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PlayStation Vita grip accessories

Archive: 30 posts


This thread is kind of a spiritual continuation of a discussion started in the LBPV beta forums by fullofwin. We got to talking about different grips for the PS Vita, and I thought it would be useful information for everyone else as well. For reference (and convenience), here is a copy/paste of some of the discussion from the beta forums:


Maybe I should look into getting one of those controller like grips to hold the Vita...has anyone tried or would recommend one of these?
Yes, this has been a HUGE help for me. I have big hands anyway, and while I can use the Vita by itself I much prefer it with a grip. I did quite a bit of research on this and the one I settled on is the CTA Vita grip. I LOVE it:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/c4e6a651.jpg

It's solid, well made, easy to attach/remove, and very comfortable to use. It feels like a Nintendo 64 controller. My only complaint is that you can't plug in the power cord while using the grip, but ah well. I got mine from Amazon for about $13.
I played hundreds of hours of Monster Hunter on the PSP so my left hand is now a horribly disfigured claw. I didn't even get through the story levels on LBP PSP and never tried to create anything so LBPV is a new/un-familliar experience.

That's the same grip I was looking at...I'm definitely going to buy one to try now, it's cheap enough and I think it's going to help me a lot. The PSP 2000/3000 were very comfortable to hold compared to the Vita...
LOL I can relate! My friends and I all stopped playing around the same time because we were having hand/wrist issues. Nothing major for me, but I could definitely feel some soreness after a marathon play session. It's holding down that sprint button that killed me. I sure do love that game though.

Yes, definitely get the CTA grip. I read so-so reviews about some of the other grips but I can attest to the awesomeness of this one - and for the price you just can't beat it. I want them to come out with one that has a built-in battery pack. That would be epic win in a box.
I'm getting me one of those grips. I was also having a small issue gripping the vita.
This new grip is sweet! Thanks Taffey!
Woot! Glad you likey.
Alright, now I'm tempted by the grip. Does it affect gaming when using the rear touch?
It's very slightly more difficult to reach the center of the rear touch pad, but it's hardly an issue. I do prefer playing Escape Plan without the grip but that game is very heavy on rear touch gameplay. For LBPV (especially create mode) the grip is perfect.
Yeah, the grip is pretty fantastic. The great thing is how easy it is to separate the vita from the grip. For most games, the grip feels much better - I always felt like I had to grip right at the edges and it was slightly uncomfortable. But - I figure if I'm playing a game that is mostly touch and the grip is awkward I can easily pop it off. Although... I haven't run into that yet. In fact, playing Gravity Rush even the touch screen is a bit easier for me to get to. I agree with Taffey - highly recommended.
I may wait till the nyko power grip releases in UK, if it ever does looks the same as the cta one but has extra battery life added in
I finally got around to ordering the CTA grip, will arrive tomorrow so I'll be able to try it over the weekend; I'm glad the beta was extended. If nyko releases a power grip I'll definitely upgrade to that. My only real issue with the Vita is it's battery life, and not being able to create while charging with the CTA grip is a bit of a problem...I've spent 8 hours straight creating in LBP2 before.
Yeah it's a bit of a minor annoyance, but you can still go for a solid 3-ish hours before the battery poops out. That's at least 3 more hours with the grip than without.
I like the grip, I don't have to hold the Vita by my fingertips anymore and can keep them off the back touch pad.
Can't plug into the power port? LOL! No sale for me. This vita is a power muncher. No way in hell I'd spend money on something that would make it harder to keep it powered up.

I'll wait till Sony makes an official grip, I don't trust 3rd party pelican garbage.
I don't think Sony ever made a grip for the PSP...probably won't make one for the Vita either. It's a single, solid chunk of plastic, you have serious trust issues if you have a problem with a simple plastic grip. It's pretty well designed...very easy to pop the Vita in and out, that's the primary reason it covers the charging port, that's how it clips on. Also I spent a whopping $3 on it...best $3 I ever spent.


