I really can't decide...

[AnthrSolidSnake]

So, I'm 20, and I still live at home, but that's because I'm working on saving to be on my own. However, despite my saying she didn't need to, my mother still insists on doing Christmas presents, and our standard "tradition" of Christmas gifts is, a bunch of small "lesser" gifts (these usually included video games, clothes, and cheaper electronic stuff), and then one "large" gift for each of us (my brother and I).

So, if she really insisted on buying me a large gift this year, I decided that I would ask for either a PS Vita, or a 3DS XL. The problem is, I'm VERY stuck between the two. I've tried to decide on my own which of the two I'd really want over the other, but I can't ultimately choose, since there are pros and cons to both for me.

PS Vita:

Pros
-I love feeling like my consoles/devices are capable, and there's no disputing the PS Vita has power
-While there are less titles, there are more powerful ones according to my own tastes.
-Dual joysticks
-Compatible with the PS4 for whenever I decide to get one

Cons
-Stupidly overpriced memory
-Less games
-Not many people I know even have one
-Screen is exposed unless I buy a case

3DS XL:

Pros
-Larger game library (but not as many powerful titles that I want to play)
-Clampshell design to prevent screen damage
-More people I know have one
-Cheaper memory

Cons
-Not as many games I'm interested in (despite larger library)
-While 3-d is neat, I find it useless otherwise



Both consoles are also very similar in price right now, and I assume it'd be the same during holiday sales (with the exception of the added cost of a PS Vita memory card)
But yes, this is my gaming dilemma. I've been pondering on it for a couple months now, and with only about a month left until Christmas, my mother is becoming impatient with the lack of telling her what I would want since she likes to order/buy things sooner rather than later. So I'd appreciate input from people who own either, or even both.

How do they feel to hold for long periods of time? What is battery life like? Are there too many gimmicky games on either console? Are there extra functions or features capable on either console?

 

[ohnoitsabear]

I have been loving my 3DSXL since I've gotten it earlier this year. The system feels sturdy, and is pretty comfortable, although I have largish hands. The battery life is pretty good, and is more than enough for pretty much anything I use it for.

There are quite a few excellent games on the 3DS. Fire Emblem: Awakening is awesome, and a must play if you get the system. The new Animal Crossing and Luigi's Mansion games are also really good. I've heard the new Pokemons are amazing, but I haven't picked one up yet (hopefully next week). I have no idea if any of these games interest you, but they're worth looking at.

I really can't comment on the Vita, since I don't have one, and don't know anybody that does. I know that the main reason I decided against getting one is because there weren't very many games on it that interested me, but that's completely subjective. The only game coming out for it that I really want is Binding of Isaac, because that is an amazing game and would work perfectly on a handheld and dammit Nintendo why won't you put it on the 3DS.

Edit: Also, I want to add that I almost never use the 3D on the 3DS. It's kind of cool, but it really isn't the reason you should be looking at the system.

 

[Barbas]

I predict the 3DSXL will go down to a cheaper sale price than the PS Vita over Christmas (I consulted Professor Trelawney). That and the fact that it's got more time-absorbing games like Pokemon and Mario titles on it, would probably draw me more to its side. Remember that it is backwards-compatible with a lot of DS and 3DS games as well.

 

[Phoenixmgs_v1legacy]

I think you kinda answered your own question, buy the system that has more games that you want to play (current games and known games that will be coming). Which system has more must-play games for you?

 

[Weaver]

I think you kinda answered your own question, buy the system that has more games that you want to play (current games and known games that will be coming). Which system has more must-play games for you?

Exactly this. If there are more games on the Vita you're interested in then get a vita.
I basically just use my Vita to watch youtube in bed now. It's pretty good at that

 

[krazykidd]

Buy a 2DS. Les pricey ( but if it's a gift why do you care?), no annoying 3D, can play DS and 3DS games. Plus it's foolproof!

 

[krazykidd]

I think you kinda answered your own question, buy the system that has more games that you want to play (current games and known games that will be coming). Which system has more must-play games for you?

Except that , bigger library means more support, which means increased likelyhood more games will be released that you enjoy.

 

[Gitty101]

I think you've already answered this for yourself. Go where the games you want to play are.

 

[Drummodino]

Buy the one that has the most games you want. Simple.

I will say as a Vita owner that it is a phenomenal system. Personally I think it's worth getting one for Persona 4 Golden alone (I've clocked over 150 hours in that game across two play-throughs).

