The PlayStation Vita will be region free meaning any system will play games from any territory.
Japan, US, Europe; it doesn't matter according to Sony's vice president of Sony Worldwide Studios Europe Michael Denny, at least, he's pretty sure it doesn't.
It's good news but not altogether unexpected since the PlayStation 3 is also region free. The Vita has at least one up over the 3DS though, Nintendo's handheld is locked down.
So, obscure Japanese titles? Bringing back new games from holiday? Beating a staggered release schedule with imports? It's all good.
Our man on the ground at E3 went hands-on with the PS Vita and it's safe to say he was impressed. See for yourself in our PlayStation Vita hands-on video.
Comments
42 comments so far...
sweatyBallacks on 9 Jun '11 said:
This should rightfully blow the 3DS out of the water.
Similar price, almost 3x as powerful, higher-quality components, what appears to be a much better launch line-up.
F*ck I may even dip my balls into the handheld market after a 15 year hiatus since the GameGear.
theaface on 9 Jun '11 said:
Very very sensible move, and I'm amazed Nintendo are still pursuing their draconian region-locking measures. This will be a key factor for some when they're considering whether or not to take the plunge.
rbt2 on 9 Jun '11 said:
I'd wait and see what the games are like before declaring it'll blow 3DS out of the water.
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
What do you mean, by rightfully blow the 3DS out of the water?
That statement by you, sounds like the makings of a sony protagonist.
You go and fight your cause little man, but not on this forum...
Smeggysmeg on 9 Jun '11 said:
Well if the 3ds carries on the way it is we'll still only be playing the launch titles by the time the Vita comes out
Oh wait a minute we have a load of remakes to play as well. Seriously there hasn't been any quality titles released since its launch and even a Zelda re-hash was not enough to keep me from selling the console.
dubplate240 on 9 Jun '11 said:
Excellent news, love the region freeness of the current crop of playstations. Opens up so many differnet games. Also means that if there's another 9 month launch gap in Europe (PSP shocker) I'll import again.
Liksang forever baby!!
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
It hasn't been confirmed though. The official rep was like, "I think it is…
"
It wouldn't surprise me, as the PS3 is region free, as is the PSP. But to go on something as fact, when not even a Sony rep knows for sure, is a bit silly.
bazz2k on 9 Jun '11 said:
typical ass kissing nintendo lover this guy!!
He said "Should blow 3ds out of the water!" not "Will" which i think many would agree that on paper the PSV looks awesome!
The PSP arrived too early tech wise and was always meant as a companion to the PS3. Because of XBOX360's early release in the console cycle and delays in the release of PS3 the PSP was rushed to sale at least 2 years earlier than planned and so was never as powerful as Sony had wanted originally! The Vita is what the PSP should have been i.e cross platform play (save games at home and continue on bus!) I tell you what I haven't been this excited about a new console since I got my Dreamcast and PS1.
Oh and in my opinion the 3DS is rubbish and a big misstep from Nintendo!
rbt2 on 9 Jun '11 said:
I like the look of Vita and will probably get one but if I had to bet on who will blow who out of the water then I'd have a look at Nintendo's handheld history then Sony's.
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
rbt2 on 9 Jun '11 said:
Hiya Bazz. I knew a thread with the words 3DS would winkle you out of your hidey hole.
Whilst it's true that I have a genuine affection for Nintendo games, I'm not so blind that I don't bother with other systems. I'm too old for all that fanboy crap.
And if it makes you feel any better Bazz, some scumbag nicked my 3DS from my van last week. I also had me PSP in there but the thief left a fiver under it with a note saying 'nevermind'.
*please note, the tealeafing of my 3DS is true but the stuff about me PSP aint.....the thief left a tenner.
Athrun888 on 9 Jun '11 said:
YEEEEEEESSSSSS! Sony, I could kiss you right now!! I don't usually say this, but this'll be a day one purchase for me, Nintendo could learn a thing or two from Sony (i.e. the art of not regressing backwards and harming your consumers).
Seems like the portables will be going the way of the home consoles, have a Nintendo system for Nintendo produced games and a Sony system for everything else.
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
Could someone please tell me when Sony set up a reform school? Half these kids have been sent there by the looks of things...
bazz2k on 9 Jun '11 said:
Really? How does Jack Tretton's ass taste this morning? I hope he didn't have a full fry up this morning, you might come up with something more than egg on your face today
"Jacks ass doesn't taste ass good as your mums tbh!!
"
He said "Should blow 3ds out of the water!" not "Will" which i think many would agree that on paper the PSV looks awesome!
The PSP arrived too early tech wise and was always meant as a companion to the PS3. Because of XBOX360's early release in the console cycle and delays in the release of PS3 the PSP was rushed to sale at least 2 years earlier than planned and so was never as powerful as Sony had wanted originally! The Vita is what the PSP should have been i.e cross platform play (save games at home and continue on bus!) I tell you what I haven't been this excited about a new console since I got my Dreamcast and PS1.
Oh, I see, you work for Sony then and know this as fact?
