We weren’t expecting Sony to go all Amazon and provide free unlimited 3G service for their beefy new handheld, but the revelation that there will be a 20 MB limitation on 3G downloads of any kind did come as a bit of a disappointment. Mind you, this is exactly the same as the iOS App Store 3G limitation, but the difference is you won’t be using that 20 MB to get any full games downloaded to your device. Unless the games in question are Minis, but that would be predicated on people finding out they exist and braving Sony’s attempt at a digital store to actually buy them.
Understanding the 20 MB Limitation
The 20 MB limitation on 3G downloads is a significant constraint for users who are accustomed to downloading larger files on the go. This restriction means that users will have to rely on Wi-Fi connections for downloading larger games and updates. While this is not an uncommon practice, it does limit the convenience and portability that the handheld device is supposed to offer. For instance, if you’re traveling and don’t have access to a stable Wi-Fi connection, you won’t be able to download new games or updates that exceed the 20 MB limit.
This limitation is particularly frustrating for gamers who are used to the seamless experience provided by other platforms. For example, the Nintendo Switch allows users to download games of any size over Wi-Fi, making it a more versatile option for gamers on the move. The 20 MB cap on the Sony handheld could be seen as a step backward in terms of user experience.
Potential for Future Changes
The Sony employee who confirmed this bit of information for Japanese website ASCII did admit that the limit could be raised or dropped altogether further down the line. This admission provides a glimmer of hope for users who are disappointed by the current limitation. It’s possible that Sony is using this initial cap as a way to manage network traffic and ensure a smooth user experience during the launch period. As the user base grows and Sony gathers more data on network usage, they may find it feasible to increase the limit or remove it entirely.
We just hope they’re going to have an LTE Vita in the works by then. An LTE-enabled version of the handheld would offer faster download speeds and potentially higher data caps, making it a more attractive option for gamers who want to download larger files on the go. LTE technology is already widely used in smartphones and tablets, so it would make sense for Sony to incorporate it into their handheld devices to stay competitive.
Moreover, the gaming industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and innovations being introduced regularly. Cloud gaming, for example, is becoming increasingly popular, allowing users to stream games directly to their devices without the need for large downloads. If Sony were to integrate cloud gaming capabilities into their handheld, the 20 MB limitation would become less of an issue, as users would be able to play games without downloading them.
In conclusion, while the 20 MB limitation on 3G downloads is a disappointment, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Sony has the potential to address this issue in the future, either by increasing the limit or by introducing new technologies that make the limitation irrelevant. For now, users will have to rely on Wi-Fi connections for larger downloads, but the future looks promising for more flexible and convenient gaming experiences.
Source Andriasang
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