OFFICIAL PlayStation Vita THREAD [Delayed]

The device codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP), commonly referred to as the PlayStation Portable 2 (PSP2), is an upcoming handheld console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the successor to the PlayStation Portable as part of the PlayStation family of gaming devices and will mainly compete with the Nintendo 3DS. The device is due for initial release during the fourth quarter of 2011.

The device includes dual analog sticks, a 5 inch OLED capacitive touchscreen, 3G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support. Internally, the device features a 4 core ARM Cortex-A9 core processor and a SGX543MP4 graphics processing unit as well as LiveArea as its main user interface, which succeeds the XrossMediaBar for the PlayStation Portable.

The NVG Card is the flash memory device that is due to be used in the Next Generation Portable.

Unlike the PSP and PlayStation 3, the NGP does not use the XrossMediaBar interface. Instead it uses a touchscreen-based UI dubbed LiveArea, which includes various social networking features via the PlayStation Network.


Several games have been announced for the device, including Uncharted Portable, Hustle Kings, Hot Shots Golf Next as well as new iterations of Killzone, Wipeout, Resistance, LittleBigPlanet, and Call of Duty. In addition, several third-party studios showcased technology demos of the device by exporting existing assets from their PlayStation 3 counterpart and then rendering them on the device. Some of the games that were demonstrated include Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Yakuza Of the End, and Lost Planet 2. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd was also demonstrated to be running on the device to showcase the device's backwards compatibility with downloadable PlayStation Portable titles, which was also shown to be compatible with the NGP's additional analogue stick. Games will also be distributed on NVG Cards, a new proprietary flash card format, rather than on Universal Media Discs (UMDs) as with the original PlayStation Portable. Unlike the first PSP, the NGP will come with Trophy support for games. The device will also support backwards compatible PlayStation Portable downloadable titles, PlayStation minis, PSOne Classics, videos, and comics from the PlayStation Store.



First of all the location services of the NGP, the device will use a pre-installed application called Near to see the user's friends within an area. The application will allow the user to meet friends virtually and view what they are playing. Another application called 'Live Area' will allow users to track their friend's activity and also engage in further communication. The description seemed to indicate a news feed akin to something seen in Facebook.

Given it's a unique selling point on the 3DS and the push, 3D TV and gaming is getting from Sony. Why the lack of 3D? SCEE president Andrew House says Sony seriously considered 3D technology for the device, but opted to keep its 3D focus fixed on the living room rather than portable devices.

"We view 3D as having the greatest potential, in the near term, in what I would call a dedicated entertainment environment,"

"And that's in the home, around the television, and where it's a shared experience. I think that's really important. We struggle a little bit to see how that 3D, shared experience translates to portable devices as they currently stand."

On the subject of 3G and SKU, Andrew House had this to say.

"The first thing to clarify, which I'm not sure the presentation did a perfect job of doing today, is that all of the devices will have wi-fi capability; a separate SKU will have 3G,"

The 3G capability of the device appears to be optional and could be offered via a different SKU, however this should be assumed as unconfirmed. Based on a separate Engadget interview with Jack Tretton, it appears no solid decision has been made. Either way the consumer would need to pay for a 3G contract.

For existing PSP owners, one of the more pressing questions is whether NGP is backwards compatible. Reports indicated there is backwards compatibility but only for digitally distributed (obviously) software. The much talked about PS Suite will also feature non-gaming applications, but whilst PS1 titles are confirmed there is no confirmation on PSP titles.

Sony has yet to absolutely guarantee launch of the device in ALL regions for late 2011, it's yet unknown whether it will be an initial launch in Japan or Global.

SCEA's Jack Tretton told Engadget

"I think our goal is always to launch holidays when the majority of sales are done. You want to have a worldwide simultaneous launch. Having said that, this'll be our sixth platform launch, and it's very difficult to have the quantities to be able to launch on a worldwide basis on the same date. So while that's the goal, the reality might be something different. I think our goal is, we would get at least one territory out by the end of holiday 2011."

Also revealed was the level of backing for NGP, with 80 developers around the world pledging their support. Unsurprisingly the bulk of this came from Japan, where PSP still enjoys a lot of success. Aside from the announced support from Activision and Epic, in the west Ubisoft, 2K also joined the burgeoning ranks of developers. See the full list below.

Well that's the roundup for now readers; look out for more updates over the coming months and as always we pose you a question. Do you think the lack of 3D, a consistent SKU (if confirmed) or no global launch will dent the NGP's chances of success?



