The PlayStation Vita is finally upon us. We've put together an enormous guide to Sony's new console — what it can do, what you need to know and much, much more. We'll update this guide regularly so be sure to check back for new information over the coming days and weeks.
Still on the fence about Vita? You might want to check out The Positives and Negatives of PS Vita and our PlayStation Vita review too.
Page 1: Hardware Choices
Page 2: What's In the Box
Page 3: Launch Games
Page 4: Your Questions, Answered
Hardware Choices
3G and WiFi Models
The PS Vita comes in two flavours: an always-connected 3G model and a WiFi-only model that requires players to connect to a hot spot or their home wireless Internet connection to enjoy online features. Both models include the same online apps like Party and Near. The base WiFi model costs around $250 / £230 / €250, while the 3G models costs $300 / £280 / €300. Both consoles come with identical WiFi capabilities.
3G Monthly Data Plans
In the UK, Vodafone will be providing 3G coverage, while AT&T will cover it in the USA.
UK Vita users can use any 3G-compatible SIM right out of the box — there's no need to unlock your Vita if you want to use your existing SIM card.
3G Prices
To get the Vodafone plan you have to buy the PS Vita for £279.99 at a UK Vodafone store. This gets you:
- PlayStation Vita 3G model
- A free 4GB Vita memory card
- A free 3G SIM on Vodafone.
Top up the SIM with £5 and you'll get 250MB of data for 30 days, plus a free download of WipEout 2048.
In the US and Canada, AT&T is offering two different plans:
- 250MB of monthly data for $14.99
- 3GB of monthly data for $30
Launch Bundles
There are several special launch bundles available, depending on territory and availability.
PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle
Available in: United States, Canada. Price: $349.99
Released on 15th February, one week before the Vita's official launch. Includes:
- PS Vita 3G + WiFi console
- Free Little Deviants game
- Limited edition case
- 4GB memory card
PlayStation Vita 3G + WiFi Launch Bundle
Available in: United States, Canada. Price: $299.99
Released on 22nd February. Includes:
- PlayStation Vita 3G + WiFi console
- 8GB memory card
- AT&T DataConnect Pass plan
- Free selected PSN game
The PSN game is a redeem code you must use before 31st March 2012.
Page 1: Hardware Choices
Page 2: What's In the Box
Page 3: Launch Games
Page 4: Your Questions, Answered
Comments 15
Fantastic guide guys, everything I needed to know!
Truly a group effort, nice work dudes!
"Tramsferring Programmes"?
Sucks that my family hates Sony, I think they are just biased against it, because two people bought PSPs, and both of their screens terribly broke. What sucks even more is that you HAVE to buy a memory card in order to play most games.
Is it true that the PSP transfer program is not coming to North America?
@WolvsRein610 Afraid so! Sony confirmed it last week. If you want to play PSP games on your Vita, you'll need to buy them from the PS Store.
Rumor is Target will be doing a buy 2 get 1 free sale for PS Vita games. (US only? Do you UK chaps even have Targets?.. I hope not lol)
TRANSFARRING ftw
What about those AR cards?
Do they come in the box?
Great guide
Yes Shadow100. 6 ar cards will ship with every vita sold.
@nathanuc1988 I thought that Target was a European company?
@Slapshot Maybe lol I don't really know. Wiki said there's an American one and a Canadian one, but I can't imagine the Target wiki page being very popular/updated.
Yeah we don't have Targets in the UK at least. Can't speak for the rest of Europe!
AT&T? LOL. Enjoy maxing out your data after short media usage and paying insane extra data charges. Sony: let's partner up with a company known for both poor service and high prices! That will certainly make out product more appealing.
@DarkKirby +1. I want my Verizon... and 4G while we are at it.
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