Playstation TV is an awesome device at a great price (under $40 at the time I write this). The things it does, it does well. It has some limitations but if you know these before you buy it and those will not prevent the device from doing what you need it to do, you will love it.
From a hardware perspective, it's very small and it looks nice. It could be easily hidden into any entertainment setup and won't look like it's out of place. It has a similar look to Apple TV and Roku set-top boxes and will fit in with any of these devices. The only gripe I have with the design is the fact that your only option for game audio (outside of the TV speakers) and voice input is a bluetooth headset. In my experience, both the Vita and PS TV work very poorly with bluetooth headsets. The one time I have played PS4 games with friends through this device, I joined the party through my Vita and a wired headset to avoid having to use a bluetooth set. It works but it's not an ideal solution. It's also only a workaround for chat audio and does nothing to help you listen to game audio through headphones.
I have all other current devices in the Playstation ecosystem (PS4, Vita and PS3) so this is an extra device for me to extend my PS4 to an upstairs TV and give me an option to play some of my Vita games on TV when I'm home. Since I already had accessories like extra Playstation controllers, a memory card that could be shared with my Vita, and Vita games, the core set was fine for me (just the console and cables). If PS TV will be your first and only Playstation console, you might consider getting the bundle set which also includes a Dualshock 3 (PS3) controller, 8 GB memory card and a digital download copy of The Lego Movie game. The controller alone makes the bundle worth the extra money if you don't already have one. You cannot do anything with the PS TV if you don't own a controller.
Before you buy, it's important to know what the PS TV does and does not do. Almost all of the negative reviews could have been avoided if the purchaser had done sufficient research. A PS TV allows you to play SOME of the Vita library (physical Vita card format or digitally downloaded), play MOST of the PS1 and PSP classic games available digitally through PSN, run SOME Vita apps, play a limited selection of PS3 games through the PS Now service, and remotely play your PS4 over a local network or over the Internet (Remote Play). Unfortunately, the device will allow you to buy, download and install unsupported games and apps but will not tell you they are not supported until you attempt to run them. You can save yourself money and download time if you check the lists of supported software on the Internet before you buy, install or download anything.
The Vita games that are supported run and look great. Some games (Borderlands 2 and Freedom Wars, for example) are even better than they are when played on a Vita because a Dualshock controller has more buttons, which makes some functions easier. As far as entertainment apps are concerned, the PS TV isn't great. Many of the Vita's apps are not compatible (notably, Netflix). This did not matter to me because I have Apple TV and Chromecast already but if you're shopping first for something to stream video content, look elsewhere.
The last thing I'll discuss is Remote Play. Depending on your network configuration, your mileage will vary with this feature. Personally, I love Remote Play and because of the way I have my network set up, there is very little difference playing my PS4 downstairs (where the PS4 is connected to the TV) and upstairs (where I can play via Remote Play on PS TV). The reason for this is because I have both my PS4 and my PS TV wired via ethernet cable to my home network. In the Remote Play settings, I am able to set the resolution and frame rate to "High" and still get almost no input lag. Once you start using wifi with either console or if you take your PS TV on the road and try to play over the Internet, you may get lower frame rates, some artifacting in the picture, more noticeable input lag, may have to lower picture settings or you may not even be able to connect at all. There's really no way to know how good Remote Play will be until you get it set up in your home. If you have the ability to wire both consoles to the same network, I can tell you without reservation that your experience will be good.
Overall, PS TV is a great little device. It can't do everything the Vita can but in some instances, it's better. In some network setups, it provides a great alternative to moving the PS4 every time you want to play in another room. It's also a great alternative to playing on the small Vita console when you're home and sitting in front of your TV anyway. The experience would be perfect if there were better options for game and chat audio but this has not detracted greatly from my experience. While not all of the Vita library is compatible, the games that are both look and play great. I recommend the PS TV.
PlayStation TV
4.2 | 1,604 ratings
Price:
Last update: 06-19-2024
About this item
Hundreds of PlayStation games to choose from: Including many PlayStation Vita games such as Killzone: Mercenary, God of War Collection, and Borderlands 2, classic games from PS One and PSP systems, and more.
Remote Play: Stream most of your PS4 games from your PS4 system to your PlayStation TV over local Wi-Fi (robust Wi-Fi or wired connection recommended).
Easy to Set up and Play: Plug in and play on any HDMI compatible TV in your home.
PlayStationNow READY: Available later this year, PlayStation Now will give access to an expanding library of PS3 games to stream directly to PlayStation TV.
Access to Entertainment: Games, movies, TV shows, and apps on PlayStation Store.
Remote Play: Stream most of your PS4 games from your PS4 system to your PlayStation TV over local Wi-Fi (robust Wi-Fi or wired connection recommended).
Easy to Set up and Play: Plug in and play on any HDMI compatible TV in your home.
PlayStationNow READY: Available later this year, PlayStation Now will give access to an expanding library of PS3 games to stream directly to PlayStation TV.
Access to Entertainment: Games, movies, TV shows, and apps on PlayStation Store.
Product information
| ASIN | B00KVMHSUM |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 14, 2014 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars
1,604 ratings
4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #8,073 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #3 in Playstation TV Microconsole #49 in PlayStation Vita Games, Consoles & Accessories |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 8 x 2 inches; 1 Pounds |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Rated | Rating Pending |
| Item model number | 3000413 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Date First Available | June 8, 2014 |
Top reviews from the United States
Alex Harker
Excellent device if you buy understanding its capabilities and limitations
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2015
J. Williams
Must buy if you have a wired network (read review for my setup) and you want to stream PS4 games to another room in your house!
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2015