Released nearly a year ago under the title PlayStation Vita TV in Japan, the latest console companion from Sony, now dubbed PlayStation TV, has been on US shores for nearly two weeks. Priced at $100, the PlayStation TV has a lot going for it with a price point that’s affordable and on par with similar devices like Apple TV and Roku. In fact, the PlayStation TV is the only device of its kind that has access to a meaningful array of games, over 700 to be exact, at launch. Still, like many Sony products, while the promise is there, the final execution leaves something to be desired.

After the jump we talk about what makes PlayStation TV unique and where the console is lacking.

Let’s talk about the good. Not only is PlayStation TV affordable, but the library of games it has access to is quite varied. All in all, you have access to over 700 titles. Specifically, the PlayStation TV can play PS Vita, PSP digital, PS One classic, and PlayStation minis games. This can either be achieved via downloading the titles from PSN (which will require you to purchase a Vita memory card) or insert PlayStation Vita games directly into the console. During the last two weeks, I’ve had an opportunity to play a wide array of titles from original Vita games like Killzone: Mercenary to downloadable games and classics like Xenogears and PixelJunk Monsters with no hiccup.

Besides more portable and bite-sized games, where the PS TV truly shines is with its ability to stream nearly any game from the PS4. This exists simply for titles that require the PlayStation Eye which cannot be connected to the PlayStation TV. With the PS4 in another room, I’ve been able to play Destiny, Final Fantasy XV, and Dead Nation Apocalypse to name a few without a hitch. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say that I was directly connected to a PS4.

This alone makes the PlayStation TV worth the entry price, making it perfect for those with another TV in the house but no PS4. So far so good, right? Yes, if your only needs are gaming. If entertainment is something you equally spend some time with, be prepared to have your other streamers like the Apple TV and Roku still plugged in. That’s because like the PS4, PlayStation TV curiously lacks many streaming features. This has been an odd turn of events for Sony where the PS3 was a favorite among gamers and home theater enthusiasts with a nearly exhausting list of streaming capabilities.

So what can the PlayStation TV offer for streaming? Crunchyroll and Crackle. For those not familiar, Crunchyroll is an anime streaming service (membership required) while Crackle is a 100% free streaming app with commercials. For those curious about Crackle, I highly recommend you read our in depth take on the streaming service from Sony. If you thought the PS4 was lacking, the PS TV is even worse off with no Netflix or Hulu in the mix. That means if you enjoy any of the following services:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Amazon Instant Video
• HBO Go
• YouTube
• NHL Game Center
• MLB TV
• Vudu
• Epix
• VidZone

then you need to either keep your PS3  or other streaming devices around. To be fair, the PS4 is missing all those as well which really only adds to the confusion. To be fair, the PS3 didn’t gain these features overnight, but then again, the PS3 was released during a time where all of these services didn’t exist during launch. (Reader Bill.I.Am pointed out that the PS4 does indeed have access to Vudu and Epic. It’s currently only missing HBO Go). Now you’d laugh if an Apple TV or like device didn’t give you access to major services like Netflix or HBO Go. Even more perplexing is the fact that even the PlayStation Vita had access to Hulu and Netflix. For the record, if you try to download those apps on the PS TV anyways, you’ll be greeted with:

Luckily, those wanting some media access aren’t completely cut off as Sony does allow for download and rental of titles from the PlayStation Store. Music however is also completely void with no access to Spotify and others, including Sony’s own Music Unlimited. None of the above make the PlayStation TV a dud, nor are they a deal breaker. In fact a PlayStation product is first and foremost a gaming unit and that’s something that no competitor can match, shy of them being a dedicated game console.

Still, without access to entertainment apps, the PlayStation TV will only join the growing list of small devices under your TV, rather than a device that will replace a unit. Though I’m sure that, with time, more entertainment apps will come to the PlayStation TV, I still can’t help but think of this as a missed opportunity for Sony. After all, you only launch a new device every once a while, even less often if it’s a PlayStation.

Discuss:

Will a lack of media apps at launch deter you from purchasing the PlayStation TV?