The PS Vita is one of the biggest what-ifs in gaming history, following hot on the heels of the immensely successful PSP. However, a lack of post-launch support led to the handheld being rather poorly received. Many people felt that Sony ignored this handheld in favor of their home console offerings.
While this is understandable, it doesn't take the sting away from the failure of this handheld. There could have been several great exclusive titles and other such games that made the most of the Vita's unique hardware. Instead, what most people ended up with was a handheld that they'd barely pick up once in a while to play something interesting. Thankfully, the Vita library was still loaded with some great gems, even if most of these games were also present on other consoles or were eventually ported after a while.
Updated March 4, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: It's a shame that Sony gave up on the PlayStation Vita instead of putting more effort and resources into developing better exclusives for this handheld. The foundation of this console was strong and deserved more than just being a glorified portable JRPG player, as everyone remembers it. Still, there is a wealth of great games perfect for the PS Vita. If players have the chance to experience these games on one of the most underappreciated consoles of all time, they should jump at this opportunity.
10 Best Rhythm Games On The PS Vita
From Persona 4: Dancing All Night to Lumines: Electronic Symphony, the PS Vita is a haven for rhythm games. Here are some of the best on the system.
8 Guacamelee!
Metascore: 87
Guacamelee!
- Released
- April 9, 2013
- Developer(s)
- DrinkBox Studios
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Beat 'Em Up
Guacamelee is one of the best Metroidvania platformers that a lot of fans aren't aware of. A platforming action game that features a luchador as the protagonist is a winning concept that should have attracted a bevy of fans. Thankfully, the people who did check out Guacamelee loved its amazing charm and striking art style.
It's easy to see why this game received a well-deserved sequel after making a name for itself. Players who want to check out an entertaining Metroidvania full of character and charm will love what Guacamelee brings to the table.
7 Rayman Legends
Metascore: 87
Rayman Legends
- Released
- August 30, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montpellier
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PS Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Stadia
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
There was a time when Ubisoft invested in IPs that weren't AAA copy-paste titles. Rayman was one of their most popular mascots even though he has slowly faded into obscurity. It's a shame, since the franchise clearly has some legs to stand on. Many fans wish that the company would put some effort into making creative platformers with this protagonist at the helm.
Rayman Origins is one of many quality platformers featuring this character. The charm of this game is palpable from the get-go, making it easy to see why the PS Vita was such a good fit for this engaging title.
6 Tearaway
Metascore: 87
Tearaway shows just how much wasted potential the PS Vita had. If games were tailor-made for this console, then it could have been something magical. A big reason why most people haven't heard of this game is because Tearaway is a Vita exclusive. The console may have faded into obscurity, but there are people who still get some joy out of games like Tearaway that showed what this system was capable of in the right hands.
10 PlayStation Console Variations That Exclusively Released In Japan
Japan has received several amazing exclusive PlayStation consoles over the years from the PS2s to PS4s and beyond.
It helps that the game's endearing aesthetic and fun mechanics make it a great title that any fan of platforming games will have a great time with. If there's one thing that can be said about Tearaway, it's that there aren't many games like this unique gem that more people need to check out for themselves.
5 Rayman Origins
Metascore: 88
Rayman Origins
The fact that one of the greatest platformers ever made was developed by Ubisoft is rather hard to digest, given the trajectory this company has taken in modern times. Rayman Origins will surprise any fan of platformers, who will be amazed at how imaginative and approachable this title is.
The game also had co-op so that more people could join in the fun. Most people found the game to be simple enough to get into and incredibly satisfying to master, especially in some of the tougher levels where precision platforming is downright necessary to succeed.
4 Spelunky
Metascore: 88
Spelunky
One of the first platforming roguelikes that blew most people's minds, Spelunky is one of the biggest indie successes that still continues to inspire modern titles to this day. The game's addictive gameplay loop meant that hours could fly by as players tried to perfect their earlier run, improving their skill and figuring out new ways to tackle certain obstacles.
Even now, players can have a great time playing through Spelunky and its procedurally generated levels. So, it's only a given that having the ability to play this title on the go was a huge plus. Spelunky is perfect for short play sessions, although players should keep in mind that they can't save in the middle of a run, so they're better off avoiding that one final run if they have something urgent to get to.
3 LittleBigPlanet PS Vita
Metascore: 88
LittleBigPlanet PS Vita
- Released
- September 25, 2012
- Developer(s)
- Double Eleven, Tarsier Studios, XDev
- Platform(s)
- PS Vita
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Puzzle
It's a shame that LittleBigPlanet is not really a focus for Sony anymore. This cute platforming game could have been Sony's new mascot, with a few creative games here and there letting them create a potential competitor in the genre. However, that shouldn't take away from the achievements that this series has already enjoyed and the PS Vita version of LittleBigPlanet has earned its plaudits.
10 Final Fantasy Console Variations You Never Knew Existed
These special edition consoles are so rare and unique that many Final Fantasy fans have never seen them before.
The justified the purchase of the Vita for many, making the most out of this powerful handheld and letting players know what it could achieve in the right circumstances. If the console had received more titles like this gem, then it's possible that the PS Vita could have been a genuine competitor for the 3DS.
2 Velocity 2X
Metascore: 90
Velocity 2X
Players looking for a fast-paced action game that would keep them on their toes should look no further than Velocity 2X. The game turned a lot of heads when it launched for its dazzling shoot-'em-up gameplay that had been refined to a T, letting players enjoy a polished gem that people don't really talk about nowadays.
It's a shame since Velocity 2X captures that arcade goodness that fans will definitely get a kick out of. The title was perfect for the Vita, with players easily picking up their handheld and trying a stage or two if they had some time to spare.
1 Persona 4 Golden
Metascore: 93
Persona 4 Golden
- Released
- December 9, 2008
- Developer(s)
- Atlus
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS Vita, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
There aren't many games that justify the purchase of a console, so Persona 4 Golden is certainly special if most people say that they bought the Vita just to play this JRPG. Unlike Persona 3 Portable, which had to conform to the limitations of the PSP and downgraded many aspects of the game as a result, Persona 4 Golden was launching on a system that was more powerful than the PS2 by a wide margin.
This allowed Atlus to go all out as they enhanced most aspects of the game, integrating a wealth of QoL changes and becoming the definitive edition that everyone recommends over the original. Now that the game has finally been ported to modern consoles, Persona fans are pretty happy, but there was a time when it was impossible to converse with any fan without them mentioning how annoying it was that they never got to play one of the greatest JRPGs ever made.
Persona 4 Golden: Best Skill Sets for Every Party Member
Here are some recommended Skill Sets for each member of the Investigation Team in Persona 4 Golden.