
The PlayStation Vita, better known as the PS Vita or simply the Vita, is one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles of all time.
Everything from the console’s ergonomic design to its smartphone-like OS has been well-received by critics, making it a must-have device for fans of Sony, fans of portable gaming, or fans of good gaming in general.
As with any gaming console, graphics and design only carry the Vita part of the way – what really makes it a success is the large library of high-rated games in its library.
From first-person shooters to RPGs to fighting games, there are plenty of entrants in the race for best PS Vita games. Here are our picks for the top ten.
How We Choose Our Ratings for the Best PS Vita Games
Most gamers do a lot of research before making a purchase. They have their favorite studios and developers, as well as their preferred series.
For our ratings for the best PS Vita games, we value honest reviews and buyer feedback. We take these figures into account along with the general reputation of games in the community based on their playability, reputation, and ability to deliver on advertising promises.
A game from a triple-A studio will not automatically qualify for a high rating. Games must be proven among buyers on the Vita platform specifically to earn a spot on our list.
A Quick Comparison Table For The Best PS Vita Games
PS Vita Game | Rating | Details |
---|---|---|
1. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster | ||
2. Mortal Kombat | ||
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops – Declassified | ||
4. Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection | ||
5. Streetfighter X Tekken | ||
6. Borderlands 2 | ||
7.Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed | ||
8. Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation | ||
9. Persona 4 Golden | ||
Full Review Of The 10 Best PS Vita Games
Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster
Gamers have great memories, and the only thing better than revisiting a beloved classic is doing so with modern graphics. Final Fantasy remains one of the most popular series ever, and the two-part tenth entry is a must-have for Vita users.
Final Fantasy X|X-2 combines both parts of this epic title and sees this cherished dual-entry into the famous franchise remastered in beautiful HD detail. With great visuals and fully voiced characters, this remake is easily a must-have for fans of Final Fantasy and/or the Vita.
With its emotional story and fast-paced combat system, Final Fantasy X|X-2 delivers hours of entertainment and even recalls warm memories for those who are coming back to the historic title on the new system.
It’s one of the most cherished games in the Final Fantasy series and a consistent high-ranking entry on best games lists for a reason. The combination of both parts of this epic title and gorgeous remastered graphics makes it a top pick for Vita users.
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Best Quality | $$ |
Mortal Kombat
This series changed fighting games forever and even played a major part in the inception of rating systems for video games. Now Mortal Kombat’s 2011 console release has been ported to the PS Vita with the same great gameplay, a return to the series’ mature roots, and even some exclusive extras.
Complete with story mode as well as all DLC characters and costumes, this port takes advantages of Vita’s touch-screen capabilities to provide multiple extras. This includes brand new challenges modes and 150 never-before-seen missions.
Users can string combos together flawlessly and see brutal fatalities in incredible detail thanks to the fluid gameplay clocking in at a smooth 60 frames per second. Since the best part about fighting games is often competing against another person, the Vita port offers two-player support for both ad-hoc and Wi-Fi matchups.
The combos, the multiplayer, the gore – Mortal Kombat for the PS Vita brings everything the series is known for to the handheld market, taking advantage of the hardware’s advanced capabilities to deliver a stunning remake of the 2011 port.
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Best Quality | $$ |
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Declassified
The Call of Duty series has enjoyed a spot in the top ranks of the first-person shooting genre across console generations. But this entry on the Vita offers an exclusive journey deeper into one of the franchise’s most beloved set of games.
Fans of Black Ops will love Declassified – it provides backstory on the Call of Duty: Black Ops universe while still delivering the award-winning gameplay series veterans will love. Weapon customization, care packages, killstreak perks, XP, and many other classic features return.
Gamers can enjoy 4-on-4 multiplayer via Wi-Fi on classic modes like Free-For-All, Kill Confirmed, and Team Deathmatch. The touchscreen also comes into play, letting users toss grenades and use melee attacks – talk about realism!
New and returning fans of the Call of Duty: Black Ops universe will enjoy this Vita exclusive entry to the series. It has all the successful aspects of the console/PC ports while still utilizing the handheld device’s unique technology for an immersive experience.
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Best Quality | $$ |
Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection
The Metal Gear series is another of the most beloved collections among gamers. Vita owners can get two of the franchise’s most popular titles rolled into one and remastered with stunning HD clarity.
Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection includes Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, both of which are optimized to use touchscreen controls for aspects of combat and travel. Combine with a modernized interface, this makes for smoother gameplay to match the smooth HD graphics.
