Sony has confirmed that it is releasing a redesigned version of the PS Vita console with a slimmer form factor, lighter frame, improved battery life, 1GB of internal memory and an LCD display.
With a width of 15mm, the new edition will be 20 percent thinner than the existing Vita, and at 219g is 15 percent lighter. It will be available in yellow, pink, white, gray, lime green and light blue.
Battery life rises from five hours to six and there's 1GB of storage built-in to the machine, which will allow for game saves and small downloads without the need for a memory card — speaking of which, Sony is also launching a roomy 64GB card alongside the console.
The PS Vita's OLED display — which is one of the elements most praised at the time of launch — is out, however. It's replaced by an LCD panel, which will presumably be cheaper to produce; Sony is pitching the new model as "more affordable". However, the company has already moved to counter claims that this will result in a lower quality of image reproduction:
Thanks to the rapid progress of LCD technology in recent years, the new display provides users with the highest-level image quality, perfect for deep and immersive gaming experience that is at the core of PS Vita.
There's no word on a western release as yet, but we'll update this story the moment we know.
You can view the full specifications of the new model below.
So what are your thoughts? Could this revised model change the fortunes of Sony's struggling handheld?
[source eurogamer.net]
Comments 29
I only hope that Sony have at least decided to use IPS for the LCD screen. My TV has an IPS panel and its colour reproduction is incredible, as close to OLED as you'll get with LCD. Lets hope they've not totally gimped it but at least its still at 5". All in all though I dont think the redesign is too bad. If it is in fact cheaper then it can only mean more sales, not a bad thing. Ill be keeping with my original model though. Dat OLED
Very similar to the PSP E-1000 in look, specifically with the matte look. I have a feeling this is a reaction to the 2DS, but I still fail to see the Vita picking up anytime soon. The damage is done. I love my Vita, more so than my beloved 3DS, but the public aren't interested.
1GB of memory. Oh, Sony, how you spoil us...
I'm far more excited about the 64gb memory stick that was announced!!
Best thing about the redesign is the new select/start buttons. Looks like the new one will be big enough for fingers to actually push them.
I even think that he pink one is kinda cute. My daughter will go loopy if she see it.
Time will tell what the new screen is like, but at this point I am glad that I got mine before the change.
64bit memory card will be awesome. I have been waiting... I actually might even find some space for some music.
Sounds good for new buyers, is rather have my black Vita though. I'm a bis suprised to be honest, I thought that we were done with slim versions (not XL versions though) of handhelds this time around. I can't wait to see how much that new memory card costs though.
Have to admit I'm surprised people on here aren't hyperventilating about the new PS3/4/Vita Yakuza trailer - www.computerandvideogames.com/428523/yakuza-restoration-coming-to-ps4-ps3-and-vita-trailer/
The 64GB card is a very welcome addition.
Sony somehow managed not to anger early adopters by downgrading the screen. Since the Vita is 199 euros now this should be cheaper.
The classic vita is 164 euro here on amazon (austria) and I wonder what this will be when it hits our shores, looks definitely sexy, if the LCD isn't too much of a downgrade and the buttons/sticks don't come out "cheaper" than on the classic I might actually get one of those finally!
Sony does so many things right at the moment, my head is spinning!
@rastamadeus Some of us are although I find it odd being announced for Ps3 too when I distincly remember Nagoshi stating that Yakuza 5 was to be the last Ps3 title lol
Anybody else have to check what website they where on when Damo's photo popped up?
Apple called and they want their commercial back. Though borrowing colours from Apple is a much better choice than copying LeapFrog for the hideous 2Dees design.
Is the 64GB card going to cost more than this Vita?
Does 1GB internal memory - which I think is great if it means you can save games w/o needing a card - mean NO 4GB card in the box? Sony may actually make even more money this way - buy the system, play some games, save them, but need to buy a card when you want all the PS+ stuff. And I don't see a point in owning a Vita without having PS+ even though I still haven't resubscribed myself. Though if I was in the EU I'ld have it, much better stuff on offer.
It has 1GB internal storage, a different screen, better battery and new colors, but they are still just calling it Vita? Maybe it doesnt need to be a Vita 2 but how about Vita L (for LCD or Lighter or Longer battery Life) or something. The "New" in the Apple-like ad also made me think of the "new" iPad, which everybody just calls iPad 3 anyway. Did an Apple advertising agency make this ad?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrRHPf0_B3M
The Vita L. How you like me now?
I give it 3 hours before this shows up as a mock ad on youtube.
Dude, that's kinda sucky. I spent around $400 for mine with a 32gb card, which was a stupid buy. Kinda feel ripped off by not having 1gb of on-board, even though its pretty negligible. Lighter and worse screen and cheaper quality, huh? Sounds like this and 2ds are both for babies.
I like my Vita as is, honestly,
the size is just right for me.
Make the buttons any smaller or more cramped and it would feel rather awkward.
This is good/bad/unknown. Truthfully, as much as I like the form factor of Vita, I switched to a "trigger case" a few weeks ago and haven't looked back. Sure I had to make a custom case because my crystal case is now useless, but wow, the trigger case is amazing as hell. So yeah, if my Vita crapped out and I had to buy this new model, the trigger case wouldn't fit, that would suck. Also not sure about the LCD change. On the otherhand the lightness and better battery life are good features. Also, the built in storage, though small, is overdue.
Wow if they can sell this one for less than $200 then I think we'll see a lot more Vita's getting sold.
I also keep wondering if the shoulder buttons will feel any tighter than PSP/Vita fat. Always bothered me. Also, why buy a Vita when you can buy the lil home tv version?
@charlesnarles The obvious answer is portability, but I get what you mean.
I just bought a Vita, but I'ld love one of those with a 64gb card This and Vita TV is pretty neat so far.
Sony sees Nintendo announce the 2DS.
Says "Good idea".
1gb of internal storage not good enough really merely a Token gesture should of been 8gb minimum but im happy that this 64gb card is arriving shortly as ive been holding out buying another 32gb card as i want all my games on the one card, wheres this XL bigger screened Vita thats what im interested in.
I have a Vita 3G and would not want a wifi only. Will the new model come with 3G?
@Jaz007
Ya no doubt. Probably $150, and that's under the umbrella of "slashed prices" too lol.
@DarkKirby Are you implying that Sony put this together in the past week or so, just because Nintendo announced the 2DS?
Price this lower than $200 and I'll bite.
Already sold out japan... On amazon
I was already planning on buying a Vita very soon but I want the OLED screen so I'll pass on this slim version.
I might just get one after I get a ps3. I'll wait for the rpg's to build up first though.
@rastamadeus
LOL! Yeah it's very great of them to give us a lame 1GB... I mean how much data will that hold, hardly nothing in terms of a decent game. The fact that memory is going down in price all the time one would had thought they could have put in 4GB's at least. And the fact that they are still using those dreadful over priced Sony memory cards is very annoying... I dread to think how much the new 64GB card will cost.
@Vorlon
No the 'new' model is wifi only.
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