PlayStation Vita launching globally by end of 2011, starting at $249.99

Sony has officially revealed that, yes, its Next Generation Portable will be named PlayStation Vita.

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Sony's own worst-kept secret before E3 has finally been confirmed. SCE boss Kazuo Hirai has announced that the Sony Next Generation Portable--the PSP successor--will be named the PlayStation Vita. The name of the system had previously leaked.

PS Vita will launch globally by the end of 2011 and be priced at $249.99 for the Wi-Fi-only handheld, while the 3G-enabled system will be priced at $299.99.

Sony also revealed that it will partner with AT&T as the exclusive mobile service provider in America for 3G service on the PS Vita. The announcement drew laughs from the crowd after AT&T was called the "fastest" network in America by Hirai.

Hirai also reiterated a number of announcements that had previously been made.

Xav de Matos was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    June 6, 2011 6:34 PM

    Xav de Matos posted a new article, NPG officially named PlayStation Vita.

    Sony has officially revealed that, yes, its Next Generation Portable will be named PlayStation Vita.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 6:39 PM

      I do not like the name. But will probably buy it XD

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 6:40 PM

      UPDTAED WITH PRICE! Starts at $249.99!

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 6:42 PM

        That's right, UPDTAED. That's a word now.

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 6:44 PM

          Haha! I hadn't even noticed!

          • reply
            June 8, 2011 7:29 AM

            Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 6:48 PM

          I LIEK IT

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 6:51 PM

          [deleted]

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 6:44 PM

        Oooooooh. Me likey! I was fearing the price.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 6:45 PM

        Any word on monthly 3G fees?

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 6:47 PM

        Wow really? They got it in that low?

        Maybe they did learn something from $599.99.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 6:46 PM

      Wonder how much games will sell for

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:03 PM

      Sony gets an A. $249 is a great price. They will sell tons.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:05 PM

        They're making the Nintendo 3DS look like a complete ripoff at this price point.

        • reply
          June 7, 2011 7:47 AM

          People who waited on the 3DS will get a 50$ price drop by holiday.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:05 PM

        However,with that price my guess is that rumor about them cutting the memory in half is probably true.

        • reply
          June 7, 2011 6:56 AM

          ya, i agree. its a shame too since i would have paid a little more for the additional memory...

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:36 PM

        Yeah, not kidding. That certainly rivals the iPod Touch in price, if not pocket space.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:05 PM

      That's awesome exactly what people wanted.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:05 PM

      Five Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:06 PM

      Price is right. I was expecting over $300.

      My problem with my PSP really boiled down to content. There wasn't anything that really appealed to me all that much. I hope content is better this time around.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:06 PM

      Vita, Fhita?

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:22 PM

      I Love how AT&T gets laughed at in press conferences by various carriers

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:33 PM

      I was going to pick one up anyway...but now I'll be getting the 3G one...I mean for that price; why not?

      This surprised the hell out of me...thats a really great price. I think if you're Nintendo; you have to be looking at a price drop on the 3DS between now and the Vita launch (whenever that is).

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:37 PM

      What does Vita mean? Did they say? They all have some fancy artistic reasoning behind their stupid names, those Japanese.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:39 PM

        think Latin

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:39 PM

        They said it means life...

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:46 PM

        I was kind of liking NGP, it sounded strong and big.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:20 PM

        never heard of a CV?

      • reply
        June 8, 2011 7:35 AM

        They are a Japanese company, with their development headquarters in Japan. Therefore, it stands to reason that their chose of the name 'Vita' was because it sounds good in Japanese. And that they tough that it might be a good idea in English because it sounds similar to Vitality.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:47 PM

      For sale: One like-new 3DS

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:47 PM

      [deleted]

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:54 PM

      Can't believe anyone cares about the name. It's just a name, at the end of the day you are buying it for the product, not the name. At least it's not called the PlayStation Shitbag or something, it is a one syllable, and easy to remember.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:56 PM

      get a shitty handheld or a shitty console.... hmm, id rather use that money towards a PC

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 7:58 PM

        Nice, a great reply to the thread. You get a star! ★

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 8:07 PM

          im just trolling. i just dont understand how people think 250$ is a deal or some shit. you can get a ps3 for that price!

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 8:17 PM

            It has some technology in it that even Apple is charging $500 for. Honestly I was expecting $350 or $400. I think it could have easily cost that much, Sony is definitely undercutting a bit, not afraid of losing profits for the sake of getting sales.

