Official PSVita launch thread.

[blurredvision]

Sony Playstation Vita

Specifications - Taken from NeoGAF
Media: PS Vita Card
CPU: 4 core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore
Memory: 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM
Display: 5-inch OLED multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, 24-bit color, 960 × 544 qHD @ 220 ppi
Graphics: 4 core SGX543MP4+
Input: Touchscreen, Rear touchpad, Sixaxis motion sensing, Three-axis electronic compass, D-pad, 12 × Buttons, 2 × Analog sticks
Camera: Front and back VGA cameras 0.3 MP @ 60 fps/320×240 @ 120 fps
Connectivity: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Online services: Sony Entertainment Network
Dimensions: 83.55 mm (3.289 in) (h), 182 mm (7.2 in) (w), 18.6 mm (0.73 in) (d)
Weight: Wifi:260 grams (9.2 oz), 3G: 279 grams (9.8 oz)

Launch Date
- February 15, 2012 for First Edition Bundle
- Feburary 22, 2012 for WiFi and 3G systems

SKUs
First Edition Bundle
- MSRP: $349
- Release Date: February 15, 2012
- Includes: 3G/WiFi Vita hardware, 4GB memory card, Little Deviants game (retail box game), limited edition case, 1 free month of AT&T DataConnect 250MB*, Super Stardust Delta + DLC pack**

Vita 3G/WiFi Launch Bundle
- MSRP: $299
- Release Date: February 22, 2012
- Includes: 3G/WiFi Vita hardware, 8GB memory card, 1 free month of AT&T DataConnect 250MB*, Super Stardust Delta + DLC pack**

Vita 3G/WiFi
- MSRP: $299
- Release Date: February 22, 2012 - !! This SKU has been temporarily replaced with the aforementioned 3G Launch Bundle and will be implemented once stock of the launch bundle has been depleted.
- Includes: 3G/Wifi Vita hardware only

Vita WiFi
- MSRP: $249
- Release Date: February 22, 2012
- Includes: WiFi Vita hardware only

Launch Titles - ($MSRP | $SEN) - MSRP price provided, as well as the digital download price on SEN, if known/available.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss ($49.99 | SEN: $44.99)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational ($39.99 | SEN: $35.99)
Wipeout 2048 ($39.99 | SEN: $35.99)
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 ($39.99)
EA Sports FIFA Soccer ($39.99)
Escape Plan (SEN-only: $14.99)
Hustle Kings (SEN-only: $9.99)
Super Stardust Delta (SEN-only: $9.99)
ModNation Racers: Road Trip ($29.99 | SEN: $26.99)
Lumines: Electronic Symphony ($39.99)
Rayman Origins ($39.99)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus ($39.99)
Touch My Katamari ($29.99)
Dynasty Warriors NEXT ($39.99)
Dungeon Hunter Alliance ($39.99)
Ridge Racer ($29.99)
Little Deviants ($29.99)
Army Corps of Hell ($39.99)
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift EXTEND ($39.99)
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen ($39.99)
Asphalt: Injection ($29.99)
F1 2011 ($39.99)
Ben 10 Galactic Racing ($29.99)
Michael Jackson The Experience ($39.99)

Official First-Party Launch Accessories
4GB Memory Card - $19.99
8GB Memory Card - $29.99
16GB Memory Card - $59.99
32GB Memory Card - $99.99
Starter Kit - $39.99 - Includes 4GB Memory Card, Pocket Pouch, Protective Film, Card Case, Headphones, Cleaning Cloth
Card Case - $5.99
Carrying Case - $19.99
Travel Pouch - $19.99
Protective Film (Two Pack) - $9.99
Cradle - $19.99
Portable Charger - $49.99
Car Adapter - $19.99
In-Ear Headphones - $19.99

Backwards Compatibility
No UMD Passport option will be available for U.S. market. There is no word on if it will be offered at a later time. Source

Many digital PSP titles and Minis are playable on the Vita at launch. View the entire list here. This list is not final and will be added to in the coming weeks. This list are the titles that are available to purchase and download directly from your Vita handheld and are officially supported by Sony as working.

There are MANY titles not on that list, however, that still work. You will not be able to purchase/download them directly from the Vita itself, but you can purchase/download them onto your PS3, connect your Vita to your PS3, then copy them directly over. See this thread at NeoGAF, second post in the FAQ section, for a list of user-maintained titles that are confirmed as working/non-working.




*The free month of AT&T DataConnect requires that you purchase one month first, either the 250MB or 3GB plan. Once that first month is used, the second month will be free. No matter which plan you purchase for the first month, you will only receive the $15 250MB plan for your free second month. You will continue to be billed for the third month unless you cancel before your second month expires.

**You MUST sign up for DataConnect and pay for at least one month to get this free game.

 

[blurredvision]

So I had the chance to play around with the Vita for the first time yesterday at a local Gamestop. I think Sony has finally nailed the holy grail of mobile gaming....a console experience on the go, in terms of graphics and control.

