One of the chief advantages of having a handheld gaming platform with 3G speeds just went out the window. A Sony rep told ASCII (translated by Andriasang) that all downloads using the 3G network will be limited to 20 megabytes or less, although there is still potential for expansions to that limit sometime in the future. Sony also stated that it is providing software makers with support in order to ensure the 3G and WiFi models’ respective 128kbps and 64kbps upload speeds will not affect gameplay in any way.
Over at the European Playstation Blog, the regional box art for the Vita handheld (pictured above) was revealed by European Product Manager Adam Grant. The box is the final design for both the 3G and WiFi versions of the portable. Grant also explained the suite of pre-installed applications available on the Vita at launch, the details of which are listed below.
- Welcome Park –
We invite you to the Welcome Park to explore and discover all of the brilliant features packed into PS Vita through a series of mini-games.
- Party –
Fancy a chat while you’re gaming? Speak with your friends anytime you like with Party. The voice and text chat application allows you to talk to up to eight party members, no matter what you’re doing. Party also allows you to set up and jump in multiplayer games and chat with Friends while you play different games, bringing cross-game chat to PS Vita.
- PlayStation Store –
A direct link to PlayStation Store where you will be able to download all PS Vita games, trailers, DLC and apps.
- Group Messaging –
Another great way to contact your PlayStation Network friends is with a PSN Message. Send them an update or even a picture you’ve taken with your PS Vita to let them know what’s going on. You can message your friends on PSP and PS3, and you can have conversations with multiple people at once.
- Photos –
PS Vita allows you to capture photos and this is the direct link to the camera and also the photo viewer application.
- Near –
An exclusive location based gaming network for PS Vita. With near you can stay connected to all of your PlayStation Network friends and make new ones by sharing information about yourself, based on your location. Press the Update button and find new people based on where you are, challenge them to games or play cooperatively and enjoy a completely unique gaming experience on PS Vita. You can even send and receive new levels, unlocks and in-game items to enhance the way you play – everywhere you go will hold new surprises. You can view your friends’ game preferences, see how many trophies they’ve earned and compare your stats to see who the better player is.
- Trophies –
PS Vita games will support Trophies and this app will store and track your Trophies earned on both PS Vita and PS3. It also allows you to compare your Trophies with your friends.
- Music –
A music player that will allow you to play your own tunes transferred to PS Vita via a computer or PS3.
- Friends –
Your Friends List will allow you to search and keep in touch with your PSN Friends. Click on a friend’s profile to see what game they are playing on either PS Vita or PlayStation 3. You can join their game, take a look at what you’ve played together recently or compare your trophy collections. You can also see your friend’s recent gaming activity and what they are doing now. In your profile you can share information about yourself. Choose an avatar that represents you best, add your friends and let the world know what you are playing.
- Browser –
With the 5″ OLED Touchscreen, PS Vita will offer a great web browsing experience over Wi-Fi and 3G.
(via IndustryGamers)
Are download limits a deal breaker for the 3G version of Vita, EGs? What are your thoughts on the device’s pre-installed apps? Comment below!
I don’t care about the 3G device, as I would just get the Wifi only version for a number of reasons:
1. It is $50 cheaper and that is a price of a game and then factor in tax.
2. I would have to pay for a data plan, and I already have a smart phone for internet.
3. It’s not like you would be using 3G to be playing games online anyway, as Sony has already stated.
So basically, Wifi is the way to go with the Vita and the original PSP (the E-1000 can go suck it). The pre-loaded stuff is standard fare and is good. It is nice to see that they have a friends list and message system implemented at launch (which Nintendo still has to flush out; it is there but it doesn’t work like it should).
Yeah, I agree,
The only reason that you would want to get 3G is to play online with your friends on the go. But there is no way that is happening over a 3G connection, so you are essentially paying to connect to PSN it seems.
I don’t like 3G, it’s still new and needs one heck of a improvement for where you can use it and how quick it is.
I’m looking forward to the Vita but I have my mind set on the wireless only version.