Okay Geek Farm
PS Vita - Everything you need to know
Brandon Davenport
E3 2011 press conferences haven’t been all that hot so far (Microsoft sort of started us on a sour note), and it seemed that the day’s events were taking a voilent nosedive towards complete lameness — but then we saw a glimmer of light, the “life” or “Vita”, if you will, when the PS Vita was brought to the stage. You have a lot of questions (we know), and we have a lot of answers — lets go!
First off, Price and Release
- Price — The WiFi model is $249, and the 3G model is $299
- Release Date — Holiday season 2011 worldwide
Specifications and features
- CPU — ARM Cortex A9 (4 core)
- Graphics — SGX542MP4+
- External Size — 182.0width x 18.6height x 83.5depth (millimeters)
- Rear Touch Pad — Capacitive Multi-touch
- Cameras — rear camera, front camera
- Sound — Built-in mic, built-in speakers
- Sensors — 6-axis motion sensory system (three-axis accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope), front touch screen and rear touchpad.
- Location — 3G (optional), WiFi , Built-in GPS
- Switches/Keys — Volume buttons, SELECT/START button, right/left stick, shoulder buttons, action buttons, directional buttons, power button, PS button
- Wireless — Mobile Network Connectivity (3G), IEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
- Carrier — AT&T (Exclusive)
What sony is focusing on here is cramming everything they can into a pocket sized device. When you see games being played on the Vita, it really strikes you. Not too long ago those were console quality graphics, and now something the size of a smartphone can pump out truly stunning visuals. Sony has also managed to integrate touch quite nicely, and impliments it well in games, especially Uncharted.
Sony also wants to encourage a real social experience for players. One example is “Party” where users in a gameroom can chat with eachother no matter which game they’re playing, and maybe make plans for future sessions. Another initiative from Sony is “Near” which is a social connection tool that allows you to play with others around you, reccomend games, compare trolphies and use “a vereity of other social connection tools” for the PlayStation Network.
“LiveArea” is yet another social tool for PS Vita users where users will be able to view an “Activity” log that is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication among users. AT&T will allow users to use social services and play connected games on the go.
Debut game titles for the PS Vita
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss
- ModNation Racers
- Wipeout 2048
- Super Stardust Delta
- LittleBigPlanet
- Street Fighter X Tekken
- Unnamed Bioshock game
- GRAVITY DAZE
- Little Deviants
- Hot Shots Golf
- Reality Fighter and Hustle Kings
Sony’s also announced well over a hundred North American, European and Japanese companies developing new games for the PS Vita.
