Sony Launches Playstation Vita in US, Europe

Japan’s multinational conglomerate corporation Sony announces the launch of its latest handheld gaming beast, the PlayStation Vita, in the United States and Europe on Feb. 22, 2012. Sony PlayStation Vita is already available in Japan.

The PlayStation Vita, which retails from £230, features a touch screen similar to those found on advanced smartphones, as well as a unique touch-sensitive back panel that allows users to control games using all their fingers at once.

A basic, Wi-Fi version will retail at $250 ($298), while one that can access 3G cellular networks will go for $300 plus monthly service fees from AT&T.

Despite advanced graphics and other new technology, Sony’s strategy of charging high prices for both the console and its games has been criticized by analysts, who cite the rapidly growing ‘casual games’ market of mobile phone users who play free titles that are usually supported by advertising.

The Vita also includes access to the web and social networks such as Facebook, as well as adding new web features to games.