Sony has unveiled its new portable gaming machine—the PlayStation Vita, a touch-interface and motion-sensitive handheld expected to outplay the enormously successful PlayStation Portable. The Vita will go on sale before the winter holidays, starting at $249. The device will allow gamers to be connected with one another over cellphone networks and Wi-Fi hotspots, and use GPS location-tracking technology. A pricier version will have cellphone service (retails for $299), and buyers will have to subscribe to a cellular data plan. (In the US, Sony will partner exclusively with AT&T.)
The handheld has front and back cameras, a touchscreen in front, a touch pad on the back and two knob-like joysticks. It will enable gamers to play against people using PlayStation 3 consoles over the Internet-based PlayStation Network. Meanwhile, click for yet another hacking attack on Sony. (More Sony stories.)