Sony PlayStation Vita

PlayStation Vita

For emulators, see PlayStation Vita emulators and Emulators on PlayStation Vita.

"Never stop playing."

The Vita is a handheld game console and the successor to the PSP. It was produced by Sony from 2011 to 2019. It was a very powerful system at the time, and quite successful in Japan. However, it was a commercial disappointment in the West, struggling to compete with the Nintendo 3DS and mobile gaming.

At this point, modding your Vita is highly recommended, as it has received a large number of homebrew ports, and works great as a retro emulation machine. Refer to this guide for all your hacking needs, and this for emulators.

The list

Note:	Exclusive or definitive version

Title	Genre	Description
Army Corps of Hell	Action / Strategy	Remember Pikmin? Well, now add Death Metal and demons and voila! You have Army Corps of Hell. If you've played Pikmin before, it should feel familiar; If you've played Overlord, this is pretty much a portable alternative to it. If not, then you essentially rely on lots of little critters to do your dirty work for you. Utilizes the touch screen well and in a fun way. Its weakness is that a decent chunk of the stages feel kinda "same-y" with little variety, as opposed to the what has been seen in Pikmin (i.e. different stage elements and atmospheres along with level design).
Blazblue Continuum Shift Extend	Fighting	Great fighting game with ridiculously big story mode that will last for hours if you are interested in that stuff. Vita's d-pad is built great for fighters and allows fluid motions for moves so it plays like a charm. Extend version adds Relius as a playable character and story modes for the various DLC characters among other things. Great online mode is also a plus.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc	Adventure	A murder-mystery which is like a mix of Ace Attorney and Saw, though played for black comedy. An evil teddy bear trapped students inside their school, and the only way for them to escape is to kill each other and escape conviction. It's a remake of the original PSP title which didn't came out in the west, though this one did. Also has a sequel, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair, and a spinoff, Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, which got western releases for the Vita as well. Every game on the series is now ported to PC on Steam.
Dead or Alive 5 Plus	Jiggle simu- SERIOUS fightan game	Pretty well made port of the original. Thankfully, it has new features, too, such as advanced training modes/details, a (gimmicky, but amusing) touch-based first person mode for fighting, and "touch-screen interaction" with characters. Also, you can change music per arena instead of just pre-set songs. Uses both ad-hoc and online for multiplayer. You can pretty much jump into this, even if you haven't played past games. Has cross-play, cross-goods, and cross-save. However, the latter two sometimes have some problems being ironed out.
Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention	SRPG	An updated port of Disgaea 3 on the PS3. Features all the DLC from PS3 and few new bonuses like two new characters, some characters and features from Disgaea 4, and other gameplay tweaks. A great pick for people who never played Disgaea 3, but those who have don't have much reason to buy this. If you're not in the know, Disgaea games are known for their off-beat humor, isometric tactics RPG gameplay, and extremely deep stat-building systems that can potentially involve lots of time min/max-ing your gear, characters, and so forth. The last part only becomes a necessity in post-game challenges, so thankfully you won't need to grind your ass off before then.
DJMAX Technika Tune	Rhythm	Portable adaption of the arcade game series. A rhythm game based on a touchscreen where you touch buttons when a timeline passes over it. Confirmed to have a mode that makes use of both the front and back touchpads and DLC songs from older DJMAX titles. Contains TECHNIKA 3 songs and uses the interface from TECHNIKA 2, also has Facebook integration but nobody gives a shit about that. OST and M/V modes are confirmed to make a return. Gameplay Trailer offscreen gameplay Had a baller collector's edition that sold out nearly instantly. Good luck finding it.
Dragon's Crown	Beat 'em up/RPG	A sword-and-sorcery beat 'em up homage with elements of Golden Axe, D&D Arcade, and more; except, expanded into an RPG. As such, in addition to the standard stages to play, is incentive to revisit them thanks to several quests which reward you with loot and further improve your powers. Each of the 6 classes has numerous skills and passive abilities to learn, letting you customize how you want to play and what role you'll serve in a party. You'll definitely want to party on, since after the initial 9 stages, you unlock 9 more, each with new bosses to conquer. After beating the game once, you get to the REAL meat: The Labyrinth of Chaos! It's a randomized dungeon containing mixed up elements from all stages, like fishmen out of water in the middle of the sky raining fire in an underground cave. Further on, bosses spawn as common foes, except harder with new attacks and patterns, AND other common enemies and stage hazards smash on you simultaneously. Normal stages can't even compare! As for the Vita version, slowdowns happen a bit more than PS3 (though the PS3 does also have them), and ad-hoc multiplayer is unlocked at the same time as online (first 9 stages cleared) vs the get-go of PS3. However, cooking and runes are much easier to manage and you will want to be good at those. For more info/help, consider checking out the archives of past generals and pastebins. Note: As of the most recent patch, you can go online with both Vita and PS3 players!
