In response to the growing number of “social” mobile gaming devices and projected decline of the traditional console gaming* Sony has revealed the PlayStation Vita at the 2011 E3 convention in Los Angeles. Sony says the portable “entertainment system” combines rich gaming with social “connectivity” (one of the hottest keywords in the electronics industry this year).
The mobile device is built with a 5-inch multi-touch (OLED) display, multi-touch pad on the back, and two analog sticks — giving the user (and game developers) plenty of tools to work with.
Sony has partnered with AT&T to be the exclusive mobile carrier for the Vita, which will be available in both Wi-Fi and 3G/Wi-Fi models.
The “Vita” (taken from the Latin word meaning “life”), will ship at the end of this year for the retail price of $249 (which we expect to be the “starting” price).
*Deutsche Bank Securities via LA Times
