Ben-DutkaWe can stop speculating; the official word is here.
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has made the announcement we've been waiting for at the Web 2.0 Summit 2011: the company's new portable unit, the PlayStation Vita, will arrive in the US on February 22.
As previously reported, the Wi-Fi model will hold a price tag of $249.99 and the 3G/Wi-Fi model will run you $299.99. The Wi-Fi model will also be available in Canada on the same day, and Europe will receive both models on the 22nd (249.99 Euros for the Wi-Fi; 299.99 Euros for the 3G/Wi-Fi). Said SCEA president and CEO Jack Tretton:
"PlayStation Vita will redefine traditional boundaries of gaming and blur the lines between entertainment and reality. Its launch will serve as a pivotal point in the history of portable gaming and create a new fan base of PlayStation gamers for generations to come. With its technological prowess and social connectivity, PlayStation Vita offers an experience beyond anything available on the market. Features such as the dual analog sticks, dual cameras, and front and rear touch pad are all designed to deliver the unique, powerful gameplay experiences consumers have been asking for and enable new ways for users to connect with the world around them."
Featuring an OLED front touch screen and a rear touch pad, dual analog sticks, front and back cameras, and motion sensors, this is quite the technologically advanced little gadget. The press release also tells us that over 100 games are currently in development for the Vita, and that includes Uncharted: Golden Abyss , Wipeout 2048 , Resistance: Burning Skies , Assassin's Creed , Call of Duty , and others.
Lastly, Sony's new handheld will also support Facebook, foursquare, Skype, and Twitter. Gotta be socially "connected," ya know.