The PlayStation Vita is the new handheld console from Sony, which is officially launching in the US on February 22nd, but customers who ordered the First Edition Bundle will get their hands on it February 15th. In this post we'll be laying out all the features including Vita price points, features, launch titles, and more to help you understand the Vita launch.
The Basics
The Vita is Sony's follow up to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the now defunct PSP Go. The hallmark new features of the device are the front and rear touch screens, which allow for never before seen types of interactive gameplay. The front OLED screen displays 16 million colors in 16:9 and looks as sharp as the HD gameplay we've become accustomed to on our HDTVs. In addition to the touch screens, the Vita also boasts dual sticks, a d-pad, shoulder buttons, plus the classic Sony action buttons.
There are two versions of the Vita: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi/3G. The Wi-Fi version will only allow you to connect when you are in a place with an active Wi-Fi network, but the 3G version will work like a cell phone, and allow you to go online almost anywhere. AT&T provides the 3G coverage for the Vita, and this service requires a separate contract with them, exactly like a phone.
Games for the Vita will be available both as physical copies that you can buy at the store, and in the form of digital downloads available via the PlayStation Network. The Vita has little native memory, meaning that it requires Sony's proprietary memory card. They are available in different sizes (4GB for $19.99, 8GB for $29.99, 16GB for $59.99, and 32GB for $99.99), but without a memory card, you will not be able to download games from PSN or save your games. Ostensibly, the system will function without a memory card, but without the ability to utilize any game saves, it will make the system hard to use.
Vita Hardware
PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle
$349.99
If you are the type of person who just can't wait, you might want to pick up the PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle. Not only do you get access to the system a week early on February 15th, but you also get a case, a 4GB memory card, and a copy of Little Deviants.
3G Launch Bundle
$299.99
The 3G enabled Vita will be available February 22nd, and the bundle comes with an 8GB memory card and a free PSN game. In order to use the 3G, you will need a contract with AT&T, and they have two tiers of service: 250MB for $14.99 per month or 3GB for $30 per month. These are no-contract agreements, so you can cancel anytime you like, but without the 3G service, you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi networks to connect.
Vita Wi-Fi
$249.99
This is the base model of the Vita and offers only the Wi-Fi enabled Vita. You will have to purchase the memory card and any games separately.
Vita Launch Titles
Available February 15th
Escape Plan
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Hustle Kings
Little Deviants
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Super StarDust Delta
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
wipEout 2048
Asphalt Injection
Dungeon Hunter Alliance
Lumines Electronic Symphony
Michael Jackson: The Experience
Rayman Origins
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
FIFA Soccer
Available February 22nd
Army Corps of Hell
Blazblue: Continuum Shift Extend
Dynasty Warriors Next
F1 2011
Plants vs. Zombies
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen
Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs
Touch My Katamari
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
Available Later During the Launch Window
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention
Ridge Racer
Silent Hill: Book of Memories
Unit 13
Gravity Rush
MLB 12: The Show
Reality Fighters
Supremacy MMA: Unrestricted
Comments
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dragon_ct2001
If anyone considers themselves a true hardcore gamer, they need to pick this up its a freaking handheld that can handle ps3 graphics you can play ps3 quality games in your freaking pocket tell me wich i pad game is ps3 quality out there right now and not just graphics but gameplay also.
FelixTheCatt
Well , I can afford one of these but I cannot even begin to justify spending that amount of cash on a handheld system. Doesnt matter to me who makes it. The graphics are indeed awesome and some of the features offered are still somewhat subpar.
The launch titles leave alot to be desired imo and the digital camera quality is horrid at best. Before anyone cries "foul" and "why buy a game system for the pictures anyways?" , remember its a legit system feature. Unless you're taking pics in very well lit areas , you arent going to like the results.
Myself , i'm either going to skip this round entirely or wait for both a major price drop and/or much better game title selection. At this time , i dont see anything that makes either version worth the price tag.
Zero_12975
i fail to understand how people would complain about the price of this handheld when product from apple hit the 500$ mark and yet have lack luster games. the vita can do anything these product can execpt make phone calls. i rather pay my 250 get a 4GB memory card and continue using my cheap 50$ phone that doesn't fail me just by falling off my lap like those high tech ones do.>_>
lowkevmic
@viper18- Every single item you named actually carry more value then a handheld gaming device. A PS3 or 360 are gaming console, with apps and multiple uses for them besides just gaming. They're actually home entertainment consoles for music, movies, online video chat(w/Kinect), as well as gaming. An entire household can enjoy the use of a console. Same with a tv, and even with smartphone. Besides movies, internet, gaming, and music, it's also a phone that I can take with me anywhere. These are actual qualities that builds value to a device, and in a way explains why you're paying that price.
As for the Vita, although cool and cutting edge. There is absolutlety nothing that can help speak to the 300 price tag, except for the fact that it plays games, a touch pad on the fron and back, and you can choose between Wi-Fi or 3G. Let's face it, since day one, Sony has always overpriced their products for no other reason except for the fact that it's made by Sony. Not even in terms of gaming, all of Sony products from TVs, to Computers, to DVD players have been priced at 50 to 100 dollars higher then the competition. And from gaming consoles, to handhelds, to Blu-ray players I have made the choice to purchase their products at one point or another, and I have still yet to figure out why they are more expensive then anyone else. Because there really is nothing that a Vita can do that I can't do on my ipad, beside play exclusive games, but even still there are hundreds of things that my ipad can do that the vita isn't even built to do.