Dynasty Warriors Next	Beat 'em Up / Strategy	Solid spinoff of the slash-and-bash Warriors series, based off of DW7. Looks, plays, and sounds almost like it, but is more like a DW Empires entry. The touch screen sequences are a bit forced, but you'll soon learn how to blaze through them (even duels are eventually not much trouble) and reap their bonuses. There's also edit characters to customize and use in Conquest (storyless variant of Campaign, letting you mix-and-match officers) and Coalition (local co-op challenge mode). In addition to the main game, there are also mini-games with in-game bonuses (like a Hex Mark Saddle) and a photo mode (for the scrapbooker in you). DLC is costumes with some different stats and skills. Much more info HERE.
Final Fantasy X HD Remaster	RPG	FFX set the series' current standards for breathtakingly cinematic presentation, unique fantasy worlds, and romantic, sweeping stories with philosophical undertones. The game is fully-voiced and still a delight to look at, though the writing and voice-acting are a different story. Turn-based combat and rigid, class-based characters make a comeback, along with many callbacks to earlier titles. The game is very on-rails, with little optional exploration, but lots of side-content. As per usual, the ending is a point of contention. Worth a try. Based on the International release which adds additional exclusive content. Do note that the Vita version has a nasty RNG bug which was never patched for this particular port. Basically, encounters aren't random- if you saved your game, walked a few steps, then fought a battle then reloaded your game, you would encounter the same battle in the same amount of steps with the exact same damage from enemy attacks. This version also lacks the option to switch between the original and new OST. Physical version in North America and Europe is a bundle with X-2, but only X has a physical copy, X-2 comes as a free digital download voucher with X. Physical cartridges with X and X-2 separately are available in Asia in English. HD Remaster with X-2 also on PS3 and PS4.
Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster	RPG	Surprisingly, a direct sequel to FFX which revolves around Yuna's life after the events of the previous game. With Rikku the thief and new character Payne in tow, the three set out to become bounty hunters, errand runners, and pop idols, among other things. The combat system is very unique, as it allows the three to change classes ("Dresspheres," complete with unique outfits) in the middle of battle, a feature that some love and some hate. The story is ridiculous even for FF standards, so don't give it too much thought. A bizarre and unncessary, but fun romp. Based on the International release which includes exclusive content, such as dresspheres, an additional playable storyline and battle arena mode. Physical version in North America and Europe is a bundle with X, but only X has a physical copy, X-2 comes as a free digital download voucher with X. Physical cartridges with X and X-2 separately are available in Asia in English. HD Remaster with X also on PS3 and PS4.
Gravity Rush	Action Adventure / Sandbox	An original and stylish action adventure game, and one that's been executed with incredible polish. Use gravity powers to float, manipulate objects, run-and-jump on walls, speed from plane to plane, etc. like you're Spider-Man but 50 times better. Remaster available on PS4 with all DLC side quests included.
Horizon Chase Turbo	Racing	Neat arcade racing that takes cues from Top Gear/Lotus Challenge series. The framerate is kinda wonky on more demanding races but if you can overclock your console through plugins, you'll be fine. Unfortunately not released digitally because by the time they ported it to the Vita, Sony had already closed the doors for new games on the PSN. If you're tired of NFS:MW and Sonic All-Star Racing Transformed, this might be your thing. Easy to play, hard to master, specially on later races.
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational	Sports	Hot Shots is a pretty fucking good golf series. If you never thought you'd hear golf in that context, then you ought to pick up this game. It's surprisingly quick, easy, and accurate. Touch screen stuff is optional. Great time killer with pretty addicting gameplay. Also, prepare to spend hours and hours playing to be able to buy virtual shit to customize your players. A.k.a Everybody's Golf (or the language equivalent) in everywhere not America.
