The PlayStation Vita is a handheld gaming console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. First released in Japan in December 2011 and then worldwide in February 2012, the PS Vita utilized proprietary flash memory cards called PlayStation Vita cards for game data storage and save files.
Unlike previous Sony handheld consoles that used Memory Stick formats, the PS Vita switched to a new proprietary format developed specifically for the Vita. This was likely done to optimize performance, ensure copy protection of games, and give Sony control over accessory sales. However, it meant PS Vita memory cards were more expensive than standard cards and not interchangeable with other devices.
With the PS Vita discontinued in 2019, understanding what memory cards work with the system can help users maximize storage potential and play more games.
PS Vita Memory Card Types
The PS Vita primarily uses proprietary Sony Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards as its memory card format. These memory cards were specifically designed for use with the PS Vita and PlayStation TV.
According to A Complete Cheatsheet To The PS Vita Memory Card, the Memory Stick Micro (M2) card is the main proprietary memory card format made for the PS Vita gaming system. This format was created by Sony for use with their products like the PS Vita.
Standard SD cards or MicroSD cards with a Memory Stick Micro adapter will not work natively with the PS Vita. The device requires an authentic Sony Memory Stick Micro (M2) card in order to function properly and save games.
Memory Card Capacities
The PS Vita uses proprietary memory cards specifically designed for the handheld system. These cards come in the following capacities:
- 4GB
- 8GB
- 16GB
- 32GB
- 64GB
The 4GB and 8GB cards are best suited for casual gamers who mostly play physical game cartridges and need only limited space for save files. The 16GB to 64GB cards offer much more substantial storage for digital games and content. The 64GB card is currently the largest capacity available for the PS Vita.
While generic Micro SD cards cannot be used directly in the PS Vita, some users have modded their systems to allow SD card usage via an adapter. However, this requires advanced technical skills and voids the warranty.
For most users, an official Sony PS Vita memory card in the 16GB to 64GB range will be the best option to maximize storage capacity.
Transfer Speeds
The official Sony PS Vita memory cards have varying transfer speeds depending on their capacity. Testing by Eurogamer found that the read and write speeds were as follows:
- 4GB – Read: 4.5MB/s, Write: 1.6MB/s
- 8GB – Read: 5.5MB/s, Write: 1.6MB/s
- 16GB – Read: 7.6MB/s, Write: 2.7MB/s
- 32GB – Read: 15MB/s, Write: 7.0MB/s
So in general, the larger capacity cards have faster read and write speeds. However, even the 32GB card maxes out at around 15MB/s read speeds, which is relatively slow compared to modern SD cards.
When using an SD card with an SD2Vita adapter, the read and write speeds will be limited by the Vita hardware to around 7-8MB/s. So using a high speed SD card will not increase the transfer speed significantly. A Class 10 SD card is sufficient in most cases.
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Memory Card Prices
The proprietary PlayStation Vita memory cards tend to be quite expensive compared to standard SD cards of the same capacity. When the PS Vita launched in 2011, the prices for the official Sony memory cards were:
- 4GB – $29.99
- 8GB – $44.99
- 16GB – $69.99
- 32GB – $119.99
In comparison, prices for standard SD cards during the same time period were significantly lower. A 16GB SD card could be purchased for around $15-20 and a 32GB SD card for $30-40.
The proprietary Vita cards commanded a heavy premium, with the 32GB Vita card launching at nearly 4 times the price of a comparable 32GB SD card. Even today, prices for Vita cards remain high on the secondary market. A used 32GB Vita memory card often sells for $60-80, while a new 32GB microSD card can be purchased for under $10.
The primary reason for the inflated cost of Vita cards is their proprietary format and Sony’s total control over production and pricing. This locked-in exclusivity allows Sony to charge a premium well above the market rate for standard memory cards. For PS Vita owners, the high memory card prices can make expanding storage capacity expensive and cost-prohibitive.