"I was at the time of the PSP's release a financial advisor specialising in sharedealing primarily and so because of my interest in games I am interested in the businesss side of things!! This was the general consensus at the time of the release of the PSP and although not 100% fact it is definately the way it was seen by investors and I think the way it has panned out!"
Oh and in my opinion the 3DS is rubbish and a big misstep from Nintendo!
Your opinion. Not everybodies. I'll agree that the 3DS has little in the way of games at the moment, but the tech in the system and the feeling of playing games in full 3D, on the move is great. I really like the system and can't wait for more titles to come out on it. It's been the first handheld for a while that has me coming back for more gaming sessions on the move.
"I understand it's not everyones opinion but sales don't lie and at the moment the 3DS is not hitting targets and nintendo's stock price is falling!"
Barry316 on 9 Jun '11 said:
HOW DARE PEOPLE TALK OF A SONY PRODUCT IN A SONY STORY!!
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
Nope, it was the fact that someone pulled the, "blow the 3DS out of the water" remark. Dumb, not needed and the news story itself isn't factual, yet.
boskersrevenge on 9 Jun '11 said:
Care to go into detail about that?
Personally I think the market is a far richer place with all consoles doing well
but then, what do I know?
@ Bazz2k - yes. We're all painfully aware how you feel about the 3DS. You've not been very good at saying it a few times and that's that. So, sorry bud but the next time I catch you in a thread mentioning how bad the 3DS is or commenting on 3DS software I'll be treating that is trolling/flaming and you will be warned. Time to let it go and maybe concentrate on stuff you actually like.
*************
Now - this is good news indeed and ALL hand helds should be region free. I take mine on holiday and buying a game while on holiday is just nice.
ricflair on 9 Jun '11 said:
Multi region is a good move. Going by what Nintendo said would be released at launch or shortly after and what has actually been released, have the PSV's launch titles been announced yet? Launch matters to some, but it's what it does in the first year that matters to me - DS was sparse, the Wii was sparse, the PS3 was sparse... they've all done OK. 3DS hasn't even been out for three months yet! Although bazz2k seems to seize any opportunity to tell people how much he hates it.
Time will tell who will do best from this generation of handhelds, I'm not particularly interested in owning either of them, but being the most powerful and most suited to core games didn't make the PSP outsell the DS. And it doesn't even matter - if the PSV gives you what you want, then that's great.
I think it was the 'rightfully' part. It has no right. The 3DS has no right either. It will depend on the games. And the marketing.
If the PSV does well, at least that should keep the 3DS price down.
bazz2k on 9 Jun '11 said:
So people aren't allowed an opinion now???
you got a power trip or something???!!!
I'm not stating it as fact and i feel the people commenting on a PSV post about how they don't think it will bow the 3DS out of the water are trolling much more than me!!
krazykunal85 on 9 Jun '11 said:
Sweet! ... Like I said on the other Viva article ... I'll be getting mine from Asia for a fraction of the price... Can't wait!!! ... Stupid Nintendo with their region locks,,, EPIC FAIL!
o well... Sony still kicks a$$ and me thinks Viva will outsell and out-perform the Nitendo Wii-U brick!
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one. So, to start, yes you're allowed an opinion.
Nobody said it wouldn't blow it out of the water, it was suggested that it was a very bold statement and a bit fanboyish.
Before you can be let loose with your opinion, I would like to see more proof of you being able to read a news story and comments section, properly, without coming out looking like a tool. It's for all of our benefits.
roynluc on 9 Jun '11 said:
Holy crap, another one comes out of the woodwork. Just to be annoying!!
Besides, learn how to spell the name of the system first. You might get somewhere on a social level if you could read and write properly. Viva, haha, classic. By the time it comes out, people like you might be calling it Vulva….
El Mag on 9 Jun '11 said:
Am i likely to get stabbed if i say i think there's room for both the Vita and 3DS because they offer something different to each other?
And it was me that nicked rbt's 3DS.
I didn't even mean to leave that tenner for your PSP, it fell out my fooking pocket
boskersrevenge on 9 Jun '11 said:
You wrote that. So before you start crying like a bit of a bitch, mind what you type.....
So, you're on 2 warnings and the 3rd earns you a ban. Good job, as I said one more thread and I was wrong, I won't warn you, I'll ban you.
P.s. this is not a power trip and ask most mods, f**k knows why we do it. It means we have to read drivel a lot and with people like you on the net, there is a lot of drivel to go through.
@ Roy, watch that "Krazy" guy... once again, drivel.
rbt2 on 9 Jun '11 said:
Hahaha.
That made Oi laaaarf!
sweatyBallacks on 9 Jun '11 said:
The 3DS will blow the PSV out the water
There
bazz2k on 9 Jun '11 said:
You wrote that. So before you start crying like a bit of a bitch, mind what you type.....
So, you're on 2 warnings and the 3rd earns you a ban. Good job, as I said one more thread and I was wrong, I won't warn you, I'll ban you.
P.s. this is not a power trip and ask most mods, f**k knows why we do it. It means we have to read drivel a lot and with people like you on the net, there is a lot of drivel to go through.