            • reply
              June 6, 2011 8:28 PM

              ima have to look up dem tech specs

              • reply
                June 6, 2011 8:52 PM

                Here you go:

                CPU: ARM Cortex-A9 core (4 core)
                GPU: SGX543MP4+

                That's what is at the core of an iPad 2. I wonder if we'll be seeing quick turnaround in the App Store.

                • reply
                  June 6, 2011 9:02 PM

                  Just because it's got the same/similar architecture doesn't mean we will get ports or that it is even that easy to port. Just like how the Mac doesn't get Windows ports that easily. Different programming languages, different APIs, etc etc.

                  • reply
                    June 6, 2011 10:45 PM

                    True. Architecture though is usually a major hurdle.. and now, its not.

                • reply
                  June 7, 2011 2:47 PM

                  Actually, that's faster than the iPad 2. The iPad 2 only has a dual core A5 and a SGX543MP2.

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 9:14 PM

            i bet your phone retails for $499

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 9:21 PM

            do you ever leave your house? portable gaming is a thing people do when they're mobile and have some time to spare

          • reply
            June 7, 2011 5:34 PM

            first rule of trolling is: never say "im just trolling"

        • reply
          June 8, 2011 7:38 AM

          Whoah, there is something different about your post's font. The spacing of the letters seems wider. It's nicer on the eye and easier to read.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:14 PM

        Can't I get all three...well two because I already have all the current consoles (damn I wish I had room for some old consoles...I really want to get a NeoGeo off ebay...but I just don't have room for one and a proper setup for it...I'd also like a Super Famicom...those are sexy).

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 7:58 PM

      This is good for the 3DS. People need something to compare and contrast to so they can finally decide. People compared and contrasted the DS and PSP and overwhelmingly chose the DS. We'll see how this one goes.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:00 PM

        I like how this will heat up the competition a bit. They each offer unique experiences, but it will be great to see the price wars starting and game developers having to make more choices in terms of what to develop for.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 9:38 PM

        The DS was purely about the games, building on the monopoly Nintendo had with the Gameboy series.

        The hardware doesn't really matter that much. I am really leaning towards Sony this time. But if Nintendo secures a bunch of great exclusive games I'd be obligated to go with a 3DS. I don't give two shits about the 3D though.

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 9:46 PM

          i want to play games and 3DS has basically jack shit. i guess we'll see tomorrow but i'm not buying a 3DS to play the shit that is out now

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:00 PM

      Im still pissed at sony right now, but I gotta say, this thing looks awesome. All of that for the same price as the 3DS. Now they just need some good launch titles. Please dont fuck it up!

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:08 PM

      now we need a game library this time

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:10 PM

        games better not be $49.99

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 8:56 PM

          3DS games are $39.99. My guess is that the Vita games will be the same.

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 9:05 PM

            i think that's pretty expensive, handheld games should be around $20

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 9:15 PM

            I'd pay $40 for the AAA titles. But the average game should be $30

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:09 PM

      Sony must be taking a hit if that price is right. Are the specs still the same?

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:18 PM

        Yes, same specs. I bet they're losing $40-50 per handheld.

        • reply
          June 7, 2011 7:22 AM

          They'll make it back from early adopters in game/accessory sales, most likely. If they tie most of the compelling online stuff to a Plus sub, they'll drag folks into that as well.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:18 PM

      Sony wins this round, Nintendo. $250 is impressive!

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:22 PM

        i am so stoked about this..it shows Sony has learned something from the previous round of handhelds. I hope this takes Nintendo down a few pegs..

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:29 PM

      looks nice, but Vita is a terrible name

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 8:51 PM

        Almost as bad as when Nintendo announced that their console would be called the Wii instead of Revolution.

        • Zek legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
          reply
          June 7, 2011 7:20 AM

          Revolution would have been the worst name.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 9:33 PM

        Do you really care what it is called?

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:30 PM

      Fantastic! Day one purchase.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 8:53 PM

      I was guessing it would launch at $400, if the games are there I will be to.

      • reply
        June 7, 2011 7:19 AM

        I believe they mentioned Wipeout and Uncharted were launch titles. That Ruin game that looks suspiciously like Torchlight might be too.

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 9:00 PM

      [deleted]

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 9:11 PM

      3G? pass.

      • reply
        June 6, 2011 9:19 PM

        yeah i dont see myself paying 30/month and a contract for this

        • reply
          June 6, 2011 9:34 PM

          was it said it required a contract?

