With all eyes on the PS Vita’s US launch date of February 22nd, we wanted to begin providing definitive answers to your many questions about PS Vita. Behold: The PS Vita Ultimate FAQ! Of course, this list of Frequently Asked Questions is only a start and certain details are still being finalized. Rest assured that we’ll continue to update this FAQ leading up to launch, integrating new answers to your questions and additional details as they are verified and confirmed.
Read on to get answers to your questions regarding PS Vita, covering everything from the specs of the state-of-the-art OLED screen to support of Bluetooth peripherals and more. And remember: Please leave your burning questions in the comments and we’ll address them in a future update.
General Questions
Q: When will PS Vita be available?
A: In North America, Latin America, and Europe, PS Vita launches on February 22nd, 2012. A limited-run First Edition Bundle launched on February 15th in the US. In Japan, PS Vita launched on December 17th.
Q: How much will PS Vita cost?
A: The Wi-Fi version will retail for $249, while the 3G/Wi-Fi version will retail for $299.
Q: How many software titles will be available at launch in the US?
A: PS Vita will launch with 26 games on its February 22nd launch date in the US, and every PS Vita system will be packed with six AR Play Cards. You can use these cards to play a selection of Augmented Reality mini games that will be available soon on PlayStation Store. You can watch videos showing off AR minigames Table Soccer, Fireworks and Cliff Diving in action.
Additionally, there will be a selection of 275 legacy PSP titles available to download from PlayStation Store at PS Vita’s launch and 117 PlayStation minis titles, with more legacy PSP and minis titles to come in the future. See the full list of currently supported PSP and minis titles here.
The full list of launch-day PS Vita titles is as follows:
SCEA Launch-Day Titles
Escape Plan (PSN Only)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Hustle Kings (PSN Only)
Little Deviants
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Super Stardust Delta (PSN only)
UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss
wipEout 2048
Third-Party Publisher Launch-Day Titles
Army Corps of Hell by Square Enix, Inc.
Asphalt Injection by Ubisoft, Inc.
BEN10 GALACTIC RACING by D3 Publisher of America
Blazblue: Continuum Shift EXTEND by Aksys Games Localization, Inc.
Dungeon Hunter Alliance by Ubisoft, Inc.
Dynasty Warriors Next by Tecmo Koei America Corporation
F1 2011 by Codemasters
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer by Electronic Arts, Inc.
Lumines Electronic Symphony by Ubisoft, Inc.
Michael Jackson The Experience Ubisoft, Inc.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus by Tecmo Koei America Corporation
Plants vs Zombies by Sony Online Entertainment LLC
Rayman Origins by Ubisoft, Inc.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen by Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs (PSN Only) by Drinkbox Studios
Touch My Katamari by Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 by Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition by Sega of America
Worldwide, there are more than 70 PS Vita games currently in development. What’s more, some of the most popular third-party franchises in gaming will appear on PS Vita, including Assassin’s Creed, BioShock, Call of Duty, and Mortal Kombat.
Q: What will software pricing look like?
A: Pricing for PS Vita software ranges from $9.99-$49.99 (MSRP) and will be available for purchase at retail locations as well as downloadable on the PlayStation Store.
Q: Does the First Edition Bundle come with a digital or physical copy of Little Deviants?
A: The First Edition Bundle includes a copy of Little Deviants on a physical PS Vita game card.
Q: What accessories will PS Vita launch with in the US?
A: PS Vita will launch with a wide array of accessories. For gamers looking for a complete solution, a Starter Kit with Memory Card will be available for $39.99 (MSRP), which includes a 4GB Memory Card, Pocket Pouch, Protective Film, Game Card Case, Headphones, and Cleaning Cloth. Standalone Memory Cards will start at $19.99 (MSRP), providing plenty of options for storing games and save data, videos, music, photos and more.
