Why PS Vita TV Could Be a Game Changer

Is the set-top box one of Sony's most exciting new products?

Last night, Sony surprised the world with the PS Vita TV — a $99 or $150 console that plays PS Vita games and offers remote access to the PS4. But the rapid "one more thing"-style announcement may have left some confused about what the system does, how it works, and why anyone would want one. But as it turns out, the PS Vita TV's potential is far greater than a cursory glance might suggest. In fact, the PS Vita TV may be one of Sony's most exciting new products and could provide a critical edge for the PS4.

PlayStation 4 in Any Room

Perhaps the biggest allure of the PS Vita TV is its capacity to remotely stream games from a PlayStation 4 on a shared local Wi-Fi network. With remote play, PS Vita TV promises to allow players to extend PS4 gameplay experiences to any room in their house, without having to move the console itself. With just the small, inexpensive box, users will in effect be able to keep playing games in a different room if a roommate wants to take over the TV.
But as exciting as it sounds on paper, there's reason to be cautiously optimistic about remote play. For one, the feature won't be available at the launch of PS Vita TV and Sony has yet to issue an estimate for when it might arrive. What's more, existing and previous examples of wireless game streaming have proven to be prone to latency, range, stability, and visual fidelity issues. But given the emphasis on remote play across PS Vita TV, PS Vita, and PS4, Sony's Gaikai technology could streamline the concept.

PS Vita - The Console

I know what you're thinking — why would anyone want to play Vita games on a TV? And to be fair, there's some merit to that concern. But while some consumers may be apprehensive about buying a dedicated handheld, they may still have interest in its games. And for $99 or $150, the PS Vita TV provides access to the growing library of titles available only on the Vita either downloadable via memory card or on a cartridge. While an upscaled version of a portable title may not be as enjoyable as the native handheld experience, it gives Vita owners another method of play and those without a way to try out the titles and earn Trophies. Players will also be able to play adhoc multiplayer games on their TV with other players playing on their PS Vitas. Add to that the system's capacity to play PS One classics and the PS Vita TV is a fairly robust games platform.

A Cheap Streaming Media Box

There's no shortage of platforms for streaming movies and television via Netflix or Hulu, but if you're a subscriber to Sony's Movies Unlimited service or rent content from the PSN, the PS3 (and eventually the PS4) are the primary means of viewing it on your TV. But what if you want to access it from a different room? The PS Vita TV is a simplified, low-cost solution for extending Sony's entertainment ecosystem and other third-party services throughout your house.

Sony has also confirmed that the system will support the PS Vita's other apps, like its web browser, email client, LiveTweet, and most importantly, PSN social features. Players will be able to chat with PSN friends and party up for multiplayer games. With the existing library of apps and as it grows, the PS Vita TV will emerge as a multifaceted living room solution.

The Lingering Questions

Currently, pricing and release information for PS Vita TV are confirmed for Japan, but Sony's plans to bring the device to other markets and when are still unknown. As previously mentioned, availability for the system's remote play functionality is also unclear. Sony has also stated that only select Vita titles will be supported, but hasn't offered insight into how the system will address games with touch controls when using the DualShock 3. We've inquired with Sony representatives and will post any clarification that results.