient to use as an analogue of the touchpad of the PS4 controller). The only interface difference between the Fat and Slim versions is the START and SELECT buttons. As you can see from the photo, in the revision they became round, making them more convenient to press.

Comparison of PlayStation Vita versions. Screen

In addition to losing weight PlayStation Vita Slim also got a new type of screen. The original display used OLED technology, while Sony engineers used the more common LCD panel in the slim version. The screen sizes in both versions are the same, as is the output resolution in games. The essential difference lies in the display of colors. The OLED display is brighter, richer in color and has excellent contrast levels.

The colors in the two versions are different. Early "Vita" (above) gives a brighter picture with a rich spectrum of color shades.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the picture in the Slim version is worse. Whereas OLED screens have more pleasing contrast levels and color tones, LCD panels have an advantage in brightness as well as more accurate color reproduction. In short, the Slim version will suit you if you play at the maximum brightness level outdoors. At the same time, the Fat version will appeal to those who are partial to colors and good contrast levels and mainly play indoors.

Comparison of PlayStation Vita versions. Memory and storage devices

There is little change in how data is stored on both set-top boxes. The only significant difference is that the PlayStation Vita Slim has 1 GB of internal memory for games and other user data. For comparison, the PlayStation Vita Fat did not have any built-in memory, and games had to be saved on special memory cards.

With regard to games on cartridges, everything remains unchanged: you insert the card with the game into a special slot on both versions. However, if physical media is not for you and you prefer digital, then you will have to fork out for special memory cards for the PlayStation Vita. Thus, the thin version will suit those who prefer to download games rather than buy on cartridges: you will already have one gigabyte of memory at your disposal. This is not much, of course, but this volume is enough for a small game. And after that, you can decide what is more profitable - to buy a memory card or buy games on cartridges.

Comparison of PlayStation Vita versions. Verdict

Thus, when choosing what is better to buy - PlayStation Vita Fat or PlayStation Vita Slim, you need to pay attention to three key differences:

the slim version is smaller and lighter;

The OLED screen of the Fat version is richer in colors and shades than the LCD screen;

The Slim version has 1 GB of built-in memory.

Whichever version of the console you choose, you will experience an unforgettable gaming experience: unique designs that use the touchpad and gyroscope, camera and microphone. You will discover a new level of electronic entertainment with the PlayStation Vita.

Prefix instore. Also in the store you can for the console or from a rich assortment of games.

The Sony brand has always been synonymous with technology and realistic graphics in the gaming world. Today, gamers around the world recognize the leadership of the company's portable consoles, and, of course, the palm deservedly belongs to one of the most advanced compact gaming devices– PS Vita. The portable set-top box was first introduced in Japan in 2011, and Russia appeared in February 2012. The device has an ergonomic shape and low weight, similar to that of the classic PSP, but the filling has undergone radical changes.

The main panel, in addition to the touchscreen, is equipped with a significant number of buttons and two joysticks, which makes the set-top box unique against the background of those that have flooded the market. touch devices. With a non-slip design and a weight of only 279 grams, you can confidently hold this version of the playstation with one hand. At first glance, the presence of two cameras and the presence of recesses on the back panel for maximum comfortable grip pleases.

Technical features

PSV performance is quite difficult to compare with even the closest analogues, since the system on which the gadget is based is unique in its own way and incomparable, for example, with the parameters of Android devices. Obviously, the console does an excellent job with all multimedia functions, ahead of most competitors, but not so much because of the power, but rather due to the well-thought-out technical architecture of the device.

Over the years, the performance settings have begun to look a little outdated, but many PSV games still have no equivalent on other platforms that can boast such sharp graphics on a relatively small screen.

• The heart of the model is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9core, similar to processors in top smartphones.
• SGX543MP4 graphics with 128 MB of memory, selected by Sony technologists specifically for the processor.
• RAM - 512 MB, which should not confuse critical minds. The most demanding games are easily minimized to tray, after which you can still enjoy the smooth operation of the interface in multitasking mode.
• Chic characteristics of the screen, which, despite the rather typical resolution - 960 × 544, produces a stunningly bright and rich picture - 16 million colors. Diagonal - 5 inches, 220 dpi.
• Full set of sensors: gyroscope, accelerometer and compass.
• Bluetooth 2.1.
• There is a version with 3G, which also has a built-in GPS module.
• Touch-sensitive rear panel for enhanced control options.
• There are connectors for a special PS Vita card and for a game card.
• The resolution of both cameras is 640×480 (VGA). There is an interesting possibility of recording QVGA with a frequency of up to 120 fps.
• Battery 2210 mAh. Work without recharging up to 6 hours.