I was impressed with the hardware. The system is lightweight and doesn't feel like it will get heavy after a long playing session. The analog sticks are better than I thought they would be. They're still probably a bit more loose than I'd like but they should be fine. Plus, it was a demo unit that has probably been manhandled so far. They don't travel far because they're so short.

The d-pad and face buttons are pretty small but I don't think that will be a problem. I don't really care for the feel of the triggers, I wish they provided more of a definitive click when pushed down. I have fairly large hands and thought the unit felt good in holding it, but I'm not sure how it will feel after holding it for a while. I usually just stretch my fingers across the back and support the bottom of the unit on my pinkies, but with the back touch panel, I have to curl my fingers up the sides. I would think that will cramp my fingers, but we'll see.

The screen is gorgeous, that goes without saying. Touch control worked as expected. I think the back touch panel is a stroke of genius though. Not only do we now have touch combined with physical buttons, but we can have touch without covering the screen (one of my biggest complaints of smartphone games). I can already tell it's going to take some practice to touch the back panel where you actually want, though. It makes it a bit easier that the back touch panel is the exact same size as the screen.

I only tried 3 demos, but there were plenty on there. The Uncharted demo was a looker. Sure, if you look closely, you can spot flaws. But if you are like me and just enjoy playing the game without dissecting it, it looks pretty damn close (if not spot-on) for the console versions. There are some jaggies there but I'm not sensitive to them. The framerate looked good, the overall visual fidelity is fantastic. It controlled great.

I then tried out Wipeout 2048. I never have been a Wipeout fan, but it looked great and ran great as well. Loads times were extremely long but there's supposedly a patch coming for the final version to reduce these. I then tried out FIFA and to my eyes, looks exactly like it's 360 counterpart. One thing I absolutely loved is when I was shooting goals in the one-on-one loading game, I accidentally hit the back touch panel. A small goal graphic popped up on the bottom showing where I had touched and my player kicked the ball towards that part of the goal. In playing around with it a bit more, this shooting mechanic really improves the game for me, allowing me pin-point control of where I want to shoot (assuming I can get good with touching where I want).

Overall, I was really impressed with the unit. For the price, I think it's a pretty amazing deal.

 

[mmntech]

How come the First Edition Bundle is $349 in the US but only $299 here in Canada? That's a switch I can get behind.
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383511&pf_rd_i=915398

I'm going to wait for the inevitable price drop before I get it. It's impressive and all but way too expensive as is. As I said in the other thread, $100 for 32gb is outrageous.

 

[blurredvision]

How come the First Edition Bundle is $349 in the US but only $299 here in Canada? That's a switch I can get behind.

The US FEB has the 3G/WiFi unit while the Canada FEB has the WiFi-only unit. I don't believe the 3G unit is even being sold in Canada.

 

[Aikouka]

I should have my travel pouch tomorrow, Lumines on Tuesday and my Vita next week.

Although, I was playing Cytus earlier today on my iPad, and it made me realize that Sony really needs to leverage these independent developers for the PSV. These smaller games tend to pull me in a lot more than my more expensive games. It's also rather helpful that the PSV has the right capabilities to match what an iOS device is capable of (and more).

 

[Subyman]

I just have a hard time paying 49.99 for a mobile game. I've sure Uncharted is a good game, but I tend to buy awesome PC games on Steam for great prices and iPad games for 1-5 dollars. I know it is a tired argument, but that's what has dampened my excitement for this release. Having to buy a data plan is kind of a bummer too. Too bad they couldn't do something like if you buy x amount of SEN games per month, you get 3G free.

I may jump in after a year or so when the prices of games comes down like I did the PSP.

 

[JackBurton]

Is Location Free supported on the Vita? I LOVE it on my PSP.

 

[blurredvision]

I still haven't fully decided on what games I am going to pick up. I have the WiFi model pre-ordered to arrive on the 22nd and my 8GB card should be here later this week. I'm sitting on a $50 gift card to BB, so I figured I'd use that to pick up a couple of boxed games and then get one of the digital-only games. Might also pick up that carrying case if it gets decent reviews.

Even though Wipeout and HSG are both at $40 MSRP, Amazon has them at $30, as does my local Gamestop (at least that's the pre-order price marked on them). If Best Buy has them at that price, I was thinking one of the two in addition to Marvel vs Capcom. I'd like to play through Uncharted but just can't bring myself to pay $50 for it. I expect it to be a few hours of adventuring and action, then put on the shelf.

 

[gorcorps]

I should have my travel pouch tomorrow, Lumines on Tuesday and my Vita next week.

Although, I was playing Cytus earlier today on my iPad, and it made me realize that Sony really needs to leverage these independent developers for the PSV. These smaller games tend to pull me in a lot more than my more expensive games. It's also rather helpful that the PSV has the right capabilities to match what an iOS device is capable of (and more).

