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PlayStation Vita

PlayStation Vita icon PlayStation Vita logo

Overview

Introduced in 2012 by Sony, the PlayStation Vita was a portable system. Vita3K is the experimental PS Vita emulator included with REG-Linux v36+. It targets x86_64 machines and requires decrypted firmware components; compatibility is limited and depends on ongoing development.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore quad-core main processor paired with a dual-core PowerVR SGX543MP4+ GPU.
  • Memory: 512 MB RAM for the system and 128 MB VRAM dedicated to graphics.
  • Display: 5-inch OLED (later LCD) touchscreen at 960×544 with multi-touch support.
  • Sound: Dual stereo speakers plus a headphone jack with multi-channel PCM/audio effects.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/psvita
  • Accepted formats: .psvita launchers, .zip Mai dump archives
  • Emulator: Vita3K
  • System group: psvita

BIOS / system modules

Copy the official PS Vita firmware (PSP2UPDAT.PUP) and the font firmware package into /userdata/bios/psvita/. Run vita3k-emu-config from [F1] → Applications, follow the setup wizard (accept defaults), and install both .PUP files via File → Install Firmware. Create an account and enable automatic login for the smoothest experience.

ROMs

Mai dump ZIPs are the only confirmed playable files. Install each archive through Vita3K’s File → Install archive menu; the emulator unpacks the data into /userdata/saves/psvita/ux0/app/<TITLEID>/. After installation, create a .psvita launcher in /userdata/roms/psvita/<Title>[<TITLEID>].psvita (e.g., Street Fighter X Tekken (USA) [PCSE00005].psvita). The .psvita file can be empty—its filename carries the metadata and tells EmulationStation what to launch.

Emulators

Vita3K

Vita3K is the only supported PS Vita emulator. It demands a Vulkan 1.3+ GPU and an x86_64 CPU. Use the vita3k-emu-config tool (found under [F1] → Applications) to finish the wizard, install firmware, and adjust the basics.

Key frontend options:

  • psvita.vita3k_gfxbackend: switch between OpenGL or Vulkan (use Vulkan when available).
  • psvita.vita3k_resolution: scale the render resolution (1x–8x).
  • psvita.vita3k_fxaa: toggle FXAA.
  • psvita.vita3k_vsync: enable to combat tearing (enabled by default).

Controls

Vita3K maps the PS Vita/ DualShock layout onto your controller. Use the PSP overlay (../images/controller-overlays/psp-1.png) as a reference, and remap buttons via [HOTKEY] + south or the remapping guide if something behaves oddly.

Troubleshooting

  • Vita3K is experimental—expect instability, crashes, and missing audio. Check the Vita3K quick start guide and compatibility list before playing.
  • Ensure system modules live under /userdata/system/configs/shadps4/user/sys_modules if required (decrypted modules from a jailbroken Vita).
  • The generic support pages cover general emulator issues.