Playstation Vita: Wi-Fi only vs 3G
When Sony’s brand-new handheld device hits the western market early next year it will come in two distinctive versions. One will be equipped with Wi-Fi only for online gaming and searching at home or at a hotspot, the other will have both Wi-Fi and a 3G wireless connection for internet anywhere. Now these are two surprisingly significant differences, but which one will you be buying come 2012? Let us help you choose with our PSVita version comparison.
The first thing to consider is what you get in each package. With the more simplistic Wi-Fi only version, the device can only be connected to the internet from a specific access point, whether that be at home or in your local Starbucks. Obviously this is very limiting, particularly considering the Vita is a portable device, but it’s hard to say that this is going to be a serious issue. However, with the 3G device you’ll be able to access the internet from anywhere within reason, this means accessing the PS Store, browsing the web and even playing games online wherever you take your Vita. The one drawback in terms of technology is the recently revealed 20mb download limit which means that you won’t be able to download full games on the move, but let’s face it, not many people will want to do that anyway. In terms of pure technological capability the 3G version obviously takes the cake as undoubtedly having a connection on the go will be a great enticement for many, especially considering the improved browser that the Vita features.
Obviously the better hardware comes with a price. A very high price. While the Wi-Fi only version will cost you a one off price of $250/£230, the 3G device will set you back an extra $50/£50 as well as an as-yet-unannounced monthly fee (probably around $15/£10). Now this, for obvious reasons, is where the 3G version loses many of its stripes as only major gadget fans or those looking for an alternative to a smartphone are likely to pay this price for a portable gaming device. Paying a monthly fee for a games console is a new, and frankly frightening, prospect and I’m sure it’ll turn many gamers towards the standard version.
Ultimately, when it comes down to choosing which console to buy, each person is going to have different reasons for purchasing either of them. Some will be able to afford the high price for the 3G version so they can have a permanently portable online gaming device. Some will be happy with only having an internet connection at home and playing games on the go (myself included). Whatever the case, the Playstation Vita is shaping up to be a brilliant little bit of kit and my hands-on time with the console and Uncharted: Golden Abyss all but confirmed that I will be purchasing one come 2012.
The first thing to consider is what you get in each package. With the more simplistic Wi-Fi only version, the device can only be connected to the internet from a specific access point, whether that be at home or in your local Starbucks. Obviously this is very limiting, particularly considering the Vita is a portable device, but it’s hard to say that this is going to be a serious issue. However, with the 3G device you’ll be able to access the internet from anywhere within reason, this means accessing the PS Store, browsing the web and even playing games online wherever you take your Vita. The one drawback in terms of technology is the recently revealed 20mb download limit which means that you won’t be able to download full games on the move, but let’s face it, not many people will want to do that anyway. In terms of pure technological capability the 3G version obviously takes the cake as undoubtedly having a connection on the go will be a great enticement for many, especially considering the improved browser that the Vita features.
Obviously the better hardware comes with a price. A very high price. While the Wi-Fi only version will cost you a one off price of $250/£230, the 3G device will set you back an extra $50/£50 as well as an as-yet-unannounced monthly fee (probably around $15/£10). Now this, for obvious reasons, is where the 3G version loses many of its stripes as only major gadget fans or those looking for an alternative to a smartphone are likely to pay this price for a portable gaming device. Paying a monthly fee for a games console is a new, and frankly frightening, prospect and I’m sure it’ll turn many gamers towards the standard version.
Ultimately, when it comes down to choosing which console to buy, each person is going to have different reasons for purchasing either of them. Some will be able to afford the high price for the 3G version so they can have a permanently portable online gaming device. Some will be happy with only having an internet connection at home and playing games on the go (myself included). Whatever the case, the Playstation Vita is shaping up to be a brilliant little bit of kit and my hands-on time with the console and Uncharted: Golden Abyss all but confirmed that I will be purchasing one come 2012.
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