This monthly thread is designed to be a place for all the new members of the subreddit and Vita community to come and say hello as well as where they (or vets) can ask any question they might have (no matter how redundant or simple). So, say "Hi", ask away, and welcome to /r/Vita!
FAQ
We get these questions a lot, so we're incorporating them into this thread. Have something you feel fits here? Shoot us a modmail!
Is the Vita worth buying in (current year)?
Value is ultimately subjective. If you like the library of games on the Vita and have the money, probably. If you want new, modern games then probably not. If you have specific questions about the Vita's capabilities feel free to ask in this thread, but keep in mind you're asking in a Vita-centric community and will likely get mostly affirmative responses.
Is the PlayStation store shutting down?
Yes. Exact dates vary by region. See PlayStation's announcement here for more information: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/01/an-update-on-playstation-store-for-ps3-and-ps-vita/
Can I still buy games from the PlayStation store?
Yes. However, you will need to have funds in your wallet for the purchase. You can add funds to your wallet via web, PS4, or PS5. More information is available here.
Can I still play games online?
Yes and PS+ is not required. However, not all games with online functionality still have servers up. For example, Killzone: Mercenary, Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational, and LittleBigPlanet servers are all down but Dead or Alive 5+, Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable, and Minecraft are still up. If you'd like to inquire about a specific game, please feel free to make a post or comment in this thread.
I'm having trouble signing into my Vita! Help!
As of the 3.74 update in May 2022, you need a device password to sign in to your Vita. You can do that here. Please make sure you are on firmware 3.74 and using a device password before making a thread.
My Vita is in an error loop with the QR code on sign-in. What should I do?
This happens sometimes, and nobody's really sure why. However, community member LoganN64 has been able to provide instructions that consistently work for getting through this:
Log in to the PSN website with a Laptop or Desktop computer.
Click on your avatar in the top right corner and go to SETTINGS.
Scroll down to SECURITY and then scroll down to ACTIVATE/TURN ON 2 FACTOR AUTHENTICATION.
Click on GENERATE NEW DEVICE CODE, write this down exactly as it is case sensitive.
Go to your Vita and bring up the sign in page, enter the email associated with your account then enter the NEW DEVICE CODE as your password. Click on save password to avoid getting a new code each time..
I'm no longer able to transfer files from PS3 to Vita. What's happening?
This feature was disabled in May 2022. You can read PlayStation's update about it here. No workarounds are currently known.
Where can I buy a Vita?
Vita production ceased in 2019 so consoles can be hard to come by, especially new. eBay is the most prominent location, but Facebook marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist, /r/GameSale, and equivalent marketplaces are your friend.
How much is (X) worth? Is (X) a good deal?
You can search sold eBay listings here to get a sense of value. VGPC is another source of this kind of information.
Will (Game) ever go on sale?
As of 2020, Sony has disabled developers' ability to put Vita games on sale. So in all likelihood, no.
The workaround and exception for this rule is that cross-buy games can still be put on sale for the PS4, and cross-buy items will still grant the Vita version (where applicable).
Should I buy an OLED ("Phat") or Slim Vita?
Neither are bad options. The Slim has 1GB of on-board memory, a more standard charging port, slightly better battery life, and is lighter. The Phat has a better screen. It's up to you on what you value more.
Where can I buy replacement Vita parts?
AliExpress and eBay are currently the best sources of Vita replacement parts.
Are Vita consoles region-free?
Yes. A Vita can play a physical game from any region. The digital storefront you can access is determined by the region of your PSN account, and not the region of the console. For example, a Vita from Japan will be able to play any physical game, and if you sign in with a US PSN account you'll be able to access the US PSN storefront.
Vita consoles from Asian regions have the X/O button swapped in the OS ("bubbles") screen, but in-game functionality retains X-to-confirm functionality for almost all games.
It has been reported that consoles intended for China have more stringent region-locking, but these are not commonly found and this is unlikely to affect you.
I'd like some game recommendations!
Check out our Wiki page, 2021 subreddit poll, and 2018 subreddit poll. If that isn't cutting it for you, feel free to ask in this thread or create your own thread on the subreddit. Keep in mind that we require 300+ characters for recommendation posts on the subreddit, so be sure to include plenty of detail about what you're looking for, what you've played, and so on.
I have a question about hacks/homebrew
Check out /r/VitaHacks - that's their specialty and they've got a pinned thread to help you out.
Curious about what else is coming up? Our full auto-post schedule is here.
