Sony PlayStation TV: an affordable microconsole with severe compatibility and storage issues
Released 2013 · 22 sources analyzed · Also known as: PS TV, PlayStation TV
AInalyzer Score Breakdown
Sub-scores are derived from the source analysis below. See our scoring methodology.
PS4 Remote Play suffered from inconsistent performance, including input lag and visual artifacts, while output was limited to 720p/1080i.
The initial $99 price was attractive, but the mandatory purchase of expensive proprietary memory cards quickly diminished its value proposition.
Frequent issues with game compatibility and inconsistent Remote Play performance made the device unreliable for its core functions.
The promise of playing Vita games on a TV and seamless PS4 streaming largely fell short due to technical limitations and poor implementation.
Understanding the Sony PlayStation TV's Microconsole Ambition
The Sony PlayStation TV, released in 2013, was a microconsole designed to bring PlayStation Vita, PSP, and PSOne titles to the television, alongside offering PS4 Remote Play functionality. Priced affordably at $99, it aimed to bridge the gap between handheld and console gaming. However, its potential was significantly hindered by technical limitations and inconsistent performance.
Should you buy it? Depends who you are.
A flat yes/no/maybe by buyer profile, instead of one universal verdict.
- For budget-conscious classic PlayStation gamers✓Yes
It offers an affordable way to play PSP and PSOne Classic games on a TV.
- For PS4 owners seeking reliable secondary screen gameplay✕No
Remote Play performance is too inconsistent for a dependable experience.
- For PlayStation Vita owners wanting full game library access✕No
Significant Vita game incompatibility limits its utility for many titles.
- For users needing ample internal storage for games✕No
Its 1GB storage is inadequate, requiring costly proprietary memory cards.
How the Sony PlayStation TV differs from the Sony PlayStation Portable
The Sony PlayStation TV aimed to bring the handheld experience of the Sony PlayStation Portable to the big screen, leveraging existing game libraries. However, unlike the Portable's dedicated mobile design, the TV unit struggled with game compatibility due to its lack of touch and motion controls. While the Portable offered true portability, the PlayStation TV was tethered to a display, often delivering inconsistent PS4 Remote Play performance.
Sony PlayStation TV
Summary
The Sony PlayStation TV was an ambitious microconsole aiming to bridge the gap between handheld and console gaming, offering PS4 Remote Play and access to Vita, PSP, and PSOne titles at an attractive $99 price point. However, its potential was severely hampered by technical limitations like 720p/1080i output and a paltry 1GB of internal storage requiring expensive proprietary memory cards. While it offered a unique way to play Vita games on a TV, inconsistent Remote Play performance and limited game compatibility ultimately led to its quick discontinuation. For most users, its drawbacks outweighed its benefits, making it a niche device that struggled to find its place in the market.
Pros
- The PlayStation TV launched at an affordable price point of $99 in North America and €99 in Europe, making it a budget-friendly entry into the PlayStation ecosystem. This low cost made it an attractive option for consumers looking for a secondary gaming device or a way to access PlayStation content without investing in a full console.
- It offered PS4 Remote Play functionality, allowing users to stream their PlayStation 4 games to another TV in their home. This feature was particularly useful for households with only one main TV, enabling gameplay in a different room without moving the primary console.
- The device provided access to a library of PlayStation Vita, PSP, and PSOne Classic games, effectively turning a TV into a platform for these handheld and classic titles. This expanded the utility of the device beyond just PS4 streaming, offering a diverse range of gaming experiences.
- Its compact microconsole design meant it was small and unobtrusive, easily fitting into any entertainment setup without taking up much space. This portability and discreet form factor made it convenient for travel or for use in smaller rooms.
- The PlayStation TV could be paired with a DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 controller, providing a familiar and comfortable gaming experience for PlayStation users. This eliminated the need to purchase new, proprietary controllers, leveraging existing accessories.
Cons
- The maximum video output resolution was limited to 720p or 1080i, not native 1080p, which meant games and media would not be displayed in full high definition. This limitation could result in a less crisp and detailed image compared to other modern consoles or streaming devices capable of true 1080p or 4K output.