Japan

Acquire
Alvion
AQ Interactive
Arc System Works
Arika
Artdink Corporation
ASCII Media Works
Capcom
Chun Soft
Codemasters Software Company
Crafts & Meister
CyberConnect2
D3 Publisher
Dimps Corporation
Edia
Enterbrain
FromSoftware
Gameloft
Genki
Grasshopper Manufacture
GungHo Online Entertainment
Gust
Hamster Corporation
Hudson Soft
Idea FActory
Index Corporation (Atlus)
Irem Software Engineering
Kadokawa Games
Kadokawa Shoten Publishing
Konami Digital Entertainment
Level-5
Marvelous Entertainment
media5 Corporation
Namco Bandai Games
Nihon Falcom Corporation
Nippon Ichi Software
Now Production
Q Entertainment
Sega
SNK Playmore
Spike
Square Enix
SystemSoft Alpha
Tecmo Koei Game
Tomy Company
Tose
Ubisoft
Yuke's

North America

Activision
Capybara Games
Demiurge Studios
Epic Games
Far Sight Studios
Frima
High Voltage Software
Kung Fu Factory
Paramount Digital Entertainment
PopCap Games
Powerhead Games
Trendy Entertainment
Ubisoft
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
2K Games
2K Sports

Europe

Avalanche Studios
Climax Studios
odemasters Software Company
Eurocom Developments
Eutechnyx
Exient
Firemint
Gameloft
Gusto Games
Home Entertainment Suppliers
Impromptu Software
Rebellion
Rockstar Games
Sidhe Interactive
Sumo Digital
Team 17 Software
Ubisoft Entertainment
Zen Studios[/color]



[quote]PLATFORM ANALYSIS
The feature first began with some analysis of the hardware from Zenji Nishikawa, who's known for his technical articles at Impress Watch.

Nishikawa noted that for the system's GPU and CPU, Sony appears to be taking the exact opposite approach from the PS3, making use of existing technology. This gives them advantages both in terms of cost and allowing programmers be experienced with the architecture.

Overall, Nishikawa feels that rather than offering games with super high quality PS3-level visuals, the NGP's focus is on offering new experiences through its variety of input devices. He said that the price could be in the 25,000 range (this is the same price as the 3DS).

SURVEY

Famitsu polled retailers and readers about the NGP. I'm not sure of the number of responders, but here are some of the results:

Do you want NGP?
39% of retailers said yes. 76% of readers said yes.

Expected price:
75% of retailers expect below 35,000. 60% of readers expect below 30,000.

Most wanted colors:
Readers selected white, blue, red, silver and green.

System's notable features:
The system's visual power was at the top for both retailers and readers. Readers are also excited about the dual analogue sticks.

Most wanted genres:
Readers and retailers agreed on action, puzzle, and shooting.

Most wanted series:
Readers and retailers agreed on Monster Hunter, Metal Gear Solid, and Final Fantasy.

Most wanted third parties:
Readers and retailers agreed on Capcom, Konami and Square Enix.

Developer Commentary

The magazine got the opinions from a number of high profile producers and directors.


Metal Gear's Hideo Kojima speaks at Sony's January NGP unveiling press conference. Third parties did not make formal announcement of titles at the event.
Jiro Ishii (Level-5, Time Travelers director)
Ishii said he's personally excited about the "grab" style control possibilities offered by having touch panels on both sides of the system. He said that using the system's 3G and other network features, he'd like to make an adventure game that is downloadable cheaply on a weekly basis in similar fashion to renting a video.

He believes that the system could accelerate the movement away from consoles and thinks things could get interesting if the NGP is accepted overseas in such a way. On price, his hope is that it comes out for around 25,000.

Yoshinori Kitase (Square Enix)
He's paying attention to the system's 3G capability, as he feels great potential from the ability to connect to the internet all the time. He wants to make an RPG that utilizes the system's specs fully -- something that's online compatible and uses the system's 3G. On price, he said that he'd buy it even it were expensive, but with considerations for sales, he hopes it will cost less than PS3.

Hiroyuki Kobayashi (Capcom)
Kobayashi believes NGP will change the position of portable systems. He's interested in particular in the systems's screen quality and dual side touch. The screen in particular is beautiful and can be seen clearly from all sides. In terms of price, he expects around 29,800.

Satoshi Sakai (Sega, Phantasy Star producer)
He's watching the system's Wi-Fi and 3G functionality, as he believes a permanent connection could expand the possibilities for online games. He's also excited for the dual touch panels.

