For someone lost in the times and siding with handhelds (price and like the graphics, feel of holding, etc), I skipped the Wii/PS3/Xbox360 and only upgraded recently to WiiU (backwards Wii yes! Nintendo gets points for system setup offering way to play prior generation titles). The lifespan to PS3, if anything like the PS2, will last a few years more. So, there are games I want to play on PS3 and some PS1 games as well. However, Kingdom Hearts 3 will be released in the upcoming future only to PS4 it seems. The PS4 lacks backwards compatibility (at the moment) to my knowledge. Then there are the PS Vita and PS TV. PS Vita stands alone, but the price is still high with low amounts of enjoyable titles (which might change soon). The PS TV sounds okay, if it behaves as a stand alone and I can play the titles I want without too much lag. But the bundle would be the best option or I have to shell out for the memory card and controller (unless I get the console PS3/PS4). I'll have to get a a HDMI converter (component CRT Television) too (at least for the PS4 or PSTV options). I prefer physical copies if possible (since you essentially "rent" digital). I want, if possible, the console to be new (warranty coverage and hopefully less chance of malfunction). I play games normally single player and RPG if the info helps any. With those options, what to do.......?
The PS4 might be a good option. Although it will likely never be backwards compatible, Sony is providing a service where you can pay to stream select PS3 games to your PS4 through the internet. Don't get the PSVita, it's honestly a huge waste of money because of the lack of interesting games (at least to me). A lot of them are just inferior ports from other consoles, for example Mortal Kombat 9, Borderlands 2, Retro City Rampage, etc. Almost everyone I know with a PSTV has said that it's horrible, and to stay away from it at all costs. I'd actually recommend getting a 3DS if you're into RPGs and other single player games, Nintendo probably has all the best exclusives. Plus there's the new Smash Bros which is absolutely awesome.
The PSTV is worthless because it doesn't play all Vita games. PSNow's current price model is a complete ripoff.
This late in the game, get a PS4 now and buy a PS3 when they are clearing the games out. Loads of great PS3 games, so pick up some good second hand deals when you see them.
Honestly right now I guess a PS4, but I have a feeling that by the end of the year you will be able to get a PS3 for under $100 (maybe a Black Friday deal). Right now they're $150 for the 12GB model (but a new HDD will cost some money, but not a ton). Vita is eh, I've never bought one just because of the memory card rip-off, and the TV is basically the same (I have heard that streaming PS4 games from a PS4 in another room works alright though).
I do have a 3ds (I am sorry for not emphasising the handheld consoles part, I have kept up in that area). I like Nintendo. Smash Bros Okay. I figured it would be cool to have a PS Vita cause there are some games on it I want, but I figure I can wait and jump when there is a sale (or bundle.....stupid memory cards....). I can also wait out the PS3 for Black Friday (12gb=$150? is that new and where do you see it? All I see here is the higher 500gb for $200. By the by, what price do you think it would be worth to snatch the PS3 at?)
http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/console...-marvel-super-heroes-20-edition-bundle/116698 $150 for a PS3 with Disney Infinity (not the worst game, but eh). And I have a feeling prices will slide further for those.