The full list of upcoming PS Vita accessories is as follows:
Product Name
Starter Kit with Memory Card
4 GB Memory Card
8 GB Memory Card
16 GB Memory Card
32 GB Memory Card
In-Ear Headset
Carrying Case
Travel Pouch
Protective Film (2 pack)
Card Case
Cradle
AC Adaptor
Car Adaptor
USB Cable
Portable ChargerRelease Date
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
Spring 2012MSRP
$39.99
$19.99
$29.99
$59.99
$99.99
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
$9.99
$5.99
$19.99
$14.99
$14.99
$14.99
$49.99
Q: What wireless 3G plans will be available for the 3G/Wi-Fi model of PS Vita?
A: The AT&T Data Connect plans are month-by-month and are not contract based, and all plans include complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot access in the United States. There are two plan choices:
Q: What are the advantages of choosing the 3G/Wi-Fi model of PS Vita? What will I get with it that I can’t get with the Wi-Fi model?
A: With access to AT&T Broadband Network you can game with real-time connection, immediately socialize with your gaming community through news feeds, multiplayer game sessions, and compete for in-game achievements (Trophies). You can also stay up-to-date with continuous LiveArea news feeds, and cross-game text messaging with Party. 3G connectivity also benefits social apps such as Facebook, Twitter, foursquare, Skype and more, all optimized specifically for PS Vita.
PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi model also includes GPS for the most accurate geo-location reading, giving you an advantage when using “near” in that you can interact when you’re away from a Wi-Fi hotspot, whether you’re scooping up new track parts for ModNation Racers or accepting a new lap-time challenge in WipEout 2048.
Q: Do all PS Vita users have to sign up with a cell phone provider?
A: No. Users can enjoy either model of PS Vita using only Wi-Fi functionality.
Q: What is “near”?
A: “near” is PS Vita’s integrated social networking app that enables you to check in to real-life locations and pick up or leave gifts for other gamers to find and use in their games. You can also locate and connect with your PlayStation Network friends and other gamers nearby for ad-hoc communication and multiplayer sessions, whether you set up lap-time challenges in WipEout 2048 or trade costumes with a competitor in Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3. Using “near,” you can also see which games are the most popular and highest rated by fellow gamers near your location, which can help you locate new and interesting games..
”near” can calculate your location using a Wi-Fi location service; the 3G/Wi-Fi model includes GPS technology, which enables you to be the first to find valuable game gifts by logging into “near” via 3G with more precision…and no need to wait for a Wi-Fi hot spot!
Q: Do you need 3G network connection to enjoy “near”?
A: No. PS Vita users can enjoy “near” using Wi-Fi, but a 3G connection is preferred in order to maximize “near”’s capability. By using a 3G connection, users will be able to obtain more information and encounter new players in real time via “near”. Think of it as a geo-social gaming network that taps into your location, wherever you might be.
Q: What kinds of “gifts” can you give and receive using “near”?
A: ”near” enables PS Vita owners to access virtual game-related items that other users are sharing by checking in at geographic locations that other PS Vita users have also visited. The virtual items can come in many forms: new character costumes, weapons, and treasures, just to name a few. Sharing these items between users adds a unique dimension to the portable gaming experience on PS Vita while enhancing the social connectivity among the PS Vita community.
Q: What is “LiveArea”?
A: Every PS Vita game features a space called “LiveArea” where you can access new game information from Sony Computer Entertainment and third-party developers and publishers via PlayStation Network. You’ll also be able to view an “Activity” log that includes your PSN Friends, which is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication and gameplay among users.
Q: What is “Party”?
A: “Party” brings the flexibility and power of cross-game chat or text chat to PS Vita’s online gaming, and it’s available even when users are playing different games or using different applications such as the Internet browser . Users who are chatting together can also seamlessly join an online game to play together, making it easy to hop into a quick match of Unit 13 or wipEout 2048. You’ll also be able to bookmark your favorite groups so you can easily reconnect with them later. Combined with near, a powerful geo-social gaming network, Party will give PS Vita owners more options to interact, communicate, and compete than ever before.
Q: What system software will come pre-loaded on the final retail version of PS Vita in North America?
A: PS Vita comes pre-installed with Welcome Park, “near,” “Party,” Trophies, Friends, PlayStation Store, Remote Play, Video player, Music player, Photos and Camera, Group Messaging, and Content Manager.
Q: What is PS Vita’s battery life?