.....aaaand to continue the conversation, I just picked up one of these today from a local Gamestop:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/PowerGripVita.jpg

It's a Nyko Power Grip, and you can read some details about it here (http://www.psvitahub.com/2012/07/nyko-release-grip-which-extends-ps-vita.html). Comparing it side-by-side with the CTA grip I can tell you that it is essentially identical - same material and construction, and it looks like they even used the same molds for some of the pieces. The difference of course is that this Nyko grip has a built-in battery, which is a MAJOR bonus, and it also allows charging the Vita without removing the grip. Double win! Plus, as an added bonus, you won't be wearing out the Vita's power port by plugging and unplugging the power cord all the time - you'll be using the one on the grip instead. That might qualify it for a triple win.

Anyway, it looks like you can order this grip from Amazon, but the page indicates that it "usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks" . It's better to call around to your local Gamestops to see if they have any in stock - it took me 4 or 5 stores before I found one. (Tip: Ask them to search inventory in other local stores to save you some phone calls.) It was $29.99 and well worth the price. I'm not sure if this is available in the UK or EU yet, but I would assume so.
2012-07-25 23:41:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


i had a different grip. i think it's called trigger gripper? it works alot better and better feel t your hands.2012-07-25 23:44:00

Author:
Sunbunny23
Posts: 995


i had a different grip. i think it's called trigger gripper? it works alot better and better feel t your hands.Yeah I've looked at a couple of those.. I'm guessing you might have this one:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/PSVitaTriggerGrip3.jpg

I almost picked one up but after reading some reviews I decided on the CTA grip initially. I can tell you my Nyko grip is pretty much never leaving my Vita.
2012-07-25 23:48:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


I've been looking into getting one of these as I almost always accidentally tap the rear-touch pad!

Many websites recommend different brands, but I'm pretty sold on that Nyko Power Grip. Thanks for sharing this Taffey
2012-07-26 03:57:00

Author:
anoken
Posts: 1654


Vita Grip Face-off: PDP versus HORI
Brad Grenz on July 14, 2012 — 2 Comments

As someone prone to hand cramps and numbness even with normal console controllers, the Vita has presented something of a challenge. I have found certain games, depending on how they use the Vita controls, difficult to play for even a few minutes without pain. As such I have been looking to one of a number of third party grip attachments for relief. To that end I obtained two highly recommended products for evaluation.

The First Contender

http://www.gamervita.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_1067-520x281.jpg

First up is the PDP Trigger Grips. Retailing for $14.99, the titular feature is a pair of triggers that effectively relocate the Vita’s shoulder buttons lower, to a more natural, easier to reach position. The Vita snaps into the plastic frame and a simple mechanism transmit the motion from pulling a trigger to the shoulder buttons very reliably. There’s no locking mechanism to hold the Vita in place, but it’s a tight enough fit that the system never feels like it will slip out accidentally. It also leaves open access to the game slot, memory card slot, expansion port, headphone jack and power connector. The rear camera and touch surface are also unobstructed.

The PDP Trigger Grip makes the entire system thicker at the top to accommodate the triggers and tapering down so the grip extensions are no thicker than the Vita itself. Ergonomic extenders jut out from the bottom of the system, but they are flush with the Vita itself and don’t add much to hold on to. The exterior is also finished with a very slippery rubberized material that makes you worry about the Vita squirting out of your hands.

http://www.gamervita.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0967-260x142.jpg

I spent about a week using the PDP Trigger Grip exclusively across a number of games. While the relocation of the triggers works well, the insubstantial nature of the rest of the Trigger Grip results in a Vita that is still not very comfortable to hold for any period of time. Trigger heavy games benefit the most. I clocked my highest Theater of Magic score in Pinball Arcade (2.44 Billion) using the Trigger Grip. Shooters like Unit 13 also feel far more natural utilizing the triggers in conjunction with the dual analog sticks. Platformers and strategy games didn’t feel appreciably different from using a naked Vita. The extended hand holds just aren’t thick enough to allow your fingers to curl around them like a proper controller. Between that and the slick “satin” finish it’s difficult to recommend.

