Engadget and a couple of other sites are reporting that the Vita will release in NA and Europe on 22 Feb 2012. As always even though we fall under Europe we may not get the console then. I also think that Sony has to conclude a contract deal with one of the mobile operators here for the 3G version before release.

Here are some details as well as images of some packaging :

Sony announced the PlayStation Vita will launch in North America and Europe on Feb 22, 2012, the price of the 3G+WiFi version will be $299 (€299) and the Wi-Fi version will be $249 (€249). The machine features a 5" OLED display, Quad-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU, 512MB RAM, Dual Analog Sticks, Dual Cameras, front and rear touch panels, and built-in social media connection to Facebook, Foursquare, Skype and Twitter.

Specifications for PlayStation Vita:

CPU: ARM Cortex-A9 core (4 core)

GPU: SGX543MP4+

External Dimensions: Approx. 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm (width x height x depth)

Screens: Front touchscreen: 5 inches (16:9), 960 x 544, approx. 16 million colours, OLED multi touch screen, capacitive type.

Rear touch pad: Multi touch pad, capacitive type.

Cameras: Front camera, Rear camera

- Frame rate: 120fps@320x240(QVGA), 60fps@640x480(VGA).
- Resolution: Up to 640x480(VGA)

Sound: Built-in stereo speakers, microphone

Sensors: Six-axis, Three-axis electronic compass,

Location: Built-in GPS (3G+Wi-Fi model only), Wi-Fi location service support

Keys / Switches:
- PS button
- Power button
- Directional buttons
- Action buttons (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square)
- Shoulder buttons (Right/Left)
- Right stick, Left stick
- START button, SELECT button, Volume buttons (+/-)

Wireless communications:
- Mobile network connectivity (3G+Wi-Fi model only)
- IEEE 802.11b/g/n (n = 1x1)(Wi-Fi) (Infrastructure mode/Ad-hoc mode)
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (A2DP/AVRCP/HSP)

Slots / Ports:
- PS Vita card slot
- Memory card slot
- SIM card slot (3G+Wi-Fi model only)
- Multi-use port (for USB data communication, DC IN, Audio [Stereo Out / Mono In], Serial data communication.
- Headset jack (Stereo mini jack) (for Audio [Stereo Out / Mono In])
- Accessory port

Power: Built-in Lithium-ion Battery, AC adaptor

Supported AV content:
- Music: MP3 MPEG - 1/2 Audio Layer 3, MP4 (MPEG-4 AAC), WAVE (Linear PCM).
- Videos: MPEG-4 Simple Profile (AAC). H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Hi/Main/Baseline Profile (AAC).
- Photos: JPEG (Exif 2.2.1), TIFF, BMP, GIF, PNG.

I personally can't wait to see the next-gen hand held, but the cost involved at date of release will really hit SA hard with the exchange rate.

Estimated retail in SA is still R 3 499.00 for the 3G / wifi edition. Dont forget SA has ridiculous import taxes on electronics and components with LCD/ LED screens...

only feb 22nd, at least that gives me plenty of time to save up...

@ Tea at that price I will definitely not be getting it at launch. May pull a sneaky and get a friend in the US or UK to get me one IF I really want one.

That's a bit expensive lol was hoping for around R2500, honestly would rather buy another PS3 as backup

Still want to get one though, it has Marvel

DarkPrince said ...

That's a bit expensive , honestly would rather buy another PS3 as backup

^^This

No backwards compatibility... So have to re-build my library.

Also... Who does the 3G belong to? Vodacom, Mtn? Or do you have to buy a new sim card on top of the unit price?

Are they region locked?

There is a PSV thread.
http://www.awx.co.za/forum/view/id/148.html

How much at the games estimated to cost?

@Teb I don't think that Sony has concluded a deal with anyone yet, but since cellular devices cannot be provider locked in SA you can probably buy one sans contract and use whichever SIM you want in it. I suspect that Sony won't do a deal similar to the AT&T deal in the US with one of our providers precisely because they cannot lock it to one provider. What may happen is that the networks may do this in the same way as a cell deal where you pay in say R1k, but are then locked into monthly subs for 2 years. To me that would make the Vita more affordable.
@Waylander I am sure it isn't given that the PS3 and PSP aren't.

Sinncross said ...

There is a PSV thread.
http://www.awx.co.za/forum/view/id/148.html

lol i was just about to say but i left it

RagnaXBL said ...

Sinncross said ...

There is a PSV thread.
http://www.awx.co.za/forum/view/id/148.html

lol i was just about to say but i left it

This thread has already grown too far to close. So this thread will just be for the release news and the other will be for all the collected info on the VITA.

Please post additional news not related to the release date and details there
http://www.awx.co.za/forum/view/id/148.html

Magius said ...

@Teb I don't think that Sony has concluded a deal with anyone yet, but since cellular devices cannot be provider locked in SA you can probably buy one sans contract and use whichever SIM you want in it. I suspect that Sony won't do a deal similar to the AT&T deal in the US with one of our providers precisely because they cannot lock it to one provider. What may happen is that the networks may do this in the same way as a cell deal where you pay in say R1k, but are then locked into monthly subs for 2 years. To me that would make the Vita more affordable.
@Waylander I am sure it isn't given that the PS3 and PSP aren't.

Ok. But how big will a PSP game be to download? Dragging one down with 3G seems a MAYOR hassle (judging by my PS3 experience)
Seems a better idea to get the wi-fi one and ADSL...

@Teb Conversation moved to other thread.

@ Corrosive - The pricing on games at the moment will be similar to premium PSP titles: R 320 - R 490 depending on special edition or std release. I think they are aiming for 399 as a standard. Considering the games look like they do - totally worth the price point and they will also offer the more affordable "mini" games as well

@ teb - Sony Japan recently announced that they are trying to find a means for guys to get the digital version of games they bought on PSP UMD already but that will be clarified before launch. So hope they come up with something!

@ Dp - Pricing hasnt been confirmed by Playstation SA yet so it may end up cheaper. However, considering this is almost a PS3 (ex the Bluray) in your hands with more features - I think the price is valid but theres always the lower priced wifi edition for guys that are not too phased about 3G. Im Keen