Review technical capabilities, of course, could not do without evaluating the behavior of the device on the Internet: unlike the PSP, the Vita has an exceptionally sensitive modern Wi-Fi module of class b / g / n, which can give odds to many smartphones and tablets. The price of the console for 2015 starts at about 10,000 rubles, for an extended version with a SIM card you will have to pay 2-3 thousand more.

Functionality

Vita's capabilities are quite diverse, however, it can hardly replace a smartphone, first of all it is a console, and it was created for the most part for gamers. Many functional elements, such as cameras, a gyroscope and an accelerometer, and even a GPS module are directly involved in games. However, Vita turns out to be a handy multimedia gadget for many everyday tasks:

• Fast and convenient browser with the support full screen mode and multi-touch control for Internet surfing makes the console better than many smartphones.
• A suite of branded apps: for example, Near can easily find other console users in the area using GPS, Hangout allows you to connect with communities and individual players, and Live Area displays real-time breaking news from your friends and developers.
• The PS Store already had an extremely rich selection of games and applications at the time of the console's release.
• There is an option to sync PSV with PS3 or PS4 using a portable console as a joystick for a full-sized one.
• Audio support - MP3, MP4 and WAV. Photo - JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF. Videos in high resolution– MP4.
• A wide range of applications for social services and Skype.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of Sony's solution has been and remains truly high-quality and well-thought-out games. Convenient management and maximum optimization allow Vita to be unrivaled in this regard regarding powerful smartphones. Ergonomics of every detail is thought out to the smallest detail. In spite of big number buttons and sensors to control you can get used to in a matter of minutes, which is why the console has become so popular. Naturally, there are more and more games, competitors are not doing so well.

It is worth noting the excellent interface, one of the best of its kind, both in terms of quality and convenience. Everything related to navigation and launching applications is implemented here as smoothly, comfortably and beautifully as possible. Amazingly thoughtful Internet surfing is atypical for the console and also pleases all users. In 2015, new firmware updates are coming that will make PSV even more functional.

As for weaknesses, the first significant point- this time battery life, at maximum load, the gadget will last about 3-4 hours, which cannot be called an optimal indicator. The second negative argument relates to the cost of games, for many box office offers prices reach up to 1500 rubles, despite the fact that analogues on Android sometimes cost 2 or even 10 times cheaper. The cost of game production is associated with closeness and specificity operating system, which is running PSV. Finally, the third, perhaps the most important factor is the maximum isolation of the console on itself. While the entire world of mobile electronics is being universalized, here the picture is reversed. A special PS Vita memory card, games on other unique cards, and its own charging port - everything here is done in its own way, without regard to the general trend. As a result, the cost of accessories is high.

Games

PSV world created in the image and likeness best games from older models of full-size Playstation. Many of them are equipped with support for augmented reality elements. The list of games available on the console is now quite large, various genres and ideas are represented, but there are individual representatives that stand out from the general background. For example…

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss is a legendary action game with a gripping storyline and crazy dynamics. The protagonist moves through the landscape of a dangerous and unpredictable jungle in search of certain items related to the quest being solved. The game implements a number of original algorithms for using the rich capabilities of the console, for example, when finding an artifact, it can be rotated by moving along the back touch panel and clean by manipulating the front panel.
• Wipeout is an absolutely gorgeous example of really interesting racing. Crazy shooting, amazing speed and realistic graphics have become the main components of the success of the game. There are many maps and cars to choose from, you can control the vehicle using analog sticks or a gyroscope. A unique crossplay has been implemented: players can fight online on different devices. e.g. Vita with PS3.
• Metal Gear Solid HD is a familiar classic in a new format. A time-tested stealth action game with great graphics and intense gameplay.
• Mortal Kombat is a game that is known and loved all over the world, now we can say that more than one generation of gamers has been brought up on it. Bloody fighting game with chic characters and a lot of special moves. On PSV, the game features great graphics, an interesting campaign, and the ability to do Fatality with the front and rear touch screens.

Competitors

The closest and, perhaps, the only serious competitor to the console is the Nintendo 3DS. This portable set-top box is close to the PSP in terms of characteristics, so the games do not reach the level of the Vita at all. In addition, the creation of Nintendo is quite specific, the device is equipped with two screens, and the body is not particularly ergonomic. Against the background of Sony products, all this, despite the originality, looks like an experiment stuck in the last century.

More real competitors PSV - modern smartphones and tablets, confidently capturing the market. From 2011 to technical specifications they have grown a lot compared to the Vita, but for most games, a button device will always have certain advantages over a touch one. The displacement of the console segment from the arena has been especially pronounced lately, but Vita, one of the few, is holding on precisely due to a good combination of price, quality and convenience.

On the this moment PS Vita is the most powerful and advanced handheld console in the world. Perhaps only thanks to Sony, devices of this kind are still in demand among gamers.