Unveiled at E3, Sony launches its next gen, quad core gaming handheld, the PlayStation Vita.
Part of Sony’s networked strategy to connecting all its CE devices, Vita lets gamers to play against people using PlayStation 3 consoles over the internet (the currently besieged PlayStation Network) via cellphone networks as well as wi-fi hotspots.
Shipping at end of 2011, prices for wifi model are expected to be 249 euro and euro 299 for 3G.
In America, the cellphone network service is exclusive to AT&T and you buy the 3G model only from AT&T. So you can expect similar deals cut with telcos across Europe. As these deals are more complicated in Europe, one suspects there will be delays, even once Europe's big four (UK, France, Germany, Italy) are covered.
Vita, with an accelerometer, features 6-axis motion sensors, dual thumbsticks controls, the now popular front- and rear-facing cameras, and 5" OLED screen. PSVita offers GPS location-tracking technology if you are in the US.