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1	Turn based RPG	A remake of the original Hyperdimension Neptunia, thankfully without most of the suck. The premise is basically a take on console wars and the game industry but with cute anime girls, and it's every bit as ridiculous and enjoyable as it sounds thanks to a surprisingly decent localization and fun character interactions. Gameplay wise its a turn based/sort of tactical RPG with flashy and fast paced battles. The game also has a synthesis system to create more items, weapons, costumes, and to add more dungeons and bosses in the game. If you're interested in trying out the series, this is the best place to start. Interestingly enough it also got ported over to PC, in a barebones but functional port. There are two more Rebirth sequels that are more of the same, in some cases quite literally due to reused assets.
Injustice: Gods Among Us - Ultimate Edition	Fighting	A fighting game by NetherRealm that's set in the DC universe. Because every character is a superhero/villain, playing as them tends to feel OP, which greatly adds to the fun factor of the game. Included is a story mode, and additional replay value in the form of a battle mode (with endings for each character, separate from the story mode), over three hundred Star L.A.B.S missions, and bonus characters such as Scorpion. The Vita port looks and runs great, and a few touch minigames have been thrown in for better or worse. You can watch SuperJumpReviews's review here.
Killzone: Mercenary	FPS	Often called "best Vita FPS game, Killzone game, and portable FPS -done right-". The campaign, though 9 stages, is lengthy and full of activites/situations other than running thru a level shooting. Extra replayability comes via different strategies for goals (i.e. hacking extra info, alternate target-kill methods, etc.). Multiplayer is the main draw. While only 4v4 in teams and 8-man royale, it flows together well. Arenas have a good balance between hiding spots and non=excessive size, and stage elements can be well-utilized. A variety of primary and secondary guns, armors, grenades, and VAN-Guards (RC robots with a variety of effects), allows you to custom-make loadouts for different priorities. Also, obtaining new equipment in either mode allows for use in the other, so it pays to play both. Digital-Buyer Warning: The filesize is already big, but with the patches, it gets pretty huge. Those without 32 or 64 memcards should probably stick with physical.
LittleBigPlanet PS Vita	Platformer / Any game type	Definitive version of LittleBigPlanet. Has a community already, and the single player is also great. Multiplayer sometimes lags but developers are fixing it with patches. It is a shame that levels from ps3's counterpart don't work here.
Lumines: Electronic Symphony	Puzzle	PSP's blockbuster puzzler is back and it's the comeback you've been waiting for. Improved everything, addicting like crack and beyond mesmerizing in every aspect, Lumines ES is a must have for any Vita owner. Notably improved from predecessors and adds some optional touchscreen perks to assist you and some new block types as well. You can find it very cheap on Amazon these days, to top it all off.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection	Action / Stealth	You know what the fuck this is, now it is portable. Unfortunately, the Peace Walker isnt included in vita version, but you can always buy it from playstation store and use twin stick setups if it so pleases you.
Muramasa Rebirth	Platformer / Action RPG	Enhanced port of the Wii game "Muramasa: The Demon Blade". If you haven't heard of this or played it yet, then get your ass out from under that rock and pick this up now. In this version, you can now remap buttons and it has a newer and more flowery (though more accurate) translation. You can still use the "Up-button scheme" though. All four DLC chapters have been released (separatly or in one package). Sadly no retail in the EU.
Need For Speed: Most Wanted	Racing	Pretty much as good as the console version, except with less things on the screen at a time and less players in multiplayer. Almost flawless port outside of those factors. It feels kinda bland after a few hours, but since the Vita lacks variety in this genre, this one is fine for what it is.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus	Action Adventure / Hack n' Slash	Good, old Ninja Gaiden Sigma with some new stuff added for the Vita. If you never played it, this is a great opportunity to see what you've missed out on. There's still a few loading times, but they are sparse and don't ruin the enjoyment. Looks great and plays great. Lightning fast enemy killing and balls-to-the-walls boss fights. Sigma 2 also has a Plus version as well. Though 2 has notably more extra content than this, it's sort of buggy. Beware: the Vita versions run at half the framerate of the PS3 versions which may be a detractor for some. Same with its sequel, except worse, so overclock your Vita first.
Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight	Rythm	Sequel to the dancing game based on Persona 4. The gameplay is basically circular Guitar Hero with songs and remixes from the original game. This time, they released two games together: this one and the one based on Persona 5. They are pretty much the same in terms of gameplay. The story is almost non-existent but at least they didn't shoehorn an entire visual novel campaign between songs like they did with P4D, so this one feels more like pick up and play than the previous game. Plenty of music and cosmetic DLC if you're into this kind of stuff. Also easy to platinum. Also available on PS4/PS5.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night	Rythm	First of the 3 dancing-based Persona games. The gameplay is basically the same across the series. The only difference (besides the songs) is that this one has a Visual Novel campaign that has to be played so you can unlock all songs. Since it's all filler within the original game's story, it's mileage may vary according to how much you care about these characters. You can fast forward the hell out of it too if you want. Also on PS4/PS5.
Persona 4: Golden	RPG / Scooby-Doo Simulator	Highest rated game on the Vita right now, and best version of P4. Has a good deal more content than the original, and also, you can now pick and choose persona skills in fusion (as opposed to cancel-spamming like before). If you haven't gotten this game already, then whatever. Baby's second SMT after P3P. For a list of modifications, check this shit: here.
Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight	Rythm	Released together with P3D and after P4D, they are pretty much the same game but with different songs. If you're not into piracy, choose the one which you're more familiar with the story. Or just get all of them, I'm not your father. They're all good tho. Also on PS4/PS5.
Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale	Smash Bros-like	It is what it is. The super-only kills thing isn't as funky as it sounds in theory, and can be utilized in amusing ways in practice (as you can find ways to gain or prevent lots of AP). Online multiplayer is where it really shines. You'll find it inferior to PS3 version if you're a grafixfag, but it looks damn good despite that and still plays identically.
Ragnarok Odyssey / Ragnarok Odyssey Ace	Action-Adventure	Monster Hunter-esque game based on the popular online universe from Ragnarok Online. Very solid game featuring colorful graphics and customization system. Game is heavy action based with dashes, jumps, juggles, and dodging. Similar to Monster Hunter, your objective is to kill monsters with friends (or alone), collect materials, and upgrade equipment. Equip "cards" for various buffs, comparable to "gems" in MH; though, it is interestingly balanced with a sort of risk vs reward stat system. The Ace rerelease has more content and some improvements.
Rayman Origins	2D Platformer	Amazing port of the console version, but unfortunately lacks the multiplayer option. However, if you planned on going solo anyway, the beautiful graphics and silky smooth gameplay with many things to collect and unlock make this a great addition to the Vita's library. You can also zoom in or out to get a better view of levels. Has a ghost race mode where you go against other players' times while their level replay ghost platforms along with you. Legends is also on Vita, and getting the Invasion levels back in a patch.
Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja/Revenge of Zen	Action / Stealth	Sequel to the older game Shinobido. Similar to the Tenchu series with it's setting, stealth kills, and using gadgets. Now with flying kites and super grappling hook. Nice game with some cool features. Lots of assorted jobs to do as well, including, but not limited to: assassination, kidnapping, escort, bodyguard, thievery, and working for and against various factions as a double agent. The game also lets you decide how to finish several missions, be it as a rampaging bastard or a silent but deadly shadow. An important replay factor is that this game has branching story paths and multiple endings to find. May not be as top-tier as other games in the series, but still solid.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time	Stealth Platformer	4th entry in the Sly series. Sneak your way across time and thief it up with Sly's ancestors. Gameplay is pretty much Sly as you'd expect him, although it's accessible enough for beginners as well, though some events and references may be lost on newcomers. Although it's also cross-buy on the PS3, it sadly has the same retarded method as Sony Smash Bros above. While the PS3 version is superior, this one is still good as well, both running and looking pretty smoothly.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed	Racing / Sunshine feeling	Functionally identical to the console versions while running shockingly well. Graphics look a tad 6th gen, but this gives it an added charm if anything. The game offers plenty to do and unlock, pretty much all of it stupidly hard. As for online however, you'll have to go with friends or /psvg/ since most play other versions.
