The PlayStation Vita - Sony's new OLED, touch screen, dual-analog-optional, 3G gaming powerhouse - is finally available. The First Edition pack is available in stores now, with the "standard" Wi-Fi and 3G/Wi-Fi versions launching next Tuesday, and we got one in the PCMag Labs.
Out of the box, the PlayStation Vita looks like a streamlined, sleeker, sturdier version of the PlayStation Portable. Besides the dual analog sticks, the seamless front and back panels, front and back cameras, and the lack of a big pop-out door or sliding mechanism for media or controls make it feel much more solid.
Because it has front and back cameras, the Vita can play augmented reality (AR) games, and like the 3DS, it comes with a set of AR cards for use with camera-based games. Besides the cards, the only other hard copy that comes with it are a quick start manual and a safety booklet.
There are no thick booklets anywhere in sight. The games have even less documentation, with not a scrap of paper in the box.
The PS Vita requires a memory card for most games, which is not included in the basic bundle. As a promotion, the 3G/Wi-Fi bundle and First Edition bundle both include memory cards. The 3G/Wi-Fi version comes with an AT&T SmartConnect SIM card, and data plans run for $15 to $30 per month, for 250MB and 3GB, respectively.
For close-up shots of the unboxing, check out the slideshow. And check back later for a full review.