A: Officially, PS Vita is rated at approximately 3 to 5 hours of gaming, 5 hours of video playback, and 9 hours of music playback. Recharging the battery from 0 percent will take approximately 2.5 hours.
From a gaming perspective, you’ll notice that the most graphically intense games such as UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss are slightly more demanding on battery life, while simpler games such as Escape Plan are less demanding. To further maximize battery life, you can employ measures such as reducing the screen’s brightness or deactivating Wi-Fi. By and large, PlayStation employees who have used PS Vita extensively in the real world have praised the unit’s battery life – if you pick up PS Vita on day one, be sure to let us know what your experiences are.
Technical Specifications
Q: I’ve heard that PS Vita uses OLED display technology. How does it work? What are the benefits of OLED? Why is it superior to traditional LCD-based displays?
A: OLED technology is the most cutting-edge display technology on the market, boasting higher contrast and brighter color than LCD-based displays found in other devices. This next-generation display technology makes PS Vita games look dazzlingly bright.
Q: What are the specs of the OLED screen?
A: PS Vita’s OLED screen measures 5 inches, with a resolution of 960×544 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) and a color depth of approximately 16,770,000 colors.
Q: Is a memory card required for game play?
A: You will need a memory card for those games that require game saves or have downloadable content. You will also need a memory card in order to take photos or videos using PS Vita’s integrated cameras.
Q: Does PS Vita support Bluetooth headsets or Bluetooth headphones?
A: Commercially available headphones/headsets supporting A2DP, HSP and AVRCP can be used on PS Vita, however they may function differently depending on the device’s specifications. Stereo Bluetooth is also supported, an important feature for users of Bluetooth headphones.
Q: Can you use a commercially available Bluetooth keyboard or mouse? Can you connect the PS3 wireless controller to PS Vita like PSPgo?
A: No. You won’t be able to connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or a PS3 DualShock 3 wireless controller with PS Vita.
Q: Can you access the Internet by connecting PS Vita to a Bluetooth-supported cell phone?
A: No.
Q: What video and audio formats will PS Vita support?
A: PS Vita supports a wide array of audio files, including: MP3 (MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3), MP4 (MPEG-4 AAC), and WAVE (Linear PCM). Video formats supported include: MPEG-4 Simple Profile (AAC) and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High/Main/Baseline Profile (AAC). Image and photo formats supported include JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF, and PNG.
Q: Do you have any plans to introduce a video output cable? Will PS Vita have HDMI output?
A: No, PS Vita does not have a video output feature.
Q: Can you take out the battery from the system?
A: No. PS Vita’s rear touchscreen requires the use of an internal embedded battery.
Q: Is there a possibility of certain PS3 games using PS Vita as a second screen or peripheral at some point in the future?
A: Remote Play on PS Vita will allow you to see and control your PS3 from your PS Vita; we’ll have further details to share in the future.
Q: What colors will be available for the North American launch?
A: Crystal Black will be available for launch.
Other Questions
Q: What does the name “PS Vita” mean?
A: “Vita,” which means “Life” in Latin, was chosen as the name for PlayStation’s next-generation portable entertainment system because it enables rich gaming and social connectivity within a real-world context.
Q: What was the hardware design concept behind PS Vita?
A: While succeeding the basic design philosophy of PSP, PS Vita’s “Super Oval Design” form factor was designed to ensure the system fits comfortably in users’ hands. Another key goal was the introduction of dual analog sticks – a first for a portable gaming device – which will enable a much wider range of game experiences such as shooters, action games, and fighting games.
Q: How do you buy PS Vita games?
A: You can download PS Vita games and other content from PlayStation Store to a PS Vita memory card, or buy a physical PS Vita Card at retailers.
Q: If you buy download content for PS Vita, up to how many systems can you copy it to?
A: Users can activate two portable systems (either two PSPs, two PS Vitas, or one PSP and one PS Vita) to their PSN account.
Q: Will users be able to access PlayStation Store from both 3G and Wi-Fi?
A: PlayStation Store can be accessed from both 3G and Wi-Fi network connections, though you’ll want to reserve large downloads for a Wi-Fi connection.
