PlayStation Vita Release Date And Price

When it comes to gaming, no one is content to simply play their games only on their consoles. When traveling, for portable entertainment on the go, unfortunately a game console cannot be taken everywhere. Playing games on a mobile phone, be it smart or simple, is not the same thing. A mobile phone, no matter how hi-tech, needs to have dedicated hardware to handle different games and their graphics. But with a handheld game console, on a smaller screen but with dedicated machinery, play games anywhere and everywhere. In the arena of handheld consoles, the two heavyweights are Sony and Nintendo, always engaged in a game of electronic one-upmanship with each other. The Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) released in 2004, was a top handheld device and has sold 72.99 million units since its release. But it was outshone by the Nintendo DS, the most popular and best-selling handheld console ever. Lately Nintendo has released the 3DS, a 3D handheld console. Not to be outdone, Sony's return-fire upcoming handheld is the Sony PlayStation (PS) Vita.

A Look Under the PlayStation Vita's Hood

So why all the fuss about this handheld? Go through the following PS Vita specs to get what is the big deal in this little gaming machine:

• 5 inch OLED touch screen interface on the front and the rear of the console. Use your fingers to move your in-game characters.
• A motion system like no other - Sixaxis® motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer and compass.
• Front camera allows you to see and interact with other players.
• Rear camera allows for Augmented Reality (AR) gaming (play in real world video settings).
• Dual camera system tracks player's head movement and allows face detection.
• Familiar PlayStation face buttons (triangle, square, x and circle) and D-Pad (direction pad) allow traditional handheld input.
• Dual analog sticks let you change camera angles with just a flick. Ideal for first person shooters.
• Backward compatibility - Play any PSP game on the Vita.
• Connect to the Internet wirelessly or through 3G (provided by AT&T, separate device).
• Storage media slot and NVG (Sony proprietary flash card) used for software input.
• Equipped with stereo speakers and a microphone, Bluetooth and GPS ability (only with 3G model).
• Chat while gaming and access social networking sites through Facebook and Twitter app support.

In addition to the above drool-worthy features and specs, here's a line-up of PlayStation Vita games, specially designed for the touch-joystick control system:

• Dynasty
• Gravity
• HotShots Golf
• Hustle Kings
• Little Deviants
• LittleBigPlanet
• ModNation Racers
• Reality Fighters
• Resistance: Burning Skies
• Ruin
• Sound Shapes
• Super Stardust Delta
• Uncharted: Golden Abyss
• Virtua Tennis 4
• Wipeout

PlayStation Vita Release Date and Price

Rumors of new releases float around, especially with big-name companies like Sony. But the first real confirmation that a new Sony handheld was being released, came with an official Sony announcement in Tokyo in January. At this E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) 2011, the device's real name was released (it was formerly known as the Sony NGP) as well as some specs. The PS Vita release date at that time was breezily announced as during the holiday season. Most Sony products are released first in Japan, then North America and Europe. But Sony went all mum about any further release details like where will it debut and when. So at that time the PSV was expected to hit U.S. stores in late October - early November, in time for the holiday rush. Sadly that bubble is burst with Sony's latest announcement.

As per a Sony press release and the official PSV site, the PSV release date has been pushed to the end of the year.. in Japan. So once it debuts in Japan, it will hit American and European shores only in the early months of 2012. That means no PSV for Thanksgiving or for Christmas (major bummer). No further details are given about the release, like a confirmed date or shipment policies, other than a "phased roll out". But maybe in the upcoming Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2011, held in mid-September, Sony may release an official release date and some more release information. And what about the cost?

The PS Vita price details have remained the same, no increase or decrease in the released price information. At the time of its launch, the PlayStation Vita's price was US dollars $249 (Wi-Fi) and $299 for 3G. Likewise the European pricing is €249 for the Wi-Fi model and €299 for the 3G model. In Japan, the price of the PSV is 24,980 yen (Wi-Fi) and 29,980 yen (3G). The PSV's price tag of $250 for the Wi-Fi version seems to be on the high-end of the handheld console price spectrum. The Nintendo DS had the same price at its launch. Recently however, the DS's price has been slashed majorly in a bid to revive flagging sales (price drop from $250 to $170).

The PSV could be the first and classic specimen in a new breed of touch screen handhelds. With an earlier release date, it could have conquered the handheld market and succeed where the Nintendo DS has tried and faltered. With its impressive specs list and proprietary games, it could turn into a household handheld device. There's really no predicting the future of this Sony handheld. All us consumers can do, is wait and dream of what it is like to game on a touch handheld console.