True story. If it's easy enough to develop and distribute on the Vita then the thing could prove to be a lot more useful. Lately I've liked more indie games on my PC and consoles than the AAA games. What with a 3G and a Wifi version they're obviously focused on data connection, so with a good digital distribution system it should in theory be a good system for small devs.

 

[tornadog]

Only 2 more days to go. I feel like a kid in a candy store

 

[zerocool84]

I've been reading a bunch on the Vita today and it's testing my willpower. Uncharted and MvC3 look awesome.

 

[tornadog]

I've been reading a bunch on the Vita today and it's testing my willpower. Uncharted and MvC3 look awesome.

Maybe this will help

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2498...ta_review_a_big_beautiful_gaming_machine.html

 

[darkswordsman17]

I had put it out of mind until today, and decided to check it out some online. It seems fairly compelling, but it seems like the PSP all over again, just better. Still too many things I don't like. Its pretty close, and maybe with time will get there, but I think its another generation before it'd become truly great.

That launch list looks a lot more interesting than the little I gleaned from looking before. At that time the only game that caught my interest was Wipeout, and its been getting what I consider fairly average reviews (7-8 range). Well Uncharted did as well, but there's just something about that franchise that doesn't grab me so I'd pass on it. Launch looks solid, but no game that really compels me.

So, it'd be a while before I'd pick one up, and chances are by then, there'll be phone/tablet devices that will trump it handily in many areas that I value more in a portable device, while there should be enough games on mobile platforms that I'd missed out on that even the gaming wouldn't be a total letdown in comparison. Granted while likely costing 2-3 times the price or even more considering contracts, but still. I know most are buying it strictly as a gaming platform, and I can see that, but just not good enough for me in that respect.

Oddly enough, if this had been a Nintendo handheld, and especially if they were making it function as the controller on the Wii U, I'd be all over it.

 

[Krynj]

It's very tempting. And if I needed another reason to consider it -- it comes out on my birthday.

 

[SandEagle]

It's very tempting. And if I needed another reason to consider it -- it comes out on my birthday.

how about....
......:..........its your birthday! just get it. :awe:

 

[Subyman]

I think it could be really good if they exploited the downloadable market really well, especially the low priced market. I could see a lot of independent development, however I do not think the platform is open enough to allow for the low barrier of entry for programmers that iOS/Android allows.

 

[Beev]

With as poorly as it's done in Japan I don't see it doing very well here...

Though when I worked at Gamestop the PSP was INSANELY popular with Mexican customers. I'm not sure why...

 

[waggy]

I think it could be really good if they exploited the downloadable market really well, especially the low priced market. I could see a lot of independent development, however I do not think the platform is open enough to allow for the low barrier of entry for programmers that iOS/Android allows.

i agree.

I love the hardware. But after how bad the PSP was (loved the system also) i think i will give it time.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Honestly I don't see this doing very well. With the influx of phones capable of just about everything these days that the "average" consumer wants to do, handheld consoles are going to go the way of only hardcore gamers again. They are on the right track with making this also a phone, except your options are limited and it's rather bulky for a phone by most people standards. On the surface this thing looks awesome, but I don't see it lasting, especially if it gets the low end love that the PSP did as well as the even less loved Go.

 

[blurredvision]

http://vita.ign.com/articles/121/1217392p1.html

It's been confirmed that the free game that comes with the 3G version is Super Stardust Delta in addition to the DLC pack. I've edited the OP to reflect this.

 

[randay]

i dont understand the point of 3g. if you cant play games over it, download games over it, or really use it for anything directly related to gaming, whats the point? I have a smartphone for web browsing and tweeting etc... this is the only thing stopping me right now from getting the first edition bundle.

do they have any plans in the future to really utilize the 3g with something useful?

 

[tornadog]

It looks like you get the free PSN game and 1 month free only after activating 3g for 1 month. So basically you pay 15 bucks activate 3g and they give you another month free and a voucher for the free game at the end of the first month. Dont know if its such a good deal after all.

 

[ImpulsE69]

i dont understand the point of 3g. if you cant play games over it, download games over it, or really use it for anything directly related to gaming, whats the point? I have a smartphone for web browsing and tweeting etc... this is the only thing stopping me right now from getting the first edition bundle.

do they have any plans in the future to really utilize the 3g with something useful?

It can be useful...for those things..the bigger concern is the data usage teiring that the cell companies are implementing.

 

[Aikouka]

i dont understand the point of 3g. if you cant play games over it, download games over it, or really use it for anything directly related to gaming, whats the point? I have a smartphone for web browsing and tweeting etc... this is the only thing stopping me right now from getting the first edition bundle.

do they have any plans in the future to really utilize the 3g with something useful?

Well, AT&T has been talking about creating a shared data plan, which would be helpful for people with multiple devices (smartphone, tablet, Vita) as they would only pay once for all devices to use the same allotment.

 

[KentState]

The launch of this is really odd to me. Got two games and the cradle yesterday, the power adapter today and hopefully the system will arrive tomorrow.