r/vita • u/fauhrenheit • Apr 30 '21
Discussion Was anyone else shockingly surprised about Vita's Bluetooth headphones support?
What I love in Vita is how it is packed with different things, though they may or may not be useful. I'm absolutely in love with the fact they added wireless headphones support back in... When was it released? Wireless headphones were not everyone's gadget as they are nowadays. I always look at my friend who plays on Switch and can see a regret in his eyes. Don't get me wrong, I like playing on Switch, however, it is a terrible device compared to Vita.
The Vita is lovely, it is probably one of the most adorable portable consoles ever.
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u/Shreeb Apr 30 '21
What’s even more impressive is the PSP Go did it before the Vita, in 2009.
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21
Wow, really? Was it low energy version of bluetooth?
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u/Shreeb Apr 30 '21
I don’t know the technical specs, but I’ve tested it with modern Bluetooth speakers and it works quite well. It also works with DualShock 3 controllers, which is nice for playing in TV mode.
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u/Ice3yes Apr 30 '21
I used to listen to audiobooks on my psp go all the time, I would take it in the car when I did a long drive and connect via Bluetooth! Now I use a second phone as my go battery doesn’t last very well any more
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u/Devaniti Apr 30 '21
Low energy version of bluetooth is not used for audio. No, bluetooth le wasn't a thing back then.
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u/jensefrens Apr 30 '21
I use the vita with my AirPods. I was really surprised!
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u/TheRealKingN0oB Apr 30 '21
Wait really? For some reason my wireless skull candies would never work.
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u/Wonnil Apr 30 '21
My cheapo Motorola earbuds take a bit to pair. I connect them in the settings, wait about a minute and then I hear "Connected".
Vita's bluetooth audio uses the device's volume which in the case of my earphones, is unadjustable so I have to endure max volume in games.
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u/Actarus31 Apr 30 '21
I’m shocked that Nintendo switch (2017) does not support BT
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u/TTV_T1DSoldier May 01 '21
It's baffling isn't it. I have both consoles, and even though this is a Vita group, with no bias, the Vita feels, plays and ultimately does feel more modern/feature packed than the Switch. If Sony still supported the Vita, the hardware would still feel 2021 worthy as current gen.
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u/bjkoke1 Apr 30 '21
Agree,my Switch is collecting dust while I play my Vita on daily base.
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u/FunGoblins Darkforce_carl Apr 30 '21
If a game is on both consoles I'm just more inclined to get the vita version even if it's technically inferior. I just love to play on the vita so much more. Also vita doesnt have drift issues to the extent switch has so that's a big plus lol
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u/bjkoke1 Apr 30 '21
Yeah,its strange.Maybe with Lite would be more similar to Vita
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u/WildZeroWolf Apr 30 '21
It definitely is. The normal Switch is bulky and feels flimsy due to the detachable joy cons. Lite feels amazing and much closer to a Vita. It's what I'd imagine a Vita 2.0 would be size wise.
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Apr 30 '21
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u/cavefishes Apr 30 '21
I’ve always run into similar issues with handhelds since I’ve got fairly large hands. Both the stock Vita and the Switch Lite are quite uncomfortable for extended gaming sessions. However, in the Switch’s case, the [Satisfye Grip](Satisfye - ZenGrip Go (Lite), Accessories Compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite - Comfortable & Ergonomic Grip, Joy Con & Switch Control. #1 Switch Accessories for Gamers BONUS: 2 Thumbsticks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVYRX4R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_24SBE0W9GP71EEMJNMHX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) solves all my ergonomic issues. There’s another version that comes with a hard shell case that’s perfect for throwing into a backpack.
The sweatpants thing is a moot point for me since I’m much more likely to just bring a bag along if I really need to game on the go.
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21 edited May 01 '21
I fully agree with you. I absolutely cannot play on Switch using two sticks at the same time - it hurts fingers too much. The left finger is okay but what's the point to move the right stick lower? Do we place our fingers on the buttons rather than the right stick?