Q: Will the PlayStation Plus service extend any benefits to PS Vita?
A: There are no details to share on PlayStation Plus support at this time.
Q: Will PlayStation Protection Plan be available for PS Vita?
A: Yes. PlayStation Protection Plan options are available for owners of PS Vita.
Q: Will PS Vita support Netflix, Hulu, Video Unlimited, or other video services?
A: Netflix will be heading to PS Vita in the US around the unit’s launch timeframe. Additional video content will be available to download on the PlayStation Store at launch in North America, but details on other video services have not yet been announced.
Q: Will YouTube support, Flash content, and specialized files like PDFs be viewable on PS Vita?
A: There are no details to share at this time.
Q: Can I take in-game screenshots on my PS Vita?
A: Yes. You can press the Start and PlayStation buttons together to instantly take a snapshot of your in-game exploits. You’ll find the game screenshot in your PS Vita’s photo gallery. You may not be able to take a snapshot of certain games or of certain parts of games.
Q: There are three slots on the PS Vita, what are they for?
A: There is one slot is for PS Vita Cards, a slot for the SIM card (3G/Wi-Fi model only) and a slot for PS Vita’s removable media that stores save game files and downloaded content.
Q: Are PSP and PS3 user’s PSN accounts also available on PS Vita?
A: Yes. Your PSN account will be available on PS Vita once you log in, and will carry over your Trophy collection and user data to your PS Vita.
Q: Is PS Vita compatible with other PlayStation platform games like PS3, PS2, or PSP? Do you have any plan to support other PlayStation platforms in the future?
A: Users can play supported digital PSP titles and supported minis. In regard to PSone classics titles, we will announce further details when they are ready. PlayStation does not have plans to make PS Vita compatible with PS3 or PS2 titles at this point.
Q: I have UMD games for my PSP. Do I need to buy them again from PlayStation Store to play the same game on PS Vita?
A: Yes. PS Vita does not support UMD discs. Digital PSP games that were purchased via PlayStation Store will be available to download to PS Vita as long as they are included on the list of supported PSP titles. This list of legacy PSP titles will grow in time and we will confirm when new titles are added.
Q: PS Vita doesn’t support UMD but do you have any plan to introduce peripherals like “UMD readers” for PS Vita in North America?
A: Not at this time.
Q: Is PS Vita compatible with video content available on PlayStation Store?
A: Yes, PS Vita can play free and premium SD video content. If you purchased premium video content for your PSP, you will be able to access that content on your PS Vita by downloading it again via PlayStation Store.
Q: What are the privacy settings on “near”?
A: ”near” includes parental controls that automatically prevent the service from working based on the user’s age. Additionally, users can set privacy zones (i.e. their home, office, etc.) when they don’t want to be seen on the radar. There is also a setting to make certain games private, so you’ll retain full control over your public visibility.
Q: What is Augmented Reality?
A: Augmented Reality (AR) is a feature in certain games that allow you to insert elements of the real world into the game, whether it’s mapping your face onto a kung-fu champion in Reality Fighters or playing a digital game of soccer on your real-world coffee table with Table Soccer. PS Vita harnesses this technology using two cameras that were designed to excel at AR gameplay.
Q: Does PS Vita’s VGA camera take high-quality photos?
A: The key usage of PS Vita’s cameras is to support responsive gameplay and deliver experiences such as Augmented Reality (AR). We decided on the specifications with this in mind, and we specifically focused on frame rate and quality of video shooting.
Q: Will you add new features to PS Vita through the system software update like you are doing with PSP and PS3?
A: We will introduce new features, enhancements, and upgrades to PS Vita through system software updates.
Can we expect Littlebigplanet PSP to be available on Vita?
oh yea and as FORMIK has been asking for weeks, the PSP Ebook/Comicbook REader app.. will it be on the VITA, obviosly not because these questions have been ignored but in reality that whole reader thing has been discontnued in the U.S>
That comic book reader should be region free for people who DO like to read.
