PlayStation Vita
Sony's last handheld, now emerging on PC.
Overview
The PS Vita (2011) was a powerful handheld that struggled commercially but has a devoted fanbase. Persona 4 Golden, Gravity Rush, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and many JRPGs. Vita3K emulation is improving but still developing.
| Year | 2011 |
| Media | Cartridge / Digital |
| Steam Deck | Experimental |
| BIOS Required | Yes (Firmware) |
Vita emulation is still in early stages. Many games don't work yet, and those that do may have issues. Check compatibility before downloading.
Emulator
Vita3K is the only Vita emulator. Progress is ongoing with regular improvements. Check their compatibility list.
Setup
ROM Folder
File Formats
.vpk- Homebrew/modified format.pkg- PSN packages (need license)- Folder format - Extracted game files
Firmware
Required
Vita3K requires the PS Vita firmware (PSVUPDAT.PUP). Install through the emulator's setup wizard.
Compatibility
Vita3K compatibility varies widely:
- Persona 4 Golden: Playable
- Visual novels: Generally work well
- Action games: Mixed results
- Complex 3D games: Often problematic
Always check the compatibility list before downloading games.
Performance
Vita emulation is demanding even on capable hardware:
- Lower resolution helps significantly
- Some games are CPU-bound, others GPU-bound
- Shader compilation causes stutters initially
Where to Find Games
NoPayStation has Vita PKG files. See the Download Guide.