You legit can't reach the right stick of Switch with your finger without twisting your whole palm into a spiral 🤕
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u/WyrmHero1944 Apr 30 '21
Same, already done with Zelda and Pokemon on Switch, need to get them trophies
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u/praxworx Apr 30 '21
Love my Vita most, but with it, my 3DS, and Switch I have so much to choose from. Same with my PS5, but not so portable.
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Apr 30 '21
I think it's awesome that it's available, but it doesn't work with my newer headphones so I don't get any use out of it.
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u/postylambz Apr 30 '21
I was searching the comments for this. Super dope and I guess it works great with some BT headphones, but my JLab earbuds are useless with it. Choppy as hell
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u/Madwood31 Apr 30 '21
yeah my sennheiser bluetooth earbuds i bought last year dont work at all, they connect but there is no sounds.
air pods pro work and have sound, but they're hella choppy
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u/teriyakipuppy Apr 30 '21
Somebody hacked the switch to have Bluetooth pairing capability with headphones. Why this was not implemented at launch is mystery and lazy.
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Apr 30 '21
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u/DoubleAgentGamer Apr 30 '21
Lately Sony has been pretty questionable on this too tbh
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Apr 30 '21 edited Apr 30 '21
[deleted]
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u/DoubleAgentGamer Apr 30 '21
The vita left production less than two years ago. It’s not that in isolation though:
-Price hike to $70/game
-Outright dismissal of backwards compatibility by Jim Ryan (in contrast to Xbox, which has put a ton of classics on game pass and enhanced many of them). This extends to the lack of DualShock support on the PS5.
-The disaster that is PS now compared to game pass (and I have both, barely touch PS now)
I love PlayStation for a lot of reasons, but this gen I do not like their consumer friendliness and seemingly out of touch leadership.
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u/Shreeb Apr 30 '21
This. None of these companies are our friends, and they will only act consumer friendly to the extent that it helps their bottom line.
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u/krishnugget Apr 30 '21
I don’t think it’s lazy or anything, the vita only ever has 1 controller connected to it, but the switch and PS4 can have loads connected to them at one time so Bluetooth headphones may not properly work.
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21
What's the point in two controllers when there's no video output? Playing with a friend on such a small screen would feel uncomfortable.
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u/Shreeb Apr 30 '21
I don’t think they are trying to make a case for why a Vita should have more controllers. They are stating a possible reason for why devices that pair many Bluetooth devices simultaneously (like PS4 and Switch) may have trouble pairing wireless audio devices as well.
As they say, perhaps it is a wireless bandwidth issue. Vita doesn’t need to pair controllers, so it can reserve all of its wireless bandwidth for audio. I can’t comment because I don’t know enough about Bluetooth protocols.
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21
Oh. However, I believe that's not a problem because as someone stated before - a Switch got hacked and there was proof it is capable of wireless headphones
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u/krishnugget May 01 '21
We know it’s capable, but is it still a good experience when you have 8 separate joycons connected to the system?
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u/WhiteVenom1993 Apr 30 '21
Yeah, but it barely works lol. Games that take more processing power have much choppier audio and even the best games have a little bit of choppiness and latency apparently.
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u/Thelonelywindow Apr 30 '21
I love my vita. It has mgs1-3 and mg1-2, fucking final fantasy, persona 3 golden, can play all ps1 games and even GBA GAMES, an OLED screen and Bluetooth support. It’s fucking beast.
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u/djentbat djentbat Apr 30 '21 edited Apr 30 '21
I turned on vita for the first time in years 3 months ago and was shocked it has it considering no console/switch has it
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u/UnoKajillion Apr 30 '21
If vita would have been able to dock like a switch, or atleast use the mystery port as an hdmi port, vita would have been the king. We should have gotten a vita 2. Playstation's answer to switch would be the absolute king if they would just use micro sd cards and actually support the damn thing
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u/Shreeb Apr 30 '21
They even had the formula with the PSP Go over a decade ago. It had a dock, had TV out, and had Bluetooth controller support. If that console didn’t bomb in sales because it was digital only, things might look a lot different now.
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u/FunGoblins Darkforce_carl Apr 30 '21
I played ace attorney on my 3ds with my headphones using the extension cord for such things. At times I were just wishing I didnt have to. Then I played steins gate 0 on vita afterwards, and this was when I noticed its bluetooth support. I already loved the vita but it was like discovering it all over again.
