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What the Vita edition includes
The PlayStation Store describes Skullgirls 2nd Encore as a 14-character 2D fighting game with a voiced story mode and music by Michiru Yamane. The Vita release announcement identifies five DLC characters, Challenges, Trials, Survival Mode, and a Platinum Trophy set as part of the 2nd Encore package. The Vita release was announced for 5 April 2016 by Lab Zero Games CEO Peter Bartholow.
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![Skullgirls: 2nd Encore - (PS4) PlayStation 4 [Pre-Owned] (Japanese Import)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61STwDX+4oL._SL160_.jpg)
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Skullgirls: 2nd Encore - (PS4) PlayStation 4 [Pre-Owned] (Japanese Import) | $184.36 | Buy on Amazon |
For the animation workload behind the port, Bartholow said the game averaged around 1,500 hand-drawn frames per character. He explained that balancing image quality and performance on the handheld took extra work; this is context from the developer, not an independent performance benchmark.
What the Vita version adds
Customizable touchscreen macros
Lab Zero announced customizable touch-screen macros that could trigger an assist or switch characters. That gives the Vita edition a platform-specific control option, but the announcement alone does not establish how comfortable or effective the macros feel in play.
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- Fully-voiced Story Mode - the story modes for Skullgirls 2nd Encore will be fully voiced! Featuring some of anime’s best and brightest, the new voices bring Skullgirls’ deep characters and lore to life
- Challenges - players square off against opponents with a variety of unique battle conditions to test their mettle
- Trials - Trials are built on a new button-by-button instructional system to make learning combos easier and more intuitive than ever
- Survival Mode - Skullgirls 2nd Encore’s new Survival Mode pits players against an endless procession of foes – how long can you last?
- Full Platinum Trophy Set - Skullgirls 2nd Encore will have a full Platinum trophy set
Local play on PlayStation TV
The announced feature set also supports local multiplayer on PlayStation TV, using a second DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 controller. This is a way to play on a television through PSTV rather than as a handheld session; a second compatible controller is required.
How it compares with PS3 and PS4
The Vita release announcement lists cross-play with PS3 and PS4. That establishes the feature as an announced part of the release, not that matchmaking or online services remain active today. Current service status has not been verified, so do not buy the Vita version on the assumption that online opponents are available now.
The Store’s current PS4 product listing says a purchase entitles the buyer to both PS4 and PS Vita versions. That is a listing-specific entitlement, and product pages or terms may differ by region. The available information does not establish that later updates or DLC parity match across Vita, PS3, and PS4.
| Feature | PS Vita | PS3 / PS4 |
|---|---|---|
| Characters and modes | 2nd Encore announcement lists 14 characters, five DLC characters, Challenges, Trials, and Survival Mode. | Comparable version-specific details are not stated in the cited sources. |
| Vita-specific controls | Customizable touchscreen macros were announced for assists or character switching. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Local multiplayer | PlayStation TV local play with a second DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 was announced. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Cross-play | Cross-play with PS3 and PS4 was announced; present-day service status is unverified. | Cross-play with Vita was announced; present-day service status is unverified. |
Can you still buy it on PS Vita?
Sony’s current US support notice says the PS Vita Store will close in July 2027. The notice says new purchases on the device will end then, while previously purchased content should remain downloadable for the foreseeable future, subject to service availability. This closure notice is US-specific; check the support information and Store access for your region before relying on the date or purchase options.
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The PlayStation Store listing consulted for this review describes the game as a PS4 purchase that also entitles the buyer to the Vita version. Because entitlement terms and Store availability can vary by region, confirm the product page for your account before purchasing. The Vita release was announced on 1 April 2016 for release on 5 April 2016; the Store’s PS4 product entry lists 7 July 2015.
Verdict: Is Skullgirls 2nd Encore worth playing on Vita?
As a package, the Vita edition has a lot to offer: a 14-character fighter, the five DLC characters and extra modes listed for 2nd Encore, plus handheld controls and PSTV local play. It is a sensible choice for someone who wants this game on a portable PlayStation or already has access to the Vita entitlement through the Store listing. Treat online play as uncertain rather than a current selling point, and check your regional Store before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
