‘Vita’ which means ‘life’ in Latin will be coming to stores near you soon. Today, Sony has released the launch date of their new handheld gaming device called PlayStation Vita. The chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Jack Tretton revealed that the device would be launched in Europe and the US simultaneously on the 22nd of February 2012. Tretton talked about the new device at the Web 2.0 conference this month.
Much like the Kindle, there will be two models of the device, a Wi-Fi only model or a model including both Wi-Fi and 3G. The Wi-Fi only version will be priced at £229.99 and the +3G version will cost you £279.99. The PlayStation Vita follows on from the PSP which according to a Guardian article has sold almost 70 million units since the consoles release back in 2004. Here is the down-low on the newest member to the Sony gaming family.
Look
A more slender, attractive version of the PSP, boasting a five-inch OLED touch screen. It’s looking more and more like a PlayStation controller with two analogue control sticks. The device promises the same high-quality graphics that you’d expect from a HD television and Sony again proves that portable devices don’t have to come with poor quality displays.
Specs
Vita comes with a rear and front camera, rear touch pad and build in microphone and stereo speakers. Sony have opted for a Lithium-ion battery to promise the longest battery life possible, it also has in-built GPS and location service support. The screen has got an incredible 16 million colours and a resolution of up to 640×480(VGA). All games can be downloaded from the PlayStation online store, and it’s been said that the device will support titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty and Golden Abyss. Over 80 game titles have already started production for the Vita.
More than games
Like the PSP the console is more than just games, you can watch new releases and listen to chart music downloaded directly from the PlayStation store. The PlayStation Vita goes further however, with a number of added features. Download the newest comic books from the PlayStation comic store, connect with your friends through the Vita-tailored Facebook, Twitter and video chat applications. The device also introduces ‘Near’ which allows users to swap data between devices including other Vita users and the PlayStation 3 console.
The PlayStation Vita also allows users to connect with PlayStation Suite which gives them an ever expanding range of entertainment available on a number of portable devices.
This new device will continue to compete with Nintendo’s 3DS portable console, equiped with a glasses-free 3D display. This shouldn’t be a daunting task for Sony as the Nintendo device hasn’t been jumping off the shelves.
We’re looking forward to the release and will keep you updated with reviews. Undoubtedly someone at NerdInsider HQ will be pre-ordering one! The PlayStation Vita is available to pre-order from a number of online stores including Amazon, Game and HMV.
What are your inicial thoughts of the PlayStation Vita? Fill us in!
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October 20, 2011
Tech & Gadgets