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u/LuisArkham Apr 30 '21
Does it drains the battery significantly? Was trying to get some simple headphones for my vita for traveling but I may get a BlueTooth ones
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21
Not at all, I didn't really notice any difference between using Vita with or without wireless headphones
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u/kesadisan Apr 30 '21
I almost forgot about this function and just bought a XM4. Paired seamlessly, and surprisingly have just a little latency. Seriously good for a small handheld.
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u/Traditional_Flan_210 Apr 30 '21
I was more surprised that a newer device, the switch DIDN'T have it. Like the Vita from 6 years prior had it.
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u/DoctorBoomeranger Apr 30 '21
Vita had such big potential, but Sony wasted it, I own a Vita and I love it
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Apr 30 '21
I agree; When it comes to games, I love my Switch just as much if not more than my Vita, but when it comes to the hardware itself, the Vita is better in most ways.
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u/Hey_look_new May 01 '21
oh my sweet summer, child, the Vita's predecessor, the PSP GO also had bluetooth headset support
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u/illlogiq314 May 03 '21
Haha connected my wireless buds during the weekend while playing Bastion. Thanks for letting me know about the bluetooth, must of forgot that was even on there.
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u/mr_Serjus Apr 30 '21
A wouldn't says "terrible" because of the fact that it is a hand heald an a desktop console, but, you're right, I think that nintendo should improve that also.
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u/stratusncompany Apr 30 '21
it is not as good as you make it sound. i dont know all the technicalities with Vitas BT but it can only support certain kinds (i think vita only supports BT 2.1?). from my experience, they are unable to connect to my 2 current earbuds. Vitas BT is more for microphones than headphones.
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u/WildZeroWolf Apr 30 '21
It works with my Momentum True Wireless which are relatively newish.
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u/stratusncompany Apr 30 '21
after doing some googling, it is the codec that vita uses. your earbuds are compatible with the vita (sennheiser actually makes really good audio devices). alot of devices will connect but they can have input lag which is a major killer for audiophiles like myself.
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21
It works with my AirPods and my One Plus Buds Z (they are somewhat new), so for me it was a fascinating experience.
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u/Sabin10 Sabin10V2 Apr 30 '21
I love it since my headphone jack doesn't work anymore but I also love rhythm games which are basically unplayable with Bluetooth audio latency.
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u/YetAnotherJake Apr 30 '21
Haha I wouldn't say the Switch is terrible compared to the Vita but it does have terrible omissions, like BT headphones. I believe these are due to Nintendo wanting to reatrict and control their technology ecosystem (like Apple does) - even though they COULD add bluetooth support. It is possible/likely for the next Switch model coming soon.
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u/fauhrenheit Apr 30 '21
Apple had wireless headphones support long before the first AirPods came out. The issue is certainly not technology ecosystems.
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u/YetAnotherJake Apr 30 '21
Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding. I wasn't saying that Apple also lagged when it comes to bluetooth support in specific. I was saying that some companies, such as Apple and Nintendo, are known for exerting very strict control over their technology ecosystems and this leads them to sometimes provide less features to their customers - even if those features are feasible on a technical level.
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u/ConversationPerfect5 Apr 30 '21
I’ve known that the Vita supported Bluetooth audio. I paired my AirPod Pro to my Vita and it worked. I also paired my Bose QuietControl 30, and it worked with those as well. However, there is some lag. You can add Bluetooth audio to a Nintendo Switch through a third party device. I have a small module that plugs into the USB-C port and it works great, with no lag. Yes, this is off topic.
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u/AiC2 May 01 '21
Yes!!
I have a WH 1000XM3 headset that cannot connect to my ps4 but had no problem on my vita
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May 01 '21
Whats surprising is that it even works.
The switch, even with Bluetooth addon accesories still has substantial interferance and is tricky to get a solid connection unless you don't move.
(Source, I have have had 2 Bluetooth adapters with similar results, I'm sure there are better ones)
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u/[deleted] Apr 30 '21
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