Soul Sacrifice	Action Horror / 2spooky	You fight a bunch of grotesque monsters and draw upon the souls of flora and fauna to power yourself up and give you access to disturbing attacks such as shooting foes with your own solidified blood and beating the shit out of things with gigantic deformed arms. The solo story is enjoyably depressing, but gameplay hits its prime in multiplayer. The interesting lore is full of both crazy and horrifying shit. Although compared with Monster Hunter, the similarities end at "you can fight big critters" and honestly draws more from things like Phantom Dust, while still having its own unique aspects. Has an impressively big demo where your saved game data can be transferred later to the full game (!), so definitely give that a go.
Tales of Hearts R	Action RPG	Like Tales of Innocence R below, it's a remake of a Nintendo DS game. One of the better Tales games, now even better since you can use 4 allies at a time, along with other new goodies. Like ToIR, it uses a 3D world, even in battles, versus the sprite-based 2D of DS. Uses the anime cutscenes instead of the CGI ones. Ironically, even though Hideo Baba(baabhabhiat) wants everyone to play this game, ~~neither this nor the original is in English. What a dong ding.~~ Hearts R has now been english'd, Without a dub and some questionable name changes.
Tearaway	Platformer	A platformer from Media Molecule. They developed the LittleBigPlanet series for PS3. Tearaway uses the features of the PS VITA.
Tokyo Xanadu	Action RPG	Cool JRPG made by Nihon Falcom, the same guys behind the Ys series. In fact, Tokyo Xanadu shares a lot with the latest games in the Ys series, specially Ys VIII, but within a school setting. The combat is fast and the story, despite taking its time to get good, eventually gets satisfying. There's an enhanced port for PS4 and PC called Tokyo Xanadu ex+, which adds more playable characters and a different campaign, but this one is fine too if you like portability.
Touch My Katamari	Adventure / Puzzle / Ball Rollan'	While it doesn't offer groundbreaking changes from previous entries, it's still Katamari and thus damn good and funky. Improved controls flow smoothly (jump and turn only need one button each, etc.) and also has a new stretch and squish mechanic to get lots of stuff or squeeze through tight spaces. You can also use touchscreen-centric controls (not like you would). As always, roll your magic cosmic ball to get stuff stuck to it before time runs out (or other stage-based goals). You'll often start small with stuff like toys and cookies, but soon grow enough to roll up pets, people, buildings, and even entire countries! For beginners, this is a funtastic starting point. However, for past rollers, you may prefer Me and My Katamari on PSP, if you haven't already, which has more content.
Toukiden: The Age of Demons	GIANT DEMON SLAYING SIMULATOR	A Monster Hunter "clone", although not not in the typical sense. Instead, several aspects are done differently, including weapon attacks, but mostly via Mitama. In short, utilizing weapons and Mitama essentially give you roles and specialties in combat. Mitama are less like "items" and more like spells that run on limited-uses. In addition, each has passive boosts and abilities, helping you (and some even helping your main mitama, as 1-3 can be equipped) via extra spell usages, stat boosts, ailment resistances, etc. There's more depth than it lets on at first. On the other hand, there's some issues players have: one, it's pretty damn easy (which isn't too bad if you're new to MH-ish games) and two, story-based and co-op-based progress is not shared, meaning you might need to flip-flop for consistency. Learn more at the Koei Wikia. A note to potential buyers: with Toukiden Kiwami (aka (e)Xtreme) coming out, essentially it's getting a Soul Sacrifice Delta ordeal (3 all new weapon varieties, new non-pallete swap demon breeds, etc.). If you can find this original version on the cheap, it's arguably still worth it, but spending full price at this point is not fully advised. Save data from the original can be transfered to Kiwami, so consider that as well.
Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3	2D Fighter	Babby's first fighter on the go! One of the most astonishing ports in terms of visuals and carrying content over. The only noteworthy weakness is that backgrounds are more static than in console versions. Great online play and Vita's d-pad allow for some serious handheld fighting dose. Best of all, Heroes and Heralds mode allows a good deal of customization for your fighters. With said fighters, you take on other players locally or online with their customized fighters and duke it out. Raw fightan skill is still a big factor in H&H mode, but the customizations you use are also important as well. Just another potential interest to appeal for you.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss	Platformer / Action Adventure	Plays just like your standard Uncharted game, but now with touch screen interaction with things. The game looks gorgeous; an excellent showcase of what Vita is capable of. Be aware there is no multiplayer but a lot stuff to collect during single player mode.
