The PlayStation Vita died with some of the best games ever made still locked inside it. While everyone was busy mourning the handheld’s commercial failure, they missed something crucial—Sony’s portable powerhouse was quietly building one of the most unique game libraries in history. These aren’t just “good for a handheld” games. These are legitimate system sellers that used the Vita’s dual analog sticks, front touchscreen, and rear trackpad in ways that literally can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Hey, it’s Marco, and after testing hundreds of Vita units here at SumoShopStore over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how many people discover this console’s hidden treasures way too late. The thing is, while some Vita games eventually escaped to other platforms, there’s still a core group of exclusives that remain completely trapped on Sony’s handheld—and honestly, that’s criminal.
If you’re wondering which PS Vita exclusives are still worth hunting down in 2026, these seven games represent the absolute best of what you can’t play anywhere else.
PS Vita Exclusives at a Glance
- Resistance: Burning Skies — The first console-quality FPS on a handheld that used every Vita feature
- Killzone Mercenary — Arguably the best portable shooter ever made, period
- Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen — A ninja stealth game where your choices reshape future missions
- Army Corps of Hell — Brutal “metal Pikmin” commanding 100 demons through hell
- Murasaki Baby — Disturbing puzzle platformer with unique hand-holding mechanics
- IA/VT Colorful — Japanese rhythm game masterpiece that doesn’t need translation
- Gundam Extreme VS Force — 130+ customizable mechs in portable form
The Vita’s Exclusive Problem — Why These Games Matter
Here’s what most people don’t understand about the Vita’s failure. Sony’s marketing was garbage, the memory cards were overpriced, and the 3DS was eating Nintendo’s lunch. But none of that changes the fact that developers were creating genuinely innovative experiences on this thing.
The Vita wasn’t just a more powerful PSP. Those dual analog sticks, the front touchscreen, the rear trackpad—when developers actually used all of it together, they created control schemes that literally cannot exist on any other platform. You can’t port these games to Switch, PlayStation, or PC without fundamentally breaking what makes them special.
I’ve been collecting handhelds for over a decade, and I’m not exaggerating when I say the Vita has the highest percentage of “you had to be there” games of any console. These exclusives aren’t just trapped by licensing or business politics—they’re trapped by hardware.
Resistance: Burning Skies — The Handheld FPS That Started It All
Look, Resistance: Burning Skies isn’t going to win any Game of the Year awards. But credit where credit’s due—this was the first time anyone proved you could have a legitimate, console-quality first-person shooter on a handheld device. And I mean legitimate, not some compromised mobile game nonsense.
Burning Skies follows Tom, a firefighter caught in the middle of the Chimera invasion, and honestly the personal story angle works better than the typical military perspective. You’re not some super soldier—you’re just a regular guy trying to get back to his family while everything goes to hell around him.
But here’s where it gets interesting from a collector standpoint. This game uses literally every single feature the Vita has to offer. Dual analog for movement and aiming, obviously. Touchscreen for weapon selection and special attacks. Rear trackpad for sprinting and secondary functions. Even the gyroscope gets used for fine aim adjustment. It’s like the developers made a checklist of Vita features and said “we’re using all of it.”
The weapon variety is solid too—eight different guns including classics like the Bullseye and Carbine, plus new options like the Crossbow Shotgun. Each weapon has secondary fire modes that you activate through touch controls, and you can tag enemies to shoot around corners. For 2012, this was mind-blowing stuff.
Is it perfect? No. The campaign’s maybe six hours, and the AI isn’t brilliant. But if you’re a fan of the Resistance franchise or you just want to experience what handheld FPS gaming felt like at its peak, this is essential. Plus, good luck finding another FPS that integrates touch controls this seamlessly.
Killzone Mercenary — The Best Handheld Shooter Ever Made
I’m just going to say it straight up—Killzone Mercenary is the best portable first-person shooter ever made, and it’s not even close. This isn’t “good for a handheld” territory. This is legitimately better than most console shooters from the same era.
Mercenary takes place during the events of the original Killzone trilogy, but instead of playing as ISA or Helghast forces, you’re a mercenary taking contracts from whoever pays best. It’s a brilliant setup that lets you use weapons and equipment from both sides, and the contract system adds this risk-reward element where harder objectives pay more but put you in serious danger.
The graphics are absolutely stunning—I’m talking near-PS3 quality visuals running smoothly on a handheld. The environments are detailed, the weapon effects are satisfying, and the character animations are smooth. But what really sets it apart is how it uses the Vita’s unique controls without making them feel gimmicky.
