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PlayStation Vita versus smartphone gaming

Can the PS Vita eclipse those pesky smartphones when it comes to handheld gaming? Dual analogues and touchscreens everywhere give it a fighting chance

The Vita’s 5in OLED touchscreen is larger than most smartphone displays (aside from the 5.3in Samsung Galaxy Note), which makes for immersive gaming. The iPhone 4S’ display has a higher pixel density (326 vs 220ppi), but you barely notice when playing.

PS Vita versus smartphones – Screen

PS Vita versus smartphones – Screen

Analogue sticks, buttons and a rear touchpad give the Vita more sophisticated controls than any phone. You can attach accessories such as the Gametel controller (£50, amazon.co.uk) to iOS and Android phones, but it’s neither as accurate nor elegant solution.

PS Vita versus smartphones – Ergonomics

PS Vita versus smartphones – Ergonomics

According to Appshopper, there are over 100,000 ‘game and entertainment’ titles available for iOS – and that’s without Android. Even if you just pick the good ones, the Vita’s launch roster of 33 titles is comprehensively trashed by either platform.

PS Vita versus smartphones – Games quantity

PS Vita versus smartphones – Games quantity

The Vita is the only handheld able to serve up console-quality titles such as Uncharted. But Android and iOS titles are getting serious, too – witness Shadowgun – and when it comes to instant-on, fiendishly addictive games snacking, they make much more sense.

PS Vita versus smartphones – Games quality

PS Vita versus smartphones – Games quality

Sony reckons the PlayStation Vita beats smartphones because it gives you console quality analogue sticks, takes AR gaming to a whole new level and talks to your PS3. We say the Vita is a godsend for serious gamers, but phones will remain the kings of simple fun.

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PS Vita versus smartphones – Verdict

PS Vita versus smartphones – Verdict
Profile image of Dan Grabham Dan Grabham Editor-in-Chief

About

Dan is Editor-in-chief of Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website.  Our Editor-in-Chief is a regular at tech shows such as CES in Las Vegas, IFA in Berlin and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as well as at other launches and events. He has been a CES Innovation Awards judge. Dan is completely platform agnostic and very at home using and writing about Windows, macOS, Android and iOS/iPadOS plus lots and lots of gadgets including audio and smart home gear, laptops and smartphones. He's also been interviewed and quoted in a wide variety of places including The Sun, BBC World Service, BBC News Online, BBC Radio 5Live, BBC Radio 4, Sky News Radio and BBC Local Radio.

Areas of expertise

Computing, mobile, audio, smart home