Sakai is concerned about rising production costs on the NGP and believes that how to recoup the costs will be a major talking point. Because of his, he thinks that downloadable games could increase.

If he were to make a game, he said he'd want it to be a multiplayer game with online features.

On price, 25,000 would be best, but he believes 30,000 would be shocking enough.

Akari Uchida (Konami, Love Plus director)
With the appearance of NGP, Uchida believes online games could become even more casual. Users will be able to be attached to games and online communities from all locations.

All games will, like with MMORPGs, allow players to communicate while they play. This makes him excited, as it's something that would work well with the kinds of games that he makes.

Uchida joked that if he were to make an NGP game it would be a game where you use the dual touch panels to grab doors.

He expects a 24,980 price point.

Akihiro Suzuki (Tecmo Koei)
He's excited about the system's dual sided touch and can't wait to see how the rear touch is incorporated into gameplay. He also believes the constant connection provided by 3G will be a big thing.

When making NGP software, he personally believes there are two points: using dual sided touch inputs, and using things like wireless functionality and GPS.

He hopes the price will be just as surprising as the system's specs were.

Suda 51 (Grasshopper Manufacture)
The point of note for the system is its network connectivity. Also among the areas he's watching out for are the system's spread in overseas markets, and its compatibility with the Unreal Engine.

If he were to make a game, he'd like to make a punk themed network game.

He's hoping for a price point of below 30,000.

Jun Takeuchi (Capcom)
The feeling upon actually getting his hands on the system was overwhelmingly "game system." With the feel of holding the system, the feel of the analogue stick controls, and the ease of view for the screen, he felt it was designed to be a complete game system.

A price point of under 20,000 would have a great impact, he believes.

Toshihiro Nagoshi (Sega, Yakuza series)
He's looking at all areas of the system. The system feels like it has good balance and delivers much of what one would want from a new game playing device. He believes it's possible that by building up community via 3G and other wireless functionality, the system could change the game industry.

Work for developers will probably increase, he said, but if it heats up the market, it's work with value.

Yoshifumi Hashimoto (Marvelous Entertainment, Harvest Moon)
Said he wants to make a number of sequels, but would also like to try out completely new titles, including a school love game, games with extreme violence, and slow life games.

Yousuke Hayashi (Tecmo Koei/Team Ninja)
He's interested in the system's specs and online environment.

Until now, they've developed games under the idea that people differentiate between games that are played in the home and on the go. However, in the future, you could be able to continue playing one game on both NGP and PS3.

He'd personally buy the system whatever the price, but as a developer he wants the price to be affordable enough that many players can buy it.

Katsuhiro Harada (Namco Bandai, Tekken producer)
He believes that the NGP will be included in HD multiplatform title plans from now on -- not just being multiplatform, but also in connectivity.

Regarding what he would like to make, he has to respond "fighting game," but he'd also like to make a Genpei Toma Den​ (this is an old Namco arcade title) that uses the system's rear touch panel.

Regarding price, he'd like 29,800, but he expects 34,800.

Akihiro Hino (Level-5)
The big point of the system is its network functionality, Hino believes. The NGP will make buying games via the internet a more mainstream activity. On the gameplay front, there could be the possibility of all games needing to have internet compatibility.

On price, he expects 29,800, but hopes that Sony will keep the 3DS in mind and release the system in the lower 20,000 range.

Makoto Yoshizumi (Namco Bandai, Tales series)
The top three features that have his interest are: wireless, connectivity with PS3, and more robust DLC. He'd like to make content that uses these features -- in fact, he feels that there's no meaning if you don't use those features.

On price, he believes that if the system betrays your expectations in a good way, it could cause a huge movement.

Hiroshi Maruyama (CyberConnect2)
For CC2, the big point is the high specifications. He's very happy that they'll be able to use the knowhow they've gained from working with HD consoles. If CC2 were to make NGP software, they'd want to make something that would surprise players visually.

On price, he wants 29,800, but said it could end up being 39,800. Whatever the price, he's going to buy it.

Noritaka Funamizu (Crafts & Meister)
He views NGP first as a game machine. The OLED display is extremely beautiful. He'd like to use that and the analogue sticks to create a base game and also add networking ideas on top of that. He's hoping to try out a type of game that's different from Wii's Earth Seeker.

On price, he expects 39,800.

PS Vita - Japanese Release Date set for November 12th ?
That's according to French site GamAlive. The site also stated that the Vita will be out in the West before March 31st.