Touchscreen interactions for hacking, stealth takedowns, and weapon modifications feel natural. The rear trackpad handles sprinting and melee attacks without getting in the way. Even the gyroscope aiming works when you need that extra precision for long-range shots. Everything serves the gameplay instead of just showing off the hardware.
The weapon customization is deep, with dozens of guns, attachments, and equipment loadouts to experiment with. There’s genuine replay value here—different approaches to missions, hidden valor cards to collect, and multiple difficulty levels that actually change enemy behavior and patrol patterns.
Here’s the thing though—you can’t play this anywhere else, and you probably never will. The Vita-specific control integration is too fundamental to port without rebuilding the entire game. If you own a Vita and you don’t own Mercenary, you’re missing the system’s crown jewel.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen — Dynamic Ninja Warfare Done Right
Most people have never heard of the Shinobido series, which is a shame because Revenge of Zen is one of the most innovative stealth-action games ever made. Developed by the same team behind Tenchu, it takes the ninja stealth formula and adds this dynamic mission system that I’ve never seen replicated anywhere else.
The basic premise is straightforward—you’re Zen, a ninja working for various feudal lords in a war-torn region called Utakata. You take missions from different factions, complete objectives, and level up your character. Standard stuff. But here’s where it gets brilliant: every mission you complete affects future missions in ways you won’t see coming.
Destroy a faction’s food supplies in one mission, and their troops will be demoralized and more susceptible to poison in future encounters. Help one lord expand his territory, and suddenly you’re dealing with different patrol routes and enemy placements. The game world evolves based on your choices, making each playthrough genuinely different.
The stealth mechanics are rock solid—you’ve got throwing knives, traps, poison, your katana, and various ninja tools at your disposal. But you can also craft new weapons and equipment using resources scattered throughout each level. There’s real strategy involved in deciding which missions to take and which factions to support.
Combat feels weighty and deliberate, whether you’re going for silent takedowns or getting into sword fights. The level design rewards multiple approaches—you can ghost through missions without being seen, go loud and fight your way out, or mix stealth and action depending on the situation.
The graphics hold up surprisingly well too, with detailed environments and smooth character animations. It’s not pushing the Vita to its limits like Mercenary, but the art style works and the frame rate stays consistent even during chaotic battles.
If you’re looking for a ninja game that’s more than just “sneak around and stab people,” Shinobido 2 delivers depth that most modern stealth games completely lack. The dynamic mission system alone makes it worth experiencing.
Army Corps of Hell — Metal Pikmin With Actual Stakes
The best way to describe Army Corps of Hell is “what if Pikmin was a brutal metal album come to life.” You play as the King of Hell commanding up to 100 monsters at once through various levels filled with angry beasts, and it’s every bit as chaotic and intense as that sounds.
Your monster army is divided into three classes: Soldiers for up-close combat and defense, Spearmen for charging attacks and mobility, and Magi for long-range magical support. The strategy comes from knowing which units to deploy against different enemies—some beasts are only vulnerable from behind, others are covered in flames or electricity that require magical dispelling before your melee units can engage.
But here’s what gives the game real tension: when you fail a mission, all your crafted upgrades and improvements are lost. Every fight has genuine stakes because you’re not just risking progress—you’re risking all the weapons, tools, and enhancements you’ve built up for your army.
The crafting system is surprisingly deep. After defeating enemies, you harvest their organs (yes, really) to create more powerful weapons and abilities for your monsters. Different materials unlock different upgrade paths, so there’s strategy in deciding which enemies to prioritize and which upgrades to focus on.
The metal soundtrack is absolutely perfect for the brutal gameplay. We’re talking full-on headbanging music that matches the intensity of commanding a demon army through the depths of hell. It’s over-the-top in the best possible way.
Combat is hectic but manageable once you learn the unit types and enemy patterns. You’re constantly making tactical decisions—do you send all your soldiers in at once or hold some back? Do you use your magi to soften up enemies from range or save their magic for healing your wounded units?
The gore and violence are unapologetic, but it’s more comic book brutal than genuinely disturbing. Think classic metal album covers brought to life rather than gratuitous shock value.
Army Corps of Hell isn’t for everyone, but if you want a strategy-action game that’s completely unlike anything else in the genre, this is it. The combination of real-time tactical combat, high-stakes crafting, and genuine metal aesthetic creates something truly unique.
