Today sees the release of Sony’s PlayStation TV. The tiny system (about the size of a wallet) allows access to a broad variety of PlayStation content, but as of launch, it certainly isn’t the entertainment all-in-one package some might hope it could one day become. Limited access to older games and substandard streaming of current titles make the PS TV a serviceable secondary gaming tool for your house, but it falls short in many other respects. Even so, with a budget price tag and the potential for growth over the coming months and years, the gadget isn’t without potential.
The PlayStation TV is available in one of two packages. The $99 version is barebones, including just the unit and required connection wires, but it’s probably the best choice if you already have a PS3 or PS4 controller. The small main unit includes ports both for a Vita memory card and Vita game cards, as well as a USB port used primarily to pair controllers with the system. The system can support up to four controllers simultaneously. Overall, the black matte finish is discrete but attractive, and its compact size factor is impressive.
If you want more than the base unit, a second option runs $139, and includes a Dual Shock 3 controller (the standard PS3 controller) an extra 8GB memory card (to supplement the onboard 1 GB storage), and a voucher for the excellent family game, The Lego Movie Videogame.
Regardless of which version you snag, setting up the PlayStation TV is a breeze, plugging directly into your television via an included HDMI cable, and offering instant connection options to your SEN account, or allowing new users to create an account on the fly. Like with a Vita, the PlayStation TV connects to a single SEN account, and doesn’t allow for multiple authorized accounts without wiping the system memory. All North American users will need to download a firmware update upon initial connection, but the process was smooth and problem-free for me.
As I explored the system’s intro screens, I was struck by the large type interface, which is reminiscent of the Wii U’s simplistic display – clearly targeted to a broad base of users. Parental controls are introduced during the frontend introduction, assuring parents can limit the content their kids can engage with, as well as setting time limits for play.
Anyone familiar with the Vita will recognize the PlayStation TV’s home screen. The bubble interface is a good choice for the Vita because of the touch screen approach to interaction, but it is a little odd to see the same tools implemented on a home TV system. Even so, I had little trouble navigating around. Players can set their own themes and backgrounds, and a simple standby power option assures that the system will be up and ready for action at the press of a controller button. You can also adjust display options, though the PS TV disappointingly doesn’t support 1080p – only 1080i or 720p.
[Next Page: The PS TV's two coolest features]