 

[Souplex]

There are actual games for the 3DS, I cannot make that claim for the Vita.

 

[AnthrSolidSnake]

Well, which games do you want? I can recommend dozens of 3DS games, but only a hand full of Vita games (although very good Vita games)

What games are you looking for? RPG's? Stratgey games? JRPG's? Give us a hint and we can point you in the right direction.

I'm not a Mario fan, at least not anything past Sunshine, and also platformers in general.
I will at least try any RPG and JRPG
Shooters, third or first, are my favorite games (usually)
Not too big on strategy games, but there can be a few exceptions

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

To mirror everyone, buy it for the games plain and simple. And I'm with you. While the 3ds does have a bigger library, I'm interested in virtually none of the games on it other than the new Pokemon and some jrpgs. I'll get a 3ds eventually but I don't think I'll own too many games for it. If you do decide to go for the 3ds, I'd get the XL. Those 5 inch screens are great. Another point in favor of the 3ds is that I think it's pretty hackable (or at least will be) because of its use of sd cards. I at least found this useful with my psp

As the for the vita, it's been getting indi ports left and right which I love. I already own bunch of titles for it, many I got through ps+. Supposedly by Christmas, the vita will get even get Minecraft based on the console version and not the gimped mobile version. It's even getting Borderlands 2. Some are also saying the vita TV could take off, especially in places like China where a cheap device would sell better so the vita could get a lot of software for it

Edit: list of 3ds games [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_3DS_games] and list of vita games [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PlayStation_Vita_games]

 

[Something Amyss]

Vita+PS Plus is awesome. the major flaw is the storage cost. But still, if you can live with that, and you want more games on the Vita, then no contest.

Also, screen protector.

 

[EHKOS]

I had a Vita. I now have a 3DS. It is midnight purple and I love it. The Vita is a sad thing. It has so uch potential, so much power, and yet, not enough software to put it to good use. And for the price it's not worth it.(The Crash Bandicoot games aren't even compatible despite it having a PS1 emulator) The 3DS on the other hand, has a lower price, more games, the screen doesn't get greasy, the 3D can be turned off, and the exclusives are better...and there are more of them.

Honestly the Vita is a joke at this point. Gravity Rush and Persona are the only games I've heard praise for, and most of it's library have PS3 ports. And Uncharted GA is awful. I want that on record. The only thing I ended up using it for were PS1 classics like Metal Slug, and as an MP3 player (which the 3ds can also do).

Get the 3DS.

 

[The Enquirer]

Even thought I am more of a Sony person I am going to have to say the 3DS. It's got the better, more time consuming games and as you said, the over priced memory of the psvita will set you back some. And over time you will need to continue to buy more memory for it.

Go with the 3DS.

 

[JagermanXcell]

While the Vita has Persona 4 Golden and Gravity Rush aka a body with a heart and a brain but without other organs and bones to support it....
I'm not very good at analogies....
[i[IT HAS NO GAMES[/i] is what I meant ok... >_>

The 3Ds at least has a larger game library that is still increasing and is very diverse. So if games are what you're looking, 3Ds is the way to go especially in terms of RPG's, cause the handheld is really dominating in that department at the moment.
Or the 2Ds if you want something without the gimmicky feature.

 

[twistedmic]

My advice, flip a coin. If you don't immediately like the result then choose the 'loosing side. For example, you decide heads for PS Vita, tails for the 3DS; If the coin ends up on heads and you're disappointed, go with the 3DS. If it ends up heads and you're satisfied with the result, go with the Vita.

 

[Zeraki]

At this point it seems like Sony has given up on the Vita as a handheld gaming device and is pushing it more as a peripheral for the PS4. Which is a shame because it is a really nice little powerhouse of a handheld. The 3DS has much more first and third party support, and a larger library with new games constantly coming out to boot.


In the long run it depends on the games. My Vita has mostly been a glorified PSP emulator since I got it. To say I'm annoyed by the lack of support this console has gotten would be an understatement. Despite having great games like Persona 4 Golden and Gravity Rush, it doesn't have much else to it that's really worth investing money in. Especially when you take those insanely expensive memory cards into consideration.

I know you said there aren't as many 3DS games that you're interested in, but if you want a handheld you know will still be getting support in the distant future, the 3DS would be my recommendation. I bought one a few months ago, and in that short time I've had more enjoyment with it, than I have had with the Vita in the year I've owned it.