Murasaki Baby — Beautiful Nightmare You Guide by Hand
Murasaki Baby might be the strangest game ever released on any platform, and I mean that as the highest compliment possible. This is a puzzle-platformer where you literally hold a little girl’s hand and guide her through a surreal, disturbing world filled with Tim Burton-esque creatures and environments.
The core mechanic sounds simple but it’s incredibly clever—you use the front touchscreen to hold the girl’s hand and guide her movement. But you can’t just drag her around like a character in other touch games. Pull too hard and she’ll let go, fall down, and start crying. You have to find this gentle balance between guidance and force that feels surprisingly emotional.
The rear touchpad controls different colored backgrounds that create environmental effects. Change to the red background and it might start raining, helping you grow plants or putting out fires. Switch to the blue background and platforms might start moving. Each level presents these environmental puzzles that require switching between different background effects while carefully guiding your character.
The art style is absolutely stunning—hand-drawn animation that looks like a disturbing children’s book illustration come to life. Everything has this slightly off-putting quality that makes the world feel genuinely unsettling without being outright scary. It’s more weird and melancholy than frightening.
What makes the game emotionally engaging is how the touch controls create this protective relationship with the character. You’re not just controlling her—you’re literally holding her hand and keeping her safe. When she falls and cries because you pulled too hard, it genuinely feels bad in a way that traditional game controls never achieve.
The puzzles are clever without being obtuse, and each level introduces new mechanics and environmental interactions. Some sections require precise timing as you switch backgrounds and guide the girl through dangerous areas, while others focus more on exploration and discovery.
The soundtrack is haunting and beautiful, perfectly matching the surreal visual style. Sound design is crucial here—the girl’s reactions, the ambient environmental sounds, and the subtle audio cues that guide puzzle solutions all work together to create this immersive, emotional experience.
Murasaki Baby is definitely not for everyone. It’s weird, slow-paced, and more about creating an emotional connection than traditional game challenges. But if you’re open to experimental games that use unique control methods to tell stories in ways no other medium can, this is essential.
IA/VT Colorful — Rhythm Perfection Without Translation
Here’s something most people don’t know—some of the best rhythm games ever made never left Japan, and IA/VT Colorful is probably the crown jewel of Vita’s Japanese exclusives. The beautiful thing is, you don’t need to understand a single word of Japanese to appreciate how brilliant this game is.
IA/VT features the virtual singer IA (voiced by Lia from the band Lia), and the song selection is absolutely incredible. We’re talking professional-quality vocal tracks with complex, layered compositions that put most Western rhythm games to shame. The music ranges from upbeat pop to emotional ballads to intense electronic tracks, and every single song is a masterpiece.
The rhythm gameplay starts simple but escalates into some of the most challenging and rewarding patterns I’ve ever encountered. Early songs ease you in with basic timing and simple note patterns. By the time you reach the higher difficulty levels, you’re dealing with complex polyrhythms, rapid-fire note sequences, and timing challenges that require genuine skill and practice.
What sets it apart from other rhythm games is the visual presentation. Instead of just hitting notes on a static screen, you’re watching beautifully animated music videos featuring IA performing each song. The animations are synchronized perfectly with both the music and your inputs, so successful play creates this seamless audio-visual experience.
The challenge modes add serious replay value. Perfect runs require hitting every single note with precise timing. Speed modes increase the tempo beyond the original songs. There are even remix versions of tracks with completely different note patterns and visual presentations.
The touch screen integration is flawless—responsive, accurate, and natural feeling. Unlike some rhythm games where touch controls feel imprecise, IA/VT’s input recognition is spot-on. When you miss a note, it’s because you actually missed, not because the game didn’t register your input correctly.
Even if you’re not typically into Japanese music or rhythm games, IA/VT is worth experiencing purely for the audiovisual artistry. The production values are through the roof, and the gameplay progression from simple to mind-bendingly complex is perfectly calibrated.
Plus, importing Japanese Vita games is easier than you might think, and the Vita is region-free so there are no compatibility issues. If you’re serious about experiencing the best the Vita has to offer, this is essential.
Gundam Extreme VS Force — Mobile Suit Combat at Its Peak
Gundam Extreme VS Force delivers exactly what it promises—fast-paced mech combat with over 130 mobile suits to pilot and customize. If you’re even slightly interested in giant robot battles, this is probably the best portable Gundam experience ever made.
The mobile suit roster is absolutely massive, covering everything from classic UC timeline units like the RX-78-2 Gundam and Zaku II to modern designs from recent series. Each suit has its own movement characteristics, weapon loadouts, and special abilities. Learning the differences between close-combat units, long-range snipers, and balanced all-rounders adds genuine strategic depth.
