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Sony Unveils New 'Vita' Portable Gaming Device

It will be out for $249 later this year

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 7, 2011 12:51 PM CDT

(AP) – 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.

Kazuo Hirai, bottom, President of Sony Computer Entertainment America, introduces the next gaming machine, Playstation Vita, during the E3 Gaming Convention in Los Angeles, Monday, June 6, 2011. (Chris Pizzello)

Kazuo Hirai, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, addresses the audience during a Sony news conference at the E3 Gaming Convention in Los Angeles, Monday, June 6, 2011. (Chris Pizzello)

Sony Corporation's next generation portable gaming machine, PlayStation Vita, as it displays a game called "ModNation Racers," during the E3 Gaming Convention in Los Angeles, Monday, June 6, 2011. (Chris Pizzello)

Audience members wear 3-D glasses as they watch Sony Corporation's presentation of new gaming products during a news conference at the E3 Gaming Convention in Los Angeles, Monday, June 6, 2011. (Chris Pizzello)

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Sony Unveils New 'Vita' Portable Gaming Device

It will be out for $249 later this year

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Sony • PlayStation 3 • hack • hacking • Playstation Network

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