Alongside the big PlayStation 4 (PS4) media announcement, something equally exciting was given some face time – PlayStation Vita TV (PS Vita TV). If it’s confusing enough, the tiny device is a non-portable new entertainment device as part of the portable PS Vita handheld console family. The device will hit the Malaysian market on 16 January 2014, at a price of RM469 (SRP).
The PS Vita TV was first unveiled in September this year, a surprising but intriguing extension to the PS Vita family. The device allows easy access to content on TV sets and because it adopts same hardware and system software of the PS Vita, it allows users to enjoy more than 600 software titles for PS Vita.
The mini-sized entertainment system measures just 6.5 x 10.5cm, the smallest of all PlayStation platforms to connect to a TV. It includes HDMI out, Ethernet, USB, Vita game cards, Vita memory cards, Wi-Fi and 1GB of internal storage.
In Japan, the PS Vita TV supports video services like Hulu, Tsutaya TV, Nico Nico Douga as well as Sony’s own Video Unlimited. No official announcement on video services for Malaysia yet but hopefully the PSN Store will contain apps and other content.
The PS Vita TV can play PS Vita, PSP and PlayStation games from PSOne classics. Note that not all PS Vita games are playable on the PS Vita TV.
Like the PS Vita, PS Vita TV also supports PS4 remote play and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless control (through a future system update). This allows users to enjoy PS4 games on the PS Vita TV like they would on a full PS4 system.
Two DUALSHOCK 3 controllers can be connected to the PS Vita TV, enabling multi-player gameplay with PS One classics titles.
As with the new PS4 and PS Vita, Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong (SCEH) offers a new warranty service plan for Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. PS Vita TV owners are entitled to one year free regional repair service in countries where the product has been launched.
Pricing and availability
The PS Vita TV retails for RM469 (SRP) and is available from 16 January 2014. The PS Vita Value Pack that bundles a DUALSHOCK 3 control is available at RM689 (SRP).
