64GB Vita Card Importers Beware

After using a 64GB memory card for the Vita (genuine, fulfilled directly by Amazon Japan) for around 6 months I have to weigh in and tell anyone considering the import not to bother.

Random cases of longer than normal load times (as much as 8x), getting stuck in indefinite load loops, music THAT starts playing a few seconds late or cutting out entirely mid-stream are just some of the issues I've experienced. These issues are always solved if you close the game and load it up again, but why should the games only work properly sometimes?

The issues persisted (just less frequently) even after formatting the card and going through the laborious process of stocking it with games again. I had no issues for a while and then I'd run into one of the above problems one in four times. Post-format it doesn't seem as bad, but do you really want that epic music cutting out the first time you see an important cutscene?

These issues don't make themselves apparent for weeks sometimes, and by then it might be too late to return it to your import vendor or messy to return straight to Japan. Truth be told it just isn't worth it. Get a couple of 32GBs instead. I've yet to hear any horror stories with those cards.

Perhaps you have a bum card? I've had no issues for about a year of use now.

Well thanks for the heads up.

i was planning on upgrading my 32gb card for a 64gb soon since im running out of space (only have 9gb left), but after reading this i'll just get another 32.

More than likely this is the case. Which gets back to my one of my points: Returning this thing is really difficult now that so much time has passed before the issues started up. If the import barrier wasn't in place (or if you happen to live in Japan) this might not be that big a deal, but as it is I'm not sure it's worth risking it for a product that is difficult to return.

I'm going to try Sony's UK customer service line and see if they are able to help offer a replacement even though it's a bit outside of their jurisdiction. I'll let you guys know the results.

same, my 64gig card is working fine

My 64GB card has been working fine as well. I also imported it from Japan. Currently I have 30 GB still left on it and contains more than 20 games.

Planning to upgrade my 16GB card soon, but this isn't the first time I've seen someone having problems with 64GB cards. Hmm...

If I ever get one, I hope it won't give me issues.