Sony removing PS Vita features

Sony will discontinue a few notable PlayStation Vita features in its upcoming series of system software updates.

Games Industry reports on Sony’s updated customer support database, which details plans for the removal of YouTube and Maps apps as well as the pulling of some features from the Near social networking app.

Vita’s March update will remove the handheld’s built-in Maps app, while Near will have unspecified features trimmed. It’s unclear what exactly will be removed, but the company states that gameplay won’t be affected.

Sony plans on ending support for Vita’s YouTube app on April 20th as well, but points out owners can still access the service via the system’s web browser.