PS Vita Mods

As new hardware is developed and technologies are created, people inevitably discover its shortcomings. Since human beings are a naturally inventive bunch, we then tend to “fix” these shortcomings in one of two ways: we either improve upon the existing design, or we design something better. Gaming hardware is no different. While some folks are content to own a console or device and use it exactly how the manufacturer intended, some prefer to augment their experience by, well, augmenting their device. In some cases, this means physically altering the device with buttons, cases, colored components, power systems, etc., and in other it means digging into the code in order to alter it so that it becomes capable of doing more than orginally intended. In both cases, however, the device the manufacturer creates is insufficient to satisfy the needs of the truly demanding consumers.

The PlayStation Vita, Sony’s hot new handheld console, hasn’t even hit US shores yet, but is already the subject of much debate. Its younger sibling, the PSP (or PlayStation Portable) was revolutionary in its day, allowing a person to carry a console-level gaming experience with them wherever he or she went. Technology improved very rapidly however, and the once-lauded tech of the PSP was quickly eclipsed by an unexpected contender: the iPhone. With a smaller form factor, more powerful hardware, and cheaper software, the iPhone began to quickly steal marketshare and mindshare from the PSP and Nintendo DS. Combining the best of motion controls, intuitive touch displays, and zero-configuration multiplayer, the iPhone quickly stormed the scene. Sony is setting its sights squarely on Apple’s flagship device with the PS Vita, however, and is looking to make a splash by incorporating novel approaches to touch and motion, while still preserving the tactile feel of its iconic button layout.

There are some, however, who feel that the PS Vita’s hardware may be lacking, and still others who will want to push Sony’s new darling console to new levels by creating innovative new PS Vita mods. Already, we can see the cracks starting to show in the PS Vita’s armor as computer specialists dive into the Vita’s guts in an attempt to pull as much out of the new console as they can. Since the PS Vita was just released in Japan, hackers are already hard at work extracting firmware dumps, working on jailbreaks, and no doubt getting into the fundamental workings of the handheld console as they try to push the hardware to new levels and use it to achieve more than even Sony may have thought possible.

If the number of mods available for the PlayStation Portable are any indication, we can safely assume that the PS Vita mod community will also be a vibrant and innovative one. From homebrew video games to emulators, to physical changes to the PSP’s exterior and interior, there are very few things that determined modders will stop at, and the PS Vita looks to be no exception. With notorious jailbreaker SKFU already on the task of working towards a jailbreak, it will only be a matter of time before we see a deluge of PSV mods hitting the scene. Sony will undoubtedly respond to these unauthorized changes to the device firmware, but only time will reveal how the device will change and what new ground these hackers will reveal.

A number of Playstation Vita games have been arranged for the launch lineup, though it is important to remember that the device has already been released to Japanese consumers. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of psv games out there that will still be surprises when western buyers are allowed to purchase the unit. For instance, DJMax Technika Vita will be a seemingly interesting adaptation of the Korean arcade music game DJMax Technika. Music games are hot right now, so some fans might be hoping that the game will be released outside of South Korea.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock is certainly an example of the variety of psv games designed with science fiction fans in mind. While there is only a little bit of information currently available, a trailer has been released and it might make a more impressive use of the system resources than other puzzle ps vita games will. If the BBC doesn’t object to it, there might be a series of ps vita games for players in the future, and considering the resourcefulness of these sorts of fans, there might be a series of Playstation Vita mod attachments that allow for custom maps in the game. This depends, of course, on the style of game it turns out to be.

Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja is an example of the Playstation Vita games that are truly lined up for release when the unit hits western stores. Should it become popular because of the availability, there are numerous sorts of Playstation Vita mod designs that could help out with an action game like this. So far, it seems that Zen, San, Uzumushi, Usuba, Nobutero Ichijo and Zaji have been confirmed for the game.

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend was originally named BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II Plus, but regardless of what Arc System Works elects to call it, it should be just as awesome as any of the other BlazBlue games. The game will feature everything its predecessors had, in addition to numerous updates and the DLC characters. The game will also feature new opening animation that was done by Production I.G. Fans of Faylan might be able to look forward to the new theme song, which is entitled Azure Light.

Tales of Innocence, which many gamers probably remember from the Nintendo DS, is set for a PlayStation Vita release. The new game will contain a number of anime cut scenes that were made by Production I.G. It might be interesting to note that this is the same studio that is producing the animation for the abovementioned BlazBlue game. Naturally, Ruca, Iria, Ange and Spada will be returning to once again adventure to the ends of the earth. Therefore, fans don’t have to concern themselves with whether or not the game play itself will be altered in the mix-up.