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 9:44 PM

            im watching it now but dont cell providers usually require a contract?

          • reply
            June 6, 2011 9:44 PM

            Yeah. I'm assuming it's probably similar to the 3G on a Kindle or similar device, where you get the service just included as part of the price.

            • reply
              June 6, 2011 9:48 PM

              you think so? why was it branded AT&T? it's not like you get an ipad and get free data service with it. kindle isnt branded with any 3rd party cell carrier, it's just called Amazon Whispernet (TM)

              • reply
                June 6, 2011 9:51 PM

                I just can't see them charging for the device and then charging for the data plan. But, then again, it is Sony.

                • reply
                  June 6, 2011 9:54 PM

                  i fully expect it until i hear otherwise. also curious if the 3g model will even come out in canada and the details on that carrier as well.

                • reply
                  June 7, 2011 7:22 AM

                  [deleted]

                  • reply
                    June 7, 2011 7:31 AM

                    If it's free AT&T will get a cut off the top, it's part of contracts and deal makings to get people to buy a product, this is what I'd expect, especially after the PSN outage debacle, they'd need to do something to get back in peoples good graces. It will be interesting to see how this will work.

                    • reply
                      June 8, 2011 12:08 PM

                      How about a wi-fi only option and screw AT&T or whoever?

                • reply
                  June 7, 2011 7:24 AM

                  Never underestimate the greed of wireless carriers, or Sony. Best I think we can hope for is a non-contract monthly plan - but that'll be expensive enough to drive a lot of folks away.

                  Something like an iPhone/iPad you can justify fairly easily. A dedicated gaming machine, not so much.

            • reply
              June 7, 2011 6:59 AM

              I would say the Vita compares more to the ipad than the Kindle....and in that case a monthly fee was required.

            • reply
              June 7, 2011 8:42 AM

              No way, they will charge for the Playstation data. The download size of a kindle book is nothing compared to downloading big game content, no way they can offer that for a one time price of $50

    • reply
      June 6, 2011 9:21 PM

      Vita is giving me a gaming boner.

    • reply
      June 7, 2011 7:18 AM

      The hardware looks awesome. The price is good. The name...not so much.

      Guessing it'll end up called either the "PSV" or "NGP" by most folks. PSVita just sounds like a goofy Taco Bell promotion.

      • reply
        June 7, 2011 7:22 AM

        Remember when Nintendo called the Wii the Wii? People thought they were nuts.

        • reply
          June 7, 2011 7:30 AM

          I still think that's a silly name too - but at least it's short and memorable if for nothing else than the LOL factor. It was also the only thing of its kind at the time, which gave it a bit of an advantage, mindshare-wise.

        • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
          reply
          June 7, 2011 8:31 AM

          I still do. I still hate that name.

    • reply
      June 7, 2011 7:35 AM

      I wonder how much Sony is taking losses with each PSP Vita because with that price they are not making any profit!

      That price will directly hit competion quite well with 3DS, but Nintendo is already making loads of profit per each sold console so I think by the time Vita really hits the scene, Nintendo will take a small price cut to continue selling like hotcakes.

      And after tonight's E3 press conference with new 3DS games like the Mario 3DS properly unveiled, the consoles will start selling again.

      • reply
        June 7, 2011 1:41 PM

        The 3DS isn't selling though. It's been a bit of a disappointment.

        • reply
          June 7, 2011 11:25 PM

          Well right now there isn't much of a reason to buy a 3DS. The launch was horrible and the price is too high for most of the people who bought a DS.

    • reply
      June 7, 2011 9:01 AM

      Playstation Vista anyone?

      • reply
        June 7, 2011 2:50 PM

        "Hey Boss... I think the MS guys might sue us if we call it Vista..."

        "Oh ok... Drop the T or something..."

        "But... but..."

    • reply
      June 7, 2011 2:54 PM

      Still doesn't have a Built in Screen Protector... (like *EVERY* version of the DS...)

      • reply
        June 8, 2011 1:04 PM

        I'm kinda glad about that. This way it doesn't look any stupider and weighs less....

    • reply
      June 8, 2011 7:41 AM

      Remember, if you are going to get one of these; get the first production run. If you remember the original PSP1001, and the things you could eventually do with the 1.5 firmware... that no other PSP could do easily for a long time.

    • reply
      June 8, 2011 12:09 PM

      This is one excellent PS4, can't wait to see it succeed. Playstation 4!

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