Pre-Order Sony Playstation Vita for $249

Kris Erickson • Jun 8, 2011 • Comments ()

Sony's next generation handheld, the PlayStation Vita, has been officially revealed at E3 in Los Angeles. Previously codenamed the NGP, the Vita contains all of the new tech we've already reported on, as well as some cool surprise features. But probably the nicest feature of the PSV is its vibrant 5-inch OLED touch screen in 960 x 544 pixel resolution. There is also an innovative touch pad on the back of the device for controlling games without your fingers getting in the way. The PSV will ship with a plethora of launch games, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss and an exclusive new Call of Duty title. You can already pre-order the PlayStation Vita from Amazon for $249, or $299 for the 3G connected version. We recommend ordering ahead of the official release, which is listed right now as December 2011. The Vita could end up being one of the hottest and hardest to find gadgets during a busy holiday shopping season.

In addition to the front and back touch surfaces we already mentioned, the PSV comes equipped with motion-sensing gyroscopes and multiple cameras for augmented reality, video chat and other uses. Purists like us are undoubtedly pleased that the PSV will also feature dual analog sticks. UMD discs are gone, to be replaced by digital downloads and games on memory card. Sony is also planning a bunch of interesting social networking services for the device, including cross-game chat and a location-based friend-finding tool called Near.

Keep it locked to PSPworld as we bring you further coverage of the Sony PSV launch.