Gamers can enjoy the enthralling story, classic cutscenes, and versatile gameplay across platforms – the collection gives players the option to transfer game saves and trophies from the Vita to their PlayStation 3 and vice versa.
It’s one of the most enduring series of all time, and now two of franchise’s best entries are available on a handheld console. With upgraded graphics and gameplay, this collection combines gaming nostalgia with modern convenience to become one of the best PS Vita games available.
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Best Quality | $$ |
Streetfighter X Tekken
Combining two of the best fighting game series in history was a big treat to fans of the genre – now they can enjoy it on the go.
The Vita port of Streetfighter X Tekken offers 12 new playable characters, bringing the roster total to an impressive 55. There’s also cross-platform compatibility with the PlayStation 3 including DLC and save data. This offers more opportunities for gamers to find opponents and test their skills locally, through Wi-Fi, or via Vita’s 3G connection.
The Vita’s touchscreen features are also used for new combat options and menu management, providing some useful improvements to this popular fighting game title.
The Streetfighter and Tekken universes are powerful enough in their own right – but combining them on a cutting-edge portable console? This makes for a great gaming experience. Competitive gamers will get more out of this title, but it’s a great choice for the fighting-game fan who prefers portable gaming.
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Good Quality | $$ |
Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 was critically acclaimed upon release for combining the best elements from the shooting and RPG genres. Now the smash hit has made its way to the Vita.
Gamers can play with six classes across the Vita and PS3 thanks to cross-platform compatibility. The touchscreen can be used to navigate menus and interact with objects more easily, making for faster gameplay.
There are also six add-on packs included, offering two new campaigns and exclusive collector’s edition content. These additions make the game appealing even to returning players.
It’s one of the most enduring shooters/RPG hybrids of all time for a reason. Giving Borderlands 2 cross-platform functionality and multiple add-ons make for a must-have Vita title.
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Good Quality | $$ |
Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed
Sega’s flagship hedgehog has made a name for himself in the world of platforming games, but the franchise’s racing titles have also garnered praise.
Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed includes 16 courses traversable by land, air, and water. Not only is there an arsenal of unique weapons to pick from, but there are brand new characters from the Sonic universe waiting for their turn to cross the finish line first.
Beyond competing against others, there are the time trial modes designed to push racers to hone their skills and learn the technicalities of every track on their way to a blazing-fast time.
It’s a fun, addictive, competitive adventure that combines the classic faces Sega and Sonic fans have come to love. Beautiful visuals, excellent music, and fun gameplay make this title one to try.
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Great Quality | $$ |
Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation
Fans of the Assassin’s Creed series have likely followed it across multiple systems, and the PS Vita exclusive puts gamers in control of Aveline, an assassin taking on Spanish forces in the year 1765.
Using the touchscreen, camera, and motion sensors the Vita offers, gamers can take part in classic Assassin’s Creed gameplay such as pursuing their targets, sneaking around, and enacting creative assassinations at the perfect time.
The Vita’s graphical capabilities make way for a beautifully detailed environment and fluid animations in both cutscenes and combat.
It’s a fresh entry into a popular franchise, and one offering gamers the chance to go about their job as an assassin with Vita’s capable and impressive interface.
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Good Quality | $$ |
Persona 4 - Golden
Persona 4 is one of the best RPGs of all time by many accounts, and the Vita version offers more content and more polish for this beloved title.
It offers nearly 100 hours of gameplay, tons of new voice dialogue, and even options for calling on other gamers for help and enjoying more customization during each session of play. Improved visuals bring the vast world to life like never before, offering gamers a new view of this Atlus classic.
Persona 4 Golden is more than just a portable version of the historic RPG – it’s a whole new way to experience the game.
Persona 4 is one of the most popular RPGs in existence and porting it to the Vita with extras and improvements makes for a must-have game for anyone who owns the handheld system.
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Good Quality | $$ |
World of Final Fantasy
With a world as vast as the one in the Final Fantasy franchise, it was only a matter of time before they brought a ton of the characters together in a single title.
World of Final Fantasy is a strategy game about building teams and towns of creatures to battle foes. Between evolving monsters and choosing skills, there are plenty of things to manage on the way to creating the winning combination.
With beautiful graphics complementing the style and fluid controls, this game is the perfect choice for those who like building up stats and swapping out abilities/creatures in search of the right solution.
It’s a turn-based game and even though it doesn’t take advantage of the console’s touchscreen functionality and unique design, it still offers plenty of hours of entertainment.
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Best Quality | $$ |
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best PS Vita Games
These are some of the best PS Vita games on the market going by ratings and sales numbers. But what about the person who is going to buy a game and wants tips rather than examples?