Sony Will Launch Titles for North American PlayStation Vita in February

Finally!  After months of speculation and hair pulling Sony has finally released some news that North American gamers can sink their teeth into. The Japan based electronics giant has released its line-up of 25 games for the February 22^nd release of the much-anticipated follow up of the successful PSP. The PlayStation Vita is a powerful new handheld device that will have multiple input options including the new back touch panel. The quad core device will also sport a capacitive touchscreen, along with the traditional D-Pad and face buttons. The device will also have dual analog stick, a feature long demanded by users of the original PSP.

The list of games which will be available from day one includes a few heavyweight titles including the very successful “Uncharted.” Other titles likely to generate lots of interest include “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” and “Dynasty Warriors.” Sony also released pricing for various add ons and peripherals. The game launch is said to be the largest in PlayStation history. In addition to the titles available at launch there will be a special bonus to customers. Each PlayStation Vita will come bundled with 6 AR cards as well as a voucher for mini-games. The mini-games will be downloadable Augmented Reality titles, called “AR Play.”

The Vita, which has already launched in Japan, has had solid retail numbers. Initial sales figures however were slightly lower than its main competition the Nintendo 3DS. Sony plans a global roll out of the Vita this year, and says there are over 100 titles in development and that major third-party developers are on board. Games will be available in both physical and downloadable versions. They will cost between $10 and $50, and ten other titles will be available during the launch window.

All first-party games and a selection of third-party games will be available as downloadable titles on February 15^th.  This date coincides with the launch of the special First Edition Bundle Vita. A PS Vita starter kit will also be available at launch. The kit, which will cost $39.99, will include headphones, a 4 GB memory card protective case, and cleaning cloth, among other items.