The PS Vita is arguably the mostunderrated handheld consoleof all time. When it released back in 2011, the features on Sony’s new device blew gamers away. There were front and back touchscreens, a gorgeous OLED screen, dual analog sticks, motion controls, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. However, proprietary memory cards, expensive games and the smartphone boom held the Vita’s potential back, and Sony discontinued the device in 2015.
Right at the beginning of the PS Vita’s lifecycle, Sony were trying to push its features, so several of the early games showed off the console’s touchscreen capabilities. Although gimmicky at times, there were some games that were enhanced with touchscreen controls, including big blockbusters from theUnchartedandKillzonefranchises. The following games used the touchscreen technology the best.
7Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Uncharted: Golden Abysswas a launch title for the PS Vita, and the action-adventure game really showed off the Vita’s features. In fact, thisUnchartedgame was criticized for using the touchscreen controls a tad too much. Players had to use their fingers to solve puzzles, clean items, and execute combat moves.
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Although not the most popular ofNathan Drake games,Uncharted: Golden Abysswas the only way to playUnchartedon a portable device untilUncharted: Legacy of Thieveswas released on Steam, allowing Steam Deck owners to play on the go. However,Golden Abyssremains unique for its touch-style controls and is a must-play.
6Killzone: Mercenary
Killzone: Mercenary, which is the onlyKillzonegame available on the Vita, is highly regarded as one of thebestKillzonegamesof all time. It was released relatively early on in the Vita’s life, andMercenaryuses several tough controls that are not too intrusive and work well during gameplay.
Touch can be used in melee to throw grenades and to reload weapons, and it all works very well. The touchscreen features can also be turned off completely, which allowed the game to be used on the forgotten PlayStation TV later down the line.
5Tearaway
If players want to find out what the PS Vita’s touch capabilities are, look no further thanTearaway. This Sony title wasmade for the Vitaand received extremely high scores on release.Tearawayuses the front and back touchpads, the motion controls, and the cameras.
Tearawaytries to immerse the player right from the start, and gamers will be prodding and rotating their device at all times in this title. Not only are the touch aspects of the game a joy to play with, the story and gameplay is also excellent, making this a must-play on Sony’s handheld.
4LittleBigPlanet PS Vita
LikeTearaway,LittleBigPlanet PS Vitabelongs on Sony’s most recent handheld device. Gamers were no strangers toSackboyat the time this was released, with a PSP version also available, but never had players been so immersed into theLittleBigPlanetworld.
Some levels are touch only, which can be a little cumbersome at times. But when the player gets the hang of it,LittleBigPlaneton the Vita is an exhilarating experience. Despite coming out over ten years ago,LittleBigPlanetremains one of thebest games on the systemand still holds up today.
3Gravity Rush
Gravity Rushno doubt took Vita gamers by surprise when it landed on the console back in 2012. Japan Studio were ambitious with this one, and it certainly paid off. Players take control of Kat, who has special powers to manipulate gravity.
Although tricky at times, the combat is particularly special inGravity Rush. Gamers must swipe to evade, shake to jump, and tap the screen to perform finishers. This game isat home on the Vitaand is certainly not one to be skipped.
2Escape Plan
Escape Planwas extremely popular on the PlayStation Store when it released on the PS Vita back in 2012. This touchscreen-only game utilizes the Vita’s touch features superbly. The gameplay is simple and fun, and the black-and-white art style stands out thanks to the original Vita’s stunning OLED screen.
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Thispuzzle gameuses the front and back touchscreens tremendously, while gyroscopic controls also play a big part inEscape Plan. This has never had a physical release on the Vita, so some players may have missed out on this.Escape Planis a must-play on the handheld, even if the story only really allows one playthrough.
1Little Deviants
Little Deviantswas one of the first games to be released on the PS Vita, and this title was the perfect way for Sony to show off the Vita’s unique features. All 30 minigames make use of the handheld’s touchscreens, motion controls and traditional buttons as well as augmented reality.
For most PS Vita owners,Little Deviantswas the first game played on the system. Even by today’s standards, this game wasway ahead of its timein terms of showing off what a new console is capable of at the start of its lifecycle.
