In the Video game industry we see a lot of copy cat ideas.  Whether it be a game concept, or a hardware concept, it happens all the time.  Many times, the copier improves upon the idea of the original.  This is a good thing, because we the Big 3 are always battling to release the best of the best ideas.

The constant task of “one upping” the competition is why it is no surprise that Sony plans to release a software update to the Vita which will allow it to be used as a controller for the PS3.  The update, that is expected on August 28th of 2012, will allow the player to use the handheld as a controller similar to the way Nintendo uses the Wii U game pad.  The downside is that the player will need a copy of the game for the vita and PS3 to work, at least for now.  I would guess that future game releases and software updates will bypass the downfall.

I have to admit that Sony might have hit gold on this update.  Although they do not currently have games that allow the same experience as the Wii U gamers will have (I am sure they are working on that though), they did use two existing systems for a similar outcome.  For those of us that own both the Vita and the PS3, our expense will be minimal.  For those that don’t, you will still be able to purchase the system you don’t have and take advantage of both systems separately and combined.  I have to wonder how Microsoft will counter attack with their lack of a handheld…maybe use a Windows 8 Smartphone or Tablet?

Some other updates that will be included on August 28th are:

*Added Video Playback Features

*Import Playlists From Itunes

*Vita Users can Join PlayStation Plus Service

*Increased Number of Games That Can go Head-To-Head with PS3

*Increased Number of Games to be Saved or Continued on Either Device

This could be a huge step for Sony since the update will be applied before the Wii U is released, and especially if they can release games that utilize the features of the Vita to be applied to the game play on the PS3 or what I like to call the “Dungeon Master” feature which allows the Handheld user to control a different aspect of the game while those using standard controllers play normally.
What are your thoughts on the update, will it hurt Nintendo and advance Sony, or is it too rushed?

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