Which PS Vita has an OLED Display? A Complete Guide
As a lifelong gamer and Playstation expert, I get asked this question a lot – "Should I get the original OLED PS Vita or the newer LCD Vita Slim?" So let‘s settle the debate once and for all!
OLED Sets the Bar for Handheld Gaming Displays
When Sony released the first PlayStation Vita in 2011, it shipped with a gorgeous 5-inch OLED screen that immediately set a new standard for image quality in a portable gaming device.
OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays utilize self-illuminating pixels that can turn on and off individually. This allows OLED screens to produce truly deep black levels for unlimited contrast and vivid colors that seem to pop right off the panel. They also maintain excellent color accuracy and vibrancy at wide viewing angles.
For gaming, this translates into crisp text, crystal clear graphics, and an overall more immersive experience. Once gamers got their hands on the Vita‘s stunning OLED display, a new expectation was set.
| Display Technology | Black Level | Contrast Ratio | Viewing Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | Perfect 0 nits | Infinite | ~178° |
| LCD | 0.4 – 0.8 nits | 800:1 – 1500:1 | ~89° |
So why did Sony decide to move away from this winning OLED formula in later hardware revisions? As is often the case, the answer came down to cutting costs…
Cutting Costs and The Shift to LCD
Despite being a technical marvel, the PS Vita‘s impressive specs contributed to its initial high price which unfortunately kept sales numbers low. By 2012, Sony looked to release a cost-reduced variant.
OLED production difficulties and expense ultimately led Sony to replace the display with an LCD panel in the aptly named PS Vita 2000 (Slim outside of Japan). This allowed them to shave down the manufacturing cost and pass those savings to consumers with lower retail pricing.
In 2013, the PS Vita 2000 launched with largely the same internals as the original but in a thinner, lighter shell thanks to the LCD screen and smaller battery. This remains the final iteration of PS Vita hardware to date.
| Model | Release Year | Display | Battery Life | Weight | Other Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCH-1000 / 1001 | 2011 | 5" OLED 960×544 | 4-6 hours | 260g | Original model |
| PCH-2000 | 2013 | 5" LCD 960×544 | 4-10 hours | 219g | Thinner/lighter design |
LCD technology has also advanced considerably, allowing the Vita 2000‘s display to offer great color reproduction and 540p video output while costing far less than OLED. But for gamers accustomed to inky blacks and popping colors, does the LCD live up?
Comparing OLED and LCD Gaming Experiences
Purists insist the Vita 1000‘s OLED panel provides definitively better visuals for gaming. And there is merit to that claim – deeper blacks accentuate details, colors seem to leap off dark backgrounds with better contrast.
As a display technology, OLED looks and feels more advanced to the human eye.
However, after extensive testing sessions on both Vitas, I was surprised to find the actual gameplay experience is not drastically different between them. While the OLED wows you right out of the box, both screens prove excellent for games. The reality is PS Vita titles are designed for that resolution and size. So despite nuances in contrast and color, the graphics and visuals translate beautifully on either unit.
And for a handheld, the LCD Vita‘s battery efficiency grants a couple extra hours of playtime – nothing to scoff at when on the go! This efficiency likely contributes to the LCD models seeing less reported issues with permanent image retention or screen burn-in over time. Both screens serve up the full PlayStation Vita software library without fail.
So why do gamers still obsess over the OLED original?
The Intangibles of OLED
Image quality and battery life considerations aside, the original OLED PS Vita models undeniably provide a more premium, high-end feel.
Maybe it‘s psychological knowing you have the "best" screen hardware. But holding the Vita 1000, admiring its sleek black bezel and crisp colors, gives off a vibe of power and refinement. Sound silly? Well, gamers are enthusiasts at heart – we love our tech!
And out of production OLED units are already rising in value for collectors. Going forward, venerable 1000 models with this stand-out screen may prove tougher to find than their LCD counterparts.
Not to mention some external accessories like protective screen film cut specifically for the 1000. So while still 100% capable of playing any Vita game, the LCD 2000 loses a bit of that elite aura.
Conclusion – My Recommendation
For gamers considering a PS Vita purchase today, here is my expert advice:
If you prioritize display quality and premium feel, find a gently used PCH-1000 or 1001. Expect to pay a small premium over 2000 models, but the original OLED screen delivers gorgeous contrast and pops with color. As a bonus, it may hold collectible value longer.
However…
For most buyers, the PS Vita 2000 (Slim) represents an outstanding value – dropping the coveted OLED has kept prices low years after release. Its LCD still displays games magnificently and the extra battery life is great for extended play sessions. And respectably, Sony managed to retain much of sleek, luxury styling.
At the end of day, both PlayStation Vita models deliver hundreds of fantastic portable gaming experiences. But only one lays claim to the stunning, rare OLED panel technology. Hopefully this guide helps assess the trade-offs and makes your buying choice easy!
Let me know if you have any other PS Vita questions – always happy to chat gaming tech!
