Sony Computer Entertainment is projected to commercially launch its next-generation PlayStation Vita portable game console in late October, 2011. The information is based on a flier from a store in the United Kingdom.

Blockbuster stores in the UK will start selling Sony PlayStation Vita on Friday, October 28, 2011, according to a flier published by IGN web-site. The advertising claims that both versions of Vita - with Wi-Fi only (which will cost £229) and with both 3G and Wi-Fi (which will be priced at £279) - will become available in the first time.

This is the first time when any retailer or Sony itself set the dates for the PlayStation Vita portable video game system. Earlier Sony implied that it will begin to sell Vita first in Japan and later on will make it available in different parts of the world.

Sony PlayStation Vita 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, Vita, PSP