Sony PlayStation Vita

Well built, comprehensive controls, good launch line-up, good online store

Short battery life, games are comparatively expensive

If you’re into gaming the PlayStation Vita makes a lot of sense. It’s a well-built dedicated gaming system that’s a lot like having a PlayStation 3 in your pocket (or at least in your bag). What it lacks in versatility it makes up for in focus, which...

Upbeat orchestral soundtrack ; Lush visual landscape and detailed pets ; Offers a charming and adventurous campaign

Intolerable voice acting ; Skill progression is a grind ; Slow-paced gameplay can put you to sleep

PlayStation Vita Pets struggles to teach an old dog new tricks. It takes a few steps forward and the same steps back, so a couple of more laps around the obstacle course might be needed before this pooch can storm out of the gate running like a champion.

Light and durable design with excellent controls ; Big, beautiful OLED screen ; Rear touchpad works well, permits unique gameplay

Overpriced proprietary memory cards ; Onboard 0.3 megapixel cameras are terrible ; Middling battery life

When it comes to pure performance, the PlayStation Vita is the best dedicated handheld gaming console you can buy.

More comfortable, colorful design ; Standard Micro USB charger ; Growing indie game support

LCD display is a downgrade ; Few AAA titles ; OS still drowning in bubbles

A compelling $200 luxury extra for gamers

Amazing screen ; Excellent controls ; Well-designed OS ; Good launch lineup

Inconsistent apps ; Multiple accounts are a no-go ; Expensive proprietary memory ; Limited 3G use not worth price of admission

Excellent hardware; Front and rear multi-touch capability; SixAxis motion sensing; Very ergonomic; Dual analogue sticks; Support for augmented reality gaming; Tight PSN integration.

Uber expensive; Proprietary memory card; Poor battery life; Inaccessible battery; Sadistic media transfer implementation; Inept browser and social networking integration; Screen prone to scratches.

Every control method you can think of; good price; fluid gaming experience

Falls short of iPad’s post-PC functionality; smaller screen; short battery life

What about pricing? The Vita starts at a reasonable $349. You have to buy a Sony-branded memory card separately, but it still comes in at markedly less than the $429 that the new iPad sells for.

That’s what makes the Vita’s future especially tough to predict. Without any big idea at its core, the Vita is a “to be continued” story. Purchasing one is like buying a ticket to an empty void in the hope that someone out there will arrive to fill in...