PlayStation Vita debut

DAILY DOT COM - Sony is intensifying its push in handheld gaming with a gadget aimed at hardcore players looking for something with a bit more punch than Angry Birds, Words With Friends, and other smartphone pastimes.
 
The handheld device is said to combine the console-like controls that most gamers already use, along with touch screens like in many mobile devices.
 
The PlayStation Vita, already available in Japan, debuts in the U.S. and Europe on Wednesday. A basic, Wi-Fi version will retail at $250, while one that can access 3G cellular networks will go for $300 plus monthly service fees from AT&T.
           
Sony Corp. plans a $50 billion marketing blitz. The company acknowledges it won't be an easy sell.
            
People have grown accustomed to playing games on handheld devices that also make phone calls, shoot videos, connect to the Internet, play songs and send text messages. The company is counting on gamers to want dedicated gaming devices.

However the device will come with a lot of bells and whistles including, a five inch LED display,  cameras on the front and back, a rear touchpad, and a standard pack of augmented reality or (AR) cards.
 
Reportedly, there will be about 30 available gaming titles at launch, but Sony will also make its music and video offerings available on the Vita via its PlayStation Network, as well as head-to-head gaming between both Vita players and PlayStation 3 users.
 
For more details on the device, click here.