PSP successor due this year at $249

Sony has announced its next generation portable, PlayStation Vita, will launch this Christmas.

The launch window was confirmed by Sony’s corporate executive officer and executive VP Kaz Hirai during the platform holder’s E3 press conference. Hirai also officially announced the rumoured Vita is indeed the name for the new handheld, formerly NGP.

Two models of Vita will be on shelves worldwide by the end of the year: a WiFi-only version and a WiFi- and 3G-compatible SKU. AT&T was announced as the exclusive US carrier for the latter, with global carriers to be announced at a later date – most likely at Gamescom in August.

The WiFi model will retail for €249 in Europe, $249.99 in the US and YEN 24,980 in Japan. Meanwhile the WiFi/3G version will be priced at €299 in Europe, $299.99 in the US and YEN 29,980.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionise the portable entertainment experience,” said Hirai. “It gives you the most complete entertainment package in the palm of your hands.”

SCEA president and CEO Jack Tretton added: “We’re on the verge today of a future unlike any other.”

More than 80 titles are currently in development from almost every leading publisher, including . Titles announced: LBP, Street Fighter X Tekken, ModNation Racers, Uncharted: Golden Abyss.

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