Unit 13	Third person shooter	This is an assortment of missions that score your performance at the end, much like an arcade game. There isn't much of a storyline, but the gameplay is so finely executed and offers so much replayability that it's hard to care. You can watch SuperJumpReviews's excellent review of the game here.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition	Sports	Great tennis game with that nice balance of "arcade/simulator". Not so realistic, but also not too goofy, which means the gameplay is perfectly adjusted for both sides of sports players. Shitloads of stuff to unlock and view. Nice time killer and great addition to this classic series.
Wipeout 2048	Futuristic Racing	Awesome racing game set in the (not-so) DISTANT FUTURE. Game looks great on the Vita with extremely vibrant colors and pumping soundtrack. A lot stuff to unlock and smooth online play. It had problems with looooong loading times but that was fixed with a patch. There's cross-platform play with PS3, but only in certain stages. Still, you can regularly multiplayer with other Vita players just as easily as previous games let you with their respective systems.
Ys: Memories of Celceta	Action RPG	Although part of a series, this entry is stand-alone in execution, so beginners can start here, too (in fact you can start from whichever game you want in this series). Falcom's own remake of Ys IV, remixing/changing aspects of past versions. Gameplay is like Ys Seven (fast-paced hack n' slashing with careful guards/dodges to counter/avoid enemy assaults). Story is a Pulp Fiction-ish ordeal, as you share in Adol's confusions and rediscoveries as he solves a grand mystery by kicking some demon ass. Rockin' soundtrack, fast action, and extensive exploration await. Negatives include the graphics being a bit bloomy, story is a bit cliche at times, and foes being a bit damage-spongy on highest difficulties. If you can, try to buy the special box set. It has lots of nice extras, including a handy mini-strategy guide.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana	Action RPG	Taking place between Ys V and Ys VI, Adol and a bunch of other people end on a mysterious island and must find a way out. This game brings back the party system from the two previous titles and adds a lot more exploration, making this the longest title in the series so far. Unique in that unlike other entries you don't have towns, instead you must find the other survivors from the ship crash scattered along the island and help build a settlement where they will share items and other stuff in exchange for materials as there is no actual money in the game. Just remember to update the game before playing it because of the awful translation it came out that was thankfully fixed later. Also on PC, PS4 and PS5
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward	Visual Novel / escape the room puzzle	The sequel to the awesomeness that was 999 on the DS. Amazing story and characters wrapped up with plenty of well designed puzzles that will suck away your time until the end. Also exists on 3DS but that version has a horrible bug where your saves can get corrupted if you save in the middle of a puzzle room (although there are reports that this happens in the Vita version too so beware). Also this game looks a whole lot better on the Vita anyway in exchange for bad touchscreen response. Note: Even though it's recommended to play 999 before this in order to understand the story better, it's not necessary if you only have Vita instead of DS or 3DS.

More Vita facts

Three models were produced:

PCH-1000, the original, with an OLED screen and optional (but abandoned) 3G.
PCH-2000, released in October 2013 (in February 2014 worldwide), with an IPS screen instead, better battery life, 1GB of internal memory storage (disabled once a memory card is inserted), and is thinner and lighter overall.
PlayStation TV, released in November 2013 (in October 2014 worldwide), to play Vita games on a television, up to 1080i resolution, also featuring an Ethernet/HDMI port and support for DualShock 3 & 4 controllers. However, earlier Vita games (especially the ones that require touch input, such as Gravity Rush) may not be compatible with this system.

One major issue, and perhaps a crucial factor in its commercial failure, was its use of proprietary (and very expensive) memory cards instead of the widely accepted SD cards. There is a microSD adapter called SD2Vita, but custom firmware is required.

Retail titles are region-free, but digital content/DLCs are region-locked through a PSN account. Note that only one account can be used per memory card. Most PSP games that were given a digital release are available to play on the Vita, but some may require a PC or PS3 to download. Knowing Japanese is more than recommended too if you want to enjoy the system's library, as so much of it was never released in the West (or was poorly localized, or censored - looking at you, NISA and Idea Factory).