PS Vita FAQ

Sony's next handheld is going to be here before you know it, and that means it's time to bone up on everything PlayStation Vita-related. We've compiled this ever-growing guide to answer all of your burning questions--but feel free to add stuff we missed or ask a question we didn't think of. The IGN PlayStation Vita Guide belongs to everyone.

What is the PlayStation Vita?

The PlayStation Vita is Sony's next handheld video game platform. On top of two analog sticks and a sexy widescreen, the PlayStation Vita features a rear touch pad, a front touch screen, all sorts of sensors and cameras.

What does "PlayStation Vita" even mean?

Vita is Latin for life. President of Sony Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida told IGN Podcast Beyond that the name was chosen because the company envisions Vita being part of its users everyday life. It'll always have some utility for you. Leading up to E3 2011, many called the Vita the PSP2 or its codename, NGP for "Next Generation Portable."

When does the PlayStation Vita come out?

At E3 2011, Sony announced the PlayStation Vita would be available "in the global market starting the end of 2011." Since then, a UK report of a Nov. 4, 2011, release date surfaced, but that timing has not been confirmed.

How much will the PlayStation Vita cost?

The PlayStation Vita will come in two varieties. The Wi-Fi only model will cost ¥24,980, $249 and €249. The 3G model will cost ¥29,980, $299 and €299.

How does 3G work with PlayStation Vita?

If you buy a 3G-enabled PlayStation Vita, you'll be able to connect to the Internet from wherever you are--no need for a hotspot. We don't know the specifics of this feature, however. Will you be able to play games online via 3G? Will the 3G only be good for sharing data? We do know that AT&T is the exclusive U.S. 3G provider. There are no details as to the cost of an AT&T 3G service plan (which would be separate from the extra $50 you're spending on the 3G-enabled PlayStation Vita), but we do know that the AT&T plan gives users free access to AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots.

What's the coolest PlayStation Vita game?

It's impossible to answer that as we haven't reviewed any of them, but several titles have caught the attention of various IGN editors. Sound Shapes is a music game that allows you to create songs and then use them to create a platforming level. LittleBigPlanet Vita takes what you know about Sackboy and tosses in a bunch of cool uses for the PlayStation Vita tech. Super Stardust Delta takes the awesome gameplay we love and amplifies it with back touch controls. Meanwhile, Uncharted: Golden Abyss is literally Uncharted in your pocket. Awesome.

What is PlayStation Vita Near?

Near is Sony's location-based social network. The program uses PlayStation Vita's Wi-Fi capabilities to see what people have been playing in the area. Nearby gamers can even "gift" game-related items to fellow players.

What is PlayStation Vita LiveArea?

LiveArea is the PlayStation Vita's new interface--a new version of the XMB. You touch the game or app you want to use, and are then launched into that piece of software. LiveArea will apparently be a part of each PlayStation Vita game and constantly update with information and the activity of other people playing the same game. Little is known about the feature beyond that.

Will the PlayStation Vita be region locked?

Vice President of Sony Worldwide Studios Europe Michael Denny said that--to the best of his knowledge--the PlayStation Vita would be region free. This would allow players to play games from anywhere in the world on their Vitas rather than a Japanese Vita only being able to play Japanese games.

What format are PlayStation Vita games?

PlayStation Vita games will come on flash memory cards--either 2GB or 4GB. Games will also be available via digital downloads. Specifics have not been announced as to how much the cards will cost.

What are the PlayStation Vita's specs?

CPU

• ARM Cortex A9 core
• (4 core)

GPU

• SGX543MP4+

Width
182.0mmm

Height
83.5mm

Thickness
18.6mm

Screen

• OLED 16:9 display
• 5 inches (diagonally)
• 960 x 544 resolution
• Approx. 16 million colors
• Capacitive multi-touch screen

Who will be the Provider of the 3G network with PlayStation Vita, when it launches in Canada?

While it has not been confirmed yet. There is speculations on the net that the 3G will be supported by Rogers Communication. Currently, the Xperia Play (Playstation Phone) can only be purchased through Rogers WIreless. This past month, Sony and Rogers teamed up to have a special promotion where any new customers that bought 2 smartphones together would get a Playstation 3 for only $100. This trend would suggest that Rogers will be the provider in Canada to support 3G.

What system is better?

The better System depends on you. If you like 3D, go for 3DS. But if you like  powerful, almost PS3 graphics on a handheld, with a big and nice 5 inch OLED screen, and a great launch titles with many more to come, and wonderful online features, all starting at $249.99.

Thanks to IGN.