PlayStation Vita Release Date Announced

PlayStation’s newest handheld was announced at E3 this past summer.  Now we have a solid date for when we can get it, 02/22/2012.  It is scheduled to release before Nintendo’s new console.  Until I did some research, I had the thought of this just being a rip off of already existing technology.  With the addition of the touch screen it seemed like it was copying the Nintendo DS or Apple itouch.  It also has two camera’s like the Nintendo DS.  However, we have to give PlayStation credit where it is due.  PlayStation is the only company that has had a successful handheld system against Nintendo since Sega’s Gamegear.

Why should someone get the new handheld, what sets it apart from its previous versions or even the competition.  Why should someone, especially a PSP Go owner who shelled out a lot for it, get the new one.  First, lets be honest, the Go was a failure (sorry Go owners; it was a great concept with horrible delivery), and everyone has failures; even Nintendo.  Do I need to mention Virtual Boy and Power Glove?  Don’t know what I’m talking about?  Exactly.

The Vita is the most impressive handheld I have seen from PlayStation and possibly overall.  If it was not for Nintendo’s 3DS this would be lining up to be the best on the market.  Despite the PS3 being 3D capable and Sony having many 3D Tv’s, I have not read anything stating the Vita will have 3D to compete with the 3DS.  However, it may not need it.  With AT&T, owner’s of Vita will be able to subscribe to wireless 3G service; allowing them to take their online multiplaying action anywhere they go.  The coolest feature I have read about so far is the new Augmented Reality (AR) technology.  This useses the Vita’s cameras to turn the world around you into the game.  I have yet to see actual footage of this working, but the concept in general sounds pretty sweet.

The question is, can they pull it off.  Sony can throw the latest and greatest our way in the form of the handheld, but can they deliver on the games.  Will Vita finally get a solid selection of games that can match up to Nintendo’s 3DS or mobile phone markets?  It seems we will have to wait and see.

Source : Vita