Earlier this week, Sony unveiled a brand-new PlayStation Vita model featuring a "more streamlined form factor that is 20 percent slimmer and 15 percent lighter than the original version. To make such changes possible, Sony had to replace the original OLED 5-inch screen with a high-definition LCD screen of the same size.
Sony, at the time, boasted the LCD screen "provides users with the highest – level image quality." However, image comparisons between the original OLED and new LCD screens told a different story. It'd normally be a non-issue, except one of the major selling points for the Vita was its gorgeous screen.
It's believed that ditching the OLED for an LCD screen was a cost-saving measure, and PlayStation Group chief executive Andrew House has insisted that screen quality has not be sacrificed as a result.
"The main reason is that the LCD panel can now realize an image quality as high as that of the OLED panel," House told journalists following the new PlayStation Vita's reveal (via Japan newspaper Nikkei).
Personally, I think you need to see it in person before you jump to conclusions about screen quality. I think of it like televisions; sure, compared next to one another the differences are noticeable, but I highly doubt that you'll be disappointed with the new screen when playing with the Vita on its own. Regardless, we don't need to worry here in America yet as the new PS Vita has only been announced for Japan release on October 10th.
