Earlier last week, we posted a video of the PlayStation Vita OS in action, recorded at Gamescom. This time, it looks like Sony has released some official screenshots of the OS, showing exactly what you can expect from the new interface. You make already know that the XMB will no longer be used in the upcoming portable console. Instead, Sony has developed a completely new OS.
Despite the anti-spying systems at gamescom, someone has managed to sneak out a video of the PlayStation Vita’s user interface. The video shows that the interface can be navigated using the somewhat unresponsive touch screen (which isn’t good for Sony), but lets hope its better once the final product is released.
PlayStation Vita’s promise of pairing the cutting-edge game experiences PlayStation is famed for with the always connected, social experiences modern consumers are used to, all in a sleek portable device, became clearer at gamescom. At the SCEE press conference we learned that facebook, twitter, Skype and Foursquare applications will be available on Vita.
Sony Europe have sent out email newsletters this week locking the PS Vita in for a ‘February / March’ release next year here in UK and the European mainland. Although the UK newsletter pegs the release date to simply ‘early 2012’, the other regional newsletters specifically mention those two months.
Sony’s new portable console will not only expensive for early adopters, but the games will also leave you strapped for cash. The first pricing details for PSVita games have been revealed in Japan, suggesting RRP prices will be as high as ¥6,090, which is $80 or £50.
The PlayStation Vita is not only a next-gen gaming console, it also features a number of Social and Online features. Now, the actual Social and Online modes have officially been detailed (most functions remain intact, while some has been tweaked). Find out what you can expect from the portable console when it is released in late 2011 / early 2012.
Sony has confirmed that the PSP successor will be released in Japan in 2011, but all other regions will get the PlayStation Vita in “early 2012”. “Sony Corp. Executive Vice President Kazuo Hirai said Thursday the PlayStation Vita will go on sale by the end of the year in Japan, and early next year in the U.S. and Europe,” states MSN Money.
Sony have confirmed that you can use the PlayStation Vita as a PlayStation 3 controller, effectively offering up similar gameplay possibilities as Nintendo’s Wii U. There are severa possibilities on how the PSVita can be used alongside the PS3. Examples include using the PSVita as a secondary display or as an additional game controller, making use of the touch functionality.
If CVG and VG247 are to be believed, the PlayStation Vita won’t arrive on European store shelves until early 2012. Although the release date has yet to be confirmed by Sony, they are still aiming for a pre-Christmas launch in North America. It would be disappointing if the European release date is in 2011.
A presentation given by Sony in Sao Paulo, Brazil seems to indicate that the PlayStation Vita will support Skype. And its a good think since even the original PSP supports Skype – it would be a shame for the PS Vita to drop this functionality. The image below shows the Skype logo on the top right of the screen.