Ahh i could wait about 2 months for this but one unique question. Will naughty dogs new game THE LAST Of US(which im really hype for) will also be available for psvita nd one more question does psvita hav cloud storage thank a response would be AWSOME
When is the PS Vita 3G be avalible in Canada? I’m looking forward to checkout the system and see how cool it is (which it is :) ).
@126: You have to set your PS3 settings to turn on via Remote Play access. After that then you can turn it on when you open up remote play and connect via PSVita. You can turn your PS3 off via Remote Play, you have to turn it off like you would if you were using the PS3. it’s hard to remember because I’ve turned off Remote Play by closing it on my PSVita, but it left my PS3 still running. I opened up remote play again and it was back onto what I was doing. (FFVI). So having your PS3 set to turn off automatically after xx hours of inactivity is probably smart if you’re not around your PS3 using remote play. I was usually using remote play via wifi. Wasn’t able to get Private Network connection to work until just now. Much less lag on through Private Network.
Sorry if this is a repeat. I just don’t have the time to read thru them all.
Mr Shuman, could you please answer this…?
Where is the “voucher” for a free month of 3g service? I went ahead and signed up for it anyway bu8t there was no such thing in the box. Also, as an FYI there are several options for 3g services including international coverage. On a very positive note, Auto Renewal is defaulted to “off” when signing up. That’s very un-AT&T of them, but pretty cool to not have to worry. And yes you can just charge it to your current account if you already have AT&T wireless.
Will you be making improvements to the user interface? I have noticed a lot of things that could use tightening up – the muzak, the need to double tap all apps (not just games), the pop-up notifications, the way the wi-fi has to connect and disconnect constantly (and tell me about it), the lack of multitasking, the lousy horrible sucky browser.
@DarkOne_PR ok yea your right…but that is still too much for the amount of memory you are getting
Will the Vita have component cables like the PSP did? cause it would be nice to be able to play Vita and PSP games on any TV.
Hi Sid, I have a question/correction.
In the list it says…
“Q: There are three slots on the PS Vita, what are they for?
A: There is one slot is for PS Vita Cards, a slot for the SIM card (3G/Wi-Fi model only) and a slot for PS Vita’s removable media that stores save game files and downloaded content.”
But isn’t there one missing? Shouldn’t there be 4 (3 on the WiFi model). If I’ve read the specs correctly you have…
-Memory Card slot on the Bottom
-Sim Card slot on the left side
-Game Card slot on the top left
-Accessory Port on the top right (next to the game slot)
Also, if that is indeed an accessory port, any word on what it’ll be used for?
Thanks, and I can’t wait to get mine.
I keep trying to access the Playstation Store on the Vita and it says ‘it is not avaliable in your region.’ Is it just not up yet or something? only thin I can think of is that my account was registered in the UK and I’m in the US at the minute on a US-bought Vita, but apart from that, bemused!
I guess there’s truly only one question left:
Digital COMICS!?!?
I know there’s no details, but a nice little “in the future” or something to let us know they’re coming at some point would sure be comforting. It should be common sense to SCEA & PlayStation that digital comics is DESTINED for this amazing OLED touch screen.
Also, if and when you bring back the comics, try to have it iOS style with a Marvel app, DC app, etc.
It’ll save all the comic fanatics like me a lot of headaches and should save Sony headaches from having to constantly update comics every week like you did with the PSP, only to hear constant backlash from people who couldn’t get certain comics they specifically wanted. All this can easily be remedied via partnerships with Marvel/DC to have their Tablet apps on Vita. It “should” be no sweat, technically at least. I would truly have no need for a tablet if this comes to fruition.
P.S. Everything in Vita’s OS shouldn’t revolve around the touch screen. It’s nice don’t get me wrong, but this thing has buttons too you know. A pro tip would be to add button implementation into some things (where it makes sense, like in videos and stuff) later down the line via Firmware update. Love & Support PlayStation!
From a technology nerd standpoint – could we know the transfer/data rates of the Vita cartridges/memory cards? :)
Got the FEB vita, wished this was up before i bought it! so i wouldnt be surprised at some of the info XS
Can you provide us with an AR game list of the current games and games that will be arriving soon? Please and thank you. :)
I would like to know what the time frame is on getting Playstation Classics on the system. I currently have 20 PSone games already and I’ll buy another 30 more if you put support on the Vita.
