I'm not going to say that I've been thoroughly convinced here at CES 2012, but with only a month or so remaining until the US launch of the PlayStation Vita, my views have definitely shifted away from doubtful towards probable. Here are some of the things I've learned here at CES that may help move you as well.
- Social Media Apps - Sony wants you to take the Vita everywhere and have it be everything from a gaming platform to a social media device. Already set up with the Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare, the Vita is trying to position itself as the device you live out of on a daily basis. Sony also announced a partnership with Netflix with the hope it will be available on Day One. Before you state you don't need Netflix on every device, let me remind you that the 5" OLED screen is beautiful.
- Sony Entertainment Network - As CES 2012 is the "Year of the Horizontal Platform Integration," Sony announced their own platform - Sony Entertainment Network. A combination of a video, music, photo and gaming services all under a one-sign-on PlayStation Network log in ID, the Sony Entertainment Network wants to be a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs. All of these services will be available on your PlayStation Vita.
- Strong Launch Lineup - Especially after the lackluster opening lineup for the Nintendo 3DS, Sony is really going out of their way to ensure the launch lineup for the PS Vita is superb. Sony is looking to provide almost 30 full titles and over 100 PSP-compatable games on the PSN store. I did ask about possible strategies for taking your PSP UMDs and getting codes for downloads to put on your PS Vita. Sony is still working on the details, but they are looking into it.
- Cloud Save* - I was able to put hands on the Sony's cloud save and resume connection between the PS3 and the Vita. I was playing the action-RPG Lair on the PS3 and was able to stop, save and upload my save game to the Cloud. I picked up the Vita and was able to load my game on the Vita and begin playing directly from the exact same spot I had just saved from on the PS3. I did inquire on the pricing of having both the PS3 and the Vita copies of the game and Sony assured me they were looking into different pricing options as they understood no one wants to pay full price twice for the exact same game.
- Cross-Platform Play - Imagine wanting to play your favorite multiplayer game on the Vita and competing against your friend, but that friend only has it on the PS3. Now, on select games, you'll be able to compete against them even though you're on different platforms. Here at CES 2012, Sony was demonstrating cross-platform play between the PS3 and Vita using Wipeout HD. Up to eight people can be competing using any combinations of PS3s and Vitas.
- Party Chat - That's right, folks! Sony has joined the current generation and will begin providing party chat for up to eight people - including people playing different games and running apps. This is a huge step in the right direction and I, for one, look forward to utilizing this to talk to my friends while I'm enjoying my time on the PS3, and possibly the Vita.
The PlayStation Vita is looking stronger and stronger as the release window of February 22nd begins to loom. I am definitely looking for more information as the scales of decision begin to shift towards purchasing a PS Vita.
* - The Cloud Save feature is for those games specifically geared towards having that Cloud support and has nothing to do with the PS+ cloud save feature. You do not need to have a PS+ subscription to use the Cloud service for a game like Lair.