So is it really worth paying that much money for something, you won't even use if you're home with your PS3 or other gaming console, or not traveling somewhere??
Vo0Do0
Psst...btw, the original PSP was also $250. Just saying.
balto85
It blows my mind how some people are just dying to hate something new. Am I a huge Sony fan? No, I'm a little biased towards the Xbox just because that's what I started out playing. But am I getting a Vita? Heck yeah. It looks great, has dual analog sticks, and I can play real games when I go out of town. What's so wrong with that? If the prices bother you so much, or if you'd rather play games on a smart phone, then this isn't for you. Not a big deal, really. I hope this is a huge success so we can get some top notch games for it in the future. Me personally, games on a phone or tablet are not real games. Sure, there may be some decent time-killers, but they're not REAL games without analog sticks.
Vo0Do0
I've had the system for about a month now and have to say it's better than I expected. It feels great, looks great and blows away the old psp. If you're a real gamer you should have this. If you're a casual gamer, you'll probably bitch and moan about little things and you should wait for the next iphone or some garbage gaming platform to buy and pretend it compares to a vita.
Something people don't talk about is how great the mp3 player is in this thing. I used to have an iphone and then a Captivate Galaxy S as my mp3 player but they were always under powered for my headphones. The vita seems to have a lot more power and can drive the bass much better. A surprise plus from the vita.
Also people complain about battery life but since I've had it I think it is plenty. Around 4 hours of strait gaming, that's plenty of time while I'm out and about on the train or waiting around. Also the music player lasts for around 9 hours, which kicks ass. Hell, the battery life on my vita are better than my old 3g iphone and my Captivate, so it's all good. :)
viper18
i love how people B#*%@% about the price of the vita but yet they dont with the PS3 or 360 or TV's and iphones $249.99 is not bad just stop your B#*%@% people!!
Neskins
Let's face it 249.99 doesn't help the cause for buying this device for now!
elpapi261
this piece of hardware is not going to sell.... Sony is running out of ideas, after the psp go, which was a failure; the psp vita is going down the same boat. Don't get me wrong im a sony fan, but lately sony's ideas are just going the dump. Sorry sony but it's the truth.
torchedrat
I hate how everyone talks about the price after buying games...Its a stupid way to make the system cost more cause if you count how much I've put into my ps3 then its a thousand dollar console. Same for my now dead xbox. The 3ds my friend bought is so far a $500 handheld. The point is that I think it's a fair price and everyone thought it would be much more considering the technology. With a memory stick its a little pricey but I have yet to find a major console/handheld that was sold cheaply at launch.
impulsivemonkey
although the ps vita is a nice piece of technology $200-$350 dollars is quite expensive. If you add a 8 gb memory stick and a couple games,it costs as much as a ps3 ,2 times as much as a xbox ,and 4 times the cost of a kindle... the ps vita would end up costing you $400 dollars/euros
impulsivemonkey
although the ps vita is a nice piece of technology $200-$350 dollars is quite expensive. If you add a 8 gb memory stick and a couple games,it costs as much as a ps3 ,2 times as much as a xbox ,and 4 times the cost of a kindle... the ps vita would end up costing you $400 dollars/euros
lowkevmic
I doubt the question of if someone can afford it or not is not why people gripe over the price. But seeing as how a console would cost less then a handheld gaming device that is still very limited compared to a tablet or even the latest smartphones, the argument of price being a little too steep is a very valid one.
Factor in the part where if someone did decide to pick one up on the cheap end and just pay for the Wi-fi base model, they'll still have to purchase a game and memory card. After taxes they're looking at over 300 bucks for a PSP advanced. I mean they're selling the Vita on the strength that it offers a console experience on a handheld level, but for the price, I might as well just buy another console or a tablet that can actually do more then just play games. At least then you're getting your money's worth.
Just like the PSP, give the Vita 2 years and this would be obsolete once Nintendo drops a new handheld or even if Microsoft decide to throw their hat in the portable device race. I've played with my older brother's Vita, and it's cool no doubt about it. But if I had to choose between spending 350.00 plus tax on a Vita now just to say I have one, or wait until the inevitable price drop this holiday season, I think i will just wait...but even then it's highly unlikely that I will buy one.
....That is unless they were to release a brand new God of War or Infamous game exclusively for the Vita, then I might reconsider.
theantigzus
if ur gonna complain about the price then you cant afford it so why are you even reading this article
NocturnalX
This article failed to mention that the 3G version of the Vita cannot play any real time multiplayer games through 3G service . You will have to be connected to Wi-Fi to play real time multiplayer games. You can play turn-based games through 3G though.
headquakejr
If you are just going to bash the system do all the REAL Sony & PS die hard fans a favor and just do NOT bother! You just make yourself look sad and pathetic because you are not getting one at launch! My first edition bundle has been pre-ordered for over a month .. along with Uncharted! Can't wait for Mortal Kombat!
jokerswylde
Is there any chance that AT&T will offer a special price, or "bundle" option for customers who already have 3G data plans for their smartphones? Or is the Vita's 3G somehow different than smartphone 3G? I tried asking my local AT&T reps about this (last week), & they replied with "What's a Vita?"...
kiohto
I have the Vita already from the Jp release. I love it so far. Im looking forward to the new games coming out. the battery doesnt last long but thats really one of the only issues i had with it. Great piece of tech. I think with Uncharted it proved the system can deliver on providing a console experience on a handheld device.
str82hellandback
you're.. :/
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