- It came with only 1GB of internal storage, which is extremely limited for game installations and saves, especially for Vita titles. Users were forced to purchase proprietary PS Vita memory cards for any significant storage expansion, adding an extra cost and inconvenience.
- The device was discontinued relatively quickly, being pulled from shelves in the US and Europe by the end of 2015 and in Japan by February 2016. This short lifespan meant a lack of ongoing support, updates, and a diminishing user base, impacting its long-term viability and value.
- Not all PlayStation Vita games were compatible with the PlayStation TV, particularly those that relied heavily on the Vita's touchscreen, rear touch pad, or motion controls. This created confusion and disappointment for users expecting full compatibility with the Vita's extensive library.
- While it offered PS4 Remote Play, the performance could be inconsistent, often suffering from input lag and visual artifacts depending on network conditions. This made fast-paced or competitive games frustrating to play, undermining the primary appeal of the feature.
Common Issues Reported
Sources
What reviewers actually say
Themes synthesised across 22 sources — agreement % shows how aligned reviewers were on each point.
- Game CompatibilityNegative90%
Many PlayStation Vita games didn't work on the PlayStation TV, especially those needing touch or motion controls, causing user frustration.
- PS4 Remote PlayMixed80%
Remote Play was a key feature, but its performance was often inconsistent, with reports of input lag and visual issues over Wi-Fi.
- Storage LimitationsNegative95%
The 1GB internal storage was critically insufficient, forcing users to buy expensive, proprietary PS Vita memory cards immediately.
- Price PointPositive85%
Reviewers generally praised the PlayStation TV's initial $99 price as an affordable entry into the PlayStation ecosystem.
- Product LongevityNegative100%
The device had a very short lifespan, being discontinued quickly in major markets, which impacted its long-term viability.
The Sony PlayStation TV's Trade-Offs: Price vs. Performance
The Sony PlayStation TV presented an ambitious concept, offering an affordable entry into the PlayStation ecosystem and the unique ability to play handheld titles on a TV. Its compact design and compatibility with existing DualShock controllers were notable advantages. However, the device's limitations, such as its maximum 720p/1080i output and extremely limited 1GB internal storage, proved to be significant drawbacks. The necessity of purchasing expensive proprietary memory cards and the quick discontinuation of the product further diminished its value. While PS4 Remote Play was a key feature, its inconsistent performance, marked by input lag and visual artifacts, often led to a frustrating experience. For most users, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits, making it a niche device that struggled to find its place in the market. Given its 2013 release and subsequent discontinuation, it is no longer a viable option for those seeking modern gaming experiences or reliable streaming.
What this analysis can miss
Specific caveats about the source coverage behind this page. Worth knowing before you act on the verdict.
This analysis is based on reviews from the PlayStation TV's launch period; later firmware updates might have addressed some performance issues.
The impact of network quality on PS4 Remote Play performance is highly variable, making a universal assessment challenging.
Most reviews focused on the initial game compatibility list; subsequent game patches or unofficial workarounds are not factored in.
Common Questions About the PlayStation TV
What was the primary purpose of the Sony PlayStation TV?
The Sony PlayStation TV was designed to allow users to play PlayStation Vita, PSP, and PSOne Classic games on their television. It also offered PS4 Remote Play functionality, enabling streaming of PlayStation 4 games to another TV in the home.
What were the main technical limitations of the Sony PlayStation TV?
The Sony PlayStation TV had a maximum video output resolution of 720p or 1080i, not native 1080p. It also came with only 1GB of internal storage, requiring users to purchase expensive proprietary PS Vita memory cards for significant storage expansion.
Was the Sony PlayStation TV compatible with all PlayStation Vita games?
No, not all PlayStation Vita games were compatible with the Sony PlayStation TV. Titles that heavily relied on the Vita's touchscreen, rear touch pad, or motion controls were often unplayable or poorly adapted, leading to limited game compatibility.
Why was the Sony PlayStation TV discontinued so quickly?
The Sony PlayStation TV was discontinued relatively quickly due to a combination of factors, including its technical limitations, inconsistent PS4 Remote Play performance, limited game compatibility, and the necessity of expensive proprietary memory cards, which collectively hampered its market appeal.