The Trigger Grip’s low profile may appeal in terms of portability, and if you already find using a Vita reasonably comfortable but want triggers, this product could be for you. Anyone looking for a real improvement in ergonomics would be best served elsewhere.

The Second Contender

http://www.gamervita.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0989-520x364.jpg

Hori’s Grip Attachment for the PlayStation Vita is built with the same functional ethic you’d expect based on their well known line of competition quality arcade fighting sticks. It’s made with sturdy plastic and cradles the Vita with a number of foam line stand offs. A large fat tab flips up over the game slot to lock the Vita in place, but the headphone jack and power connector remain unobstructed, along with the back touch surface and rear camera.

Two fat, contoured, adjustable hand holds protrude from the back of the unit. They can be extended so they protrude about and inch from the bottom of the unit. I found the Hori grip most comfortable unextended, but depending on the size and shape of your hands this may be useful. The construction is very sturdy and the plastic feels very similar to a Dualshock 3 or Xbox 360 controller.

http://www.gamervita.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_1049-260x179.jpg

Portability obviously takes a hit with Hori’s design. There’s no way to fit this in your pocket. The way the game slot is blocked will also be inconvenient to anyone reliant on game carts instead of downloads. The locking tab flips up easy enough, but you’ll still have to remove the Vita from the grip completely to actually open the game slot. Hori’s Grip Attachment isn’t much of a looker either.

All that pales when compared to how comfortable it is to actually use. Unit 13, Super Stardust Delta and Mutant Blobs Attack all play great. I’ve spent hours grinding away in Final Fantasy Tactics without my hands cramping up or going numb. I’d love it if the Hori featured triggers like the PDP design, but there hand holds are large enough that it isn’t hard to reposition your hands to reach the shoulder buttons easily. At the same $15 price point as the Trigger Grips the Hori is an easy recommendation.

Conclusion

The perfect solution would be a combination of the PDP triggers and the Hori’s huge grips. Absent that, the Hori is a far superior product. Currently on Amazon it’s also a few dollars cheaper than the PDP Trigger Grips. For that we at GamerVita.com award the Hori Grip Attachment our highest endorcement:

http://www.gamervita.com/2012/07/vita-grip-face-off-pdp-versus-hori/
2012-07-26 04:08:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger
Posts: 3910


Nice find! I hadn't yet seen an in-depth review on the Hori grip. Looks like a nice unit!

I'm seriously loving this Nyko grip right now though.
2012-07-26 04:38:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


Nice find! I hadn't yet seen an in-depth review on the Hori grip. Looks like a nice unit!

I'm seriously loving this Nyko grip right now though.
2012-07-26 04:38:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


Does it cover up the back touch?2012-07-26 04:38:00

Author:
unc92sax
Posts: 928


Does it cover up the back touch?No, not at all - the rear touch pad is still 100% accessible.2012-07-26 06:24:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


Nice topic, thanks Taffey for it!

But I have one question - why do you need additional grip? I love how vita lied in my hands, everything nice and comfortable and all controls are very natural (after a short period of adaptatio).

So why do you need some additional grip? I use vita generally during my travels and don't want to occupy some additional space in my backpack with grip or some other additional devices.

From Russia with love,
Domick12
2012-07-26 08:43:00

Author:
Domik12
Posts: 838


Nice find! I hadn't yet seen an in-depth review on the Hori grip. Looks like a nice unit!

I'm seriously loving this Nyko grip right now though.

I'm still undecided on which to get. Hori seems to be getting the better reviews overall but you say you love the Nyke grip. Doesn't it take your hands further away from the back touch than the Hori? and just how thick are those hand grips? They seem thin and I'm worried they may eventually start to dig a little into your palms
2012-07-26 14:09:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger
Posts: 3910


Nice topic, thanks Taffey for it!

