Well this is adorable.
PlayStation Vita TV Trailer (HD)
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/sonys-unveils-ps-vita-tv-set-top-box-100-8C11114403
NBCNews said:In a surprise move Monday, Sony unveiled a cheap set-top box that will let users play PlayStation Vita games on their TV sets along with a slimmer, faster Vita, both due out this fall.
In a move that's already drawing comparisons to Apple TV, Sony's newest piece of hardware, the PS Vita TV, bridges the gap between the company's pricier high-end gaming hardware and the world of multi-purpose media streaming.
Like Apple TV or Google's new Chromecast device, the PS Vita TV is tiny both in its physical size (measuring just 6 x 10 cm, it's about the size of a pack of cards) and its sub-$100 price tag. The unique proposition Sony brings to the table, however, is that unlike these competing gadgets, the Vita TV also comes with an impressive library of video games.
So far, Sony has only announced plans to release the PS Vita TV in Japan, where it also said it will not be introducing the PlayStation 4 until February 2014. Despite the gap in timing, however, the company said it thinks the new device will bring added value to the PS4 ecosystem by allowing users to stream content from the PS4 onto another TV if they're fighting with family members for screen time, and will also act as second Vita system for multiplayer gaming.
While Sony said that the Vita TV will support some 1,300 games to start, it will not be universally compatible with all PS Vita games since it uses the company's DualShock 3 controller, which lacks some of the Vita's bells and whistles like touch-enabled screen and back panel. The PS Vita TV will also support regional Japanese video services including Hulu, Tsutaya TV, Nico Nico Douga, and the company's own Video Unlimited, and will also offer Vita-like apps for social media and e-reading.
Really neat. Wonder if games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Modnation, Wipeout 2048 will be getting patches to allow for a physical interface seeing how they rely on touch-screen menus. Also if they support PS4 controllers down the line that could help fix some of the touchscreen issues. Interesting device and i'd definitely consider getting one if it ever comes stateside. Persona 4 Golden on my TV? Sign me up. I don't feel like its a huge issue to lose on touchscreen functionality since a lot of the games that rely on it heavily are gimmicky based games (Little Deviants) but there are games that use it well so I hope it'll support the Dualshock 4 or at least some remapping functionalities since the Dualshock has 2 extra buttons than the Vita does.
Glad Sony is trying to do something with the Vita instead of just letting it die.
They also announced a revised version of the Vita with some built-in memory (1GB) and a cheaper screen (LCD instead of OLED) but that just seems like a cheaper version with no real upsides other than price and battery life. No clue why you'd want a lesser quality screen when the Vita's is so gorgeous.