One of the features I really liked about the Playstation Portable (PSP) was its ability to output to a TV via Composite cables. This gave players the option to play their PSP games on a bigger screen if they wanted to do so. It also enabled the ability to record PSP gameplay, if you’re one who was into doing things like that. Unfortunately, with Sony’s next handheld, the Playstation Vita, that feature is nowhere to be seen. Other than opting in for a Vita mod, there really is no way to output Vita visuals to a bigger screen. That has now changed, thanks to the release of the Playstation TV, which is essentially a console version of the Vita handheld. Although, it’s not quite exactly what you may expect or want if you’re in the market for a way to output Vita gameplay to a bigger screen. However, its features may entice PS4 owners and even those who are on the fence about obtaining a Vita.

The Playstation TV is a home device that is capable of playing Vita games using either Vita cartridges or Vita memory cards, in which there are slots on the device for both. It’s also possible to play digital PSP games, PSP minis, PS ONE games, and even PS3 games through PS Now. The system is surprisingly small and lightweight. It outputs audio and video through HDMI only, has an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection (has Wi-fi also), and a USB port for connecting a Dualshock 3 or Dualshock 4 controller. The price of the system by itself is $99.99 and comes with an HDMI cable and power cord for the system. An alternative bundle going for $139.99 has the PS TV (with HDMI and power cord) along with an 8GB Vita memory card, a Dualshock 3 controller with USB cord, and a copy of The Lego Movie Video Game.

The Good: If you’re in the market for playing Vita games on a big screen TV, then the Playstation TV is capable of doing that. If you’re one who couldn’t get use to the form factor of the Vita system, or simply wanted to play Vita games with a Dualshock 3 or Dualshock 4 controller, then the PS TV can do just that. It’s a bit impressive of what can be done with the PS TV. Unfortunately, there are quite a few other things you’ll need to consider when possibly picking up this system, which I’ll address later in the review.

Seeing Vita games on your HDTV is a mix of looking good to looking not so great. Games that were made for Vita look good being upscaled like Persona 4 Golden and Demon Gaze, while games that are ports of console games like Borderlands 2, are of noticeable less quality. PS Now works as expected, but older system games like PS One and PSP will obviously look aged. Nonetheless, it’s a decent job overall.

The Bad: While the Playstation TV can be best described as a Vita in console form, it actually isn’t compatible with the entire Vita library. So not every Vita game is fully playable on the PS TV. Mainly games that are touch screen heavy are the usual types you’ll find are not compatible, so no support for the more unique Vita titles like Tearaway, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and Gravity Rush. There are a few games that have minor touch functionality, like Persona 4 Golden and Danganronpa, that are still playable on the PS TV, and there are ways to simulate the touch aspect of an actual Vita. These are done with clicking in the sticks on a DS3 or DS4 controller, even using the touch pad of the DS4 controller works.

Speaking of which, you can’t actually use a Vita system as the controller, only the DS3 and DS4 controllers are supported, and you’ll need to connect them via USB in order to sync it with the system. In fact, that’s the only way to connect a controller to the system. So if for some reason you don’t have the USB cord to connect a controller to the system, you actually can’t use it. And as far as I know, purchasing a controller separately doesn’t come with USB cords. So if you don’t already own a PS3 or PS4, then the PS TV bundle is the way to go, simply to ensure that you have a USB cord to connect a controller to. While a rare case for whom this product is mainly appealing to, it’s still something to keep in mind. After the controller is synced, you can detach the cord to use the controller wirelessly.

A couple of appealing features of the PS TV are the possibilities of using it as a stream box and/or being able to use it to play your PS4 from another room using the PS4 remote play feature. The PS TV can do these things, but what you get with them is really disappointing. As far as video streaming goes, not all streaming apps actually work. A couple do work like Crunchyroll, but the usual streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and even Youtube aren’t compatible. So this isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for a streaming box that’s capable of playing Vita games.

Unfortunately, this can also be said about the possibility of using this device as a possible way to play your PS4 from another room. Linking the PS TV with your PS4 is just like with a Vita, so it’s fairly simple to do. Start up the PS4 Link app, and once it finds your PS4, you’re ready to go. While it does work as advertised, there’s noticeable lag when playing. I wouldn’t say it’s so terrible that everything is unplayable, but it’s still disappointing to see. Games that don’t really require precise controls are playable enough to not be an issue, but other games where you will need that precision are better off being played on the PS4.

A list of PS TV compatible games can be found here. There is also a special section in the PSN store that features only PS TV compatible games.

Overall Thoughts: The Playstation TV is kind of impressive for what it is. A small device capable of playing various types of games from Vita to PSP to PS3 on your HDTV. A good chunk of Vita games look surprisingly good too on an HDTV. A lot of issues plague the PS TV from being an absolute must-have, which is disappointing. Not all Vita games (even PSP and PS ones) are compatible, so this won’t be replacing the Vita anytime soon. Also the possibilities of this being a streaming device are not fully there, with apps like Netflix not even working. And while the idea of being able to play your PS4 from another room without moving the system is a nice option to have, the noticeable lag prevents this from being a notable feature. Hopefully these features improve in future firmware updates and more compatibility with games and apps are added.

At a $99 entry point, the Playstation TV is still somewhat decent. Currently though, there just isn’t enough there for me to highly recommend this device. I will at least recommend it for those who are iffy about the Vita and want a cheap option in order to play the exclusive games available. Although, in the long run an actual Vita will probably still be the choice I would recommend. However, if and when the PS TV’s issues do get resolved, the PS TV does have the potential to be a worthwhile purchase.

Otaku Dome gives the Playstation TV a 65 out of 100.