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Four years ago today, on the 22nd February 2012, Sony bestowed upon the Western world its newest handheld gaming system: the PlayStation Vita. Originally marketed as something of a home console in the palm of your hands, it's safe to say that the sleek little machine hasn't quite lived up to its potential - but for once, we're not here to criticise. Instead, let's just take a quick look back at what the last four years of Vita have given us.

As with any console, good or bad, the Vita has its fans - and many of them are supremely loyal to the diminutive device. The handheld has attracted hardcore followers the world over, although at this point, it's no secret that its audience is different to what it once was.

Those who stuck around hoping for AAA-style support soon got sick of waiting for the next Uncharted: Golden Abyss or Killzone: Mercenary, but it wasn't long before people's expectations of the console changed. A couple of years in, and the Vita's library was stuffed with indie titles and localised versions of Japanese games - and it's a specific kind of software selection that continues to grow to today.

Much like the Vita itself, the majority of its library is made up of games that'll always struggle to find a mainstream audience, but in a weird way, that makes the system all the more endearing - at least, if you actually enjoy the kind of titles that we're talking about. Indeed, if you're anything like this particular editor, you'll find comfort in knowing that all of your favourite niche Japanese releases are stored safely on a tiny little memory card inside of a gaming device that you can whip out at any time and play. It's just a nice feeling.

Of course, nice feelings aren't really enough to sell a portable console to consumers who supposedly couldn't care less, but again, that's not really what the Vita's about these days. Many of its stalwart supporters have come to terms with the fact that Sony's not going to move mountains to squeeze some success from the system, but that doesn't mean it's not a valuable bit of kit that we're thankful for.

Have you enjoyed four years of PlayStation Vita, or do you have a bone to pick with Sony's handheld console? Vote in our poll, and then complain about memory card pricing in the comments section below.

Do you still play your PlayStation Vita? (111 votes)

  1. Yes, I still really enjoy my Vita45%
  2. I play regularly, but not all the time14%
  3. I pick up my Vita on rare occasions17%
  4. No, mine's been collecting dust for quite some time6%
  5. Nope, I got rid of my Vita6%
  6. I've never owned a Vita12%

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