Sony Computer Entertainment promised that it would release its next-generation portable game console on all regions by the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2012. The company, indicated that the console would first be launched in Japan.

"We are looking forward to [release the PlayStation Vita] in all three regions by the end of the fiscal year. [...] [It will be out] not in all regions [by the end of this calendar year]... You will have it in Japan by the end of this year," said Jack Tretton, the president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, in an interview with Game Trailers web-site.

Mr. Tretton stressed that as with any new products, there are production capacity constraints as well as strong demand from the end-user, which is why it is hard to launch a new product in all regions at the same time in order not to create product shortages. The head of SCEA also noted that the content for PlayStation Vita would of extremely high quality.

Sony NGP is based on a system-on-chip with four ARM Cortex-A9 cores, PowerVR SGX543MP4+ graphics engine and a memory controller. The new portable game console has 5" multi-touch OLED screen with 960x544 resolution, typical set of PSP buttons, two cameras (front and rear), Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, GPS, six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), three-axis electronic compass, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR controller, integrated speakers and microphone as well as multi touchpad located on the back side of the system. For the first time, a portable entertainment system will feature two analog sticks, which enable a wider range of game genres to be brought into the portable experience.

A Wi-Fi model will be available for ¥24980 yen (including tax) in Japan, $249 in the U.S. and €249 in Europe, while a 3G/Wi-Fi model will be available for ¥29980 yen (including tax) in Japan, $299 in the U.S. and €299 in Europe. PS Vita will launch in the global market starting at the end of 2011. AT&T, which powers the U.S.’s fastest mobile broadband network, will be the exclusive service provider in the United States for PlayStation Vita.

Tags: Sony, Playstation, PlayStation Vita