I'm going back and forth. I have never had a screen protector for any of the products I own, be it a DS, 3DS, PSP etc., but the Vita screen is the primary screen and I will be touching it. I wanted to hear why some people are choosing to get one or not get one and that might help me decide.

Barebacking, I dont mind smudges.

Yeah, I don't mind smudges very much so I don't need a screen protector.

First thing I did when I got my Vita was slap one on it. Went with the official Sony one, though the Hori looked good also.

Not so much for smudges (though it claims to reduce them), but just for the scratch protection.

I would make a joke about not using a condom, but I don't want people to get mixed up and think I'm actually going to buy a PlayStation Vita.

I didn't even consider it because I think they're kind of dumb, but now that you've got me thinking about it I'm starting worry about whether or not I might need one.

What are the downsides to having a screen protector?

@FluxWaveZ: Depends on the device, some devices (like iPhones) have a better feel without them. I'd get one for the Vita just because the screen is plastic.

I'd get the Hori since it's matte, I have a matte screen protector on my phone and fingerprints and glare in the sun are a non-issue, it feels great too.

I personally hate screen protectors, but to each is own.

I'm definitely getting one, slapped one on my iPhone and never regretted it especially when comparing it to my not-protected iPod touch.

Screen protector dimming and bad feeling on your fingers is far worse than dealing with smudges, going bare.

@FluxWaveZ said:

What are the downsides to having a screen protector?

Less responsive, most have a weird texture, bubbles are a pain, dimming (even to a slight degree is no good), every screen protector I have encountered gets dirty and peels off the edges over time.

Nope. I just have a really nice case I keep it in.

@RuneseekerMireille said:

Nope. I just have a really nice case I keep it in.

Agreed.

I decided I'm not getting one. I have a case and I'm not going to be using my nails or putting it directly in my pocket so it will be fine. The deciding factor was the bubbles and dimming, I don't want to deal with that shit. I will however buy that $5 game and memory card case they are offering, that will come in handy on the road and not having to ever open the boxes again.

Isn't the Vita screen plastic?

For phones made with Gorilla Glass, scratches aren't normally an issue and I wouldn't bother with a screen protector, but something like this may be a different story.