The customization system is deep without being overwhelming. You can modify weapons, adjust performance parameters, and even change color schemes to create your ideal mobile suit setup. Different missions favor different approaches, so there’s real incentive to experiment with various combinations.
Combat is fast and satisfying when you’re using ranged weapons and mobile suit abilities. Beam rifles, missile salvos, and special weapons all feel appropriately powerful and destructive. The sense of piloting a massive war machine comes through clearly during firefights and long-range engagements.
Here’s the honest assessment though—the melee combat is pretty underwhelming. Close-quarters fights lack the impact and precision you’d expect from giant robot sword battles. It’s not broken, but it feels shallow compared to the excellent ranged combat system.
The mission variety is solid, with different objectives that require different tactical approaches. Some missions are straightforward battles, others focus on defending specific targets or surviving against overwhelming odds. The campaign does a good job of showcasing different mobile suits and combat scenarios.
Visually, the game looks great on Vita’s screen. Mobile suits are detailed and well-animated, beam effects are appropriately flashy, and the various environments provide good backdrops for the battles. Frame rate stays smooth even during hectic multi-unit engagements.
If you’re a Gundam fan, Extreme VS Force is essential despite its flaws. The mobile suit variety and customization options provide tons of replay value, and when the combat clicks, it really captures the feel of piloting these iconic machines. Just don’t expect the melee system to match the quality of everything else.
The Collector’s Perspective — Why These Matter in 2026
After testing probably hundreds of Vita units over the years, here’s what I’ve learned: the Vita’s exclusive library isn’t just about the games themselves—it’s about experiences you literally cannot have anywhere else. These aren’t just ports waiting to happen. The hardware integration is too fundamental.
Take Murasaki Baby’s hand-holding mechanics, or Resistance’s full-feature control integration, or IA/VT’s touch-screen rhythm gameplay. You can’t translate these experiences to traditional controllers without losing what makes them special. They exist in this unique space that Sony created and then abandoned.
From a collecting standpoint, complete-in-box copies of these games are getting expensive fast. Killzone Mercenary regularly sells for $40-60, and Army Corps of Hell can hit $80+ for mint condition copies. The Japanese exclusives like IA/VT are even pricier due to import costs and limited availability.
But here’s the thing—unlike a lot of retro game price inflation, these prices actually make sense. You’re not just paying for rarity; you’re paying for games you literally cannot experience any other way. There are no remasters coming, no HD collections planned, no spiritual successors that capture the same control innovations.
The Vita itself has become a serious collector’s item. OLED models are particularly sought after, especially in rare colors or special editions. Even the Slim models hold their value because the install base was so small but the software library was so strong.
Which Vita Model for These Exclusives?
Look, if you’re hunting for a Vita in 2026, you’ve got two main options: the original OLED model (PCH-1000) or the Slim (PCH-2000). Both play these exclusives perfectly, but there are real differences worth considering.
The OLED screen is gorgeous—deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast than the Slim’s LCD screen. For visually striking games like Murasaki Baby or IA/VT, the OLED makes a noticeable difference. Colors pop more, and the darker scenes in Army Corps of Hell look appropriately atmospheric.
The Slim model is lighter, has better battery life, and uses standard micro-USB charging instead of the proprietary connector. For rhythm games like IA/VT where you’re playing for extended sessions, the improved ergonomics and longer battery make a real difference.
Both models handle all these exclusives flawlessly from a performance standpoint. Loading times, frame rates, and control responsiveness are identical between the two systems. It really comes down to screen preference versus convenience features.
Memory cards are still expensive but necessary for digital purchases or save data. A 32GB card is probably the sweet spot for most collectors—enough space for several full games plus save data without breaking the bank.
The Honest Assessment — Are They Worth It in 2026?
Here’s my completely honest take after years of testing these systems and playing these games: yes, these exclusives are absolutely worth experiencing, but with realistic expectations.
None of these games are perfect. Resistance has a short campaign, Gundam’s melee combat is weak, and some people will find Murasaki Baby too weird to enjoy. But each one offers something genuinely unique that you cannot find anywhere else in gaming.
The question isn’t whether these are the greatest games ever made—it’s whether they offer experiences worth having. And for anyone interested in gaming history, innovative control methods, or just discovering hidden gems, the answer is absolutely yes.
Your mileage may vary depending on what genres you prefer and how much you value innovation over polish. But if you’re the kind of person who appreciates when developers take real risks and try to create something new, the Vita’s exclusive library is a goldmine.