@ Roy, watch that "Krazy" guy... once again, drivel.
I guess the sarcasm of that post was lost on you!! I don't like my 3DS (yes I have got one - well 2 infact!) simple as that! I'm here commenting on a PSV thread which looks more like my cup of tea!
No need to call me a bitch, i'm sure that's breaking you're own rules on abusing fellow posters so look at yourself and give yourself a warning!
boskersrevenge on 9 Jun '11 said:
*yawn*
I'm done now and no, there is no way I believe you have a 3DS.
rbt2 on 9 Jun '11 said:
What do you think of my mii?
Handsome, bobbly headed devil, ain't I?
And you're right about your 1st point too. More than enough room for two.
TheLastDodo on 9 Jun '11 said:
Why are people getting wound up by one little comment?
Well I know why one of you is, but the rest?
The guy obviously feels that the current Vita lineup IN HIS OPINION (just to clarify before I get shouted down or called a fanboy) looks better than the current 3DS lineup, and should the Vita indeed be region free then that gives every Vita owner the opportunity to buy a whole new set of amazing games that they wouldn't have access to if the Vita was region locked.
Seriously, you guys really need to calm down (especially one of you and you know who you are). Stop looking for reasons to get angry.
boskersrevenge on 9 Jun '11 said:
I just wish people would think before they type.
I have no problem with preferences, I have them too, but I at least keep and open mind and don't post crap about how things are going to fail and drawing comparisons in a subject that doesn't call for it at all. Not when the subject is so well trodden and by some users, to the point of evaporation.
El Mag on 9 Jun '11 said:
Because after 24 years and countless crushed dreams....Duke Nukem Forever is actually coming out tomorrow.
The world can't take it, some refuse to believe it and have been driven mad. Most people have looked for help or guidance, but the few that didn't are lost in a sea of madness. Birds are flying upside down, deliverymen are on time or early, Jordan has put her boobs away and stopped whoring herself out.
Judgement day is upon us.
StonecoldMC on 9 Jun '11 said:
I reckon I might start contributing more towards Nintendo threads if this is how there going down
!
Ive said it in quite a few threads recently, but to see fellow Gamers shout down and abuse others because there looking forward to a new Game or a new piece of hardware tells us everyhting that is wrong with Gaming nowadays.
Sad but true.
bazz2k on 9 Jun '11 said:
I agree with this - however a well thought out heated debate on matters should be allowed and is actually rather enjoyable! Unfortunately not all people on these boards seem to have the mental capacity are intelligence to have such a thing!
StonecoldMC on 9 Jun '11 said:
Nothing wrong with a bit of a lively debate, especially a lively heated debate!
Some people take criticism of a Game or piece of hardware to heart and some people take too much enjoyment in giving it out.
Ive had some cracking 'debates' on here in the past, unfortunately ive had some absolute shockers as well
.
Swings and roundabouts and all that
!
tippey on 9 Jun '11 said:
Sony should give 100 pounds trade into any fool that bought the psp go and buys a psv (and yes I was one of those fools !)
TheLastDodo on 9 Jun '11 said:
I want to admit to something. I'm a fanboy.
I'm a fanboy of games.
MPH on 9 Jun '11 said:
Funnily enough Sony were the ones responsible for shutting Lik-sang down. I used to import all the time using them
But anyway... this has decided things for me. Now I know it's region free I'll get a Vita instead of a 3DS.
Metagen on 9 Jun '11 said:
Well this has definitely sold it for me if it turns out to be accurate. The PSV didn't really have my attention until recently but the more I see and hear the more interested I am. Does anyone know what sort of shipping costs I can expect if I were to import it from America or Asia?
I know you guys probably dont want to hear this since some of you seem to be so easily offended, but as a piece of hardware I think this has the 3DS beaten hands down. I think Ninetendo made a mistake with this generation of handheld (but a very bold move/gimmick/mistake) and this is coming from someone who has owned every model of Nintendo handheld since the original gameboy. But as always it'll come down to the games.
I was considering buying a 3DS because of the inevitable excellent games that will come out for it (despite the poor selection atm) but the PSV has definitely persuaded me to hold onto my money for another while at least. I'll wait for a few pricedrops and hope for some better games before I pick up a 3DS (although everytime I hear the Song Of Time come on TV it gets that little bit harder to do)
I'm not 100% sure yet but the way the PSV is going it's looking more and more like a day 1 purchase for me.
cam123 on 9 Jun '11 said:
YES!
Now I can buy games on holiday and play them there without a region lock or other problems.
Padua on 10 Jun '11 said:
It is a shame that Blu-ray movies aren't region free.
I've taken UK Blu-rays to USA and they refuse to play and vice versa. Expensive mistake
I personally find the Vita more appealing than the 3DS. However I don't think the 3DS or Vita will sell more than the DS/DSi though ... because of the variety of powerful smart phones now available. Everything has changed
jtthegame on 12 Jun '11 said:
While i do hate region locking the 3ds has convinced me because of its quality games. playstation vita don't know weather i will get one or not but it will depend on the games. i do know i am going to buy a 3ds.