Hardware Cheap PSTV, what else would I need?

[Ryccardo]

I may be able to buy a PSTV for 35 €.

However, I don't really know what the seller is including, and for that price it likely won't come with the controller or the totally-not-microSD.

Also importantly, I don't have access to a PS3, which I understand to be required for "activating" (what is that exactly, anyway? Is it like iPhones where you can't do anything before activation, or what?)

The price is very good for a "failed" console, but chances are I'm missing too many things for it to be economical...

 

[flame1234]

Need a controller (PS3 or PS4) and a memory card.

Should be able to use ARK even with 3.63 (current).
I don't know if you can use ARK with a lower firmware. I think you need an activated Vita with a game installed and this is only possible with a PS3.

Will be able to use Vita homebrew with 3.60 or below firmware.

 

[flame1234]

-snip-

 

[Kennerc]

Need a controller (PS3 or PS4) and a memory card.

Should be able to use ARK even with 3.63 (current).
I don't know if you can use ARK with a lower firmware. I think you need an activated Vita with a game installed and this is only possible with a PS3.

Will be able to use Vita homebrew with 3.60 or below firmware.

So a Vita on 3.63 can play PSP backups?

 

[windhazard]

If it's on 3.63 you can't do anything, not even playing PSP backups (ARK or VHBL need to be installed on 3.60 first).
35€ is not even that cheap tbh. The brand new one on amazon is only 40€. I bought an used one for 20€. But if there's a controller included then it's fair. Else you should get a DS4 for touch functions.
You can do just fine without activating if you are on 3.60.