Capcom seems to be rather active in the crossover department lately, and the Street Fighter X Tekken game is no exception. The game play should be rather interesting, considering the nuances of the Vita platform. Interestingly enough, Cole MacGrath from Infamous by Sucker Punch will be in the game. He should be an exclusive guest character on both the Vita and the PS3 versions of Street Fighter X Tekken. Toro, who is the mascot of Sony, and his rival Kuro should also be making an appearance. Though this might seem a bit strange to western gamers, Toro actually stared in its own game entitled Doko Demo Issyo.

While no real Playstation Vita mod has surfaced yet, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t high hopes for those who want to develop modifications and homebrew games. That being said, there have been a few things to surface that have fans talking. While the unit has only been out for a short period of time, and only in Japan, there are at least a few of those who want to learn to mod a PS Vita. Mamosuke, who gained some fame from the PSP community, claims to have created a Hello World sort of program that ran on a PSV.

Granted, the exploit relied on the embedded PSP emulation software, but this could certainly suggest that there might be a way to mod a PS Vita that would allow players to use backed up games developed for the PSP. It also means that there are ways to enjoy PSP vulnerabilities on the new hardware. The built in emulator software should probably be vulnerable to these same weaknesses. That means that exploits that worked with the PSP could quickly be worked into Playstation Vita mod exploits.

There are numerous ways that players can enjoy this sort of thing. Homebrew games that were developed for the PSP should eventually run on the Vita, if all goes well. However, these game exploits do not grant access to the PSP kernel mode. Some of the tools that underground developers like to mess around with aren’t available because of that. Emulators like Daedalusx64 won’t be able to run at full speed. Since it only allows access through the PSP emulation mode, this sort of exploit does not allow direct access to the hardware, and these means those features specific to the Vita hardware can’t be abused.

Moreover, there is the constant threat of Sony’s update modules. There is the chance that Sony’s own developers could catch wind of this sort of thing and patch it so that the exploit no longer works. However, that assumes that Sony actually cares about patching the PSP emulator to prevent people from using the system to play homebrew games.

With the new video game systems out, how long do they go before you need to charge them? You might be surprised to learn that some of them are actually quite short.

A Nintendo 3DS has a very short battery life. In fact, because of its size, you can only fit a 1300 mAh battery on it. A recent test run found that the entire battery was drained after 155 minutes or two hours and 35 minutes. This is partially due to the fact that 3D mode is a battery eater.

On the other hand, the PS Vita, even if it’s not a modded PS Vita, can run at maximum brightness and volume for three hours and 47 minutes, or 227 minutes, with a full charge, a difference of a whopping 46%! One reason for this is that the battery is capable of holding 70% more energy, or 2,210 mAh, coming standard. It also features a 5″ screen and there will be models coming out with 3G capability, along with touch screens on the front and on the back. On the whole, it seems that the 3DS’s battery life is horrendous and the PS Vita is about average.

A 3DS usually lasts about 4 1/2 hours when the 3D aspect of the game is turned off, but that is the gimmick of the 3DS — to give you the 3D experience. A PS Vita is more about the next generation of gaming, and whether you have a modded PS Vita or not, it will give you a minimum of roughly 3.8 hours of battery life per charge. To put this in comparison, a 2200 mAh battery on a PSP system will allow it to run for up to nine hours, and most devices such as iPhones have 10 hours.

Anyone who’s thinking about buying either a Nintendo 3DS or a PS Vita should look for expanded battery packs to be available for both systems in the coming year. With the battery life being under four hours for both of them, battery packs should be a hot seller and commodity.

If you have been waiting for a slimmer, better designed, glossy PSP, then wait no longer as the PS Vita has launched in Japan! Not to worry, even with Sony’s latest handheld gaming console, you can still use a psv mod to create the alterations you need for gaming with your PS Vita.

The PS Vita offers a 5-inch OLED capacitive touchscreen with 960 x 544 resolution with at least three hours of playtime. Of course, if you want to use a psv mod to change the operation of your games you can do so. By using a psv mod, you can play games however and whenever you want without any interruptions or security blocks.

If you like playing without restrictions, as many adamant gamers do, then modding the PS Vita is for you. You can download games not initially compatible with the PS Vita straight from their torrent websites. By modding your PS Vita, you can override the actual coding of the protection software and hardware protocols so that you can even play UMD games on your PS Vita.

Playing modded games adds to the excitement of the game because you can decide how many lives your character has, even modding it to an infinite amount of lives. You can add new weapons that aren’t available in the original game. You can change the clothing of your character as well as the colors of the game. You can even change the environment and terrain of the game or add sound effects.

Modding the PS Vita leaves unlimited options at your sole discretion. Customizing games to your unique style and preferences gives you more control of the game and less at the mercy of the game creators. You can create your ending to the games of your choice making it enjoyable and engaging.

There’s more info on the PS Vita on the wikipedia page or over at ign.