Sources:
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps-vita-memory-card-prices-revealed-retail-radar/1100-6346704/
Using Standard SD Cards
The PS Vita does not have a standard SD card slot, so SD cards cannot be used directly. However, there are adapters like the SD2Vita that allow you to use a micro SD card in the Vita’s game card slot.
While SD2Vita adapters make it possible to use SD cards, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- The Vita can only recognize a single memory card at once, so you cannot use both an SD2Vita and a proprietary Vita memory card at the same time. You have to choose one or the other.
- SD2Vita requires your Vita to be hacked and running custom firmware like Henkaku. It will not work on an unmodified Vita.
- Not all games are compatible with the SD2Vita adapter. Some may have issues reading from the SD card.
- SD cards may not perform as fast as the proprietary Vita memory cards in some cases, which could impact loading times.
- You have to re-install the SD2Vita drivers after each reboot, though this can be automated.
Overall, the SD2Vita adapter provides a convenient way to expand the Vita’s storage cheaply using standard SD cards. But it is not a seamless plug-and-play experience and requires some technical know-how to set up properly.
Maximizing Storage
The PS Vita comes with limited internal storage, so making the most of your memory card space is important. Here are some tips for maximizing storage on the PS Vita:
Save data takes up a significant chunk of memory card space. Consider backing up your save files to a computer or PS Plus cloud storage occasionally to free up card space. Just be sure to copy the files back to the card before playing those games again.
Try downloading games digitally only when on sale or if you plan to play them immediately. Otherwise, buy physical game cards which don’t take up precious memory card space.
Delete games you are not currently playing. You can always re-download them later from the PlayStation Store if you have an active PS Plus membership.
Use Content Manager to regularly back up photos, videos, and music to your computer. This frees up card space without losing the media entirely.
If your memory card space is still consistently full, consider upgrading to a higher capacity PS Vita card like 64GB or 128GB.
Some users report success using a special SD card adapter called SD2Vita to use standard micro SD cards instead of Vita cards. However, this requires modding the system and results can be inconsistent.
Check our guide on PS Vita memory cards and storage for more tips on maximizing capacity.
Memory Card Compatibility
The original PlayStation Vita (PCH-1000) model uses proprietary PS Vita memory cards. These cards come in sizes of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. The PS Vita slim (PCH-2000) also accepts these same PS Vita memory cards.
Both models of the PS Vita have a game card slot and a separate memory card slot. The game cards contain PS Vita games, while the memory cards store saved games, downloads, and other data. The memory cards are required for many features on the PS Vita.
While the PS Vita memory cards are required, there are ways to use standard micro SD cards instead. Products like the SD2Vita adapter allow fitting a micro SD card in the game card slot to act as internal storage. However, this requires modding the system. The native PS Vita memory cards remain the officially supported option.
In summary, both models of PS Vita require the proprietary PS Vita memory cards to function as intended. The cards are interchangeable between the original and slim models. While SD card adapters exist through modding, the PS Vita memory cards are the officially compatible option.
Summary
To summarize, the PS Vita has a few different memory card options for owners. The proprietary PS Vita memory cards made by Sony come in sizes ranging from 4GB to 64GB. These provide the fastest read/write speeds but tend to be more expensive. Popular alternatives are to use an adapter like SD2Vita to allow Vita owners to use standard micro SD cards. Pairing an SD2Vita adapter with a high speed micro SD card provides more storage at lower costs while still giving solid performance. When selecting a micro SD card for the Vita, focus on reputable brands and aim for read speeds of at least 80-100MB/s. For most users, a 128GB card from a quality brand like Sandisk or Samsung paired with an SD2Vita adapter provides the best blend of price, performance and ample storage for a large Vita game library.
References
Sources used for this content include the official Playstation website, gaming hardware sites like IGN, and shopping sites such as Amazon. The information was compiled through a combination of first-hand experience using the PS Vita, reading official product pages and manuals, and reviewing detailed recommendations and comparisons on dedicated gaming and technology sites. The references aimed to focus on the most recent, relevant, and authoritative sources on PS Vita memory cards in order to provide accurate and up-to-date recommendations.