PlayStation TV: Sony's Microconsole for Vita and Remote Play
The PlayStation TV (also known as the PS TV or PlayStation Vita TV in Asia) is a compact microconsole developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Designed as a home-based extension of the PlayStation Vita handheld, this device allows users to experience Vita-era gaming on a large television screen via an HDMI connection.
Measuring just 6.5 cm by 10.5 cm—roughly the size of a standard pack of playing cards—the PS TV serves as a bridge between handheld portability and the living room experience. While it shares much of its DNA with the PlayStation Vita, it is technically classified as the VTE-1000 series to distinguish it from the handheld PCH models.
Key Facts
- Developer/Manufacturer: Sony Computer Entertainment / Sony
- Primary Function: Playing PS Vita, PSP, and digital PlayStation titles on a TV.
- Core Connectivity: HDMI output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet LAN.
- Controller Support: Sixaxis, DualShock 3, and DualShock 4.
- Special Feature: Supports PS4 Remote Play for streaming games from a PlayStation 4.
Technical Specifications
Under the hood, the PS TV utilizes a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore CPU and a quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4+ graphics processor. It is equipped with 512 MB of RAM and 128 MB of VRAM. While it includes 1GB of internal storage, users can expand this capacity using various PS Vita memory cards ranging from 4 GB to 64 GB.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore |
| Graphics | Quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4+ |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM |
| Display Output | HDMI (720p, 1080i, 480p) |
| Storage | 1GB internal (expandable via PS Vita card) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Ethernet |
Features and Functionality
The PS TV is designed to function as a media and gaming hub. Beyond playing physical PS Vita cartridges and digital downloads from the PlayStation Store, it supports streaming services such as Hulu and Niconico. Through the PlayStation Now service, users can also access a selection of PlayStation 3 titles.
Remote Play and Connectivity
One of the system's most significant updates was the addition of PS4 Remote Play functionality via system software 3.15. This allows players to stream content from their PlayStation 4 directly to the TV connected to the PS TV. The device also maintains standard software features found on the Vita, including a web browser and email client.
Controller Compatibility and Limitations
While the console supports various controllers, including the DualShock 4, there are inherent limitations due to the hardware differences between a handheld and a microconsole. Because the PS TV lacks the Vita's built-in gyroscope, microphone, and cameras, certain games that rely on these specific inputs are not compatible. However, the system can emulate touch input for the Vita's front and rear touchpads when using a DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 controller.
History and Market Reception
The PS TV saw a staggered global release, beginning in Japan on November 14, 2013, followed by Southeast Asian markets in early 2014, and finally North America and Europe in late 2014. Sony intended the device to help penetrate markets like China, where console gaming had previously faced restrictions.
Reception was mixed. While critics from outlets like PC World and IGN praised the ability to play Vita games on a big screen, many journalists criticized the limited whitelist—a list of approved games that are officially compatible with the device. Many high-profile Vita titles were initially unavailable on the system. This led to the development of a whitelist hack by the community, which allowed many more titles to run, though motion-control-dependent games still faced challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play all PlayStation Vita games on the PS TV?
No. Not all games are compatible due to the lack of a gyroscope, microphone, and camera on the PS TV. Some games require these features for specific gameplay mechanics.
Does the PlayStation TV support the DualShock 4 controller?
Yes, DualShock 4 support was added via the 3.10 firmware update released in March 2014.
Can I stream my PlayStation 4 games to the PS TV?
Yes, the device supports PS4 Remote Play, allowing you to stream games from your PS4 to the television via the PS TV.
What kind of storage does the PS TV have?
The console has 1GB of internal storage, but it is expandable using PS Vita memory cards (4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 GB).
Is the PlayStation TV still being manufactured?
No, shipments were discontinued in the US and Europe in 2015, and in Japan in February 2016.