But I have one question - why do you need additional grip? I love how vita lied in my hands, everything nice and comfortable and all controls are very natural (after a short period of adaptatio).For me personally, a grip makes the Vita much more comfortable to use for long periods of time. I have pretty big hands so that's part of it. I have no issue with using the Vita without a grip, but depending on the game I have to make a conscious effort to keep my fingers off of the rear touch pad. Also, with more "intense" games (e.g., Wipeout, Mortal Kombat) my pinky fingers start to go numb for some reason. I must be gripping the Vita too tightly or something.

I did basically the same thing with my PSP Go. The controls on that are very cramped and I did get used to them, but when I had the chance I would always connect a Dualshock controller and use that instead.




So why do you need some additional grip? I use vita generally during my travels and don't want to occupy some additional space in my backpack with grip or some other additional devices.Very good point - when I am traveling I do not use a grip. It takes up way too much space in my bag and it always gets tangled up in the power cords. I really only use the grip at home, which is where I do most of my gaming. I also have a nice set of Sony over-the-ear headphones that stay at home as well - they are bulky but WOW do they sound good. On the road I use earbuds.




I'm still undecided on which to get. Hori seems to be getting the better reviews overall but you say you love the Nyke grip. Doesn't it take your hands further away from the back touch than the Hori?It does a little bit, yes, but it's hardly what I could call an issue. I can still easily touch my fingers together behind the Vita, which means I can reach any part of the touch screen that I want. The CTA/Nyko grips have two features I like very much: 1) My fingers naturally rest on the grip and not on the back of the Vita, which means I don't have to remember to not touch the rear pad and 2) The analog stick and fact buttons are FAR more comfortable to use as my hands are positioned at a more appropriate angle. If you look at a Dualshock controller, you will see that the two grips angle inwards, which is a natural position for your hands to be in. If you look at Vita, the same area (in relation to the sticks and buttons) angles the opposite direction, making it a bit tougher to hang on to in some situations. For me the CTA/Nyko grips do a much better job of replicating what a Dualshock does.



and just how thick are those hand grips? They seem thin and I'm worried they may eventually start to dig a little into your palmsI was worried about that too at first, but believe me they are more substantial than they appear and are remarkably comfortable. The best way to describe the CTA/Nyko grip is that it feels a lot like a Nintendo 64 controller.



Hehe reading all my comments above make it sound like I almost can't even use a Vita without a grip - this is definitely not the case. I'm just kind of a princess when it comes to my gaming comfort and besides, I like accessories.
2012-07-26 17:27:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


When I play my Vita, I accidentally touch the backpad, and it messes up what I'm doing. I need to get me one of these.2012-07-31 00:13:00

Author:
amoney1999
Posts: 1202


When I play my Vita, I accidentally touch the backpad, and it messes up what I'm doing. I need to get me one of these.

Same here, but having had a conversation with one of the devs, the back touch on LBPV has a certain amount of 'intelligence' (if that word can be attributed to a piece of plastic... why did Michael Jackson just pop into my head?) It recognises when you have had you hand touching it for a while and automatically assumes you do not want to use it.
2012-07-31 01:31:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger
Posts: 3910


Same here, but having had a conversation with one of the devs, the back touch on LBPV has a certain amount of 'intelligence' (if that word can be attributed to a piece of plastic...

Intelligence wasn't being attributed to plastic...it was being attributed to the code that interfaces with it, which of course isn't intelligent either, it just has some "rules" about what constitutes valid input.

I bought this grip on Taffey's recommendation solely for create mode, I don't really need it when playing games. The grip is a must for me in create mode unless I disable all the back touch camera control features (which are pretty convenient when you utilize them deliberately).
2012-07-31 16:45:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214


Same here, but having had a conversation with one of the devs, the back touch on LBPV has a certain amount of 'intelligence' (if that word can be attributed to a piece of plastic... why did Michael Jackson just pop into my head?) It recognises when you have had you hand touching it for a while and automatically assumes you do not want to use it.

