iPad 2 vs Playstation Vita vs Nintento 3DS?

[Jordanrracer]

Originally Posted by dumaz1000

Are you a casual/social gamer, or a hardcore/dedicated gamer? Do you like indie developers or major, multi-platform console developers? Do you like playing established AAA franchise titles? Or niche, experimental, non-mainstream titles? It's not difficult to decide, based upon your own personal perferance. I find it funny that someone would pay $500 for an iPad, then turn around and use it on casual/social gaming, but to each their own. The fact that the hardcore gaming device, the Vita, is cheaper then the casual gaming device, the iPad, is kind of ironic (assuming you're buying the iPad primarily as a gaming machine, since it obviously has other applications.)

I'm looking into the iPad too as it also supports other things like excellent movie presentations, easy web viewing, YouTube, apps, etc.

Generally I'm looking which is the best for everything in general.

[Madman100]

Originally Posted by Jordanrracer

I'm looking into the iPad too as it also supports other things like excellent movie presentations, easy web viewing, YouTube, apps, etc.

Generally I'm looking which is the best for everything in general.

In that case I can't see why the 3DS was even mentioned. I don't think you'll be surfing the web , presenting movies or watching YouTube there anytime soon (I'm not sure if those things are possible).

The Vita however is capable of said features, but keep in mind it's primary purpose is gaming, all else comes second.

[KiddToKmart]

Originally Posted by Madman100

In that case I can't see why the 3DS was even mentioned. I don't think you'll be surfing the web , presenting movies or watching YouTube there anytime soon (I'm not sure if those things are possible).

The Vita however is capable of said features, but keep in mind it's primary purpose is gaming, all else comes second.

While it's capable of being a bare-bones web-browser and media player, it's hard to see the Vita the same way after owning an iPad... honestly.

If you want a device which excels at MOST things and does a great job at delivering casual gaming experiences, the iPad is the way to go.

If you want to sacrifice on EVERY DEPARTMENT except gaming (ie: screen size, interface, operating system, loading times, etc) and need an absolutely console-like gaming experience on the move, then Vita is your choice.

Close this thread already and go buy something


... or, go out and get an iPad 2... + a PS3

[tygamr]

I've got all three (Vita, iPad 2, 3DS). I think it really depends on what you want to use it for. Here's how I'd rank them in several different categories:

Games: 1-Vita
2-3DS
3-iPad

Movies/videos: 1-Vita
2-iPad
3-3DS

Music: 1-iPad, Vita (It's a tie. Vita is A LOT more portable than the iPad, and the iPad has plenty of apps incompatible with music whereas the Vita works with all Vita games/apps *video apps not included for either* though the iPad has better functionality within the music app than the Vita, but the Vita seems to be able to produce a bigger, better bass out of the music I've listened to on both)
2-3DS (yes, it actually can play music, but it's more of a novelty type thing- ever wonder what your favorite song sounds like really high pitched going slow-mo? Pretty much all it's good for).

Web Browsing: 1-iPad
2-Vita
3-3DS

Apps: 1-iPad (did you really expect to see anything else fill this spot?)
2-Vita
3-3DS (this was pretty close between the Vita and 3DS. I think the 3DS has more apps so far, but the Vita has much more practical and better apps).

Portability: 1-3DS (this is pretty much the only one that will comfortably fit in a pants pocket, and is fairly small compared to the others and also the lightest)
2-Vita (this won't really fit in very many pants pockets unless you wear very baggy jeans, or have deep cargo pockets, but it could fit into a decent sized coat pocket)
3-iPad (yeah... You'll definitely need a backpack *or a purse... I mean satchel * to carry this around)

Ergonomics: 1-Vita (very comfortable to hold- haven't had any hand cramps, nice rounded edges, not too thick or thin, touch screen isn't too big or too small to comfortably use, built in rests for your fingers on the back)
2- 3DS (borderline comfortable, can cramp hands after extended periods of play time, edges aren't pointy- but aren't quite sharp, it's a rectangle, kind of small in your hands and just a bit on the thin side- could have more to grip)
3- iPad (very thin which can make it awkward to hold, edges *much like the 3DS* aren't sharp but not quite smooth, screen is too big to use comfortably sometimes, better used on a surface or in your lap than in your hands, not super light and with the weight spread out it can be tiring holding it for extended periods of time)

Overall, it seems I favor the Vita in the entertainment department, but in terms of what you can do with it, it's very limited compared to the iPad. The iPad has many apps that you can do plenty of things with when you don't want to use it as an entertainment device (but why would you use it for anything productive, and why use it if you have a much more capable computer? ) In terms of games, the Vita seems to have the best bunch because its games don't feel pared down, and it also has the best (and most amount of) control inputs. It ultimately comes down to what franchises you like though (this is really for the Vita and 3DS only- iPad doesn't have too many well known or established franchises available on it).

[Teknikal]

Originally Posted by tygamr

Overall, it seems I favor the Vita in the entertainment department, but in terms of what you can do with it, it's very limited compared to the iPad. The iPad has many apps that you can do plenty of things with when you don't want to use it as an entertainment device (but why would you use it for anything productive, and why use it if you have a much more capable computer? ) In terms of games, the Vita seems to have the best bunch because its games don't feel pared down, and it also has the best (and most amount of) control inputs. It ultimately comes down to what franchises you like though (this is really for the Vita and 3DS only- iPad doesn't have too many well known or established franchises available on it).

I agree the Vita will never be flooded with millions of apps quite like the app store but I do think there will be a reasonable selection based on what Sony is doing with the Playstation Suite .

I really do think Sony has a good longterm plan and the PS Suite will be a way for developers to get their smaller games/apps on mobiles, PS3, Vita and who knows what else.

Useful as a tablet probably not but everyone who buys a Vita is obviously doing it for the bigger games anyway.

[LucianOrb]

Vita just got launched and (gamewise) already destroys the other 2 options.

[BrEaKBEaT]

Originally Posted by LucianOrb

Vita just got launched and (gamewise) already destroys the other 2 options.

Not if you're purely a casual gamer, you'll find far greater variety at bargain prices on iOS. There's a case to be said for owning all 3 platforms, though I personally wont be buying a 3DS. iPad+Vita is offereing me the best of both worlds.

[tygamr]

Originally Posted by BrEaKBEaT

Not if you're purely a casual gamer, you'll find far greater variety at bargain prices on iOS. There's a case to be said for owning all 3 platforms, though I personally wont be buying a 3DS. iPad+Vita is offereing me the best of both worlds.

Yeah, but if you're a super casual gamer you'll find far greater variety at the price of free on your computer web browser. Just kidding, but still kind of serious- there really are people that like games, but only play web games.

[crunc]

If I were to pick a handheld for pure gaming, I'd probably pick the 3DS. Paper Mario 3DS. Reason enough. I'm most likely just going to use my kids' 3DS to play that, though.

[BrEaKBEaT]

Originally Posted by tygamr

Yeah, but if you're a super casual gamer you'll find far greater variety at the price of free on your computer web browser. Just kidding, but still kind of serious- there really are people that like games, but only play web games.

The TC didn't mention 'web browser' or 'pc' in his poll... stay on track!
You make a good point though, alot of the bargains we get on IOS are even cheaper or free on PC/browser versions.