While engrossed in playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second installment of a planned trilogy of FF7 remakes, I found myself yearning to replay the original 1997 game. When Rebirth concluded, I was faced with a conundrum: how should I revisit the original? The game has been ported to numerous modern platforms, and I still possess the original PlayStation discs. However, I ultimately opted for the PlayStation Vita, a beloved yet often overlooked piece of video game hardware. To my delight, the Vita continues to impress.
FF7 sparked my renewed fascination with the Vita, and I’ve been progressing through the game intermittently. But my appreciation for the handheld device has grown beyond that. I had forgotten how well-suited the Vita is for playing classic games, especially immersive RPGs, and how it boasts a plethora of excellent indie games. Sound Shapes remains one of the finest music games ever created, while Hotline Miami, Bastion, and Fez are perfectly adapted for the Vita. I’ve also rediscovered games like the post-apocalyptic strategy game Tokyo Jungle Mobile and the streamlined skateboarding action of the first OlliOlli.
The Vita’s appeal lies in Sony’s exceptional hardware design. The device is compact and lightweight, as a handheld should be, but it doesn’t sacrifice functionality. It features all the sticks and buttons you’d expect from a PlayStation device and handles like a PlayStation controller, despite the sticks being slightly small. It even includes a touchscreen for games that utilize it, such as the soccer game Passing Time. The Vita’s design predates the Switch, but it’s sturdier due to its solid construction. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
In what could be described as a golden age for handhelds, with devices like the Playdate, Analogue Pocket, Steam Deck, and the Switch, the Vita still holds its own. The only comparable device is the Switch Lite, which condensed and solidified the original design. However, if I want to play a variety of games on the go, including those that require a traditional control scheme, the Vita has become my preferred choice. Recently, I’ve been enjoying Lumines: Electronic Symphony during exercise bike sessions, a feat that would be challenging with a bulkier device like the Steam Deck.
Using a Vita in 2024 does have its drawbacks, primarily related to acquiring new games. The Vita isn’t a viable platform for contemporary developers, and finding old physical releases can be challenging. While Nintendo DS games are common in thrift stores, a Vita cartridge is a rare find. Although digital games can be purchased on the Vita’s store, Sony has made the process more cumbersome than necessary. Despite this, I navigated through various menus to purchase Parasite Eve, which I plan to play after FF7. Unfortunately, most classic games are straight ports without the quality-of-life improvements found in modern re-releases.
The Vita serves as a reminder that just because a company has moved on from a gaming platform, it doesn’t mean you have to. Neither the hardware nor its games feel particularly outdated. With a plethora of Vita games I’ve yet to explore, along with older PSone games I’ve been meaning to replay, I’m not lacking options. In just a few weeks, I’ve compiled a substantial queue; after Parasite Eve, my list includes the original Suikoden and Persona games. These games aren’t exclusive to the Vita — they simply feel better there.
