How to Connect a PS Vita to a PlayStation 3

Last Updated: January 8, 2016

A nifty feature with the Vita is that it connects up to your PS3 which which allows you to do something called Remote Play. You can play a few games and use some services with it. It’s pretty straight forward so here it is! Before you start, make sure that you’ve updated the firmware on both your Vita and the PS3. Also check that you’re signed into the same Playstation Network account on both devices, you’ll see why in a bit.

Steps

1
Register the Vita with the PS3.
- On the PS3, go to Settings > Remote Play > Register Device.
- Select the device you want to register, for our purposes it’s the PS Vita. A timer will count down from 300 seconds and a code will be given to you in the form of a number.
- This gives you some time to head over to your Vita and select Remote Play on the home screen. You’ll be prompted to enter the code into the Vita. Do it. Nothing will explode.
2
Connect it via a Private Network or the via the Internet. The Vita will prompt you to do this, for now select Private Network.
3
Head over to your PS3 and go to the Network tab/thingy on the homepage and NOT the Network Settings under Settings. It’s potentially confusing. Under Network, go to Remote Play and you’re in! What should be displayed on PS3 screen will appear on the Vita’s.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I play NFS Most Wanted with the PS Vita?

Community Answer

You can play all games with the PS Vita, so yes, you can play NFS Most Wanted.
Question

Does it need internet connection?

Community Answer

Yes. If you have a bad connection, you can use part of the charger to connect your PS VITA to your PS3, without the need of Remote Play.
Question

How do I use vita as a second controller?

Community Answer

You can't on PS3. On PS4, however, you can create a Guest account and use your PSVITA PSN on that. If that no longer works, play as a second player with a friend.