Sony defends Vita OLED to LCD switch: differences are 'relatively imperceptible'

[Dohc-WP]

Though the screen in the Vita Slim is LCD, it will not feature a drastic decline in picture quality from the undeniably rich and vibrant OLED screen found in the original Vita, according to Sony UK managing director Fergal Gara.

"When we introduced Vita with the OLED screen that was considered - and it was - the pinnacle of screen technology," Gara told VG247. "It was a beautiful screen and LCD at the time would have felt like a compromise."

"What's happened in the interim is LCD screen technology has improved significantly," he added. "Whilst some think there's a subtle difference between the two, we think it's relatively imperceptible." Gara then goes on to explain that the new LCD screen allows Sony to build a smaller, lighter Vita while maintaining its processing power and battery life - a feat not possible with the attractive, but more power-hungry OLED display.

Gara echoed these sentiments in an interview with Eurogamer. "[The LCD screen is] giving bigger advantages than disadvantages - it's helping with the battery life, with the thickness. We think they are bigger wins than any subtle - if any - reduction in visual quality."

As we reported earlier today, the Vita Slim is slated for release in the UK on February 7. The updated handheld has been available in Japan since October, but there is no word yet on when or if it will make its way to North America.

Sources: MCV Joystiq Eurogamer, VG247

 

[brendanvb]

Yeah I think the only people that would notice the difference would be consumers that had spent a lot of time with a OLED Vita. I for one have been waiting for a price drop so I'm very keen to see how much the new Vita is going to cost in SA, as there are a few titles I'm keen to play (first on my list being Uncharted: Golden Abyss).

 

[XbatousaiX]

Well this move by Sony is about maximizing profit they know the vita will never be mainstream so they are making as much as they can off the hardcore.I'm seriously considering getting a second hand one just for ps+.

 

[PR1Y35H]

I know they say that lcd is catching up to oled and differences are few but to me it wont make much of a difference in thickness as I feel the device is big already. If they had reduced the length without compromising screen size then it would have made a difference but I feel they moving backwards instead of improving upon and taking advantage of the oled technology.