PS Vita: difference between new and old screens "relatively imperceptible"

Sony defends switch from OLED to LCD screens, "technology is always full of compromises," says UK MD.

Sony has switched screen technology for the new PS Vita console, but the difference in quality is "relatively imperceptible" according to UK managing director Fergal Gara.

Speaking to VG247 today, he said that the change in screens from a OLED to LCD display allowed Sony to take advantage of other tinkering on the console - shrinking it down and creating a lighter model.

"When we introduced Vita with the OLED screen that was considered - and it was - the pinnacle of screen technology. It was a beautiful screen and LCD at the time would have felt like a compromise.

"What’s happened in the interim is LCD screen technology has improved significantly," said Gara. "Whilst some think there’s a subtle difference between the two, we think it’s relatively imperceptible.

"More importantly with the LCD technology we’re able to deliver on the couple of advantages, specifically the weight and thickness advantages."

He added: "Technology is always full of compromises and trade-offs, and we believe we’ve got the trade-offs right. In other words, if there’s any degradation in screen technology it’s very subtle, but it’s also helping us achieve other advantages."

Customers who who prefer the OLED screen need to move quickly, stock has "all but sold out".