You guys do want my money, right?
Q: Is there a possibility of certain PS3 games using PS Vita as a second screen or peripheral at some point in the future?
A: Remote Play on PS Vita will allow you to see and control your PS3 from your PS Vita; we’ll have further details to share in the future.
On that Q&A the Answer should be YES… UMvC3 will use Vita as Controller on PS3… may be some games future will use it too… Soccer and others Sport games could be great with functions like that!
Does Valkyria Chronicles 2 run on this thing? I have the UMD copy but my PSP battery is dying. Would I have to buy this for the 39.99 to play on my Vita??? That is a two year old game, are you all gonna drop the prices on digital content for the vita?
@ 129 / lisatsunami:
Yeah, thanks for the spoon-fed Sony-loving. But you’re wrong, on so many levels. Sony isn’t even on the same page as Apple when it comes to “cutting edge” products, especially when it comes to the PS Vita. This is all smartphone hardware, hobbled by Sony’s crippled hardware design and software design (and without the UMD upgrade program that Japan enjoys, the marketing designs). See, the thing about proprietary connectivity is that companies that employ it are usually offering something that people CAN’T get elsewhere. But people DO have choices when it comes to portable entertainment. And a smartphone certainly seems to be doing a lot more than Sony is offering with this device, and at a much more competitive price.
I can get a dual core phone for $100 on a two year plan with 4G data speeds and a powerful lineup of mature, stable software and games written by anyone willing to download the Android SDK. With Sony, I’m stuck with whoever they bless with the privilege of developing for the device (all while paying ridiculous fees for said privilege). The PSP had a value proposition I could justify. So did the PS3.
I can’t do that with the Vita.
Sony must be confusing Canada, Australia and European countries with countries like Afghanistan not to have secured a 3G provider yet for them. RIDICULOUS! At this day and age to have a wi-fi only portable machine, when smart phones have been using 4G plans for ages now…
I heard somewhere that if you buy a game through the PlayStation Store that requires an online pass to access the online multiplayer, you would have to purchase the online pass separate. So if wipEout 2048 is $34.99, and the online pass is $9.99, your total cost for going digital is $45, more than at regular retail. Is this true?
Comic Books?
@jdog09 uhm no a online pass is only for game that pyhsical disc’d. a psn game is always considered new when bought becuase it digital , also psn is free . so they cannt charge you to play online so if the game is 34.99 to buy you pay that and that all.
But if you buy a physical disc and its used, yes you might have to buy a online pass to play it ,But for the most part psn game dont do online pass becuase each is considered new in a digital state and psn is free always has been,,
but a cool thing from me to you is . buy a oldr disc game like o6-09 game they wont require you to buy online pass becuase it before that went in effect, If your going to buy used games for online :)
mcbuttz78
vp- psn legioniaree group
@166 yes if have umd copy you have buy a another copy off psn to play the exact game on vita.. but im hearing things about a game save uploader to vita from current psp games.. I dont know the true ramifcations of that..
I think the current psp games will be discounted for vita from time to time, so it best to keep ya eyes open for a deal on that or things you like..
mcbuttz78
vp=psn legionairre group
@158 the vita psn store wont luanch till the 22nd of this month, a few functions wrk not all of them are working because they want to do it all at 1 time.
Hi, I want to know if there’s any plan to update Ad Hoc Party to support Vita games too?
“Q: If you buy download content for PS Vita, up to how many systems can you copy it to?
A: Users can activate two portable systems (either two PSPs, two PS Vitas, or one PSP and one PS Vita) to their PSN account.”
Where is the PS3 in this figure? 2 portable systems + your PS3 accounts? Or 2 systems no matter what? This answer needs to be clarified and expanded.
hey sid can you ask the ps store managers to look into possibly managing the prices of games a little bit better, i mean i wanna get final fantasy IV the complete collection to play on my vita when i get it on the 22nd, but i dont wanna pay 29.99 for a game that goes for 19.99 retail.
Thanks — that’s ultimately up to the game publisher, in that case Square Enix