Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of attending a private event for Boston Parent Bloggers and their families at the Vita Hill Social Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts. How could we turn down two hours of one-on-one time with the new Playstation Vita?
The PS Vita is not just a handheld gaming system. It might be your choice if you are in the market for a more affordable tablet. It has both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity if you have a plan through AT&T Wireless. Since we only had two hours to play, I cannot write a review of this product, but I can share my family members' first impressions.
Our 8 year old son (in the Nike shirt) became quickly addicted to the PS Vita game ModNation Racers: Road Trip. He enjoyed the racing, but thought it was very cool that he could design his own driver, racing kart, and track. I would say that he spent close to an hour sitting at one station playing this kart racing game, even when I urged him to try out some of the other games.
(Click any photo to enlarge)
Our 5 year old twins loved the tilt motion sensing technology. They are already use to this feature with their LeapPad, so it was easy for them to master. They were able to test it out with one of the mini-games in the PS Vita game Little Deviants.
Every one of us agreed that the screen was amazingly sharp and crisp. We could especially see this in the game Virtua Tennis 4, which features instant replays that closely resembled live video. By the way, this game is very user-friendly and simple to control, using only the directional pad and the "X" button to swing. Both our 5 year olds outplayed me in this game. I think my overthinking was my downfall.
A feature of the Playstation Vita that I found interesting to test out was the rear touchpad. I used it while playing a mini-game in Little Deviants, where I had to push on the rear touchpad to create hills in order to induce rolling in a particular direction. Sadly, I could not master this skill.
One feature we did not have time to test is the cross-platform play where a PS Vita gamer can play against a Playstation 3 gamer. We simply ran out of time. There is only so much you can do in two hours, especially if you try to fit in refreshments and conversation too.
If you have experienced using apps and playing games on the PS Vita, I would love to hear about what you thought. I would also love to know about the photo quality of the front and rear cameras. At $299.99 retail, this would be a possible candidate for our next tablet.
Thank you to the Vita Hill Social Lounge and Boston Parent Bloggers for hosting this event for our family.
The PS Vita looks and sounds amazing, my daughter (and husband)lol, would have so much fun with it.
Posted on February 23, 2012 9:40 AM
Wow looks like everyone had a fantastic time! My kids would love one of these.
Posted on February 27, 2012 11:23 AM
I have never heard of the PS Vita. It looks like an amazing device that will take my son further into his gaming addiction! What a great opportunity for your family!
Posted on February 27, 2012 11:32 AM
@Julee: I'm sure you will be hearing more about it. The PS Vita just "officially" became available to purchase last week. Best Buy has a huge display right as you walk in the store.
Posted on February 27, 2012 11:50 AM
I've never even heard of this gaming system before. I like that it's smaller than most tablets and the screen images do look pretty amazing.
Are the games apps or cartridges?
Thanks for the great review!
Posted on February 27, 2012 12:54 PM
OMGoodnes. My kids would love this. Thanks so much for sharing all the of the useful info and looks like you all enjoyed it very much :)
Posted on February 27, 2012 12:57 PM
@Kailani: The PS Vita uses instant download games and apps and can use PSP games as well.
Posted on February 27, 2012 1:27 PM
Looks like y'all had fun and love the PS Vita... gonna have to check it out!!
Posted on February 27, 2012 1:35 PM
That looks awesome!
Posted on February 27, 2012 2:15 PM
Looks fun! I'm sure my kids know all about it and will fill me in on what I don't know soon enough. :-)
Posted on February 27, 2012 2:41 PM
Sounds and looks like everyone enjoyed them selves. I bet once my oldest son (and husband) learn of the PS Vita they will be wanting one.
Posted on February 27, 2012 3:03 PM
Not heard of this before.Looks fun! Btw be honest, did the Moms and Dads have more fun with this than the kids? ;)
Posted on February 27, 2012 3:17 PM
Oh my gosh! What a wonderful time you all had. Our grandson's would love to play ModNation Racers: Road Trip. Umm...maybe me too!!
Posted on February 27, 2012 5:22 PM
How fun! The kiddos look like their into it.
Posted on February 27, 2012 7:48 PM
Was it 3D at all? We have 2 DS3Ds and the kids love them and one of our other children would like one as well but we keep waiting thinking something newer will come out that she might like more. She really loves the 3D effect!
Posted on February 27, 2012 8:33 PM
@Kimberly: No, it was not in 3D because it can be used as a tablet and not just for gaming.
Posted on February 27, 2012 8:38 PM
My son would love this! How fun!
Posted on February 27, 2012 10:08 PM
I haven't heard of this before but I am sure my kids will lov eit.
Posted on February 27, 2012 10:28 PM
that looked like a fun event!
Posted on February 28, 2012 2:47 AM
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Posted on February 28, 2012 3:01 AM
I haven't heard of this either. Definitely looks like something that I would like to know about. Thanks for sharing your first impressions.
Kimberly Dsouza
Posted on March 3, 2012 5:38 PM
Great post. The vita looks amazing!
Posted on March 4, 2012 12:02 AM
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