Sony Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) has unveiled Playstation Vita TV, which will cost around 9,480 yuan, or approximately $95 excluding sales tax, says a report from TheVerge. This new console by Sony is 6×10 cm in size along with a set top box, which can be connected to a TV.
Playstation Vital TV can run Vita, PSP and PS1 games along with various entertainment services and Playstation 4 cross functionality. Sony will launch it in the stores, in Japan on, 14th November. Another package that will have DualShock 3 controller and 8GB memory card will be tagged for 14,280 yen ($143). It will support some vita games.
Services supported
TV services like Hulu, Tsutaya TV and Nico Douga, which run specifically in Japan, will be available on PS Vita TV. Additionally, it will also be equipped with Sony’s own Video Unlimited, Vita-style apps such as the Live Tweet Twitter client and Reader ebook software. This device will allow the user to play PS 4 games on another device if the TV to which PS 4 is connected is occupied. Additionally, PS Vita TV can be used as a second Vita system to play the ad-hoc multiplayer gaming with the portable console.
Sony declared that it will launch Playstation 4 in Japan after launching it globally. In Japan, handheld devices like PSPs and 3DS have been more popular, and thus the idea of coming up with the small console for the living rooms can be a good idea for Sony.
Threat to Apple TV
PS Vista TV is similar to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) TV in pricing, however, giving more compelling gaming features. Apple, on the other hand, is expected to reveal some software up gradation for its set top box in the upcoming event on Tuesday, but gaming features will possibly not be upgraded. Sony has announced the new device specifically for Japan, and if the console is launched in the West, it can give considerable challenge to Apple.
PS Vita launched in the conference
Sony, in the press conference, also announced the launch of the new version of PS Vita, which will be slimmer and lighter than the previous version of the console.
The latest console will be 20 percent thinner than the previous one and will be fitted with LED screen rather than OLED screen. In terms of weight, this gadget is 15 percent lighter than its previous version. It will have storage capacity of 1GB for the first time with Micro USB slot to expand the storage capacity. Sony has also lowered the price of memory cards in Japan.