Yes, I know. Its really annoying cause I't just doing something, then suddenly this command that I didn't choose to use happens. I guess I'll have to wait for christmas to get one of these.
2012-07-31 18:12:00

Author:
amoney1999
Posts: 1202


Thanks for the reviews!

I've been planning to get the PS Vita when LBP Vita comes out, but I've got rather long fingers and wide palms, which made playing the PSP nearly impossible for any length of time.

I was worried I'd have similar issues, though for $25, the Nyko seems like an excellent buy.
2012-08-04 01:43:00

Author:
SSTAGG1
Posts: 1136


I'd buy the Nyko, but I only have $5 on me 2012-08-04 02:58:00

Author:
amoney1999
Posts: 1202


I was worried I'd have similar issues, though for $25, the Nyko seems like an excellent buy.The Nyko is an absolute no-brainer buy. It'd be worth it for twice the price. 2012-08-04 07:16:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


I highly doubt this, but are any of these grips compatible with the various cases available? A grip seems like a worthy investment, but I'm also funny about protecting stuff like that, so if I'm going to have to choose, chances are I'm going to choose the case.2012-08-04 12:59:00

Author:
Super_Clone
Posts: 849


I highly doubt this, but are any of these grips compatible with the various cases available? A grip seems like a worthy investment, but I'm also funny about protecting stuff like that, so if I'm going to have to choose, chances are I'm going to choose the case.Yeah none of these grips would be compatible with any case. I just leave mine in the grip at home, and when it's time to hit the road with it I take it out and use the case instead.2012-08-04 16:14:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


Yeah none of these grips would be compatible with any case. I just leave mine in the grip at home, and when it's time to hit the road with it I take it out and use the case instead.

How solid is the Nyko grip and how does it clip onto the Vita? Any worries about damaging or scratching the casing? How do the triggers feel and how does it work?

I'm thinking of getting this one now.
2012-08-04 16:40:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger
Posts: 3910


I'm asking for one for christmas! then I don't have to buy it!2012-08-04 17:40:00

Author:
amoney1999
Posts: 1202


Game Guys review - Nyko PS Vita Power Grip

http://www.news10.net/entertainment/gameguys/article/205281/99/Game-Guys-review---Nyko-PS-Vita-Power-Grip
2012-08-17 00:18:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger
Posts: 3910


Cool, I'll order one as soon as Amazon has one in stock.2012-08-17 02:27:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214


Another great review of the Powergrip: http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2012/08/17/hardware-review-nykos-power-grip-for-the-vita-hold-on/2012-09-02 10:25:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger
Posts: 3910


I did get the Nyko grip, btw. Form-factor is just as comfortable as CTA grip...maybe a iittle better since it's more substantial and screw holes are better hidden. Don't have much 1st hand experience on how long the battery really lasts as I haven't been using the Vita much. Extra battery+not blocking any ports makes this a really nice grip. Anyone want a CTA grip? 2012-09-02 14:00:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214


I did get the Nyko grip, btw. Form-factor is just as comfortable as CTA grip...maybe a iittle better since it's more substantial and screw holes are better hidden. Don't have much 1st hand experience on how long the battery really lasts as I haven't been using the Vita much. Extra battery+not blocking any ports makes this a really nice grip. Anyone want a CTA grip?

Darn it your lucky. I have to save up for 3 weeks (I got an allowance), and so I have 15, but then will get another 15 during the following 3 weeks.
2012-09-02 15:17:00

Author:
amoney1999
Posts: 1202


I have the same"trigger grip" that has plenty of pictures on this forum already. It works very well, also allows for charging without removing, easy to remove and replace, durable, adds triggers instead of bumbers, and cost around $14.99 at best buy. I would highly recommend it over any others (Though it's also the only one I tried I tried so yeah...)2012-09-03 01:55:00

Author:
qwerty123456
Posts: 309


I went to Best Buy the other day and held one of the trigger grips. It was kinda hard to push down the triggers, and your fingers barely held onto the grip.2012-09-03 23:23:00

Author:
amoney1999
Posts: 1202


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