The bigger issue is accessibility. Finding working Vita systems, tracking down physical copies of games, and dealing with expensive memory cards creates real barriers. But for collectors and enthusiasts, that’s part of the appeal—these experiences feel special partly because they require effort to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PS Vita games still worth buying in 2026?
Absolutely, especially the exclusives that never got ported anywhere else. Games like Killzone Mercenary and these other exclusives offer experiences you literally cannot have on any other platform. Prices have gone up, but they’re still reasonable compared to other rare retro games, and the quality justifies the cost.
Which Vita model should I buy for these exclusive games?
Both the OLED and Slim models play these games perfectly. The OLED has a better screen for visually striking games like Murasaki Baby, while the Slim has better battery life and uses standard micro-USB charging. Either model will give you the full experience—it’s really about personal preference.
Can you play Japanese Vita games like IA/VT on American systems?
Yes, the Vita is completely region-free. Japanese games work perfectly on Western systems, and many games like IA/VT are fully playable without knowing Japanese. You’ll need to import them, but there are no compatibility issues once you have the physical cart.
Why haven’t these Vita exclusives been ported to other systems?
Most of these games use the Vita’s unique control features too extensively to port easily. Dual analog sticks, front touchscreen, rear trackpad, and gyroscope controls are all integrated into core gameplay mechanics. You’d have to completely redesign the control schemes, which would fundamentally change what makes these games special.
Are Vita memory cards still necessary in 2026?
For digital games and save data, yes. Physical games don’t require memory cards to play, but you’ll still need one for saves, patches, and any digital content. A 32GB card is the sweet spot for most users—enough space without the premium price of larger capacities.
Is the Vita homebrew scene worth getting into?
The homebrew community has kept the Vita alive with emulation capabilities and quality-of-life improvements. However, these seven exclusives all work perfectly on stock firmware, so homebrew isn’t necessary to enjoy what makes the system special. It’s more about expanding functionality than fixing problems.
How much should I expect to pay for these exclusive games?
Complete-in-box copies range from $30-80 depending on the game and condition. Killzone Mercenary and Army Corps of Hell command premium prices, while digital versions (when available) are typically cheaper. Japanese imports like IA/VT cost more due to shipping and limited supply, but cart-only copies are more affordable.
Do these games still hold up graphically in 2026?
Surprisingly yes, especially on the Vita’s native screen. Games like Killzone Mercenary still look impressive, and stylized titles like Murasaki Baby are timeless. The smaller screen hides some technical limitations that might be obvious on larger displays, and the art direction in most of these games was strong enough to age well.
These PS Vita exclusives represent some of the most innovative and unique gaming experiences ever created, trapped forever on a platform that died too young. In 2026, they remain the strongest argument for why Sony’s handheld deserved better, and why any serious collector should have these gems in their library.
The Vita may have lost the handheld war, but it won the innovation battle. These seven games prove that sometimes the best experiences come from taking risks, pushing boundaries, and creating something that can’t exist anywhere else. If you’ve been sleeping on the Vita’s exclusive library, 2026 is the perfect time to discover what you’ve been missing.
What are your picks for the best Vita exclusives? Let us know in the comments.
Where to Pick Up a PlayStation Vita in 2026
If this deep dive into Vita exclusives has you thinking about finally picking up Sony’s underrated handheld, here’s the thing—finding a reliable unit that’s actually been tested isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. eBay’s a complete gamble, local game stores rarely know how to properly check these systems, and the prices have gotten pretty wild over the past few years.
Here at SumoShopStore, we test every single Vita before it ships. I’m not just throwing that out there—we’ve put hundreds of these through comprehensive testing. Every button, every analog stick, both screens, all the touch functionality, even the rear trackpad that half the sellers online don’t bother checking. If it doesn’t pass our testing, it doesn’t leave our warehouse.
What we offer:
- Fully tested and guaranteed units that actually work
- Wide variety of colors and special editions
- Free worldwide shipping on all orders
- Real customer support from people who know these systems inside and out
Check out our Vita collection:
- PlayStation Vita OLED – Available in Silver, Blue, Black, Red, and White
- PlayStation Vita Slim – Multiple colors including Neon Orange, Arctic White, and limited editions
Both models come with upgrade options like USB-C adapters, pro grip cases, and accessory packs to get you gaming right out of the box.
If you’re looking for something specific or want to browse our full retro handheld collection, check out everything at SumoShopStore.com.