The PS Vita is arguably the most underrated handheld console of 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 the Uncharted and Killzone franchises. The following games used the touchscreen technology the best.
7 Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Uncharted: Golden Abyss was a launch title for the PS Vita, and the action-adventure game really showed off the Vita’s features. In fact, this Uncharted game 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.
Although not the most popular of Nathan Drake games, Uncharted: Golden Abyss was the only way to play Uncharted on a portable device until Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves was released on Steam, allowing Steam Deck owners to play on the go. However, Golden Abyss remains unique for its touch-style controls and is a must-play.
6 Killzone: Mercenary
Killzone: Mercenary, which is the only Killzone game available on the Vita, is highly regarded as one of the best Killzone games of all time. It was released relatively early on in the Vita’s life, and Mercenary uses 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.
5 Tearaway
If players want to find out what the PS Vita’s touch capabilities are, look no further than Tearaway. This Sony title was made for the Vita and received extremely high scores on release. Tearaway uses the front and back touchpads, the motion controls, and the cameras.
Tearaway tries 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.
4 LittleBigPlanet PS Vita
Like Tearaway, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita belongs on Sony’s most recent handheld device. Gamers were no strangers to Sackboy at the time this was released, with a PSP version also available, but never had players been so immersed into the LittleBigPlanet world.
Some levels are touch only, which can be a little cumbersome at times. But when the player gets the hang of it, LittleBigPlanet on the Vita is an exhilarating experience. Despite coming out over ten years ago, LittleBigPlanet remains one of the best games on the system and still holds up today.
3 Gravity Rush
Gravity Rush no 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 in Gravity Rush. Gamers must swipe to evade, shake to jump, and tap the screen to perform finishers. This game is at home on the Vita and is certainly not one to be skipped.
2 Escape Plan
Escape Plan was 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.
This puzzle game uses the front and back touchscreens tremendously, while gyroscopic controls also play a big part in Escape Plan. This has never had a physical release on the Vita, so some players may have missed out on this. Escape Plan is a must-play on the handheld, even if the story only really allows one playthrough.
1 Little Deviants
Little Deviants was 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 Deviants was the first game played on the system. Even by today’s standards, this game was way ahead of its time in terms of showing off what a new console is capable of at the start of its lifecycle.