PS Vita launch guide: All you need to know about the new PlayStation

If you've switched on the TV in the last few weeks, or visited Oxford Street or any GAME store across the country you'll know that the PlayStation Vita has launched in the UK and US today. With the device fresh on store shelves, we give a quick recap of the device's features, games and future lineup.

What is it?

PlayStation Vita is Sony's next gaming handheld. It's the successor to the PSP, and offers three significant improvements; a dazzling, high definition touch-enabled screen, a bump in graphical power for near-PS3 quality visuals, and a second analogue stick to make console gaming on the move a reality.

That's not all - there are front and rear cameras, a gyroscopic sensor for motion-control and improved online functionality, with an optional 3G model available at launch. While it doesn't play PSP UMD titles, it will run the vast majority of digital purchases for the system.

> PlayStation Vita: Hands-on with Sony's new handheld
> We answer your questions on the PlayStation Vita



How much will it cost?

Vita starts at £229 for the WiFi-only model, increasing to £279 for a 3G and WiFi version. However, at launch retailers are offering discounts. Asda in-store and online stocks Vita at £197, while the likes of Amazon and Play.com sell it for £209. Bundles are also available if you shop around.

You must also consider a memory card, which is a near essential and is rather costly. A 4GB card starts at £15, increasing to £30 for 8GB and £40 for 16GB. Games are similar to current console prices, with big hitters Uncharted: Golden Abyss and FIFA Football at £40 each and mid-tier releases ranging from £20 to £30. Also available are a suite of downloadable-only games, which range from a wallet friendly £4 to £10.

> PlayStation Vita: UK game prices revealed
> PlayStation Vita: First party downloadable games under £10



What games can I buy at launch?

PlayStation Vita offers an impressive launch line-up, with over 30 games to choose from on day one. Sony leads the pack with Uncharted and Wipeout, as well as fan-favourite offerings such as Everybody's Golf. Third-parties also offer some excellent titles, such as FIFA Football, F1 2011, Rayman Origins, Virtua Tennis and more.

As stated above, a number of downloadable titles are also available, including a Micro Machines-style MotorStorm title, while every single game available at retail is also available to download from PSN at similar prices, saving you a trip to the shops.

You can view images of every Vita launch title in the below gallery.

> Read our review of Uncharted: Golden Abyss
> Read our review of Reality Fighters
> Read our review of WipEout 2048
> Read our review of Little Deviants
> Read our review of F1 2011
> Read our review of Everybody's Golf
> Read our review of FIFA Football
> Ubisoft's Vita launch line-up: Hands-on with Rayman Origins, Lumines















What's to come in the future?

PlayStation Vita's strong third-party support means it has a very bright future ahead of it. While concrete release dates for the coming months are few and far between, expect Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock to release next month, Resistance: Burning Skies from May and LittleBigPlanet from the summer.

With visuals and processing power similar to Xbox 360 and PS3, we can expect multi-platform releases coming to Vita with all their features intact. Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter X Tekken ports have already been confirmed, while Sony has also said that Call of Duty will debut on the system this autumn. Always wanted to play multiplayer anywhere you go? That may just about to become a reality...

> Call of Duty coming to PS Vita in the Autumn, says Sony
> Mortal Kombat hands-on preview
> Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock trailer

Are you picking up a PlayStation Vita today or in the next week? Add a comment to the space below!